After reviewing the Wiley X WX Apex not way back, I had the chance to check out one other one in every of their choices – the WX Axe with Captivate Polarized Tungsten Mirror Lenses in a Matte Black Body. I’ve been working these glasses for a few month now, utilizing them primarily for driving and common out of doors actions, with one devoted vary session thrown in for good measure. Let’s break down how they carried out.
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Specs: WX Axe Capturing Glasses
Earlier than diving into my private expertise, right here’s what you must know in regards to the WX Axe:
- Body: Matte Black Triloid Nylon (described as “the hardest non-metal materials obtainable”)
- Lenses: Shatterproof Selenite Polycarbonate with Captivate Polarized Tungsten Mirror coating
- Security Score: ANSI Z87.1+ licensed for prime mass/excessive velocity affect safety
- Options: Detachable aspect shields included, 100% UVA/UVB safety
- Match: Small to Medium head sizes
- Dimensions: 56mm lens width, 40mm lens peak, 17mm bridge dimension, 137mm temple size
- MSRP: $216.00
At $216, these glasses aren’t low-cost by any normal. It’s undoubtedly a big funding for eye safety. Nevertheless, when you think about they’re successfully two merchandise in a single – high-quality sun shades and licensed protecting eyewear – the worth proposition turns into clearer.
Would I desire in the event that they have been extra inexpensive? Completely. However I can’t say they’re overpriced for what they ship. The optical readability, construct high quality, and flexibility justify the premium price ticket to a big extent.
“With its mixture of cutting-edge expertise and fashionable design, the WX Axe is a must have for anybody seeking to elevate their type whereas prioritizing consolation and efficiency. The ultralightweight, but sturdy body is provided with impact-resistant lenses and stainless-steel temples. Moreover, the dual-injected rubber nostril pads and temple suggestions present optimum grip and stability even throughout high-intensity actions. Removeable and everlasting aspect shields assure ANSI Z87.1+ safety when needed.”
First Impressions: WX Axe Capturing Glasses
The WX Axe comes with the glasses themselves, a pair of ANSI Z87.1+ licensed detachable aspect shields, and a microfiber drawstring bag for storage. It’s the identical bundle contents because the Apex I reviewed beforehand, which is sensible for consistency throughout their product line.
Type-wise, I’m a giant fan of the WX Axe’s sq. lens design. Not like extra tactical-looking capturing glasses that wrap round and have that overly sporty look, these look extra like common sun shades whereas nonetheless providing correct eye safety. They’ve an off-the-cuff, on a regular basis aesthetic that gained’t make you appear to be you simply stepped off the vary when you put on them round city.
The matte black end provides them a clear, understated look, although I did discover additionally they supply a inexperienced mirror lens with crystal gray body possibility that wasn’t obtainable once I chosen my check pair – that might have been my first selection if obtainable.
Efficiency: WX Axe Capturing Glasses
The standout characteristic of the WX Axe needs to be the readability of the Captivate Polarized Tungsten Mirror lenses. Even a good friend who tried them on the vary instantly commented on how clear they have been. The polarization works exceptionally nicely in shiny circumstances, reducing glare with out darkening your imaginative and prescient an excessive amount of.
I discovered them to carry out very nicely even in combined lighting circumstances. When transferring from shiny daylight into extra shaded areas below a cover, I might nonetheless see clearly with out having to take away them. The one time I felt the necessity to take them off was when capturing at 100 yards with iron sights – however that’s extra a mirrored image of my getting old eyes than any deficiency within the glasses.
The Captivate expertise does appear to make all the pieces look clearer, although I’m unsure I might particularly level to enhanced distinction as the rationale. Issues simply regarded sharper and extra outlined when sporting them.
Consolation and Match: WX Axe Capturing Glasses
That is the place the WX Axe considerably outperforms the Apex I beforehand reviewed. Not like the Apex’s taller lenses that might relaxation on my cheeks (and my buddy’s cheeks when he tried them), the Axe’s 40mm lens peak is ideal. They sit comfortably on my face with out making contact with my cheeks, which makes an enormous distinction for all-day put on.
The twin-injected rubber temple suggestions do a wonderful job protecting the glasses securely in place, even throughout extra dynamic capturing positions and actions. That mentioned, the rubber ends are a bit more durable than I’d desire, particularly when paired with a ball cap or ear safety. It’s not instantly noticeable, however after prolonged put on, you do begin to really feel some stress factors.
Vary Efficiency: WX Axe Capturing Glasses
I took the WX Axe out for a devoted vary session, and so they carried out admirably. The polarization was efficient on a sunny spring Minnesota day, reducing glare with out compromising goal visibility. Whereas I didn’t use the included aspect shields throughout testing, I recognize their inclusion for these conditions the place you may want further safety from brass, particles, or wind. It’s a considerate characteristic that provides versatility to those glasses.
Compatibility with ear safety was good total, although as talked about, the more durable rubber temple suggestions do create some stress factors after prolonged put on when sandwiched between your ears and earmuffs. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, however one thing value noting.
Versatility is the place the WX Axe actually shines. They’re genuinely efficient each as devoted capturing glasses and as on a regular basis sun shades. You don’t have to decide on between safety and magnificence – these ship each. The Axe bridges the hole between tactical eyewear and informal sun shades higher than most choices I’ve tried. They’ve authentic ANSI Z87.1+ safety wrapped in a bundle that doesn’t scream “tactical.” You might put on these driving, climbing, on the vary, or simply working errands, and so they’d be equally at residence in all these environments.
Whereas I haven’t subjected them to any formal sturdiness testing, the WX Axe feels solidly constructed. The body supplies encourage confidence, although they maybe don’t really feel fairly as tank-like because the Apex with its thicker sides.
I haven’t skilled any points with scratching on the lenses or body throughout my testing interval, regardless of a number of journeys out and in of varied circumstances, baggage, and automobile storage compartments.
Closing Ideas: WX Axe Capturing Glasses
The Wiley X WX Axe represents a profitable fusion of protecting eyewear and on a regular basis sun shades. When you’re on the lookout for glasses that may transition seamlessly from the vary to every day actions with out compromising on both safety or type, these are value severe consideration. The distinctive readability of the lenses, snug match (minus the marginally laborious temple suggestions), and versatile type make them appropriate for the “everyman” who needs one pair of high quality sun shades that may do all of it. They’re notably well-suited for individuals who recognize the sq. lens aesthetic and need ANSI-rated safety with out the standard tactical look.
If I might change something, I’d prefer to see extra lens shade choices, some adjustability options, and softer padding on these temple suggestions. However these are comparatively minor quibbles with what’s total a wonderful pair of glasses. Are they well worth the $216 price ticket? When you’re on the lookout for a premium do-it-all pair of protecting glasses/sun shades and may afford it, I’d say sure. Simply don’t count on them to carry out miracles in extraordinarily low-light circumstances – they’re sun shades, in spite of everything.
In closing, I wish to say thanks to Wiley X for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their WX Axe glasses. That’s enormously appreciated. Additionally, we wish to know what all of you guys and gals assume. Do you imagine that these premium capturing glasses are value spending your hard-earned cash on? Would you are taking them to the vary? Tell us all your ideas within the Feedback beneath! We all the time recognize your suggestions.
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