Vortex leaping into eyewear was sure to occur ultimately. They’ve been placing high quality glass in entrance of shooters’ eyes for years via scopes and purple dots, so security glasses are simply the following logical step. Their newer choice is the Vortex Banshee. Fellow AllOutdoor author Adam already coated these Banshees alongside the Jackals once they launched, however I wished to present the Banshees some solo consideration. After a month with the gold mirror model, right here’s what I discovered.
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Specs: Vortex Banshee Sun shades
The Banshees bridge what Vortex calls the hole between “hyper-tactical eyewear and uncomfortable security glasses.” Translation: they wished one thing that doesn’t scream “I’m at a tactical coaching course” whereas nonetheless assembly ballistic safety requirements.
- Lens Width: 56mm
- Bridge Dimension: 16mm
- Temple Dimension: 135mm
- Base Curve: 6
- Score: ANSI Z87.1+ ballistic rated (full body and lenses), MIL-PRF 32423-A 4.8.4 Ballistic Influence examined lenses
- UV Safety: 100%
- Consists of: Protecting case and microfiber cleansing fabric
- Guarantee: Vortex VIP Lifetime Guarantee
- Shatter-resistant
- Polarized
- Anti-scratch coating
- Smudge-resistant coating
- Anti-reflective
Accessible Colours:
- Black/Amber – Gold Mirror (my check pair)
- Black/Smoke – No Mirror
- Inexperienced/Amber – No Mirror
On the sale worth of $129.99, these are strong. At full MSRP of $179.99, you’re paying a premium for the Vortex identify and guarantee. The standard justifies the value, however barely.
“Safety in opposition to affect and designed to make one. Banshee sun shades bridge the hole between hyper-tactical eyewear and uncomfortable security glasses, delivering UV and ballistic-rated safety, consolation, versatility, and informal model all backed by the lifetime Vortex® VIP® Guarantee.”
First Impressions: Vortex Banshee Sun shades
The gold mirror lenses instantly caught my consideration. They’re not delicate – these items have critical flash to them. The body feels strong with out being heavy, and the construct high quality appears on par with what I’d anticipate from Vortex. The case is genuinely good and well-designed, although I want it had a extra uniform form as a substitute of the present contoured design.
The cleansing fabric is commonplace microfiber stuff – nothing particular, however will get the job accomplished. What actually stands out is understanding that Vortex’s legendary guarantee extends to those glasses. That’s a giant deal since most eyewear firms deal with scratches and harm as your drawback.
Vary Time & Actual-World: Vortex Banshee Sun shades
I put these via three vary classes over the month – entice taking pictures, pistol work, and a few rifle time. No metal goal taking pictures, so I can’t converse to precise spalling safety, however the ballistic scores give me confidence they’d deal with it. The polarization actually shines throughout entice taking pictures. Clay pigeons pop in opposition to brilliant skies a lot better than with common tinted glasses. The gold mirror lenses present wonderful readability with none bizarre shade shifting or distortion. Glare discount is strong – undoubtedly noticeable in comparison with cheaper security glasses.
Sporting them with listening to safety labored advantageous. The temples are skinny sufficient that they don’t create stress factors below muffs, which is greater than I can say for some chunkier tactical eyewear I’ve used. Right here’s the place I hit my major gripe: the underside of the lenses relaxation on the tops of my cheeks throughout prolonged put on. Not a dealbreaker, however noticeable after a couple of hours. The non-slip areas work as marketed – they stayed put throughout lively taking pictures with out feeling overly grippy.
The match is what I’d name commonplace – just like most high quality sun shades I’ve worn. They’re not making an attempt to reinvent the wheel right here, simply execute the fundamentals nicely. After a month of standard use, together with tossing them in vary luggage and normal each day put on, I haven’t picked up any scratches or harm. The coatings appear to be holding up nicely. Construct high quality feels mid-range – higher than low-cost security glasses. That stated, for the value level, the standard is strong. The frames really feel substantial with out being heavy, and all the things matches collectively correctly.
The Good and The Not-So-Good
What Works:
- Wonderful readability with the gold mirror lenses
- Efficient polarization and glare discount
- Comfy for many actions
- Nice guarantee protection
- Good included case
- No fogging points
- Ballistic safety with out wanting overly tactical
What Doesn’t:
- Restricted shade choices (severely, give us extra selections)
- Backside of lenses can relaxation on cheeks throughout prolonged put on
- Case form might be extra sensible
My largest criticism is the restricted shade choice. Three choices isn’t sufficient, particularly when considered one of them is inexperienced/amber. Extra lens colours would make these way more interesting for various situations and private preferences.
Ultimate Ideas: Vortex Banshee Sun shades
The Banshees ship on their promise of bridging tactical safety with informal model. They’re comfy sufficient for each day put on whereas assembly critical ballistic requirements. The gold mirror lenses look good and carry out nicely, although I’d like to see Vortex increase the colour lineup. Would I purchase them with my very own cash? Sure, however provided that they provided extra shade choices. The construct high quality and guarantee make them value contemplating, particularly on the present sale worth. For shooters wanting ballistic safety with out wanting like they’re cosplaying army contractors, the Banshees hit the mark. Simply don’t anticipate them to revolutionize eyewear – they’re strong execution of confirmed design.
In closing, I wish to say thanks to Vortex Optics for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their Banshee sun shades. That’s vastly appreciated. Additionally, we wish to know what all of you guys and gals suppose? Do you consider that the Vortex Banshee sun shades are one thing value spending your cash on? Would you are taking these out to the vary? Tell us all your ideas within the Feedback beneath! We all the time admire your suggestions.
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