Safety goggles & ballistic goggles from Recon Company – certified eye protection for duty and operations

Safety glasses are not simply leisure glasses with a different label. They are a safety device – and are treated as such at the shooting range, on operations and during tactical exercises. At Recon Company, we stock exclusively ballistic safety glasses and tactical safety glasses, which are verifiably certified: not according to the manufacturer’s specifications, but according to tested standards. For over 30 years, we have been supplying the German Armed Forces, the police and security agencies – our range is compiled according to the same criteria that we apply to our own procurement projects for public authorities.

Understanding standards – what MIL-PRF, ANSI and EN 166 mean

Without a certificate, safety eyewear is worthless in operational use – both legally and in practice. The three relevant standards: MIL-PRF-32432A is the US military standard for ballistic eyewear, testing for high-velocity fragments and impact. ANSI Z87.1 is the US industrial standard for eye protection – widely used, but not automatically ballistic. EN 166 is the European standard for personal eye protection; for tactical use, the ‘S’ marking is relevant here (increased resistance to solid-object impact). STANAG 2920 describes the NATO standard for fragmentation protection – models with APEL certification meet or exceed this standard. Those procuring for service use need to see these letters on the specification sheet.

Wiley X, Revision, ESS, SwissEye – four philosophies for four profiles

Wiley X is the classic choice amongst ballistic safety glasses: APEL-listed, MIL-PRF-32432A-certified, featuring the WX temple system for a precise fit even when worn over ear protection. The interchangeable lenses can be swapped without tools – from clear to tinted in seconds. Revision Military manufactures the Sawfly and Desert Locust ranges specifically to meet APEL requirements; the goggle design provides complete lateral coverage and protects against wind, dust and debris from the sides. ESS (Eye Safety Systems) is part of the Safariland Group and supplies the ICE series as well as Profile models, which have been standard issue in the US Army for years. SwissEye positions itself as a solid foundation for education and training – certified to EN 166, cost-effective to purchase, with replacement lenses included. Not high-end gear for special forces, but a workhorse for the barracks.

Designs: spectacles or goggles – which is best for which situation

The classic spectacles design (framed spectacles) is lighter, better ventilated and can be worn under the brim of a helmet without adding bulk. Suitable for shooting practice, at the shooting range and for short operations without exposure to dust. The goggle style – such as the Revision Desert Locust or ESS Profile – provides all-round protection: no dust, no sand, no debris from the sides. Essential in sandstorm conditions, during vehicle convoys and blasting operations. Most high-quality models offer an anti-fog coating as standard – no extra charge, not an optional extra. Without anti-fog, safety goggles become useless within minutes during physical exertion. This is not a marketing feature, but a selection criterion.

Purchasing decision: Which safety glasses for which purpose

• Shooting range, training, limited budget: SwissEye Tactical with EN 166 certification and interchangeable lenses
• Operational duty, APEL requirements, spectacle wearers: Wiley X with WX temple system and MIL-PRF-32432A
• Goggle protection, lateral coverage, dusty environments: Revision Desert Locust or ESS Profile
• German Armed Forces procurement, NATO standard: models compliant with STANAG and listed under APEL
• Shooting glasses with tinted lenses and splinter protection: Bollé or Edge Tactical with ANSI Z87.1

Recon service for public authorities and emergency services

• Government discount for public authorities and their personnel – on request
• Field post delivery worldwide for soldiers and emergency services personnel on overseas deployment
• Expert advice from the Recon team – online or in person at our shop in Salzgitter
• Recon Company is ISO 9001 certified – audited processes from procurement through to delivery