By David Crane
david (at) defensereview (dot) com
July 16, 2018
Last updated on 7/18/18.
A relatively new sunglass company called Gatorz Eyewear has a very interesting aluminum-framed ANSI Z87+ ballistic eyepro (eye protection “flagship” model called the Magnum Z, and it’s pretty impressive looking on multiple levels. First, the Magnum Z is aesthetically pleasing with it’s aluminum frame and sleek, face-hugging shape. And, second, it looks like it’s going to be a real performer, both in terms of ballistic protection and combat durability/ruggedness.
DefenseReview (DR) first came across Gatorz Eyewear Magnum Z at the First Tactical (clothing) booth at Industry Day at the Range, right before SHOT Show 2018, since one of their guys was wearing them. We immediately liked the look of them, so we decided to hit the company’s booth, which was close by. There, we ran into the very nice Jesse Buss, who let DR handle and photograph her pair. Finally, Gatorz Eyewear Brand Manager Andrew Fontes took us through the Magnum Z ballistic eyepro on video. The Magnum Z’s main claim to fame–aside from the aforementioned Z87.1+ ballistic protection level (obviously a great feature in a tactical shooting sunglass)–is its 7075 Billet Aircraft Aluminum frame, which is very eye-catching and immediately recognizable. DR immediately liked the Magnum Z’s frame design and high degree of comfort.
Comfort is obviously crucial in a combat/tactical sunglass that an assaulter/operator or civilian tactical shooter is going to be wearing on his/her face for hours on end under conditions that are bound to get a bit rough. To assist with this aspect,, the Gatorz Eyewear Magnum Z specs’ frame provides an “adjustable custom fit”. DR will try to glean more info about this.
Both pairs of Magnum Z ballistic tactical sunglasses DR saw and handled appeared to sport the smoked grey lens, which is designed to “maintain true color perception and greatly reduce eye fatigue from the sun’s glare.” The lenses themselves are TruRay Optics 100% UV Protection High impact resistant polycarbonate with an anti-fog coating.
Oh, and they’re made in the USA, by the way.
Defense Review REALLY dug the Magnum Z, and we can’t wait to run a pair (or two) at the range. We’re actually going to try to snag a pair for DR writer/contributor and chief new-product tester Jeff Gurwitch, since his US Military SOF background and competitive 3-Gun experience make him an ideal individual to evaluate them.
Company Contact Info:
Gatorz Eyewear
3129 Tiger Run Court, Suite 212
Carlsbad, CA 92010
Phone: 1-844-560-7179
Email: customerservice@gatorz.com
Website: https://www.gatorz.com
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