Smith Optics Elite PivLock V2 Tactical “Free-Float” Ballistic Eyeshield/Eyepro (Eye Protection): Ultra-Cool Tactical Ballistic Eyewear/Sunglasses for Combat Shooters (Video!)

By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com

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March 17, 2013

Smith Optics Elite tactical eyewear introduced a very cool tactical ballistic eyeshield (visor-type) eypro (eye protection) model at SHOT Show 2013 called the Smith PivLock V2 Tactical that really impressed DefenseReview (DR). In fact, design and feature-wise, it’s one of the coolest visor-type eyeshields we've seen. The PivLock V2 Tactical ballistic eye shield lens is hydrophobic, rimless and frameless (with “no obstructions”), and features adjustable hydrophilic nosepiece, and a quick-detach (QD) lens/frame system. That's all good, but the most interesting and important aspect of the PivLock V2 Tactical is its patented "free-float" technology consisting of a precision-cut Z-shaped/S-shaped jagged cutout on each side of the lens that prevents distortion, protects against much harder impacts and allows for greater lens flexing.

As if that's not enough, the lens' freefloat aspect also enables the eyeshield lens to be polarized. Polarized lenses can enable the shooter/operator to see through reflective surfaces like the surface of water and vehicle windows. This can prove advantageous for maritime/waterborne operations and shooting into vehicles. The only caveat to them (polarized lenses) is that that they can reportedly interfere with obtaining a sight picture (seeing the reticle) when using holographic defraction sights like the EOTech 550 series HWS (HOLOgraphic Weapon Sights), which are plane-polarized.

By the way, the reason we mentioned the PivLock V2 Tactical’s cool factor (or tacticool factor, if you will), is because looks and technology are important. It's not exactly a secret that military Special Operations Forces (SOF) assaulters/operators, law enforcement SWAT operators and civilian tactical shooters all want to look good and know that they're using the latest and greatest technology, in addition to being well armed and protected. How you look and feel about your equipment/gear can affect how you perform.

The specific Smith Optics PivLock V2 Tactical version DR saw appeared to be the "Impossibly Black" version Blackout lens, and it's our current favorite. Hopefully, we'll get to run a pair at the range, at some point.

Whichever version you buy, though, your lens will be serialized (serial numbered), allowing you to obtain the full factory lot testing report for your lens, if you wish. You'll just have to email the company at ballistics@smithoptics.com to request it. DR was told that the PivLock V2 Max's lens exceeds MILSPEC (650 fps).

Editor's Note: Make sure that your tactical ballistic eyepro is ballistic-rated to at least the ANSI/SEA Z87.1-2010 standard if you're going to use them for shooting. However, DR now prefers that our eyepro meet the MIL-PRF-31013 standard.

The following is a list of PivLock V2 features (from the Smith Optics website):

– Medium Fit / Medium Coverage
– Carbonic TLT Lenses
– Evolve Frame Material
– Hydroleophobic Lens Coating
– 3-Position Adjustable Nose Pads
– Slide-On Temple Tips
– Hydrophilic Megol Nose and Temple Pads
– 7 Base Lens Curvature
– Frame Measurements 135–n/a–120

Additional Photos:

Company Contact Info:

Smith Optics, Inc.
280 Northwood Way
Box 2999
Ketchum, Idaho, 83340
Phone: 888-206-2995
Email: smith@smithoptics.com
Website: http://www.smithoptics.com
Smith Optics Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SmithOptics

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