While most folks at SHOT were oohing and aahing over the same old black rifles and accessories, I kept getting drawn into searching for the products that enhanced my everyday lifestyle. I don’t carry a gun for a living, but I DO spend most of my time outside whether it be on a photo shoot, snowboarding, hiking, driving, or on the range. At all times my eyes are my most valuable asset and I do everything I can to protect them.

As tactical-flavored apparel and accessories begin to fall out of fashion, companies are pushing hard into the lifestyle space, rapidly filling the gaps between work and play. Wiley X®, known for their protective eyewear have introduced a few new flavors of the classic aviator frame with an updated twist.

There are two styles in the Active Lifestyle Series, the WX Hayden and the WX Klein. The Klein is the more traditional rounded oval aviator style, and the Hayden is a bit more rectangular without being boxy. Both give a nod to the classics, but offer the latest in ballistic protection making them a perfect fit for a life outdoors.

Wiley X® Hayden

As described by Wiley X®:

Both the WX Hayden and WX Klein offer wearers the highest level of quality and finish, including comfortable acetate-coated temples, and spring-loaded hinges for a custom fit. Various models within these two styles also offer distinctive marbling patterns on the inside of the temples.

Whichever new Aviator style outdoor enthusiasts choose, they will benefit from Wiley X’s proven eye protection. Like all adult Wiley X eyewear styles, these new glasses meet rigorous ANSI-Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety standards for true OSHA-grade eye protection. Wiley X is the only premium sunglass brand with this level of protection in every adult style it makes.

Like almost all adult Wiley X sunglass styles, these new Metal Aviator-style shades are also Rx-Ready using Wiley X’s advanced DIGIFORCETM digital Rx lens technology for superior prescription accuracy and visual clarity over the widest possible field of vision. This provides men and women who require corrective lenses with a no-compromise solution for clear vision and advanced protection.

I had the chance to try them on and they are slightly larger and more “full” than typical Ray Ban aviators, offering more face protection. The slight curve to the frame envelopes the face without feeling restrictive and offers great airflow.

Wiley X® Klein

There are a myriad of lens and frame color options, but I was a fan of the Klein in the gold frame/polarized smoke green lens version seen above.

With subtle styling on the inside of the temples, and the availability of prescription lenses, these new frames are sure to class up your everyday look and keep you protected on the street as well as the range. MSRP is around $190.

To see the entire lineup of 2018 Wiley X® frames, head on over to their website.