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Wiley X Tide Eye Pro

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Wiley X eyewear has become a popular option for those seeking high quality eye protection, without the typical attachment of a high-end price tag. This year Wiley X has introduced the “Tide” model that has several features that should be beneficial to officers working the streets.

The Wiley X Tide with the Facial Cavity Seal.
The Wiley X Tide with the Facial Cavity Seal.

The Tide glasses maintain all of the safety features common to Wiley X products. These are features that should be mandatory for officers looking for quality eye protection. Officers must realize that the job requires more than good looks, and that is also true in eye wear. Simply having a nice pair of sunglasses does the officer no good when the environment starts sending hard or sharp objects towards their face. Thankfully, today there are many options in eye protection that not only look good, but provide ballistic protection.

The Wiley X Tide with Facial Cavity Seal in place. Despite the thicker appearance I did not experience any discomfort wearing the Tide in this format, and I felt confident my eyes would be protected from loose, flying debris.
The Wiley X Tide with Facial Cavity Seal. Though thicker in  appearance, I did not experience any discomfort when wearing the Tide this way. The extra protection from loose, flying debris was clear.

Here are the safety features common to Wiley X glasses:

  • Filter 8 shatter-proof Selenite polarized polycarbonate lenses – uses (8) layers of lens technology to reduce glare, reduce moisture build up, increase scratch resistance using T-Shell, and provide 100% UVA/UVB protection
  • Hardcoat Triloid nylon frames
  • Optional Rx lenses by special order
  • Meets and exceeds ANSI Z87.1 high velocity impact safety – lenses and frames
  • Must pass ANSI high mass impact test – withstand a 1.1 lb. pointed projectile dropped from a height of 50″
  • Meets or exceeds MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) ballistic standards
  • Long distance clarity due to superior lens coating
  • Meets European EN.166 standards for high-speed small objects
  • True spatial relationship view even during fast movement
  • Optional Facial Cavity Seal – provides wind, debris, and peripheral light protection on standard glasses with a removable insert
  • Variety of frame and lens color options.
Here the Facial Cavity Seal has been removed, and the Tide eye pro take on a more traditional sunglass look and feel.
The Facial Cavity Seal has been removed, and the Tide take on a more traditional look and feel. Note the slots on the edges of the Seal. Those easily insert

The Tide models have foldable frames with a removable elastic band. The elastic band fits into a set hole in the middle of the temple arms providing a more secure attachment and fit of the glasses than traditional bands that attach at the back-end of the temple arms.

The Wiley X Tide have folding temple arms for easier storage.
The Wiley X Tide have folding temple arms for easier storage.

Wiley X Tide Specific Features:

  • Frame size – 67 eye/15 bridge/125 temple
  • Head size – Medium or Large
  • Lens Options – Smoke Grey, Polarized Venice Gold Mirror (Amber), or Polarized Blue Mirror (Blue/Green)
  • Frame Options – Matte Black, Matte Hickory Brown, Gloss Black.
  • Removable Facial Seal Cavity – Included
  • MSRP – $150.00.

The Wiley X booth reps stated that the original concept for the “Tide” glasses came from professional anglers looking for sturdy eye pro with a unique coating. It was the professional anglers that requested that an additional “golden” coating be put over the traditional amber lenses. The concept was to provide superior clarity, while greatly reducing extreme glare that can often be a challenge on the water.

I have only worn a pair of Wiley X clear lens protective glasses that mysteriously came into my possession, but they were comfortable and durable. What are your experiences with Wiley X?

The author wearing the Tide. The Tide did great in hiding my exhausted eyes.
The author wearing the Tide. The Tide did great in hiding my exhausted eyes.
A side view of the author wearing the Tide.
A side view of the author wearing the Tide.

Comments

  1. I have a pair of Wiley X non polarized that have seen hard use on the range and in the field. Love them. They have taken protected me from some pretty substantial impacts. Great fit even though I have a large head. I am very interested in those for the glare reduction. Only concern I have would be fogging with the facial cavity seal. Did the rep mention anything about that?