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The Best Oakley Shooting Glasses & Lenses | Hunting, Clay & More

Whether you’re hunting, at the range, shooting clay, or serving in the military, protecting your eyes is key. We’ll break down the top Oakley shooting glasses and exactly why they’re ideal for the harshest conditions.

But before we do that, we need to talk about lenses. Keep reading for exactly what to look for in your Oakley shooting glasses.

What are the Best Shooting Lenses?

When we talk about the best shooting lenses, we’re really talking about two aspects.

First is durability, meaning how the lenses will protect your eyes from shell casings, projectiles, and other hazards.

Second, we talk about clarity, so you can see your target clearly, and hit it every time.

We’ll address both these aspects for the lenses mentioned below. But before we jump into those, we should clarify that there is a difference between shooting lenses and safety glasses.

While we’ve already covered Safety Glasses that meet ANSI standards in a separate guide. Those are primarily focused on protecting your eyes in accordance with OSHA and workplace safety. And while some of the glasses on our list today do meet or exceed ANSI standards, they’re more focused on military and field applications.

Now let’s dive into the lenses.

G26 Iridium

Designed for high contrast, the G26 Iridium is the only lens on this list publicly available on Oakley’s website (more on that later).

These target-shooting-specific lenses work best in low to medium light, such as in overcast weather. We say target-specific as the tint of these lenses specifically enhances the orange in targets such as clay pigeons while increasing contrast against green and blue backgrounds. Because of this, we’d say G26 Iridium is the best Oakley lens for sporting clays.

Oakley Radar XL Blade Sunglasses
G26 Iridium Lenses on Oakley Radar

Prizm TR22

Prizm TR22 and our next lens, the TR45 variation, are ideal shooting lenses. Both utilize Oakley’s Prizm lens technology to enhance contrast. Unfortunately, both are currently only available through Oakley Standard Issue.

TR22 is designed specifically for shooting in bright light conditions with a Rose base tint and light transmission of 19%. They also meet ANSI Z87.1 Industrial Standards for high-mass and high-velocity impact protection to protect your eyes.

Prizm TR22 Lens Comparison
Prizm TR22 lens comparison (left) vs. no lenses (right)

Prizm TR45

Similar to the above TR22, TR45 is an Oakley SI-specific lens. However, this lens is designed for shooting in low-light conditions with a base tint of rose and light transmission of 45%.

Similar to the above, TR45 also offers ANSI protection to prevent shrapnel or shell casings from hitting your eyes.

Find more great options in our guide to the best lens colors for hunting and shooting in every environment.

TR45 Prizm Lens Comparison
Prizm TR45 lens comparison (left) vs. no lenses (right)

What are the Best Oakley Shooting Glasses?

Now that we’ve covered the best lenses, let’s talk about our favorite Oakley hunting and shooting glasses. All of the frames mentioned feature shield lenses to provide a wide viewing angle with wrap-around protection.

Plus, all of these sunglasses feature Oakley High Definition Optics (HDO) that protect against 100% of harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.

Det Cord

In our full review, we described the Det Cord as sunglasses that’ll save your life, and there’s a good reason. With ANSI Z87.1 stamped frames, MIL-SPEC standards, and U.S military Authorized Protective Eyewear List approval, this is a no-brainer pair for any shooter.

Our favorite part of the Det Cord (Product Link) is the ability to wear it on and off the range – they’re a versatile pair that won’t look like you left your range glasses on walking down the street.

The only downside to the Det Cord is the limited lens options. We’d like to see Oakley offer more shooting-specific lenses in this frame, clearly designed for the field and range.

Det Cord Highlights

  • ANSI Z87.1 stamped, meaning this frame and lenses meet the high-velocity impact requirements for on-duty use
  • Casual lightweight full, frame design that can be worn on or off-duty
  • Available with Oakley Authentic Prescription lenses
Oakley Det Cord Sunglasses
Oakley Det Cord Sunglasses in Desert Tan

Speed Jacket Array

Available through Oakley SI, the Speed Jacket Array (Product Link) is specifically built for shooting. To make this frame, Oakley worked directly with law enforcement and competitive shooters to build sunglasses that were comfortable all day and functional.

The result is a lightweight frame made of Oakley O Matter, with Unobtainium rubber grips so you can react to whatever is thrown at you. Finally, the Speed Jacket features High Definition Optics (HDO) lenses in an XL frame for maximum coverage and eye protection.

Speed Jacket Highlights

  • Dual lens frame designed for all-day comfort in conjunction with law enforcement officers
  • Impact-resistant Plutonite lenses feature High Definition Optics for minimal distortion.
  • Available with clear and Prizm contrast-enhancing lenses depending on the environment
Oakley SI Speed Jacket

M2 Frame

As we’ve talked about before, the M Frame is a favorite among athletes and those on the front lines alike. And the latest iteration of this favorite, the M2 Frame, builds on this reputation.

Oakley M2 sunglasses (Product Link) feature a lightweight and flexible O Matter frame that is comfortable all day in the field or at the range.

Unfortunately, none of the lenses above are available, but you can find Prizm Sapphire and Jade Iridium – both of which increase contrast and provide optimum viewing for shooting.

M2 Frame Highlights

  • Easy Interchangeable lenses thanks to its half-rim design that allows tool-free lens changing
  • Unobtainium earsocks and nose pad for a secure fit even in sweaty or wet conditions
  • Available with Prizm lenses made of impact-resistant Plutonite lens material and High Definition Optics (HDO) for optical clarity
Oakley M2 Sunglasses
Oakley M2 Sunglasses

Ballistic M Frame 3.0 Prizm

One of our favorite shooting frames, the Ballistic M Frame 3.0 (Product Link), is only available through Oakley Standard Issue. And with an O Matter frame, the Ballistic M Frame 3.0 meets MIL SPEC MIL PRF-31013. This U.S. military standard requires that ballistic eyewear must be able to withstand up to a .15 caliber (at 640 ft/sec) for spectacles and .22 caliber at 550-560 ft/sec for goggles. 

The frame itself weighs in at just over an ounce and allows for swapping lenses based on light conditions. For those in the field, the Ballistic M Frame is also fully compatible with MICH, ACH, CVD, PASGT, and Crye helmets, along with helmet-mounted night vision systems.

On the lens side, this frame is available with both Prizm TR22 and TR45, along with clear lenses and a variety of other colors.

For an in-depth look at the Ballistic M Frame line, be sure to check out our complete M Frame guide.

Ballistic M Frame Highlights

  • Thin stem technology allows compatibility with over-ear hearing protection and communication systems
  • Meets or exceeds high mass impact and ballistic fragmentation impact standards of ANSI Z87.1 and MIL PRF
  • Ultra-lightweight design weighing 1.05 ounces for all-day comfort in the field
M Frame 3.0 Ballistic Shooting Glasses
Oakley M Frame 3.0 Ballistic Sunglasses

M Frame Alpha

The successor to the Ballistic M Frame 3.0, this Standard Issue exclusive provides a modernized take on the classic frame with even more lens coverage.

The M Frame Alpha (Product Link) features a Radarlock-esq technology for easier lens swaps. It also improves on the already fantastic anti-fogging of the M Frame 3.0, with increased venting and nose piece positioning.

M Frame Alpha Highlights

  • Lightweight O Matter half-rim design available with optional gasket and goggle attachments
  • Anti-fog lens coating with recharge kit
  • Available with Clear, Grey, Prizm TR22, and Prizm TR45 lenses
Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame Alpha
Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame Alpha

Ballistic Crosshair

If you’re preferential to wire frames, Oakley still has you covered with the SI Ballistic Crosshair.

Heavier and thicker than the M Frames above, the Crosshair is comprised of C-5 Alloy and features Unobtainium earsocks and nosepieces for enhanced grip.

And despite its light appearance, the Ballistic Crosshair (Product Link) still earns its name. This frame meets MIL-SPEC MIL PRF 32432 standards. Plus, the Crosshair’s lenses include advanced anti-fog coatings to keep your vision clear and unobstructed.

Ballistic Crosshair Highlights

  • Vintage aviator wire frame design made of ultra-lightweight C-5 alloy frame material
  • Meets Mil SPEC MIL PRF 32432 standards and surpasses ANSI Z87.1
  • 8.75 base lens technology for maximum coverage
Oakley Ballistic Crosshair Hunting Glasses
Oakley Ballistic Crosshair sunglasses

Where to Buy Oakley Shooting Glasses?

If you qualify for Oakley Standard Issue, that should be your first stop. They offer all of Oakley’s ballistic frames and shooting Prizm lenses. And even if you don’t qualify for Oakley SI you may still be able to find these frames in the aftermarket.

To start, check out our Sunglasses Exchange on the forum here, where you can Buy, Sell and Trade with other members. You may find a member looking to get rid of their shooting glasses or frames.

It’s also worth checking if your local hunting or game store carries any Oakley frames. It’s not uncommon to see ballistic variety Oakley’s make their way into these stores (even SI versions).

Otherwise, you’ll be left with eBay and Craigslist, but be sure to know how to spot signs of fake Oakleys, as both of these sites can be full of fakes, especially of popular glasses such as the M Frame.

Oakley Ballistic Crosshair Sunglasses
Oakley Ballistic Crosshair with Prizm TR22 Lenses

Have a Question?

What’s your ideal shooting lens and frame? Or Have a question about Oakley shooting glasses? Let us know in the thread below!

Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o...
Many years back, I saw a bike magazine with an Oakley ad an M Frame with marks of a 12-gauge shotgun... after that Ive always been an Oakley user, tho I have no intention of shooting it with a shotgun! :0