Goggles over eyeglasses - ESS Land Ops in Canada? Help!

[OCDP]

Hello,

I am pretty new to the airsoft game and just went out to my first match. It was hit and miss as I really realized how important it is to have good gear that works well and keeps you comforatable.

Anyways, I have prescription glasses (and no contacts - I can't use them) so my first huge obstacle last night was getting a full face mask on me while keeping my glasses SOMEWHAT comfortable, and still failing at that. Some quick research shows that ESS Land Ops series goggles are made to fit over most prescription eyeglasses.

I doubt I can find these locally, so I have to take a risk in ordering them online and praying they fit over my glasses.

Does anyone know where I can find these on a Canadian website?? They seem hard to find. I hope I can find something that works and am open to suggestions. When I was using a full face mask last night, i couldn't even look down my iron sights as the mask got in the way, which was super frustrating. There were many small things hindering my first night out and I know good, comfortable gear will make a world of difference next time I go.

[redzaku]

first off, is to fill out your profile, for all I know you could be in the territories...
second, what is the dimension of your current pair of glasses? sometime the goggles won't accommodate glasses quite well, so in this case I recommend the ICE RX lens insert and have them prescribed, also be sure to shoot a question regarding the size and with them fitting in to ESS.

[coach]

for full face mask, most people I know with prescription glasses use JT's

[Zeonprime]

Originally Posted by coachster

for full face mask, most people I know with prescription glasses use JT's

Yup, JT's Think Ducky and I both use Spectras(?) however if you are using tactical goggles then an RX insert is the way to go

[Curo]

Revision is another great brand and also works well with Rx Eye Wear.

[Busterbunny]

Originally Posted by Cobalt Caliber

Revision is another great brand and also works well with Rx Eye Wear.

That's what I have. It works good. I used to have TM Pro Goggle, which worked with my glasses.

The problem I find with Rx Inserts in general is that they're not adjusted for height. So, you keep moving the googles up and down, and if you have a lower face protector, like a mesh mask, odds are you might feel a little dizzy at first since the focus won't be as perfect as your common glasses.

Also, inserts tend to fog, regardless the product you put on them. They're very close to the actual goggles, so humidity gets trapped between both. My Revision Desert Locust does have a fan, and I also removed the foam around to let more air in. Even then, it tends to fog.

I've put quite alot of money in that (120$ for the Desert Locust, and something like 70$ ish for the inserts), and I find that it's not yet the optimal succees I thought it would be. Odds are the ESS will do the same from that perspective. And depending on the glasses you have, I'm not sure they'll fit, especially for the branches.

[Ricochet]

Eyewear is very important, and it can be difficult to find ones that suit you. Personally I prefer contacts. I had trouble with them when I started, but the technology for them is getting better. They can make them more breathable, and more comfortable. It's worth looking into my friend.

Problem with goggles, is that they trap heat and fog easier. They do offer superior protection, but make harder to wear a mask. ESS and the like may or may not work with glasses depending on your face size. I'm not a big fan if Bolle's but I have seen several people with glasses wearing them.

Third option. Talk to your eye doctor about prescription safety glasses. Many opticians can make/order CSA/ANSI rated lenses. And will most likely know of a local automotive, hardware, safety, industrial store that carries the empty frames. That way you can go pick up safety frames you like, and have your prescription put right in the lens.

[Reckless]

I use the ESS turbo fan clones .... the goggles never fog on me ... but my glasses do from time to time, but the coatings on my glasses are also wearing out which doesn't help (keep forgetting to order anti fog )

my glasses were too wide for those flackjack Arena's that alot of people suggest... they fit great in the turbo fans, just had to clip a couple slots in the face seal for the arms of my glasses to slip through.

as for seeing down sights with them on, anything lower then a standard M4a1 sight, I can't see down with them on...

[Wantabe_Warrior]

Sorry if this is hi-jacking post, but I'm looking at prescription Oakleys (Half Jacket XLJ) and I'll wear them as far up/back as they'll go, do you guys think/know if they will fog up or what would help stop them for fogging. Or are goggles with a fan a better (more effective) idea?

[OCDP]

Thanks for all the replies. By the way, I am located in Calgary, Alberta.

After some more research I think I've decided to save myself some hassle and try some disposable contacts. I made an appointment for Thursday so hopefully that works.. I have an astigmatism and hope that contacts will fit comfortably..

Assuming that contacts work well for me, I'd still be looking for a pair of goggles. I've done more research and found a pair locally which might be worth the money. They are revision locusts for $110. Reviews seem pretty good so far?

Will I still be able to see down my sights with goggles on though?

[Busterbunny]

Yes, not a problem aiming down the sight.

110$ might seem steep, depending if it's new or used, if it has a fan or not, and how many lenses comes with it.

[slink182]

Originally Posted by OCDP

Thanks for all the replies. By the way, I am located in Calgary, Alberta.

After some more research I think I've decided to save myself some hassle and try some disposable contacts. I made an appointment for Thursday so hopefully that works.. I have an astigmatism and hope that contacts will fit comfortably..

Assuming that contacts work well for me, I'd still be looking for a pair of goggles. I've done more research and found a pair locally which might be worth the money. They are revision locusts for $110. Reviews seem pretty good so far?

Will I still be able to see down my sights with goggles on though?

Contacts have come a long way from the early days - the last 3 years have seen huge advances in the materials used in them. I have astigmatism, and use two types of corrective contacts for games - a daily wear (for day games) and an extended wear (monthly, for longer periods, like 24-hr games and such). Both types are weighted to correct for astigmatism, and both are extremely comfortable to wear.

Downside of the Rx inserts in most goggles is that, during summer days, they will fog up like a sumbitch. Bad enough with 1 set of lenses fogging, but with two sets you might as well be playing while legally blind!

[OCDP]

Yeah, $110 is steep. But, if it means that I can play airsoft comfortably, not get all fogged up, see down my sights, etc. then it's more than worth it. It was pretty rough on Sunday, knowing that I could have much better gear on that fit and enabled me to get the full experience.

I'm just going to ask for a trial pair and pray for the best. If they fit nice and don't bug me, that pair could last me a looong time if I'm only using them for airsoft.

[Crunchmeister]

Originally Posted by Wantabe_Warrior

Sorry if this is hi-jacking post, but I'm looking at prescription Oakleys (Half Jacket XLJ) and I'll wear them as far up/back as they'll go, do you guys think/know if they will fog up or what would help stop them for fogging. Or are goggles with a fan a better (more effective) idea?

Oakley make great glasses and they're all ANSI compliant. However, the half Jackets (both lens shapes) are a horrible choice. They're nice, comfortable glasses (I own 2 pairs), but they have huge gaps that can easily let BBs come in contact with your eyes. Don't use them. They don't provide enough coverage to be safe for airsoft.

Currently, I use a pair of Oakley Split Jackets. I keep my "good" polarized lenses for regular day to day use, and swap out for the "cheaper" regular lenses for airsoft. They offer excellent coverage and will keep your eyes much safer. Make sure whatever you choose provide full coverage of your eyes. Half Jackets just don't cut it.

[Ricochet]

I believe imperial airsoft in Calgary sells ESS goggles with fans. Seals action gear sells ESS as well, in Calgary. I can't remember if it was just the glasses though.

No matter what, contacts may take a a few days to get used to. Remember to keep your hands clean when handling them, and rinse your contacts well before putting them in. That helped me a lot.