I don’t care how many times I tell students who are coming to take a firearms class from me to bring hearing protection and eye protection. And, more often than not, at least half the students don’t bring either eye or hearing protection. I keep a box of soft foam ear plugs and safety glasses on-hand at all times, for those forgetful, or maybe they are neglectful students.
My eye doctor tells me, there is no cure for blindness. And, for hearing loss – well, it’s something a lot of people learn to live with, with either hearing aids, or they are always saying “what did you say?” because they didn’t hear what you said. I know I’m guilty of having a hearing loss. When I was young and dumb, I often didn’t wear hearing protection when I was shooting, and I’m paying for it now.
I used to ride motorcycles a lot, matter of fact, it wasn’t until six year ago, that I sold my last two motorcycles. When I got my first bike back in 1970, I did wear sunglasses during the day, and no eye protection at all, when I rode at night. I can’t tell you how many pairs of sunglasses got broke or the lenses cracked, when a rock or other road debris came flying at my eyes. Luckily, I never had a foreign object actually penetrate the sunglasses and hit my eyes. However, more than a few bugs hit my eyes, and if you ride bikes, you know about bugs in your teeth. It wasn’t until about 10-12 years ago, that I started wearing safety glasses when riding my bikes, as well as wearing a helmet – as required by law in my state. Anyone who rides a bike without an approved DOT safety helmet is only asking for a serious injury. My regular UPS driver recently wrecked his bike. As a matter of fact, he was almost clinically dead on the scene. A nurse who witnessed the accident actually performed CPR on him until an ambulance arrived. Luckily, my UPS driver was wearing a helmet – and after two months, he’s finally back at work.
I recently received a pair of BTB sunglasses, and you really need to check out their web site to see the wide selection of sunglasses they carry. I guess what I like most about their sunglasses is that, they don’t have a one-size fits all – they actually come in different sizes, for different size heads. I received the BTB 800 series polarized sunglasses for testing. And, needless to say, they are polarized, which comes in mighty handy when you’re out in the bright sunlight or fishing over water – they really cut the glare down. You even receive a micro-fiber pouch to carry your sunglasses in – this helps prevent unwanted scratches on the lenses.
A little background on BTB Sport Optics is in order. For more than a year, BTB were test marketed at professional events, trade shows and retail establishments, gaining valuable insights and feedback from the marketplace. The market message was clear and consistent. Due to the economic times and increasing education of the consumer, high priced sunglasses were not selling. High priced sunglasses retailing between $75 to $200 plummeted and inventory levels of the perceived “high quality” industry leaders steadily rose in the retail sector. Understanding this trend, BTB wanted to introduce a line of sport and recreational sunglasses that provided, superior optic quality, complete UVA and UVB protection, frame construction materials of the highest quality and durability, complimentary styles and formed fit for comfort and aggressive and an affordable price point. And, as SB readers know, I like to spend my money wisely, getting the most out of every penny.
Some of the features of the BTB sunglasses are: lenses provide 100% optic clarity, frames are made from Grilamid TR-90 and designed using an 8 to 10 base curve, the sunglasses are “formed fit” for comfort, temples and nosepieces are made from hypo-allergenic material and coated with an anti-bacterial agent for heavy perspiration environments. They also exceed ANSI, OSHA and military impact specs, and the lenses are “ballistic” rated. Okay, that last one “ballistic rated” caught my attention. Watch the short video and see how these sunglasses were tested. Very impressive – they took a hit from 30-feet away, with birdshot and there was no penetration. Now, don’t go thinking these sunglasses will stop a 9mm round – they won’t. No sunglasses will. However, where these sunglasses shine would be, for our military personnel, who might get hit in the face with shrapnel or other debris – it can make the different between saving your sight, or losing it because you didn’t wear any eye protection. Take note!
I’ve been wearing my sample BTB 800 sunglasses for two weeks now – fishing, shooting and driving, and they actually do fit like a glove – very comfortable. I like the wrap-around fit, too – if you’ve ever been hit in the face or eyes with flying brass, from a shooter next to you, then you’ll appreciate the wrap-around design – that empty brass can’t hit your eyes from the side, unlike other sunglasses that only provide frontal eye protection.
I counted no less than 16 different styles of sunglasses on the BTB web site – so they will have a style for just about anyone. And, as I mentioned, they comes in different sizes, too. So, it’s not like you are forced to wear a pair of sunglasses that fit your wife, but are too small for you, or a pair that fits your husband, but are too big for your face. I’ve easily spent $50+ for Foster Grant sunglasses, and while they looked super-cool, they didn’t afford my eyes protection from flying objects that would hit them – especially when riding a motorcycle. The BTB sunglasses afford you not only ballistic eye protection, they also are very stylish and afford full UVA and UVB protection from the sun.
The BTB web site described their product as “the best $100 sunglasses for $50 and under…” and I can’t find any fault in that. My sample 800 series retail for $49.95, and easily worth double that price. BTB also offers free shipping on orders over $40.00. And, I’m betting you’ll find a couple pair of BTB sunglasses that you’ll want, for yourself and your spouse.
I can’t tell you how important it is, to wear some type of eye protection when your out shooting, or riding a bike down the highway. You only have one set of eyes, and you need to protect them as much as possible. If you’re in the military, or you have a loved one who is serving, get them a pair of BTB sunglasses – they’ll thank you. They really will. You could spend a lot more for sunglasses of this quality, but you simply won’t get any more for your money, nor will you get better protection. Spend your dollars wisely, and check out the BTB web site. I’m betting you’ll find a style that will catch your attention, and you’ll be doing your eyes a favor, too.
Pat’s Product Review: BTB Sport Optics Sunglasses
