I had the good fortune to win a photo caption contest sponsored by the folks at Revision Military Ltd. The prize was a Revision Sawfly® Military Eyewear System (Deluxe Kit). I promised to write a review of the eyewear when I received it (which was weeks and weeks ago) yet my busy schedule kept me from doing so until now. I wanted to get out doing some shooting and moving versus standing on a firing line as this system was meant for. There is NO doubt that this eyewear system is made for the operator even though they will certainly serve the plinker just as well. This review was not a condition of winning this prize, it was simply my way of showing my gratitude for having won and a chance for me to give my opinion (which those who know me will attest is my nature). I am in no way affiliated with Revision and, in fact, as I no longer run in Military/Law Enforcement circles, I hadn’t even heard of them until recently.

The first thing I did when I discovered that I had won was to do a Google search on the item. In doing so I found that this set retails for about $120.00. My first thought was that they were very pricey… then I viewed a video of the lenses being fired at with 12 gauge 6½ shot with ZERO penetration. That was very impressive to me given my recent experience. Many of you might remember that I had a catastrophic failure of a Colt 6920 (ostensibly due to overpressure rounds) a little over a year ago at a Magpul Dynamics “Dynamic Carbine” course. I happened to be wearing some Oakley’s that were a gift when that happened. Let’s just say that I realize the value of a good pair of eyewear. I don’t know what model they were and have misplaced them since, but when I looked at similar models online I definitely rethought my original impression that the Revision eyewear was pricey (I also now understand just how nice of a gift those were). The point though, is that I was damned glad to have been wearing good eyewear when I really needed it. I had replaced them with a Remington shooters eyewear kit that I thought was just fine until I compared them to the Revision Sawfly kit.

I received the kit within a week and immediately opened the box to check them out. The first thing that I noticed is that I was sent a “regular size” kit. It never occurred to me that a premium eyewear set would come in different sizes. These kits are available in regular and large sizes. As I have a large melon (large brain needs a large brain case… at least that’s what I like to think), I was initially concerned that these might not fit me. The regular sized kit does fit me, is entirely comfortable and the lenses wrap around enough to give adequate protection from the side, but I can’t help but wonder if the larger size wouldn’t be even better. With that said, the fit and function of this system is VERY good. The adjustability and the ability to secure these with the included head strap makes one almost forget they are there. The crystal clear undistorted vision paired with the design that maximizes peripheral vision is perfect for shooting, particularly when one is firing from cover, prone and on the move. Pair that with the fact that the frames of this very lightweight, very comfortable and secure eyewear are also thin and flexible enough to allow the proper use of my Peltor tactical 6S electronic hearing protectors and you’ve got a winner. My trip today to the country where I could shoot and move while wearing this set made the utility of the Sawfly shine through. Not to mention what a way to start the New Year!

The bottom line is that a QUALITY pair of eyewear is well worth the price when the worst happens. Whether you decide to order them from Revision or another reputable source… make certain that you have them when you shoot or any other time there is a risk to your sight. I am sufficiently impressed with this eyewear that I am considering ordering the Hellfly® ballistic sunglasses for everyday use… one just never knows when you may need them.