Gear Review: ShadowStrike vs. Flak vs. Speed Demon
Ballistic Sunglasses.
We compared three models: Revision Military ShadowStrike, Oakley SI Custom Flak 2.0 XL and Revision Military Speed Demon.
Revision Military ShadowStrike
Overview
First, a warning. Revision Military provides two versions: APEL/Berry-Compliant (only one set available, and no polarized lens option), and all other sets made off-shore.
The glasses are light and comfortable. The frame being plastic, and the temples being designed to fit with helmet, however, means the glasses won’t stay on your face and will fall off by just bending over. The elastic strap (provided) is therefore necessary. The mechanism to replace lenses is relatively easy, but because it involves a movable nose piece, this tends to get undone by putting glasses on and off. When it comes to ballistic lenses, they are interchangeable, obviously, with multiple options. Lenses made in China cannot reasonably be deemed to be reliable so we will only refer to the lenses made in the USA. Ballistic tests for the lenses themselves were acceptable. However, the very design of the glasses presents critical flaws that are likely to cause injury even with ballistic lenses. This is because the frame is plastic, and thus, will break/snap on impact. With ballistic lenses being of little use as a result if they are not kept in front of your eyes. Similarly, in the event of impact, the nose piece is likely to come undone, once again, resulting in lenses not being held in place. There is no vision enhancement with these glasses. The glasses provide a good coverage of the eyes.
When it comes to look, as a civilian pointed out: “They look like cheap glasses you got at Walgreens for $5.”
Conclusion
The Revision Military APEL/Berry-Compliant ShadowStrike will not provide reliable protection despite the lenses meeting ballistic standards because of unreliable material of frames and significant design flaws.
Primary purpose of these lenses is therefore to LARP in Suburbia and should not be used in any combat situation.
Oakley SI Custom Flak 2.0 XL
Overview
Oakley may be the most grossly incompetent and dysfunctional company in America (previously owned, as we pointed out in a previous article, by an Italian firm). In addition, even though some glasses are assembled in California, it would appear components are made in China, even for the Oakley SI (Standard Issue) variations, despite claims of APEL/Berry-Compliance.
Being produced offshore, the alleged ballistic aspect of the lenses cannot be guaranteed. The frame being plastic, it is also subject to failure on impact. The lenses, however, are more secure than with the ShadowStrike. The Flak are very light and comfortable to wear, but on the smaller side of things. Vision enhancement is significant, especially when combining Prism and polarized options. Coverage of eyes presents multiple gaps, above, underneath and on the sides.
Design-wise, they do look good. For the price, though, I think they feel cheap, and are certainly very different from older generation Oakley’s that were made in the United States.
Conclusion
JCD glasses to wear every day, offering maybe some type of protection if you get attacked by a hajji, a Jew, or any other diversity while minding your own business. Again, we certainly wouldn’t use them in combat.
Revision Military Speed Demon
Overview
While the glasses are not advertised as Berry-compliant, they are manufactured and assembled in the United States, of U.S. parts, including lenses. They are a joint production between Fast Metal and Revision Military newer I-vis lenses.
The glasses are aluminum. While relatively comfortable, especially considering you can adjust the frame and temple by bending, they still are not as comfortable as plastic frames. The lenses, which are easily changeable, are much more secure than both the ShadowStrike and Flak glasses, in part because they have to be popped out (rather than in) with very specific pressure point, therefore ensuring the lens will stay in place during impact. The frame being metal, it will also resits any impact much better than plastic frames. The I-vis replaceable lenses come in multiple options for a variety of environments, including the desert of Afghanistan, but also woodland areas, and, surprise, the snowy mountain environments of Norway. Vision enhancement is actually significant, and at par with Oakley Prism polarized lenses. Eye coverage is not as extensive as ShadowStrike, but better than the Flak. The Speed Demon offer good ballistic protection.
As far as look goes, they are not as good as Oakley, but they are better than ShadowStrike.
Conclusion
Only model of sunglasses among the three options reviewed that reasonably provides ballistic protection, and thus, can be used in actual combat. They can also be used as every day glasses, although not ideal.
