I’ve been testing the new Leupold Performance Eyewear glasses since January 2020, when I wore a prototype at SHOT Show Range Day.
In a nutshell, they’re designed, machined, and assembled in the U.S.A.
Most of the models are ANSI Z87.1+ rated but you’ll want to check each specific model as there are a couple of pairs that are not. Check out the video of them being shot below.
To receive an ANSI rating, impact-rated eye protection must pass certain high-mass and high-velocity tests and provide eye protection from the side. Impact-rated eye protection will have a plus symbol (+). Impact-rated flat lenses, for instance, will be marked “Z87+.
All of the glasses shown in this review are polarized, which in my opinion is important. Polarization is a filter that reduces horizontal glare like what you get off of water, snow, windshields, or really anything that reflects light.
They also have a special hydrophobic coating that sheds dust, water, or other liquid so that it just runs off.
A few of the models are compatible with prescription lenses.
My favorite pair is the Switchback model because it’s a little wider and I feel like it fits my face better. I’ve found them to be quite comfortable for everyday wear, fishing, hunting, driving, and the occasional trip to the range. They have absolutely reduced eye strain in bright conditions.
So far they’ve lasted longer than any pair of eyewear that I’ve ever had, except my shooting glasses which I only wear while shooting. They are still free of scratches.
I have two complaints. The first one is completely personal, and someone else’s experience may be different, but when wearing the glasses with earmuff style hearing protection the arms dig into my head and ears and I find that uncomfortable. It’s not unbearable by any means, just not as comfortable as my dedicated shooting glasses. This is NOT a problem during normal wear, just with earmuffs and it’s no worse than other brands. It’s an issue for me and so I’m mentioning it.
It’s not a huge problem as I use them more for driving, hunting, and fishing, which is really what they’re designed for, than I do at the range.
The second complaint is the price. I think they could be a little less expensive. However, they’re within $20-30 of Magpul’s and Oakley’s similar offerings and some of the models cost less.
As far as ballistic protection, the glasses would have saved my eyes had I been shot in the face by a 12 gauge shotgun at 35 yards. They won’t save your eyes at 15 yards and they won’t save you from 9mm frag if you’re only six inches away from the where the frag originates. Watch the video!
Overall, they’re pretty awesome glasses that have an ANSI rating for those times in life when you didn’t know you needed it. They look good and don’t look overly tactical. They’re very appropriate for concealed carry type activities and don’t scream, “I’m wearing a gun.”
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As the Editor-in-Chief of GunsAmerica, Hunt365, Decoding Darkness, and Suppressor Academy, True Pearce brings a rare blend of legal expertise, competitive shooting credentials, and deep hunting knowledge to the forefront of the firearms world. A former professional sponsored 3-Gun and Multigun competitor with multiple championships and titles, True’s shooting career began in long-range and tactical sniper matches—and he still burns powder in precision competitions, now branching into Hunter NRL.
A certified firearms instructor who has trained over 10,000 students face-to-face, True has also served on both sides of the courtroom as an attorney and currently as an elected Prosecuting Attorney. He has prosecuted and defended high-profile self-defense and firearms cases, giving him a unique, real-world perspective on the Second Amendment.
Outside the courtroom and off the range, True is a true western outdoorsman. A lifelong hunter and rancher, he rides and hunts off his own string of horses and pack animals, chasing elk, mule deer, wolves, coyotes, and anything else in season. He’s a longtime reloader, producing both precision rifle ammo and, back in the day, handloading over 40,000 rounds of 9mm and 5.56 annually for competition.
He’s also a thermal and night vision expert, known for his obsession with high-end optics, and is rarely found without a camera or a guitar nearby. Whether he’s glassing a distant ridge, reviewing cutting-edge gear, or deep in legal research, True brings passion, precision, and grit to everything he does.
Experience:
– Professional Shooter – Sponsored 3-Gun & Multigun competitor with multiple titles and a foundation in long-range and sniper/tactical matches.
– Firearms Instructor – Certified instructor with over 10,000 students trained face-to-face.
– Elected Prosecuting Attorney – Attorney with real-world experience defending and prosecuting self-defense and gun-related cases.
– Hunter & Rancher – Horseback hunter with a working ranch, passionate about elk, deer, predator, and backcountry hunting.
– Reloading & Ballistics Expert – Precision reloader and former high-volume competition handloader.
– Optics Authority – Known for his deep knowledge and unrelenting standards in optics, thermal, and night vision gear.
– Outdoor Creative – Avid photographer, guitar player, and outdoorsman with a sharp eye for gear and storytelling.
– 2A Advocate – Committed to protecting the Second Amendment and educating Americans about their rights and responsibilities.