First Impressions of Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2
Laser threats are a real concern in modern tactical environments, and effective eye protection is paramount. The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 aims to provide that protection, offering a specialized lens designed to mitigate the dangers of single and dual-band lasers. Revision has a solid reputation in the protective eyewear industry, making this product a promising addition to their Stingerhawk line.
I needed to find replacement lenses offering specialized laser protection without sacrificing ballistic protection. I needed something low-profile and compatible with my existing eyewear system. My existing lenses offered excellent impact protection but lacked laser-specific filtering, a gap I wanted to address.
Upon receiving the lenses, the packaging was standard Revision fare, functional and protective. The lenses themselves felt robust, the FT-2 tint giving a subtle hint of their laser-blocking capabilities. The clarity was immediately noticeable, seemingly on par with standard lenses.
Several laser-specific eyewear options exist, but many are bulky or lack ballistic ratings. I opted for the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 due to Revision’s reputation for quality and the Stingerhawk’s proven low-profile design. The integrated ballistic and laser protection was a key selling point. I also considered the Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0 with laser lenses, but the Stingerhawk’s smaller profile appealed more to me.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The lenses seemed well-made, and the tint was not overly aggressive, but the true test would be performance in the field. I was eager to evaluate their laser protection capabilities and overall usability during live-fire exercises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 at an outdoor shooting range during a law enforcement training exercise. This involved scenarios with simulated laser targeting systems. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze, creating ideal testing conditions.
The lenses performed admirably, effectively filtering the simulated laser beams without significantly impacting visibility. Peripheral vision remained excellent, and the lenses were comfortable to wear for extended periods. I noticed no distortion or discomfort, even after several hours of use.
After several repetitions, the lenses stood up to the elements. There were no scratches or marks on the lenses, even after getting small amounts of dirt on them. I was genuinely impressed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use in various training exercises, including force-on-force scenarios and low-light drills, the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 has proven its worth. The lenses have held up exceptionally well, with no signs of delamination or degradation. The laser protection remains consistent and reliable.
The lenses have been subjected to the usual rigors of tactical training. These included being bumped, scratched, and exposed to various weather conditions. The lenses showed minimal wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and debris. Occasional cleaning with lens cleaner keeps them crystal clear. Compared to other ballistic eyewear I’ve used, the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 excels in both durability and clarity, providing a clear advantage in tactical situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2
Specifications
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is specifically designed to provide laser protection for the Revision Stingerhawk eyewear system. The lens color is FT-2, a specialized tint optimized for blocking specific laser wavelengths. Revision is the manufacturer, a company known for its high-quality protective eyewear solutions.
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 exceeds U.S. Military Ballistic Impact Requirements For Spectacles (Mil-Prf-32432, Clause 4.4.3.3.4). They also exceed Ansi Z87.1-2010 Ballistic Impact And Optical Requirements, and are CeECertified In Accordance With En 166, En 170, And En 172. These certifications guarantee that the lenses meet stringent standards for impact resistance and optical clarity, providing reliable protection in hazardous environments.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is to protect the wearer’s eyes from harmful laser radiation. They do this effectively. The FT-2 tint filters specific wavelengths, reducing the risk of eye damage from lasers without significantly compromising visibility.
The lenses perform admirably in various lighting conditions. This allows me to use them during both daytime and nighttime operations. The fit is perfect for the Stingerhawk frame. They offer a secure and comfortable fit.
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 exceeds my expectations in terms of both laser protection and optical clarity. The only minor drawback is the price, which is higher than standard replacement lenses, but the added laser protection justifies the cost for those who need it.
Design & Ergonomics
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 maintains the low-profile design of the standard Stingerhawk lenses. They offer a comfortable and unobtrusive fit. The FT-2 tint is subtle enough to avoid causing significant color distortion. The weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the eyewear system.
The lenses are user-friendly. They can be easily swapped in and out of the Stingerhawk frame without tools. There is no learning curve associated with their use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is constructed from high-quality polycarbonate. This material is known for its impact resistance and scratch resistance. With proper care, these lenses should last for years, providing reliable laser and ballistic protection.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a microfiber cloth and occasional lens cleaner is sufficient to keep them in optimal condition. The lenses are easy to repair. The lens replacement for the Stingerhawk frame takes only seconds.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is primarily an accessory for the Revision Stingerhawk eyewear system, and doesn’t have many customization options in and of themselves. They integrate seamlessly with the Stingerhawk frame. This allows compatibility with various accessories such as retainer straps and prescription lens carriers.
The Stingerhawk system is compatible with a wide range of accessories from Revision. This includes different frame colors and lens tints. The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is also compatible with several aftermarket accessories designed for the Stingerhawk platform.
Pros and Cons of Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2
Pros
- Exceptional Laser Protection: Specifically designed to block harmful laser wavelengths, providing crucial eye protection in tactical environments.
- High Ballistic Rating: Exceeds U.S. Military Ballistic Impact Requirements, ensuring reliable impact resistance.
- Optical Clarity: The FT-2 tint provides excellent visibility without significant color distortion.
- Comfortable and Low-Profile Design: Maintains the unobtrusive fit of the Stingerhawk eyewear system.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple cleaning requirements ensure long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Price: The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is more expensive than standard replacement lenses.
- Limited Tint Options: The FT-2 tint may not be suitable for all lighting conditions.
Who Should Buy Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2?
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is perfect for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and special operations professionals. They are also appropriate for anyone who works in environments where laser threats are a concern. Competitive shooters and range officers who are exposed to laser aiming devices can benefit from these lenses.
Civilians who do not anticipate exposure to laser threats probably don’t need the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2. They could opt for standard ballistic lenses. Those with specific vision requirements may need to consider prescription lens carriers compatible with the Stingerhawk system.
A must-have accessory for the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is a good quality microfiber cleaning cloth. Also consider a lens cleaner specifically designed for polycarbonate lenses.
Conclusion on Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2
The Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 is a specialized and highly effective eye protection solution. It is specifically designed for tactical environments where laser threats are present. The lens offers a solid blend of laser protection, ballistic resistance, and optical clarity.
The price is a significant consideration, but the added protection justifies the investment for those who need it. Yes, I would personally recommend the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 to anyone seeking reliable laser and ballistic eye protection.
Invest in your safety and peace of mind. Get the Revision Stingerhawk Replacement Laser Lens FT-2 today.