Gear Review: Revision’s “Stingerhawk” Laser-safe Eye-pro

After the famous attacks on law enforcement last summer using lasers to blind and distract; I made some observations on these tactics and decided that this is the new normal. We all saw the video of the drones in South America taken down by lasers used in mass. I have no doubt there are left wing chats and webpages celebrating these victories and discussing the use of green lasers as a “non-violent” weapon of revolution. Blue lasers will certainly make an appearance as well as they are much more powerful. Good Bye 2020! Hello Laser lights and Hindsights!
Also, to our LEO’s and Military; You only can be permanently blinded once… FYI.

This is now the standard. The future was yesterday.

So…
I did some research, and it turns out that there is no “all purpose” laser safe lens. They are designed for each specific wavelength. However, they do make one that is a “general purpose” laser safe lense; But they specify that it is not nearly as effective as a dedicated lens.
During this same period we saw projectiles, fireworks, and gas being used in conjunction with paintballs and airsoft guns to assault citizens, military, and police. I decided I needed some better protective eyewear that will met the needs of the modern battlefield, or revolution… And make no mistake, the modern battlefield is saturated with lasers. Some lasers you can see, and others you can not. Both are very dangerous.
My search led me to Revision, a military and law enforcement eye protection contract supplier. They make great stuff. 10 years ago, the Revision gear didn’t have quite the same aesthetics as the Oakleys, so Oakley was favored by the average police officer or military service member.

Times have changed… You heard it here first Partisans.

I found the Revision Stingerhawk Laser Protective Eyewear and The FT-2 Laser Lens.
This protects against Blue, Green, and Violet Lenses.
https://www.revisionmilitary.com/en/eyewear/laser/laser-promotion/stingerhawk-eyewear-essential-kit-with-ft-2-laser-lens
This one offers minimal protection against most common lasers.
https://www.revisionmilitary.com/en/eyewear/laser/gi-19-laser-protection/stingerhawk-eyewear-gi-19-laser-protective-basic-kit
There are lenses to protect against InfraRed and Various Wavelenghts.
About the lenses,
They make two sizes. Large and Regular for both the frames and lens.
Curiously, the lens has a mark on it that says “No Driving”. Which, of course, I tested. Don’t use the lenses when you drive. Wow… That is pretty difficult… Especially at night.
I purchased two extra frames for a total of three. Which cost about $60, or $30 per frame. I don’t have to swap the lens and frame now; Which can be rather difficult as they are quite tight. I decided to skip this so I can switch to clear, smoke, or laser safe depending on the situation rather quickly. Like driving, shooting, or overwatch.
The laser lens offers many of the same advantages as a proper high def lens. If you have never used a proper pair of HD lenses, I highly recommend them; Wow do they work great. In the snow you can see much, much more detail and you don’t get “washed out” or fatigued by too much light. “Snowblind” is, in fact, a real threat. The Laser Lenses are HD and also help with this very, very well. I walked around in the snow wearing my lenses quite a bit last week, and will during the next round of snow we receive. I also tested my laser lens with my binoculars, spotting scope, and optical sights for my rifles. Perfection… No problems at all. Maybe even more clear if you can believe that.
The “Stingerhawks” work really, really well; And they are very comfortable and have great aesthetics. I give them a 100% in satisfaction. And, I am going to write the “Consumer Requests” division at Revision and ask them to make a set of “Blue” lenses that can be used while I work at a computer. I hope they take my request seriously. Screens and lasers… Amirite?

For the record, you don’t need to buy extra nose pieces, just some extra frames. And two full frames fit in the nice case, with the third on your face. You also receive enough soft cloth bags to keep your lenses in while nested in the case. The package comes with Smoke, Clear, and FT-2 lenses if you purchase the combination. Though it isn’t pictured on the website.

Revision also offers an awesome discount for the police, military, and firefighters. The link is on the right side of the webpage, under the checkout box. It’s an awesome % off. And really takes the “Sting” out of the Stingerhawks.

I can’t wait to take my new lenses to the skeet and trap range this weekend for some moving target training.

Thanks for reading. Share with a friend and check out our great sponsors.
-Johnny Paratrooper

By Johnny ParatrooperPublished On: February 16, 2021Categories: Gear Reviews, Tactical, Weapons20 Comments

About the Author: Johnny Paratrooper

Born and Raised in Baltimore City, Maryland. History Degree. 8 Years Airborne Infantry and Scouts Platoon. Iraq Veteran. 4-5 Years as a doorman, bar back, and bouncer in Baltimore. Worked in Construction, Heavy Equipment Demolition, Corporate Security, Sales, Forest Service contractor, and the Hospitality Industry. Raised Catholic. Hobbies are race cars and sport bikes. Side projects are HAM radio credentials and long range shooting. MY EMAIL IS [email protected]. Founder of Green Dragon Academy https://www.patreon.com/GreenDragonAcademy

20 Comments

Anonymous February 16, 2021 at 14:26

5
James February 16, 2021 at 16:47

Shame they can’t (as of yet)have a full protection in one lens,folks in large crowds(why am I there?)have multi wave lasers guess the one size fits/not optimal but better then nothing way to go.
On a side note,depending on the situation not sure I have any issue with citizens lasering/taking down govt. drones.
Are there mobile lasers strong enough available/build-able to general public that will negate the glasses,am sure they are there,just not sure how quick the tech leaks down.
For those who wear glasses they as of yet make these with say a clip on lens like the old glasses with sun shade clip ons.
I can see for cops/emt’s/firefighters these a real need during”peaceful protests” as seen in recent history.
- Johnny Paratrooper February 16, 2021 at 16:54
  
  The lens manual says they will change color when exposed to enough laser energy. They do, in fact, absorb the energy. It states not to test your laser on the lens or you will damage them.
  - James February 16, 2021 at 17:26
    
    Are these a one shot deal if you get tagged by say “peaceful protestors”?
    As we are talking our eye site really do not want to risk it,any way to know these still good for go vrs. not good if one gets tagged?
    I will see if I can get manual online,perhaps the ?’s I have(a bunch) might be answered there,thanks any how for initial review.
    - Johnny Paratrooper February 17, 2021 at 19:11
      
      Yes and No. That depends on the distances from target and the power of the laser. The lens will degrade the more you take. It’s better than nothing.
  - James February 16, 2021 at 17:30
    
    Sigh,should have checked,site has a lot of pdf’s and to those of us who need “corrective lens”they can be made.
  - SOG February 17, 2021 at 08:19
    
    any idea if these work with NODS as you tested with other optics. also what from the laser took down the drone sensors disrupted?
    - Johnny Paratrooper February 17, 2021 at 09:48
      
      The drone most likely overheated. I would guess. I didn’t test with NODs. I have a pair of NODs siting right here too. The lenses are pretty dark when you put them on at night, it would probably be the best to wear the clear lens. I am sure they work just fine with NODs. I had no trouble viewing a computer screen or my vehicle’s dash. I’ll test the NOD’s tonight and update the article as soon as I find out.
      - LP February 17, 2021 at 18:38
        
        I purchased the FT-2 (laser safe) orange lenses a while back, last night after reading the review I got curious as to how they would do with NODS so I got them out to see what affect it would have if any, they did great but with a caveat, with the PVS14 (green screen) it eliminates the green screen but gives it a ever slight orange screen tint, but I liked that a lot better than the green screen effect and for me it’s an improvement. I have the I2 laser and illuminator it turns both the laser and illuminator orange, a burnt orange color not a bright orange like the lenses. FT-2 orange lenses, PVS14 green screen, I2 laser and illuminator definitely works, changes the color, but works. I’m curious to see if you get the same affect with the orange lenses and what you thought of the color changes
      - Johnny Paratrooper February 17, 2021 at 18:58
        
        I have a white phosphorous NODs. Same effect as yourself, but orange in color. Like the dull colored orange drink from middle school. They weren’t bad at all. I’d imagine it takes some of the sting out of those green NODs given the “green” laser protection design. The color wave lengths are the same, regardless of power.
LP February 16, 2021 at 18:20

I purchased them in July better to have and not need than need and not have, didn’t see the use of lasers going away any time soon. Spot on review, Thanks Johnny Paratrooper, the only thing I can add is that they offer a prescription insert frame and connector that attaches to the nose piece, at the time they would even make the lenses for you or you could just purchase the frame and have the lenses made yourself.
momg February 18, 2021 at 12:14

Will anyone speak to how lasers may impact the function of nods. It’s been mentioned but not fully addressed.
- Johnny Paratrooper February 18, 2021 at 12:19
  
  There are laser protective filters. Call Ready Made Resources. They have some in stock. The “Combat” setting on military lasers will fry optical systems like digital targeting sights, NODS, and Thermals. Don’t test this on your NODs. It will ruin the phosphorus filter and burn lines into your NODs or, worst case scenario, burn out the entire filter.
- NC Scout February 18, 2021 at 12:58
  
  They’ll destroy them by burning the image tube.
  - momg February 18, 2021 at 13:35
    
    You’re speaking of the light interference filter?
    Someone once told me that lasers have been used to prep assault objectives immediately prior to the advance.
    After reading your article, different lasers and wavelengths have different protection requirements. This product description mentions nothing related to this.
    Any thoughts you may have would be interesting to consider.
    Product Description
    The Night Vision Goggle Light Interference Filter (LIF), Night Vision Lens for PVS 14 & 7 screws in to the front lens of your PVS14 or PVS7 night vision device and provides additional protection against high light sources and lasers. Also provides a much crisper view of an IR light source- avoid some of the “bloom” seen on the target when using an IR laser.
    The Light Interference Filter (LIF) protects night vision devices from damage caused by IR lasers and other high powered IR illuminators.
    - NC Scout February 18, 2021 at 13:38
      
      Yeah that’s what they’re for.
      What you’re referencing as prepping targets is for marking targets to other assets, ground or air. That’s where IR lasers come in.
      I have several different ones on weapons for aiming under NODs. The Holosun IR laser is great for the money. I’m also a big fan of Steiner.
    - Johnny Paratrooper February 18, 2021 at 13:38
      
      Yes, You found it. And I am writing an article on lasers right now.
    - vyt1az February 23, 2021 at 10:43
      
      My understanding was that the LIF can’t block IR lasers hitting your NODs. If it could you wouldn’t be able to see your own IR laser with your own NODs.
      They block the green light spectrum of lasers.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9bHPc2QhAo
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGEFLsNPqdY
      - Johnny Paratrooper February 23, 2021 at 11:01
        
        It protects your NODs. That’s what it was designed for.
Anonymous April 14, 2021 at 06:28

4.5