First Look: Wiley X Axe and Apex Eye Protection

Ballistic-rated eyewear that looks great anywhere.

by
posted on April 6, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Wiley X

Wiley X continues to expand its lifestyle options with the recent launch of two new frames, the Wiley X Axe and Wiley X Apex.

The new Axe and Apex frames are an extension of the WX Founders models that the company originally released in early 2024. The latest models include features such as stainless-steel temples and smaller frame sizes which provide a better fit for certain customers. Even though these new frames are cataloged as ‘lifestyle’ products, their lenses are still tested to meet ANSI Z87.1+ safety specifications. This is due to the addition of shatterproof Selenite 6-Base lenses in both the Axe and Apex frames. This means that in addition to blocking out harmful UV rays, the Axe and Apex are impact rated and won’t be out of place on or off the range.

End-users also have the option of adding separate sides in order to enhance their sunglasses’ safety rating from ANSI Z87.1+ alone to the combination of ANSI Z87.1+ and EN.166 safety ratings.

“We are so excited to be adding the Axe and Apex into our Active 6 Series line,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and co-founder at Wiley X. “Wiley X has always been about providing uncompromising eyewear solutions, and the Axe and Apex frames are no exception. From impact resistance to sleek, lightweight designs, these frames set a new benchmark for protective eyewear.”

Both the Wiley X Axe and Wiley X Apex models are 100-percent made in the USA. Besides using the safety rated standard lenses, both pieces of eyewear can be had with polarized or non-polarized lenses. Axe or Apex frames will also accommodate prescription lenses by way of Wiley X’s proprietary Digiforce 2 lens technology.

Visit wileyx.com to learn more about this new eyewear or other products from Wiley X.

Latest

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 lever-action rifle in 360 Buckhammer
Smith & Wesson Model 1854 lever-action rifle in 360 Buckhammer

First Look: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Lever-Action Rifle in 360 Buckhammer

Smith & Wesson's popular lever-action rifle now has another straight-walled cartridge option.

Handguns: Carry Rotation Downside

Back when I first got into the gun business in the mid-1990s, my gun-handling and shooting skills were, to put it charitably, extremely—well, let’s go with “mediocre.”

First Look: Crossbreed Lightguard Holster

Crossbreed has released a holster for pistols with attached weaponlights.

Rifles: Find the Right Ammunition

Sometimes, trial and error is the only way to “fix” a poorly performing rifle.

First Look: Girsan CMX Witness 2311 Pistol

Girsan has removed the grip safety from the double-stack 1911 design in this new pistol.

Tech Wisdom: Snakes vs. Patches

My friend and I have a few different handguns we use on a regular basis. Some are for competition, some are for personal defense, some are for casual shooting and I even hunt big game with a handgun.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.