REVIEW: OAKLEY M-FRAME Ballistic Test

We've always wanted to know: what can a ballistic protective glasses actually withstand? We always see pictures and videos from the manufacturer, so we decided to test it ourselves - or rather have it tested by KL-Strategic. Are we crazy and destroying good Oakley glasses? Yes, we are, and we do it for you - with great support from the general importer Spezial Brandz, who kindly provided us with some glasses for this massacre. Take a look and you will be surprised by how much these glasses can actually withstand.

Ballistic protective glasses tests were conducted on Oakley brand glasses, model M-Frame.

The test shots were conducted by a recognized expert in a shooting range with piston ventilation, away from the public eye. For the tests, a Remington 1100 self-loading shotgun with 12/70 caliber and full choke was used.

1. Testing procedure:

A Direct fire from close range:

Distance: 7m

Ammunition: S&B shot, 2.4mm, 24 grams

The protective glasses show massive, superficial penetration, without penetration. The nose area shows deformation due to concentrated energy delivery from the shot.

The shot pattern opened up to a maximum diameter of 9cm at a distance of 5m.

The concentrated, high energy delivery in a small area led to a full imprint on the ballistic protective glass in the covered facial area to a depth of 1.2mm.

CONCLUSION:

The ballistic protection is effective. Injuries due to massive energy release on covered facial parts could not be prevented. Fractures of the eye sockets and nasal bone may be expected.

B Ricochet test:

Distance: 15m

Bullet ricochet from steel plate at 45° angle

Ammunition: S&B shot, 2.4mm, 24 grams

The protective glasses show light scratch marks from individual bullets. No penetration, no penetration.

The energy of individual bullets was diverted by the shaping and flexibility of the ballistic protective glasses.

CONCLUSION:

There are no injuries from energy release or direct bullet impact.

C Direct fire:

Distance: 15m

Ammunition: S&B shot, 2.4mm, 24 grams

The protective glasses show superficial penetration of individual bullets. No penetration.

Slight imprint on the nose bridge due to energy release. This may result in a slight fracture of the nasal bone. No imprint of the protective glasses in the covered area is visible.

The shot pattern has opened up to approximately 28cm in diameter, providing full coverage by the bullet pattern.

CONCLUSION:

The energy and distribution of the bullets in the target area are comparable to the fragmentation effect of a soldier's blast mine or an improvised explosive and incendiary device with similar explosive power with fragment effect. Effective ballistic protection in the covered area is to be expected.

D Direct fire:

Distance: 20m

Ammunition: S&B shot, 2.4mm, 28 grams

The protective glasses show slight superficial penetration of individual bullets. No deformation, no penetration. The energy release caused a slight imprint on the nose bridge, but no significant injury patterns can be inferred.

The bullet pattern has opened up to approximately 57cm wide, providing full coverage.

Some bullets were diverted at the edge due to the shaping of the protective glasses, leaving superficial scratch marks.

CONCLUSION: Energy and bullet distribution in the target area correspond to the detonation of a small improvised explosive and incendiary device with fragmentation effect at medium range. Complete ballistic protection in the covered area is ensured.

2. Evaluation

The Oakley brand ballistic protective glasses, model M-Frame, offer overall high-quality ballistic protection against fragmentation. The construction and design of the interchangeable protective lenses provide effective fragment protection by preventing penetration of individual projectiles and deflecting projectiles.

Even at close range, there was no penetration of projectiles. Deformation and full imprint of the protective glass as a result of energy delivery from the projectiles led to minor to moderate injury patterns in the direct use area of the ballistic protective glasses.

The earpieces of the protective glasses were not further considered in the tests due to destruction. It is assumed, however, that the frame of the lens provides even more stability and thus increases the protective effect slightly.

In summary, the protective glasses offer effective ballistic protection against direct and indirect fragmentation. When combined with other ballistic protective elements (e.g. helmet, protective visor, etc.), effective overall head protection can be expected.

The minor to moderate injury patterns are not considered life-threatening on their own.

The ballistic protection against fragmentation and individual projectiles of lower to medium energies is fully effective.

The protection complies with ANSI-Z87.1-2003 as well as ANSI-Z87.1-2010. The M-Frame 2.0/3.0 also meets EN166 / STANAG 2920 / MIL PRF 32432 Ballistic Fragmentation / MIL V50, which covers pretty much everything that can come at protective glasses.

Our CONCLUSION:

One should not intentionally shoot an Oakley glasses on their face, but it can be assumed that fragments, airsoft pellets or shot will not cost precious eyesight if wearing an Oakley M-Frame.

Thanks again to Spezial Brandz for the test glasses and to Khi Pa from KL-Strategic for conducting the tests and providing the expert report.

Oakley glasses can be purchased at many retailers in Germany or Austria.