REVIEW: ESS INFLUX™ AVS™ Goggles

Burning hot desert sand ... is not only bright and blinding, but can also quickly get into your eyes in the form of fine sand carried by the wind. Sunglasses won't help, something better is needed: The ESS INFLUX™ AVS™ Goggles.

In addition to Oakley, Wiley X, and Revision, ESS is active in the military optics sector. The company offers a variety of sunglasses and some dust protection goggles, one of the newest models being the INFLUX™ AVS™ goggles.Compared to the well-known Profile NVG, the INFLUX™ is slightly larger, but also offers better thermal properties. At first glance, it may seem huge, but it fits perfectly under an OPS Core helmet.The goggles come with a headband, protective sleeve, two lenses (tinted and clear), a protective cover for the second lens, and a carrying case.The carrying case can be opened with Velcro, and has two straps on the back to attach it - also with Velcro.

The protective sleeve is elastic and can slide to the side on the headband when needed, then being held by the headband.If you want to use the goggles without the headband, or remove the sleeve, you can detach the points with a twist and quickly separate the goggles from the rest (as seen in the video).

The special feature of the dust protection goggles is the AVS™ System. AVS stands for Adjustable Ventilation System - a system that allows for adjustable ventilation. This system is realized with the Roto-Clip™, located at the root of the nose. This small clip pivots the lens forward or backward.

When the lens is pivoted forward, warm air from inside the goggles can escape through the ventilation slots. When the lens is in the rear position, the goggles are dustproof. Ventilation slots are distributed over the top and bottom edges of the INFLUX goggles.The Roto-Clip™ also has another function: changing lenses. With a little practice, you can pivot the lens forward and then easily detach it from the points (see video for demonstration).

When wearing the goggles, this feature becomes noticeable quickly: with a closed system, the goggles tend to fog up quickly under physical exertion. This problem is familiar with all dust protection goggles without special ventilation. However, when the lens is pivoted, the temperature regulates quite well - not as well as with a fan like the ESS Turbofan does, but still quite impressive for a passive system.

We also simulated dust protection. For this, we used a blower and a bag of flour. We tried to make the scenario as realistic as possible. In a sandstorm or similar situation, one would wear a face mask under the goggles. This naturally prevents complete sealing and thus some "dust" got under the goggles.Overall, despite the gaps caused by the neck gaiter, the goggles held up well and in our opinion provide adequate protection.Speaking of protection: The INFLUX™ AVS™ also provides protection against projectiles and fragments according to the following standards:

U.S. MIL SPEC MIL-PRF-32432

ANSI Z87.1 – 2010

OSHA & CE EN166

The lenses are made of 3mm thick polycarbonate. The tinted lens has UV protection and 90% VLT (Visible Light Transmission).

The complete manual can be found directly on the ESS website.

CONCLUSION: The ESS INFLUX™ AVS™ Goggles impress with good craftsmanship, performance, and a fair price. If sunglasses are not enough, a dust protection goggle like this is recommended. The ESS INFLUX™ AVS™ Goggles are currently available in Terrain Tan and Black - Foliage Green is in development.

The ESS INFLUX™ AVS™ Goggles can be purchased for 135 euros at the Marines-Shop.

ESS on the Internet: www.esseyepro.com/

The MARINES SHOP on the Internet: www.marines-shop.com