OAKLEY A Frame Goggles by AFA

Hey guys I am back again.  This time with a short review on the 1:6 scale Oakley A frame Goggles set made by AFA (who ever the are) and distributed by, and under license to Realistic Miniatures Collectable Company (I know who they are).  This set of limited edition (500 sets) Oakley A Frame Tactical Series goggles includes four different goggles for one-sixth scale modern military figures. The set includes one each: desert tan frame with clear lens; desert tan frame with persimmon lens; tactical black frame with clear lens; and olive drab frame with clear lens. MSRP for this set is $24.99.  This item is available at Good Stuff to Go (http://www.goodstufftogo.net/html/catalog1.asp?ID=341).

Fig 1: AFA’s One-sixth-Scale Oakley A Frame Set

Background

The Oakley A-Frames’ lenses protect against 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC blue light and are bullet proof. This sun protection is extremely important for those who spend full days in this environment.  Even when used at night, users find that the Oakley A-Frames, made of a durable material called Plutonite, are the perfect guard for your eyes – sand and debris are no match for the impact resistance of the A-Frame’s dual lens architecture. The goggles are lined with a triple layer of polar fleece face foam that is sure to keep your face warm on even the coldest nights.

Fig 2: Oakley A Frame Goggles

An Oakley sales article states that the Oakley A-Frames are also superior to their competitors in terms of fit. Even in very cold weather, the frames’ urethane material is flexible. This helps the goggles adjust to your unique facial structure and ensures against the entry of any cold air. The Oakley A-Frame’s strap is wide and soft, and so fits comfortably around the head.

• Superior clarity and impact resistance of optically precise dual lens architecture
• Comfort of triple-layer polar fleece face foam with moisture wicking
• Fog reduction of surge port venting, dual lens design, and F-3 Series anti-fog treatment
• Wide field of downward & side vision plus clarity at all angles of view via patented XYZ Optics®
• Performance and protection that exceeds ANSI Z87.1 / ASTM F659 standards
• Flexibility of urethane frame construction, even in extreme cold
• Reduced glare via textured interior surface
• Contrast enhancement and glare reduction of optional Iridium® lens coating
• Impact resistance of durable Plutonite® lens material
• 100% eye protection against UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light
• Comfortable and secure fit of wide, adjustable elastic strap
• Convenience of optional adaptation kit for using strap with helmet

This item was available to DoD personal through the Rapid Fielding Initiative.  As the battlefield of the 21st century evolves, so does the equipment that keeps soldiers in the fight. In response to the rapid deployments of the past few years, the U.S. Army leaders have created the Rapid Fielding Initiative, known as RFI, which aims to ensure that soldiers are issued the most technologically advanced equipment available to them.  The RFI delivers Soldiers, civilians and contractors the proper equipment they need before they deploy to their area of responsibility.  RFI speeds up the acquisition process by acquiring approved RFI equipment (commercial off-the-shelf, government off-the-shelf and current government-issued equipment) and then fields this equipment to deploying Soldiers.

One item you guys and gals may have seen in many of the military photos coming out of the big sand box is a cover used with goggles.  This item is there for a reason.  As the military as gone to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items under the RFI program, users must follow the manufacture’s guidance for care and use.   Although bulletproof and definitely winter resistant, Oakley Goggles (As well as other vendors goggles) Iridium coated lenses must be treated with special care. When not in use, Oakley’s should be stored in the Micro Bag received with the goggles.  The Micro Bag consists of extremely fine fibrous threads tightly woven together. The actual thread substance and construction method are of a sponge-like quality that lifts grease, moisture and dirt from the lenses. The Micro-Bag is machine washable and is should be kept clean possible.