Review: Wiley X Sunglasses

In the realm of high-performance eyewear, Wiley X stands out as a brand synonymous with durability, style, and unparalleled protection. Their reputation for crafting sunglasses that blend tactical functionality and occupation approved safety requirements with everyday usability is well-earned. The good folks over at Wiley X were kind enough to send me 4 pairs to try and test. In this review, we dive into four of Wiley X’s most popular models: the Wiley X Kingpin, Wiley X Alfa, Wiley X Omega, and Wiley X Peak. Each model boasts unique features and design elements, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and tactical professionals in addition to narrow and wide faces. From the ruggedly stylish Kingpin to the versatile and comfortable Alfa, the classic yet modern Omega, and the sleek, sporty Peak, we explore how these sunglasses stand up to the demands of extreme environments and everyday use. Each pair had a high safety rating, so these glasses are geared towards those that work with their hands or environments where safety eyewear is required. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, cruising down a highway, or navigating urban landscapes, let us help you if you’re considering Wiley X for your next shade.

The Wiley X Alfa 9

I was sent the Wiley X Alfa Polarized with a Black Frame and a Captivate Polarized Grey Lenz as shown above. The product includes the glasses, a drawstring bag, leash cord, a zippered clamshell case, and a Microfiber Bag, sideshields (and thankfully, sideshield instructions). They are part of the Active6 lineup, which means it is built with a flatter 6-base lens that can take on a higher prescription range while offer the same protecting and clarity as well their other Wiley X sunglasses. It is a rectangular build and although it does not specify on their website, I find it to be a fit for a larger and/or wider head. I feel this way because I come accompanied with a large head (7 and 5/8 hat size) and this was the best looking on my head of the 4 pairs I tried on. I was not alone in that thought process, skimming through the reviews I found that the larger the head – the happier the customer. These are marketed towards hunters but work great for all activities.

Notable Specs

Frame Durability. Constructed from the toughest non-metal material available – a Triloid Nylon.
Shatterproof Lenses. You can drop 1.1lb projectile from 50″ and the lense will not shatter. It will, however, scratch – so don’t try this out on purpose.
Clarity and Vision. The lens provided tremendous clarity with their Captivate Technology. I am not a huge fan of dark gray/black lenses as I prefer my lens to brighten up my day but these dark grays that I were sent would be perfect for a bluebird day and not too dark on a gloomy day. Wiley X’s website has a great feature on each product where you can choose the environment and lens to see what you would see and I found it to be extremely accurate based on my personal experience. Clarity wasn’t the only improvement, my vision was clearer, especially at long distances.
Sideshields. I had actually never seen these on sunglasses before and my usual preferences include Smith, Maui’s, Oakley’s, and Costa’s. I was new to this technology. The sideshield attached easily (once I read the instructions) and serve beneficial in many use cases including weed eating, riding, shooting, or anything else where debris can enter your eye from the side.

Dimensions

132.5MM hinge to hinge
18mm bridge
56 (width) x 43 (height) mm lens
135mm temple length

Pros

Versatility. These can be used for quite literally any outdoor activity. Shooting, golfing, running, riding, working, these have you covered.
Stylish. These were my favorite looking pair of the 4 I was sent.
Comfort. I wouldn’t consider Wiley X sunglasses comfortable compared to non-protective eyewear, but for its safety rating and durability this was the most comfortable pair I tried on of the 4 I was provided.
Highly rated. On their on website, these had an average rating 1-5 of 4.8. We will get to that as you see the comparison to others in this review.

Cons

Well, comfort. I know I said it’s one of the pros, but I don’t typically purchase eyewear that requires protection and the Triloid Nylon these come accompanied with weren’t the most comfortable glasses I’ve ever put on. However, they were noticeably lightweight as mentioned in their product description.
I have not yet worn these long enough to report any other cons but I did spend time perusing the “negative” side of the reviews/comments and they were less than any other pair. 1 user stated they developed a spot in the center of the lens but it appears they were quickly taken care of.

Where to buy (click any of the links below to shop)

Directly on Wiley X Website for $113-185
OpticsPlanet for same price
Important to note: the $113 pair is not polarized.

The Wiley X Kingpin

If you just read the Wiley X Review on the Alfa and thought “that’s great, but I have a smaller or narrow face” – then this is the shade for you. The Wiley X Kingpin comes equipped with all the bells and whistles of the Alfa but excludes the sideshields. You have 3 Lens options, all with the Captivate technology that enhances the clarity and vision – Blue Mirror, Green Mirrow, and Bronze Mirror and only 1 frame option – black. The product I was sent was Blue Mirror and the vision looked very in line with what they have on their website. It is as mentioned, sleeker than the Alfa and as advertised on their website with one important note. The “blue” lens is not nearly as blue as you’d think from purchasing on their site. For better, or for worse, I happen to like the subtleness of the product I was sent rather than how it is shown on their website. While being out on a sunny day may change it, I had the office at full lighting. Here is a picture for comparison.

Dimensions

128.3mm hinge to hinge
19mm bridge
60 (width) x 40 (height) mm lens
122mm temple length

Pros

Versatility. These can be used for quite literally any outdoor activity. Shooting, golfing, running, riding, working, these have you covered.

Cons

These had a few more negative comments and reviews than the Alfa, with the most common theme being not fitting well, as they are as mentioned a narrower fit.
Fit and lack of options. If you don’t have a narrow head, you may not love the fit of these shades.

Where to buy (click any of the links below to shop)

Directly on the Wiley X Website for $180-$185
These glasses are not found cheaper anywhere else, once you select the lens options).

The Wiley X Omega

If you read the last 2 reviews and thought, “my head isn’t large or small, it’s just normal” then this is the fit for you. The sizing of the Wiley X Omega is somewhere between the Alfa and the Wiley (closer to the Alfa than the Kingpin) and is a great shade. I was sent the WX Omega Jacob Wheeler Edition which is just the Wiley X Omega with a treble hook logo and his signature. For those who don’t know who Jacob Wheeler is, he’s a Professional Bass Fishing Angler and 2019 Major League Fishing’s World Champion. If you aren’t a fan and don’t like Treble hooks, don’t worry – there’s 4 other options to choose from. They come equipped with a leash cord with Rubber Grips, black zippered clamshell, and cleaning cloth or microfiber bag depending on the model. I noticed the same thing with these sunglasses as I did with the Kingpin, the image on the website is brightened up compared to the product I received which is great if you’re looking for subtle and not so great if you’re looking for a more vibrant look.

Dimensions

132.8mm hinge to hinge
17mm bridge
66 (width) x 42 (height) mm lens
125mm temple length

Pros

Versatility. These are marketed towards fishermen but can be used for most if not all activities as is the case with Wiley X Sunglasses in general.
Simple. If “normal looking” sunglasses fit you best, this exemplifies simple yet stylish.
Highly rated. While not rated as high as the 4.8 rating of the Alfa, these had an average rating of 4.7 which is higher than the Kingpin.

Cons

I had to look at the barcode to see what color lens I got. It was green but I had no idea if it was green or blue.
Look, this goes for all the Wiley X sunglasses – but what makes them great also makes them unfavorable to some. They are built to absorb impact, so they are actually made softer – and that makes them more susceptible to scratches.
Price – not much, but they average about $10 more than the other pairs in this article.

Where to Buy:

Directly on the Wiley X Website

Wiley X Peak

From a customer standpoint, the Wiley X Peak was the lowest rated on their website with a rating of 4.3 and all complaints have a similar theme – the nose piece seems to wear. I have had these for a week and therefore – can’t say the same but it is important to note. If I had one of my own complaints it would be the same as the other pairs, I had no idea what lense color I was provided. I was positive it was a black lens until I looked them up and noticed that they don’t have a black lens in this option and was provided the Captivate Polarized Copper lens. After the above 2 notables, the complaints stop. These have my favorite frame and while I wasn’t sure what color lens I was looking into, looking out of them is incredible. It is one of my favorite lenses I’ve ever put on. If it weren’t for the nose issue and the possibility that someone could buy a lens they aren’t completely sure the color of – they’d be my highest rated of the 4.

Dimensions

131.9mm hinge to hinge
15mm bridge
65 (width) x 40 (height) mm lens
130mm temple length

Pros

The copper lens was the best lens of the 4.
Very comfortable for safety approved sunglasses.

Cons

Wear and tear on the nose piece
Lens color, as mentioned.

Wiley X Apex

The WX Apex quickly stands out as the most sleek pair of Wiley X sunglasses I’ve tested, striking a perfect balance between performance and style. Its medium-to-large fit works especially well on oval, round, and square face shapes, giving a flattering wrap without feeling bulky. While the removable side shields and ANSI Z87.1+ certification make it an easy choice for demanding sports like fishing, shooting, and boating, the CAPTIVATE™ Polarized Tungsten Mirror lenses and streamlined design also transition seamlessly into everyday life. Out of all the pairs I’ve received, this one is versatile enough to wear in the office, at a wedding, or as a sharp fashion statement—proof that protective eyewear doesn’t have to look tactical to deliver top-tier performance.

Dimensions:

Lens width: 56 mm
Bridge width (nose piece): 17 mm
Lens height: 43 mm
Temple length (arm length): 137 mm
Overall frame width: approximately 137 mm
Fit: Medium to Large head size; “Headsize: Medium – Large” per specs.

Pros:

Versatile Style – Sleek enough for the office, weddings, and casual wear, yet rugged enough for fishing, shooting, and outdoor sports.
High Protection – Removable side shields with ANSI Z87.1+ impact certification provide safety beyond standard sunglasses.
Enhanced Clarity – CAPTIVATE™ Polarized Tungsten Mirror lenses boost contrast, filter harmful light, and reduce glare on water or pavement.
Secure, Comfortable Fit – Dual-injected rubber nose pads and temple tips ensure stability on oval, round, and square face shapes.

Cons:

Premium Price Point – Higher cost compared to standard sunglasses may not fit all budgets.
Medium/Large Fit Only – May feel oversized or loose on narrower face shapes.

Wiley X Founder

The WX Founder has quickly become one of my favorite pairs of Wiley X sunglasses. They’ve got that bold, squared-off look that feels rugged but still manages to pull double duty as an everyday pair. The polarized green mirror lenses pop in bright sun, especially around water, and the frame has just enough edge to stand out without being over the top. What I like most is the versatility—you can wear them fishing, shooting, or hiking, but they don’t look out of place at a backyard wedding or a night out. Out of all the Wiley X styles I’ve tested, the Founders really nail that balance between performance and personality.

Dimensions:

Lens width: 56 mm
Lens height: 44 mm
Bridge width (nose piece): 17 mm
Temple length (arm length): 135 mm
Frame width: approximately 141 mm (medium-large fit)

Pros:

Exceptional optical clarity and color enhancement — The CAPTIVATE™ Polarized Green Mirror lenses boost contrast, filter out harmful blue-light (HEV), and reduce glare from reflective surfaces.
High-impact protection with optional side shields — The frame meets ANSI Z87.1+ certified high-mass/high-velocity impact standards and comes with removable (or permanent) side shields to boost peripheral/side protection.
Durable, high-performance construction — Features shatter-proof Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses, a Triloid™ nylon frame, and dual-injected rubberized temples for stable, comfortable wear even during active use.
Versatile for both work / sport and casual / everyday wear — While the build is rugged enough for outdoor, adventure or tactical use, the bold yet clean silhouette makes it suitable for everyday settings too (whether casual, driving, or stepping out).

Cons:

Relatively bulky silhouette — With a frame width around 141 mm and a lens height of ~44 mm, the Founder leans toward a medium–large fit and may overwhelm narrower or smaller-face shapes.
Premium price for added features — The inclusion of side shields, ANSI Z87.1+ impact certification and advanced lenses pushes the cost above what many casual-wear sunglasses cost, which could turn off users who don’t need the full safety/tactical feature set.

Wiley X Sierra

If you’re looking for a sunglass that doesn’t scream “tactical gear” but still delivers serious performance, the WX Sierra might be it. I’ve worn this pair fishing, hiking and just around town, and what impresses me most is how perfectly it walks that line between rugged and polished. The polarized green‐mirror lenses give things a subtle pop of color and clarity, while the frame stays light and comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it. I found that whether I was out casting on the water, driving across town or grabbing a coffee after a job, the Sierra fit in effortlessly — it’s not over-the-top, but it’s built for action. If you’ve got a medium-to-large sized face (or prefer a bit more coverage) this one may become your go-to for both adventure and everyday style.

Dimensions:

Bridge width: 15 mm
Lens width: 60 mm
Lens height: 43 mm
Temple length: 133 mm
Fit: Medium to Large head size

Pros:

Versatile style – I discovered it’s comfortable enough for daily wear (town, errands, casual outings) and still capable in more demanding settings like fishing or shooting.
Excellent coverage – The 60 mm lens width and wrap style give good side protection and a fuller face fit, which can help keep glare or peripheral light out.
High-performance lens tech – The CAPTIVATE™ Polarized Green Mirror lenses boost clarity, reduce glare and give a pleasing visual pop.
Lightweight & comfortable – It doesn’t feel heavy or clunky; the fit stays secure without feeling overly tight or intrusive.

Cons:

Might be too big for smaller faces – With a larger lens width and overall fit geared to medium/large sizes, it could overwhelm narrower face shapes.
Premium pricing – You’re paying for the combination of style + performance tech; if you only want casual sunnies, it may be more than you need.

FAQ’s

Where are Wiley X Sunglasses Made?

Wiley X Sunglasses are designed, engineered, and headquartered in the U.S – but many of the brand’s frames are assembled with parts from different countries in Asia – including China. However, the Romer 3 and the XL-1 Advanced are made completely in the U.S.

Where is the best place to buy Wiley X Sunglasses?

The best place to buy Wiley X sunglasses is directly on their website. Cheaper prices aren’t found anywhere else on the website and they have recognized commendable customer service. Should you have an issue, it is also probably best to file your complaint on their website in which their customer service team has a quick response time.

How do I find the best Wiley X Sunglasses for me?

Their website is awesome at this. Go to the sunglasses tab, and then filter your price, desired lens color, frame color, fit, and more. I found the answers to those question in line with what I received, with the exception of lens color as mentioned several times above.

In conclusion, the Wiley X Kingpin, Alfa, Omega, and Peak sunglasses each bring something unique to the table, solidifying Wiley X’s reputation for producing top-tier eyewear. The Kingpin impresses with its robust build and stylish aesthetics, perfect for those seeking a blend of fashion and function. The Alfa stands out for its versatility and comfort, making it a go-to choice for diverse activities. The Omega offers a timeless design with modern features, appealing to users who favor a classic look with advanced protection. Lastly, the Peak’s sleek design and sporty appeal cater to the active and adventurous. Across the board, these models demonstrate Wiley X’s commitment to quality, safety, and style. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a tactical professional, or simply someone who values eye protection without compromising on style, Wiley X offers a model that will meet your expectations at a cost that is reasonable and, in many cases, cheaper than competitors of a similar quality.

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