Updated on May 1, 2024
What are TAC Glasses?


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TAC Glasses Review
TAC sunglasses are special polarized lenses made from triacetate acetate cellulose. They reduce glare and improve vision clarity while driving, playing sports, or simply being outside in the sun.
Whether you're an avid outdoor athlete or spend much time outdoors, you must protect your eyes while in the sun. This article will help guide you while shopping for TAC glasses.
Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts
Best Overall: Warby Parker
Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect
Also Great: Liingo
Best Place to Buy Contacts: Discount Contacts
Do TAC Glasses Actually Work?
According to customer reviews, many people who wear TAC glasses are impressed with the glare reduction they provide, especially with oncoming headlights while driving. Visual clarity and their ability to enhance colors are also better than regular glasses.
Bell + Howell Tac Glasses
Several people who bought Tac glasses from ‘As Seen on TV’ ads (made by Bell + Howell) were disappointed with their cheap plastic frames.
They complained the frames broke after a day. A couple of customers also claimed the TV ad was false advertising.
It’s important to note that Bell + Howell’s Tac glasses are not made from triacetate acetate cellulose. The brand’s use of “Tac glasses” is a marketing term short for tactical, inspired by military eyewear.
Pros and Cons of TAC Glasses
TAC glasses encompass light filtering technology, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
The pros of tac glasses include:
- Multi-layered lenses reduce glare
- Inexpensive
- Enhance colors and improve vision clarity
- One size fits all
- Lightweight and comfortable
The cons of tac glasses include:
- Cheap frames
- Can shatter easily
- They are not prescription glasses
- They are not designed for high-impact situations
How to Choose the Right TAC Glasses
Choosing the perfect sunglasses for your lifestyle can be confusing. We break down the factors to consider when deciding if TAC glasses are right for you.
Considerations When Buying TAC Glasses
Some things to consider when buying TAC glasses include:
- Comfort and fit. Are they lightweight? Do they fit your face shape?
- Style. TAC glasses don't come in a variety of styles or colors
- Quality. Will the frames easily break?
- Price. TAC glasses tend to be less expensive than other polarized lenses
- Prescription. TAC glasses can't be customized with your prescription
Top Brands and Models of TAC Glasses
Bell + Howell Tac lenses are the most popular and affordable TAC glasses on the market, sold at big box stores such as Walmart and Home Depot. They can also be purchased online through Amazon and As Seen on TV ads.
Other top brands of TAC glasses include:
- Outlaw Eyewear: Raider TAC Black Prescription RX
- Oakley: Standard Issue Ballistic M Frame
- Smith: Parallel MAX 2
- BattleVision: Storm Glare-Reduction Glasses
- WileyX: Saber Advanced
TAC Glasses vs. Other Options
TAC glasses are different from other glasses because of the layers of triacetate acetate cellulose. This helps reduce glare and provides 100% protection from harmful UV rays.
Other polarized lenses are made with polycarbonate. Polycarbonate lenses are known for being highly durable, flexible, and available in many different styles.
The key differences between TAC glasses vs. polycarbonate include the following:
- TAC glasses are more scratch resistant
- Polycarbonate lenses tend to be more expensive
- TAC glasses are better at absorbing glare
- TAC glasses improve optical clarity
- Polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof
Situations TAC Glasses Might Be Helpful in
TAC glasses are designed to improve vision during outdoor activities by reducing water and sun glare, enhancing colors, and improving visual clarity.
Situations and activities that TAC glasses are helpful for include the following:
TAC Glasses for Day and Night Driving
Original TAC glasses made from triacetate acetate cellulose work well for driving during the day. However, not all TAC glasses are safe to use while driving at night because it makes things darker and more challenging to see.
According to research, yellow lens night glasses don't improve your vision or make driving at night safer. Unfortunately, this is what Bell + Howell offers in their line of night vision glasses.
If headlight glare is an issue while driving, you should have your eyes checked by an eye doctor to rule out eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
TAC Glasses for Outdoor Activities
Most people take advantage of wearing TAC glasses during outdoor recreational and sports activities such as cycling, fishing, golfing, and running.
Customers are impressed with how much clearer they see wearing TAC glasses than ordinary sunglasses. They also report the benefits of reduced glare from the sun, especially during water sports and activities.
TAC lenses offer 100% UV protection to prevent eye damage. This protection is critical for people spending long hours outdoors.
Prolonged UV exposure can lead to dangerous eye conditions, including:
- Cataracts
- Eye cancer
- Growths on the eye
- Snow blindness
How Much Do TAC Glasses Cost?
Like regular sunglasses, the price of TAC glasses varies depending on the brand and quality:
- Bell+Howell Tac glasses are the most affordable at $25, but customers complain that the frames break easily.
- Higher quality TAC glasses from Oakley are more expensive at $133, while Outlaw Eyewear’s TAC glasses are $754.
- BattleVision TAC glasses are also affordable at $20 and come with a second pair for free.
How to Care for TAC Glasses
Caring for TAC Glasses is the same as caring for regular glasses. Most TAC glasses come with a soft cloth for easy cleaning.
Here are the general cleaning tips:
- Wipe lenses with a soft cloth to keep clean
- Keep them in a safe place when not in use
- Avoid leaving TAC glasses in excessive heat
- Regular maintenance
Purchase warranties for TAC glasses will vary by brand. Typically, the higher the price, the better the warranty.
For example, Outlaw Eyewear offers an automatic two-year warranty against manufacturer defects, while Bill+Howell provides a 30-day full refund or replacement.
Summary
TAC glasses are special polarized lenses designed to reduce glare, enhance color, and provide optical clarity. They are inspired by military-grade eyewear.
TAC glasses are great for outdoor sports, cycling, running, fishing, and golf. You can buy cheap versions of TAC glasses at popular stores such as Walmart and Home Depot, and they are also advertised as an As Seen on TV product.
In this article
4 sources cited
Updated on May 1, 2024
Updated on May 1, 2024
About Our Contributors
Amy, a registered nurse with an M.S. in Nursing from California State University, Sacramento, and a B.A. in Journalism from California State University, Chico, is a freelance health writer for Vision Center. Her unique combination of nursing knowledge and journalism skills enables her to educate readers about eye health effectively. Amy's goal is to merge her nursing experience with her writing talent to raise awareness about common eye conditions and ways to prevent vision loss.
Dr. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer with a passion for educating people about eye health. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and writing skills, Dr. Huang seeks to guide individuals towards healthier and happier lives. Her interests extend to Eastern medicine and integrative healthcare approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new skincare products, experimenting with food recipes, and spending time with her adopted cats.