PLEASANTON, Calif. (March 9, 2006) – Reinforcing its commitment to the tactical product category, Panoptx Eyewear is introducing a thicker version of its Warrior V-Zero Ballistic lens, increasing its thickness from 2.33mm to 2.45mm resulting in a higher level of protection. The Warrior V-Zero Ballistic lens uses NXT®, a bullet-proof, transparent, and light-weight lens material capable of providing superior protection, reliability and longer lasting performance than polycarbonate material. It retains the fast-acting photochromic (light-sensitive) properties that have made the Panoptx Day/Night lens the performance benchmark in motorcycle eyewear. It will be available to tactical channel buyers, including those eligible to buy on the Panoptx GSA contract, later this spring.

“The tactical channel is an important part of our growth strategy,” said Jackson Hogen, head of Panoptx Research and Development. “We already know the benefits because we are receiving regular feedback from soldiers saying our product is outperforming government-issued eyewear.”

Panoptx’ original Warrior V-Zero Ballistic lens (2.30mm) already met impact protection levels certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the military’s ballistic standards. The company worked with its lens supplier to create the 2.45 mm lens surpassing these standards. Panoptx chose NXT for its lens material not only to achieve superior optics in a lightweight, shatterproof lens, but also, to provide optimal photochromic performance, allowing the new V-Zero Ballistic lens to rapidly darken when exposed to sunlight.

The 2.45mm Warrior V-Zero Ballistic lens automatically darkens to deep blue-gray in sunlight, providing 100% UV protection, and clears to a vision-enhancing yellow tint for night use. Additionally, the inner lens is reinforced with a durable anti-fog coating for enhanced performance in variable weather conditions. The new lens comes with Panoptx patented Warrior frame, featuring a fully sealed eyecup with foam-lined vents that let filtered air in, keeping wind, dust and sand out.

The 2.45mm Warrior V-Zero Ballistic lens automatically darkens to deep blue-gray in sunlight, providing 100% UV protection, and clears to a vision-enhancing yellow tint for night use. Additionally, the inner lens is reinforced with a durable anti-fog coating for enhanced performance in variable weather conditions. The new lens comes with Panoptx patented Warrior frame, featuring a fully sealed eyecup with foam-lined vents that let filtered air in, keeping wind, dust and sand out.

Panoptx Eyewear is already being used by U.S. troops overseas. US Army Master Sergeant (MSG) James Brown of the Brigade Surgeon section is providing care and logistics to over 4,000 soldiers between two different Forward Operating Bases in Baghdad, and prefers Panoptx’ Warrior V-Zero Ballistic, touting it, “the new generation of ballistic eyewear.” Master Sgt. Brown’s Panoptx glasses were recently destroyed in combat and he is currently required to use his platoon-issued eyewear. “The dust and debris protection is not anywhere near the protection afforded by my Panoptx,” said Master Sgt. Brown. “Ever since my Panoptx were destroyed, I have been using the issued eyewear and they just don’t measure up. We need the Panoptx here.”

Another Panoptx “faithful”, Army Infantry Specialist, Chris Naganuma (a Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) gunner and Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) for Charlie Company, 2nd Platoon, of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment Stryker Brigade Combat Team) depends on critical eye protection while going 70 mph on top of his Stryker vehicle. During his tour of duty in Mosul, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom III, Specialist Naganuma used Panoptx Kona glasses to keep sand and dust out of his eyes. During a routine patrol, his Stryker was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED), which sent a dime-sized piece of shrapnel right into his lenses. The lenses stopped the shrapnel, saving his eye, “Needless to say, I love these glasses. Not only are they good looking and easy to wear, but also, they feel good on my face and after endless hours of hard work they stand up to the challenge of protecting my eyes.”

Panoptx is currently equipping Master Sgt. Brown and Specialist Naganuma, as well as their entire platoons with new Warrior V-Zero Ballistics, in order to provide U.S. soldiers with the highest level of protection while overseas.

About Panoptx Established in 1997, Panoptx developed the technology that combines the protection and performance benefits of goggles with the style of sunglasses. Today, the company designs and manufactures superior eyewear that offers the highest level of protection and comfort, especially during outdoor and high-speed activities. Complete with filtered vents and waterproof lenses, Panoptx products are especially engineered for water sports, snow sports and motorcycle cruising. Panoptx’ full lineup of lenses provides 100% UV protection and most are available in prescription. Panoptx are sold through sunglass stores, ski and sport shops, and authorized Harley Davidson dealers. For more information, please visit the Panoptx Web site at www.panoptx.com

Contacts: Jaclyn Bailey
781-639-4925 x112
jaclyncgpr@cgprpublicrelations.com

Jackson Hogen, Panoptx
775-323-9086
jackson@panoptx.com