Lens Question - NOS Life

[glaman5266]

I was wondering- how well do lenses hold up as long as they are new-in-package? I swap my lenses every 5 years or so, but what about NOS lenses for discontinued masks? How long are those good for if they're still in the package?

[scottieb]

I'd imagine they would hold up just fine. I have some NOS Spectra lenses I got decades ago in order to have spares when I needed them. I wouldn't hesitate a second to put them in a mask snd use them. They've been in a climate controlled environment and have had no contact with sunlight. I think those lenses are polycarbonate so I'm personally not worried about them expiring.

[Mr. Hick]

I think the time frame is more dependent on where the mask is stored. 15 years in a climate controlled environment with zero UV exposure wouldn't worry me. 15 years hanging up on a hook in the shed directly in the afternoon sun would be cause to throw them out.

If you take the lens and twist it and it still has some rebound and doesn't start crinkling it should theoretically be good. If you notice any imperfections or discoloring... toss it.

[MrBarraclough]

For polycarbonate lenses, exposure to sunlight is going to be the big factor. If they've been hanging on a pegboard in a shop facing a window, no way. Climate controlled and protected from sunlight, then maybe. I'd give them a very close look and probably flex test them a bit.

Of course, getting Spectra lenses into JT frames that don't have a quick change system is kind of a built-in flex test. If you can get those bastards in there without them cracking, they are very probably perfectly good.

Then there's always the post test: put the goggles on a fence post and shoot the hell out of them. If they fail, better then than with your eyes behind them.

[russc]

Yeah I agree with the above. Stored away from UV, I have no qualms with using old lenses. I used NOS Vents Rage masks well into the 2010's. Never had a problem or a hint of a crack.

[Axel]

If in doubt, toss it out. You get one set of eyes

[glaman5266]

Thank you very much for your posts. I appreciate it.