Pilla Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Setup

Pilla Outlaw X7

The X7 offers a more compact design with increased wrap and side coverage.

Key characteristics:

• More wrapped geometry
• Increased peripheral coverage
• Compatible with Standard Outlaw, Razor and Vista lenses
• More enclosed visual presentation

Best suited for:  Shooters who prefer a closer-fitting setup with increased side coverage and a more contained sight picture.  Neither platform is inherently better than the other. They simply offer different fits and visual experiences.

For a more detailed comparison, see our full Outlaw X6 vs X7: Which Pilla Platform is Right for You?

Step 2: Which Lens Family Should You Choose?

Once you’ve selected a platform, the next step is choosing the lens family that best suits your preferences.

While filtration determines how the lens manages light and colour, the lens family determines its shape, coverage and overall visual presentation.  Note, this is separate to the lens technology family that dictates lens technology families such as Chromashift.

Standard Outlaw (X6 and X7)

The core Pilla lens range and the foundation of the Outlaw ecosystem.

Key Characteristics:

• Widest selection of lens filtrations
• Standard lens profile used across the Outlaw system
• Available for both X6 and X7 platforms
• Foundation of the Pilla lens ecosystem

Standard Outlaw lenses offer the widest selection of filtration options and remain the most popular choice for many shooters.

Top Gun (X6 Only)

Top Gun lenses provide additional coverage above and below the eye while remaining compatible with the X6 platform.  Many shooters using prescription inserts favour Top Gun lenses because the larger profile helps minimise frame awareness during the gun mount.

Key Characteristics

• Increased coverage above and below the eye
• Designed specifically for the X6 platform
• Popular with prescription insert users
• Reduces frame awareness during the gun mount

Razor (X7 Only)

Razor lenses feature a reduced lens height and a lower-profile visual presentation.  Many shooters appreciate the cleaner sight picture and reduced amount of visible lens material within their field of view.

Key Characteristics

• Reduced lens height
• Cleaner, lower-profile sight picture
• Designed specifically with Edge Acetate arms in mind
• Minimises visible lens within the field of view

Outlaw Vista (X6 & X7)

Vista represents Pilla’s premium lens family and is available for both X6 and X7 platforms.  Vista lenses combine panoramic geometry with LIVE (Light Interference Vacuum Effect) technology to create a wider field of view, increased coverage and a more immersive visual experience.

Compared to Standard Outlaw lenses, Vista provides:

• Greater coverage above, below and to the sides of the eye
• Improved edge-to-edge consistency
• Reduced visual noise
• Enhanced light management

Key Characteristics

• Panoramic lens geometry
• Available for both X6 and X7 platforms
• Incorporates LIVE technology
• Provides the widest field of view in the Outlaw range

For a more detailed breakdown, see our full Pilla Lens Family Guide.

Choosing the Right Arm Option

Most shooters use standard Outlaw arms either in carbon which are lightweight and provide the most comfortable fit when wearing ear defenders, or tread which is the extra grippy rubberised version.  However there are specialist options available.

• Copa Mundial Arms
  Offer extensive adjustment and positioning options, allowing shooters to fine-tune lens angle and overall fit.  Exclusive to the X6 platform.
• Edge Arms
  Designed to pair particularly well with Razor lenses, creating an exceptionally clean and streamlined visual setup. Exclusive to the X7 platform.

Step 3: Which Pilla Lens Should You Choose?

Choosing the right lens filtration is one of the most important decisions within the entire Pilla system.  Rather than trying to memorise lens codes, start by considering the conditions you shoot in most often.

Start with Light Conditions

Most shooters can narrow their options significantly by thinking about lighting first.

Bright light

• Full sun
• Open layouts
• Strong glare

Look for a lower value light transmission lens, typically in the 7 to 26 light transmission range.  The lower the number the less light is let through the lens.

Medium light

• Mixed cloud cover
• Typical UK conditions
• Variable light throughout the day

Typically between 26 and 65.  Mid light transmission lenses are a great starting point for most shooters especially in the UK.

Low light

• Overcast days
• Late afternoon shooting
• Indoor environments

Look for a higher numbered lens, typically 65 and up.  These will let the greatest amount of light through while still giving you all the valuable technologies that make Pilla worthwhile.

Then Refine Your Choice with Lens Technology

Once you’ve identified your typical light conditions, consider:

• Background colour
• Target colour
• Shooting discipline
• Personal eyesight and colour perception

A woodland game shooter may prioritise different lens characteristics from a sporting clay shooter regularly shooting against open skies.  This is where technologies such as Chromashift, Max Orange and Neutralisers come into the decision making.

For example, a clay shooter might look for lenses with Max Orange if they are shooting predominantly orange clays, whereas a game shooter may prioritise an Infra Red lens boosting colour perception and greater visual depth.  A Neutraliser lens which dampens green backgrounds and boosts colours such as oranges and browns are a fantastic lens for most shooters.

If you’re new to Pilla and unsure where to begin, a medium-light lens often provides the most versatile starting point.  Many UK shooters spend the majority of their time shooting in mixed or variable light conditions, making mid-transmission lenses an excellent first purchase.

For a detailed breakdown of lens technologies, colours and filtration types, see our Pilla Lens Filtration Guide.

Step 4: How Many Lenses Do You Need?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Pilla is that you need a complete lens collection from day one.  In reality, most shooters build their system gradually.  If purchasing your first kit there are three main options to consider.

Option 1: Start with a Lens and Arms

This is the simplest entry point into the Pilla system.

Typical setup:

• Lens
• Arms
• Optional case

Best for:

• First-time Pilla users
• Shooters replacing existing equipment
• Those wanting to spread the cost over time

Many shooters start with a single general purpose lens suited to the conditions they encounter most often and expand their setup later.  This allows you to get into the Pilla Ecosystem without breaking the bank or rushing into multiple unnecessary lenses.

A three-lens kit provides excellent coverage across the vast majority of UK shooting conditions without becoming overly complicated.  Typically a shooter purchases a light, medium and darker lens although if your a seasonal shooter you may consider a more use case driven setup such as a Neutraliser, Max Orange and Max light transmission lens.

Option 3: Four-Lens Kit

A four-lens kit builds upon the three-lens approach by adding options for more specialised lens.

Typical setup:

• Arms
• Four lenses
• Case

Best for:

• Competition shooters
• Frequent shooters
• Those wanting maximum flexibility

The additional lens allows more precise optimisation for specific backgrounds, target colours or lighting conditions.

Building Your System Over Time

One of the greatest strengths of the Pilla system is its flexibility.  Many shooters begin with a single lens or a three-lens kit and gradually add lenses as their experience grows. This spreads the cost and ensures each new lens fills a genuine gap rather than duplicating an existing one.

Over time, many shooters develop a combination of lenses tailored specifically to the environments and disciplines they shoot most often.

Step 5: How Can You Buy Pilla Products?

There are several ways to purchase Pilla products depending on your budget, experience and goals.

Buy Individual Components

Every major component within the Pilla system can be purchased separately.

This includes:

• Lenses
• Arms
• Cases
• Prescription Inserts

Best for:

• Existing Pilla users
• Replacing components
• Expanding an existing setup
• Incremental purchasing

These can be brought on our individual product pages and is the simplest way to purchase any Pilla item, although you do miss out on any bundle savings.  You can explore our full range of Pilla products including X6, X7 and accessories on our main Pilla homepage page here.

Lens and Frame Bundle Offers

You can purchase one lens and one frame with an optional case saving money on both the frame and the case.  This bundle offer is available on our X6 and X7 individual lens pages including standard lenses, Outlaw Vista, Razor and Top Gun.  Simply select the lens that you would like then choose your frame from the drop down menu and then add an optional case on the same page for 50% off the price of the case.  Of course, you can also just buy the individual lens if you wish.

This bundle allow you to:

• Purchase a lens
• Save money on a frame
• Add a case at a reduced price

Best for:

Shooters either building their system gradually while still benefiting from package savings, or shooters looking to add more variety to their existing kit with new arms

Pilla Bundle Configurator

The Pilla Bundle Configurator is the easiest way to build a complete Pilla setup from scratch.  This is the option that allows you to build a three or four lens kit making the largest possible savings when purchasing.  It is a one page solution that lets you choose your platform, three lenses, arms and case with an optional 4th lens for further savings.

Available for both X6 and X7 platforms, it allows you to select:

• Platform
• Frame
• Lenses
• Case

Three-lens and four-lens bundles are available, offering significant savings compared to purchasing each component individually.  Many UK shooters opt for a good three lens kit that covers most UK conditions while using the 4th lens option as a way to get a more specialist lens such as the 39CIG, RGHL or the 42CDKX.

Best for:

• First-time Pilla buyers
• Shooters building a complete system
• Those seeking the best overall value

For many shooters starting from scratch, the Bundle Configurator represents the simplest and most cost-effective route into the Pilla ecosystem.  Please note Outlaw Vista lenses are not currently available as part of a bundle offer.

Optional: Recommended Lens Kits

One of the most common questions we receive is:

“Which Pilla lenses should I choose?”

While personal preference, eyesight and shooting environments all play a role, we have identified certain combinations which consistently perform well across a wide range of conditions and personal preferences.

The following kits are our standard recommendations based on practical experience helping shooters build versatile and effective Pilla setups.

All-Round Clay Shooting Kit

A versatile combination for sporting clays, skeet and trap, offering reliable performance across most conditions.

• 9.5CIED
  A full sun lens that enhances orange targets with exceptional clarity. Ideal for bright conditions where maximum contrast and glare reduction are critical.
• 42CILA
  A neutralising lens that delivers very high contrast without over-saturating colours. This is a true all-rounder and a consistent staff favourite.
• 92CIL
  A high-transmission lens built for low light and poor weather.  It maintains clarity and visibility in overcast or late-day shooting whilst helping to helps relax the eyes and reduce strain.

Why this kit works
Together, these three lenses give you full coverage across lighting conditions while maintaining strong target definition. It’s a balanced, dependable setup that suits the vast majority of UK shooting environments.

Game Shooting Kit

Designed for natural environments, prioritising comfort, clarity and a balanced sight picture over long periods.

• 38CIED
  A versatile medium-light lens that enhances contrast while maintaining a natural image.  It’s easy on the eyes and well-suited to natural backgrounds.
• 70CIGA
  A versatile neutraliser offering a similar feel to the 92CIL, but with slightly more structure. Excellent for maintaining clarity without harsh contrast.
• 85CICA
  A high-transmission lens designed to improve visibility in lower light.  Effective in early mornings, late afternoons and overcast conditions.

Why this kit works
This combination is built for comfort and consistency. It avoids overly aggressive contrast while still giving enough definition to identify quarry effectively out in the field.

Optional Specialist Fourth Lenses

Adding a fourth lens allows further optimisation for specific environments or challenging conditions.  This is a good opportunity to add a more specialised lens, some of our favourites we think are worth noting are below.

42CDKX
A green lens which excels against grey skies, white cloud and snowy backgrounds where orange and lime-green targets can become difficult to separate.

RGHL
A specialist lens for shooters with red-green colour recognition deficiencies.  Enhances target colours while reducing background interference.

39CIG
Designed as the X7 answer to the RGHL lens above which is only available for the X6 platform.

60CMOS
Built specifically for low-light shooting where maximum orange target registration is required.

Useful Links

Shop By Platform

All Pilla

X6 Range

• X6 Arms
• X6 Lenses
• X6 Vista Lenses

X7 Range

• X7 Arms
• X7 Lenses
• X7 Vista Lenses

Accessories

• Cases

Helpful Guides

• X6 vs X7: Which Pilla Platform is Right for You? (Coming Soon)
• Pilla Vista, Razor, Top Gun & Standard Lenses: Which Outlaw Lens Is Right For You?
• Pilla Lens Chart & Filtration Guide
• New Pilla Lenses for 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Pilla lens should I buy first?
A: A medium-transmission lens is often the most versatile starting point for UK conditions. The ideal choice will depend on your typical lighting conditions, background colours and shooting discipline.

Q: How many lenses do I need?
A: Most shooters begin with either a single lens and expand over time or a three-lens kit which provides reliable coverage across the majority of shooting conditions.

Q: Are Vista lenses worth it?
A: Vista lenses provide increased coverage, a wider field of view and a more immersive visual experience. These are the premium option within the Pilla range.

Q: Can I add lenses later?
A: Yes. The Pilla system is modular, allowing you to expand your setup whenever your needs change. The modern Outlaw range allows you to mix and match standard Top Gun / Razor and Outlaw Vista lenses without penalty. The Only limitation is whether you choose the X6 or X7 platform.

Q: Can I mix Vista and standard lenses?
A: Yes. Many shooters own both Vista and Standard Outlaw lenses. You simply need to ensure they are compatible with your chosen platform.

Q: Can I switch from X6 to X7?
A: Yes, although lenses and frames are platform-specific and cannot be shared between the two systems.

Q: Should I choose a three-lens or four-lens kit?
A: For most shooters, a three-lens kit provides excellent coverage. A fourth lens becomes valuable when you want to optimise performance for more specific conditions or disciplines or you identify a gap in your collection.

Q: What’s the most cost-effective way to get started?
A: For most new users, either a single lens and arms or a three-lens bundle offers the best balance of performance, flexibility and value.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re still unsure which Pilla setup is right for you, our team is happy to help.

Contact our friendly gunshop by phone on 01242 870391 or email hello@iancoleycountry.co.uk for personalised advice based on your shooting discipline, typical conditions and budget.  If your still unsure you can visit us in store where you can try and see what works for you.

You may also find these guides useful:

• Pilla Buying Guide
• Outlaw X6 vs X7: Which Pilla Platform is Right for You?
• Pilla Lens Filtration Guide
• Pilla Lens Family Guide
• Pilla Bundle Configurator
• Pilla Shooting Glasses Category Page
• New Pilla Lenses for 2026

Whether you’re starting with a single lens or building a complete multi-lens system, choosing the right platform, lens family and filtration will help you get the very best from your Pilla shooting glasses.