We poured adrenaline into optical armor for high-G assaults on common sense. Oakley's patented XYZ Optics® give Racing Jackets® a range of peripheral clarity unrivaled in the industry. Ram-air surge ports provide defogging ventilation, and Unobtainium® nosebombs and earsocks keep the hingeless, lightweight frames securely attached.
Submitted by
EXPOrider
a Racer
from Hartford, Wi, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Expedition Supply
Strengths:
Comfortable... look great.. transition nicely.. vents help.. good for XC races
Weaknesses:
minor fogging, legs are a little long and can interfere with helmet.. they seem to get uncomfortable in the later stages of endurance races.
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Jawbones (Which are the best glasses ever!) Flak Jackets
Bike Setup:
Salsa Dos Niner
Bottom Line:
great glasses. look awesome. do the job right
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
photodog
a Racer
from SLO, CA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mine
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$220.00
Strengths:
blocks light, transition's work very well, tint color is perfect for varied conditions
Weaknesses:
ugly
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
relevance?
Bottom Line:
I have the transitions version of these and while they are the ugliest thing I've ever worn they work perfectly. I wish they had hinges so I could put them in a pocket when it starts raining and I can't see but other than that they are hands down the best cycling glasses I've ever worn. The orange-ish lens is perfect color and they lighten and darken quick enough that I never notice them being too dark or too light. Where I ride is lot's of bright spots followed by diving into trees then back into the light and it's never an issue.
I got them for a gift and never would spend $220+ on glasses but I sure am glad my in-law's love me! lol
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iwan Kemp
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Harkerville, Knysna
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Bruce Reyneke Cylcles
Strengths:
Anti-Fog Comfortable fit Lens quality
Weaknesses:
Can be bit bulky
Bike Setup:
Titus Moto-Lite with all the bells and whistles
Bottom Line:
Do exactly what they are supposed to do. Oakley's are expensive, but they make top quality gear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from Broomfield Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Peripheral vision and great looks.
Weaknesses:
I agree with the previous review in regards to fog (when I stop). Secondly, the arm bars don't bend in, so hard to stow away. Thirdly, the wind turbulence seems to be more with these glasses than any others I have tried. Lastly, if I don't have them pressed up against my face they ride up and down the bridge of my nose.
Similar Products Used:
Smith Buzzsaw, Smith Diablo, Smith Slider 01
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
Love the looks of the glasses, but, would recommend Smith's over the Oakley's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Weekend Warrior
from La Habra, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: September 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
great eye protection great looks great optics
Weaknesses:
Only time they fog is when i stop riding.
Bike Setup:
sugar 1
Bottom Line:
Love them I have had them 4 years silver frame with black iridium with silver lens. I have not had a single problem with them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light weight, great optics, good contrast, good in low light, cover eyes well
Weaknesses:
Legs don't fold, fog easily when grinding slowly up a fire road
Similar Products Used:
Oakley E-wires, Oakley Juliets
Bike Setup:
Turner RFX, Fox Talas 36RC/DHX air
Bottom Line:
I bought these because the gold iridium lenses on my Juliets were too dark for riding in the shade and because the Juliets were frankly, kinda heavy. I originally planned to purchase some Half Jackets, but was put off by how weak and flimsy the hinges around the legs were (in fact, a friend of mine had just broken a pair the week before I bought these). I figured that these might be a little more durable than the Half Jackets because they don't have any hinges. These are my first pair of plastic framed Oakleys, but they look pretty bomb proof.
The G30 lenses really enhance contrast and can be used while riding in the shade. I found that the frames fit my face comfortably, and the glasses provide excellent eye coverage.
On the negative side, I found the glasses fog much more readily than my Juliets, which I think can be attributed to the fact that these glasses are pressed a bit closer to my face.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Kansas Date Reviewed: December 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
Oakley Online
Strengths:
The coolest looking sunglasses ever. Just they are Oakley makes them awesome. Never fog up but when they do just get moving and the defog in about 2 seconds. Gold Iridum lenses make things alot clearer.
Weaknesses:
When I get hammering hard and have to open my mouth wider for more air the nose pieces dig into my nose and it hurts and cant figure out how to fix it, Price, but that is all
Similar Products Used:
Oakley M Frames Oakley Minute
Bottom Line:
These sunglasses look very cool and are the best for racing. Not the most comfortable but maybe my skin on my nose will get used to it. ( Suggestions will help alot) Never budge out of place when riding even on bumpy roads. Lenses are the best and people cant see my eyes. Just the best sunglasses ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Oakley, Sunglass Hut prices - yikes! $230/CAN non FMJ frame My 1994 Raleigh Matterhorn MTB on sale was the same price. The "O" on the sides of the black frames aren't in white. The name "Oakley" is in tiny text across the nose bridge.
Similar Products Used:
Ryders $23/CAN, Louis Garneau 3-Lens model $69/CAN.
Bike Setup:
2001 Trek Fuel 90 Disk/stock - tires changed to slicks. 1996 GT Ricochet/stock - tires changed to slicks.
Bottom Line:
Well, if you want to be in the Oakley "clique" then you need to pay the Oakley Lifetime Membership fee - yikes! They cost $230 and my bike cost $2,800. Mine were bought in June 2001 after a 3 week trip to Florida in May 2001 where they were delivered to the store on the day of my departure (Sunglass Hut at St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida. My girlfriend and I went back in 2002, 2003 and laughed as they still were there. We're going back for the first 2 weeks of Oct.2005, maybe they'll still be there!). Mine are the 2001 year model, black frames with gold iridium lenses, not FMJ & not polarized. The FMJ = Full Metal Jacket, a clear resin the frames are dipped in were another $30 + the polarized lenses are another $30 - dear god! The finish is excellent and fit is comfortable. They never slip out of place, never fog up, also I get alot of compliments on them. The vents are cool, functional and I'm told they make me look like I have bumble bee eyes. Light weight, funky hingless design and no lens scratches either. On lightl/medium cloudy days I have to remind myself that it's not that dark out nor is it about to rain. I too have used them to view the walking, jogging and cycling hunnies (as that's how I met my girlfriend). But, as 1x I nearly avoided a head-on collision with another cyclist("top-less" law for females in Toronto)I opted to keep my eyes on the road, hehe! Bottom Line: Best sunglass purchase ever, You'll break the bank on it's purchase price but... I still get asked what make/model they are and people can't believe there hingless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Clark
a Downhiller
from London, UK Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Black ski runs at Lionhead, Co.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Ten-Eighty, Norfolk, UK
Strengths:
Look great I suppose, but that's about it.
Weaknesses:
Uncomfortable. First pair broke, so not tough either. Worse of all (as I bought them for rain, low-light conditions) they steam up in seconds even when using Oakley anti-moisture solution. In town forget about wearing a mask - you'll be riding blind in these the first time you breath out. Just about okay on the trail, so long as you're not too hot. Start puffing a bit and they'll steam up. For the money, a real diappointment.
Similar Products Used:
None, but love to hear form anyone with suggestions.
Bike Setup:
In town a hand-built no-name courier effort. Single gear, 7005 alloy frame, 26" runners. On the trail a Scott G-Zero with Hope Minis.
Bottom Line:
Vastly over-priced, and not even as good as most cheap alternatives. Steer well clear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Bunsen Honeydew
a Cross Country Rider
from US of A Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Heaven n' Earth
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
These sunglasses are sick! They draw on-lookers, and comments from other cyclists. Helps, too, that USPS George Hincapie wears them..... Fot this reason, these sunglasses signify pro status from other cyclists. Do not buy them cause you wanna be a poser and wear what the pros wear, but buy them 'cause you need them! 'Cause you're a kickin' cyclist yourself!
Weaknesses:
These sunglasses suck for privacy. Can't stare at the buns of honey's 'cause in sunlight, they show your eyes up to 15 feet. VERY EXPENSIVE. (Better wait 'till you're good and get Oakley wanting to sponsor you.....)
Similar Products Used:
Oakly Frogskins, Oakley Sub Zeros (stolen), Ray Ban Predators.
Bike Setup:
Nothing special.
Bottom Line:
Like they claim, and everybody says, these sunglasses are very good cycling sunglasses. BUT they do not conceal your eyes. For some reason, my blue iridium pair will not hide my eyes as blue iridium eye jackets, or e-wires sunglasses do. The only gripe is that the blue iridium coating does not conceal your eyes from staring like other people. (If i want to be a perv, that's my business.) Other than that, they are above all the rest. They capture awes and attention from other cyclists, and pedestrians. Not many other sunglasses will do that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim S
a Cross Country Rider
from LaGrange, KY USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
no fogging, no slipping, lenses not to dark not to light, great shape
Weaknesses:
not prescription
Bike Setup:
mountain and road bike
Bottom Line:
First of all they look great and happen to fit my melon perfectly. After that, the nose and earpiece rubber as well as the great fit prevent these glasses from slipping. I got the grey frames with vented G30 lenses (which oddly enough aren't available anymore and some of Oakley's customer service folks deny they were ever made). Anyway, the G30 lenses are great because the tint is enough to give your eyes a break in the bright sun but light enough to allow you to leave the glasses on when you get under the shade of the woods of if your out on the road at dusk.
A bit expensive but worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JBB
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Strengths:
Oakely Quality
Weaknesses:
The vents don't actually work, so now you are stuck with a pair of hingeless shades that you can't wear in public, because they are so far out there, and you can't wear them riding because they steam up faster a porno movie
Similar Products Used:
Scott USA - Alpha (the best sport glasses I've ever owned)
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't waste your money on this one... over priced and out-there design... If you can't ride unless you are wearing oakley's, ger the M Frames...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nicola
a Cross Country Rider
from italy Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
issimo sport-Padova (italy)
Strengths:
look, finish, anti-fog system in frame and optics
Weaknesses:
only the price but they are oakley
Similar Products Used:
only oakley: m-frame; juliet and straight jacket.
Bike Setup:
dbr axis tt titanium frame; sdg; king ahead set; mavic crossmax sl ust disc; formula b4 sl brakes; xtr components with fsa carbon pro crankset; thomson stem+seatpost; easton ec 70 bar; michelin wildgripper comp s light tires.
Bottom Line:
This is my second pair of racing jacket; first one is jet black with gold iridium lenses; the new one is dark grey/g3o vented lenses for flat light...it's definitely the best eyewear for racing bikes...no fog; look cool; stay in place; optimum vision...in a word oakley!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Lufkin, TX (USA) Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm ridin' baby!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$96.00
Purchased At:
eBay - the best deal around!
Strengths:
Style and looks, performance. Great in mountain biking or snow skiing.
Weaknesses:
Retail cost is too damned much. Styling is too radical for every day wear. Target Market is obviously very narrow = competitive athletes only.
Similar Products Used:
Oakley M-Frames, Oakley Square Wires, Oakley E Wires, Oakley X-Metals. Ray Bans (Gay Bans!)
Bike Setup:
'03 model Trek 8000 with several tweaks.
Bottom Line:
These glasses will make you look totally awesome. Even though I am not extremely fast, these glasses make me look fast. Any goober would know not to wear these for running or for every day wear cause they are just too radical. As far as performance, these vent about as well as my MFrames which is to say that after I've broken a sweat, they fog up if I don't keep forward momentum to keep air ventillating through. That's certainly no worse than other glasses and the others don't look nearly as good. The price new ($130 or so) is way expensive, and in my opinion not worth the money. Go to eBay and get them for a deep discount - you'll always find a good deal there.
NOTES ON RATING: Value: 1 flamin chili cause the retail price is stupidly high. Overall Rating: 5 flamin chilis cause they look great and perform great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JBB
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, NY Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
oakley.com
Strengths:
Innovative? (New idea w/ the vents) Strong Great optics (but that's Oakley for you) Full protection of eye Horizontal vision is unobstructed
Weaknesses:
They don't vent like everyone claimes they do Thick frames interfere with vertical vision (but that's why they are so strong) Cost (but that's Oakley for you) Non-irdium lens still scratch easily
Similar Products Used:
a wide variety of Scott USA and Oakely products
Bike Setup:
please tell me how this matters
Bottom Line:
Pretty cool looking if you are on a bike, skies, etc... other wise if you use them around town you probally shouldn't have bought such expensive glasses, and should have bought two for half the price. a bit too pricy for technology that dosen't work. If you buy them, get them on ebay or the like. Vents really don't work when you really need them... flying down a hill you are not sweating all that bad (just about any glasses dfog then), but the grind uphill, you aren't moving fast to get the vents working, and they fogg all up on you. I have a really hard time keeping any glasses fog free once they hazed out, of course I sweat like a b!+ch... So I guess that they worked better tham many other pairs of oakleys I've tried, but i think I still preferr the Scott USA alpha's better... and they were a lot cheper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Knowlton
a Cross Country Rider
from East Dover, VT, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
East Burk Kingdom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
awsome looks, great venting, eye coverage, style, colors (I have gold on gold), strength, and a ton more
Weaknesses:
to big to wear around town, lenses can be a little to dark for some trails, list price
Similar Products Used:
S4 mctwists, oakley moons, oakley fives
Bike Setup:
gary fisher sugar 2, rockshox
Bottom Line:
these are hands down, the best biking glasses out there. with these bad boys on, nothing can get into your eyes. And the looks are the best on the trail! The one thing that I can think of that may be a deterant is size and price. These are to big for people with small faces, or little kids. another thing that isn't so hot is the list price. find these on ebay, brand new, for under $100. dont pay list! Overall, 5 chilis for value, because I got them at a really low price, and 5 overall chilies for these, because they really do beat all other glasses out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Tokyo , Japan. Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fantastic fit , weight , function and design .
Weaknesses:
Just wish they made them with interchangeable lenses .
Similar Products Used:
Briko and Rudy Pros .
Bike Setup:
Doesn't matter does , it ?
Bottom Line:
When you own a pair of Oakleys you can't really go wrong . With the Racing Jackets you're gonna get your money's worth .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan
a
from asheville Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
free
Strengths:
these glasses fit great and stay locked to you head. they are not only great for biking but skiing and a jet skiing. these glasses protect your eyes from the wind but the vents let in enough air to keep them from fogging up. oakley's lenses are awsome. i have two pairs one in blue iridium and one personnium. the blue inriduim are great in bright sun they ruduce glare and give great depth perception. they also work well when you dive into the woods with low light. this lense in the best for all around lense. the personnium lenses are great for cloudy days and great when you are in low light conditions. they bring up the roots and once agian give great depth perception and really allow you to read the trail. this lense is a little bright in bright conditions.oh yeah these glasses are super stylish
Weaknesses:
they are not for everyone. may not suit everyone's style taste, may be out of many people's price range the one piece frame makes it impossible to store on a trail ride
Similar Products Used:
smith sliders oakley m frame
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlight xtr drivetrain ust wheels black elite 100/120 fork
Bottom Line:
if you want a great pair of sunglasses that will give you great depth perception allow to see the trail clearly, well ventilated and super stylish these glasses are for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DB Bullit
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Oakley
Strengths:
Light and comfortable. Bright, sharp images. Don't fog. Look the $hit with your helmet on.
Weaknesses:
Bit pricey. Bizarre lookin' if you try to wear them casually.
Similar Products Used:
Smith Sliders, Oakley Straight Jackets, other cheap a$$ crap.
Bike Setup:
'02 Bullit, 5th, '03 Z1FR, Thompson, RF Next LP, XT/XTR, Hayes, Sun Singletrack on XT Disc, Maxxis Minions
Bottom Line:
These shades rock! From bombing down steep technical singletrack to the slow (for me) grind up gnarly hills even in cold temps these lenses produce the sharpest and brightest images, and never fog. I have the persimmon lenses and find that these are great for all but the darkest conditions. My greatest beef with all my other glasses was either fit or lense fog. These fit snugly, and I really never even notice them when I'm riding. My other glasses would either fog, slip, jump around on bumpy terrain, and just take some of your focus away from riding. Not these....they're about as close to perfect as I can think of! Buy them....they'll be your last pair of riding shades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kupi László
a Cross Country Rider
from Budapest Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bükk
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
cool designe, very comfortible, oakley, strong
Weaknesses:
N-O-N-E
Similar Products Used:
M-frame
Bike Setup:
Kona Kikapu Deluxe, Sid 100
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS SUNGLASS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SNWBDRHOON
a Cross Country Rider
from FRAMINGHAM, MA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Noanet, Callohan, Great Brook
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
LIGHT WEIGHT, NEVER FOGS, GREAT OPTICAL CLARITY, NO WIND, COOL STYLING ON BIKE, GREAT FOR A VARIETY OF LIGHT CONDITIONS.
Weaknesses:
WISH THAT YOU COULD CHANGE THE LENSES LIKE M-FRAMES OR SMITH SLIDERS. STEMS DON'T HINGE. CAN'T WEAR THEM AROUND TOWN.
Similar Products Used:
M-FRAMES, SMITH SLIDERS, RUDY
Bike Setup:
TREK FUEL 100, TREK XO-1
Bottom Line:
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A KICK-ASS PAIR OF SHADES FOR RIDING, ARE SICK OF GLASSES FOGGING UP ON YOU AND DON'T MIND ONLY HAVING ONE SET OF LENSES, BUY THEM. THEY ARE THE BEST GLASSES THAT I HAVE USED AND OAKLEYS DO HAVE A REPUTATION OF SCRATCHING, BUT THESE HAVE TAKEN A LICKING SO FAR AND KEEP ON TICKING. THEY ARE ALSO GREAT TRAIL RUNNING OR FOR SKIING/SNOWBOARDING. BASICALLY ANY ACTIVITY WHERE YOU NEED SOME EYE PROTECTION AND ARE MOVING AT A GOOD RATE, THESE ARE THE PERFECT SHADE. I LOVE THAT NO WIND GETS IN (AS A CONTACT LENSES WEARER). I CAN GET SMITH GLASSES AT COST BUT WOULD RATHER PAY TO SPORT THESE SHADES WHEN RIDING. I'd give them 4 chilis for value, but they are expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre Sanches
a Racer
from San Diego (originally from Rio, Brazil) Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Great glasses, never fog, lenses are great, the rubber pads go very nice on the ears. They are a little big though. I am not sure if Oakley offers different sizes, but the ones I won fit fine, but they are big. If you are not riding, don't wear them...people stare at ya.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Orillia Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
i hate wet roots!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
They vent like crazy. They are amazing for keeping clear of foggy lenses.
Weaknesses:
The are VERY susceptable to scratching (i have not succeptable to scratched mine yet)- but know this for a fact because I have older oakleys.
Similar Products Used:
older m-frames, sub zeros....
Bike Setup:
X-C, SID
Bottom Line:
These are amazing sunglasses that do not fog for more than a 20s ride. they vent air from the top and bottom to across the inner surface of the lenses. they are great for riding, although, I got mine customized with blue frame + blue iridium lenses, and so they had cost a fortune. They vent air very well, but almost too well since my contacts dry from the cross pattern of air current (across my eyes). That is my only gripe. PS- blue irridium lenses are cool for running, driving, etc, but are poor for forest trail riding because they block too much sun out and create a view that is too dark to see all the tree roots (-:
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sid B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Visions
Strengths:
XYZ Optics actually do make a difference. Unparalleled optical clarity. Let’s not forget the light weight, and the fact that these glasses will stay on your face regardless of terrain harshness. Vents prevent fogging (except when stopped). Finally, the strength and durability of these glasses is outstanding.
Weaknesses:
Hingeless design does not allow you to fold up these glasses to put in your bag or jersey. These are not cheap either! If you want FMJ, with built to order lenses it will set you back a pretty penny.
Similar Products Used:
Smith Sliders (Bazooka) Spy Scoops Oakley Zero's Oakley M-Frames
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race
Bottom Line:
Great custtomer service (especially from Visions) Look great, feel great, and most significantly work great. The only beef I have against these glasses is the lack of the hinge. If you want similar feel and fit but with hinges then go with the M-Frame. Otherwise the Racing Jackets have a sense of coolness coupled with great fit and function that is hard to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gil
a Downhiller
from Orange CA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Links
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
All I can say is "AWESOME GLASSES"!!can get anything better then the Oakley's Racing Jackets. Fit's perfect, supa-lite, and they make you look and feel like a pro. I have used Oakley glasses since they first began.
Weaknesses:
The price are a bit expensive, but it's worth the money. My last pair (not Racing Jackets) last me 5 years broke them twice and Oakley fixed them for free on the spot. Can't get better service then that.
Similar Products Used:
I used Spy glasses for a very short time. They were to heavy and they fogged up all the time.
Bike Setup:
GIANT XTC AC 1 2001 - sweet bike for the money.
Bottom Line:
Get yourself a pair and you won't regret it. Oakley is top quality stay away from the fake's that are sold in Ensenada.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max
a Racer
from Klosterneuburg, Austria Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
XC-race courses
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
www.onetwosold.at
Strengths:
-it´s oakley (image, customer service,....) -kix a$$ -loox cooooool, really cool; very aggressive design -special oakley lenses (no optical distortion) -oakley was one of the few companies that supported lance even while he was off racing due to his cancer treatment -almost unbreakable frame, lenses are easy to replace
Weaknesses:
-it´s oakley (pricey) -out on the streets you might get knocked out by somebody who also wants this awesome sunglasses -quite big: you can´t wear them just for fun walking downtown (unless you got a head like a melon *lol*), but with a helmet it loox really damn cool!!!!! -doesn´t fit like the m-frame, but still great
Similar Products Used:
pro m-frame, straight jacket, minute, some older ones, sigma sunglasses, some cheapo-m-frame-style ones
Bike Setup:
HiTec XCR 2000 hardtail (www.hitec-bikes.com): manitou mars super, wcs bar, grips and stem, acros ac-02 headset (lightest one), ritchey crankset, formula b4, light wheels (tune king kong, X 317s, dt supercomp black 1,8-1,6-1,8), slr saddle, stan´s latex system, schwalbe jimmy tires, speedplays, sram 9.0 rd and shifters, xtr front derailleur, HiTec XCR 2000 frame (1400g); i got another HiTec with a SID and similar components like the one above
Bottom Line:
well, what should i say? i´ve been using an oakley pro m-frame for more than half a year. it´s great, light, unbreakable, fits well, but it is no racing jacket. it´s a pity that nowadays having a m-frame ain´t an exclusive racer-only privilege, because every wannabe has one. what is more, every serious racer has one, so it´s a bit boring, not extraordinary. AND YOU LOOK LIKE A GOLF PLAYER!!!!!!
occasionally i found one in an online auction for 70 euros. it´s a ltd. ed. red one with black tiger-style stripes and gold iridium lenses. if you like i can send you a pic. 6 days later i found another one for 75 euros, and i bought it immediately (NOTE: you can NEVER have enough Oakleys!!!!!!). frame color: FMJ platinum with gold iridium lenses.
these lenses are great for every terrain, the make the world look like as if you were on a trip with my friend Alice D., every color is stronger, and it gives you a happy feeling, even if it´s cloudy or rainy (this can be very important if you have to your 5h endurance training alone, and if it´s raining all 5h long). only on dark trails it might be too dark, depending on whether it´s sunny or not.
SIMPLY BUY THESE GLASSES!!!!!!!!! NOW!!! DON´T WAIT!!!!!
btw: oakley is a bit overpriced, but they replace your broken glasses for free even out of warranty. what other company has a customer service like that??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Scranton, PA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
South Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
The loft
Strengths:
Great, very simple
Weaknesses:
Fogs up when your stopped
Bike Setup:
Giant nrs1, and ac1
Bottom Line:
Great stuff, definate buy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Teo
a Cross Country Rider
from Pacoima, CA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sullivan Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE
Bottom Line:
The price I paid includes prescription lenses straight from Oakley. I got the frames here at MTBR Classifieds for $80, great deal. These glasses are amazing. They fit perfect and are super light. You can hardly tell you have them on. I thought they might move around a little in rough spots, but they stay perfectly in place all the time, just as advertised. I have Persimmon lenses which provide great contrast. Since it is not too dark this is probably the best Oakley lense for MTB riding. Definitely the glasses to have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
carlos silva
a Cross Country Rider
from natal, rn, brazil Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all except muddy.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay of course
Strengths:
very comfortable,ultralight, made by oakley, quality of the lenses, agressive visual.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
pro m frame
Bike Setup:
stump jumper m2 full xtr group, thomson post and stem, king headset and hubs....
Bottom Line:
if you want to look like a golf player, go ahead and buy th e pro m frame, but if you want to looks like a real mtbiker, this is the one to have!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Batas
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$356.00
Purchased At:
Local store
Strengths:
Whell finished, adaptacion to your face, ventilated, good lenses, prescroption lenses available
Weaknesses:
Too much money for the prescription lenses, but is a must!!
Similar Products Used:
Eassun with a normal pair of lense on another pair of prescription lenses (two pares)
Bike Setup:
?? Wind, mud and moskitos,and I can´t see without prescription glasses.
Bottom Line:
If you use prescription lenses for now this is the only way to go. Only they can make prescription lenses with that kind of curvature and you can see perfectly! I waited for 3 months and payed trhough the nose but I would do the same if I ever need to! About the frame, I was very impressed too! I thought thet they would not be so ventilated, even with that entrances (wich I supposed they were only for estetic purpose). I´m very happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donald Crouch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheboygan, WI Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Blue Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Girlfriend bought for me as a gift
Strengths:
vents for fogging, cool looking shade, even though no hinges for folding, but still, no problems for it
Weaknesses:
hinges
Similar Products Used:
all oakley, and smith slider
Bike Setup:
this is review for sunglasses not the bike
Bottom Line:
The shade rocks!!! My shade is red with black tiger-kind with black lens....i never had any problems with them at all..but use them for biking or skiing, not to look cool in the streets with them ppl, lol i know they retail from $120 to $ 150 but look around in ebay or yahoo...most would sell from $ 50 to 100 depending on the shade
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cameron allen
a Weekend Warrior
from conover Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
pee wees
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
sports corner
Strengths:
look cool. comfy . they stay on my face ezily
Weaknesses:
they get dirty when i fling up dirt on the trail and i have to stop and clean them with spit and my shirt tail.
Similar Products Used:
rudy project they fell off my face while i was in the air and i landed on them and broke myrudy projects right in half
Bike Setup:
k2 attack 2.0 2001 model up graded to a black superair fork and shimano mechanical diskbreaks and rear float
Bottom Line:
the glasses are the best ones ive ever used i just wish i looked good in them. But they work and are realy durable they are around 125 bucks and if you want good eyewear look at some oakleys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP
a Downhiller
from Scotland Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Technical Nightmare, Innerleithen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Optica Florida (Spain)
Strengths:
Vents prevent fogging, they have looks to die for. Unlike other Oakleys, they don't sit on your cheeks, so you face feels much more "free." The lenses are also top quality, as per for Oakleys, and the replacement scheme is fantastic in the UK. (Put all the knackered bits in a box, with a letter explaining what happened, and hey presto, three days later, back come your Oakleys, new bits all round, except scratched lenses, which don't get replaced).
Weaknesses:
Not many, except a minor niggle about the fact that you have to carry them on your head, cause the legs don't bend. However, this also means that the joints on the legs never become weak.
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Eye Jackets, Bolle shades, and some Shimano freebies, courtesy of the tune up guy at the 2000 BCF British Nationals.
Bike Setup:
Dunno, I'm gettin a nice new DH rig though.
Bottom Line:
These are THE shades. Apart from their Goggles, you can't choose finer Oakley, or other branded eyewear for racing or generally lookin' swish. Mid summer, these shades keep you cool, act as a handy bug barricade, and also make you look sweet. Did I mention they looked really good? The warranty in Scotland is flawless, guarnteeing you a Oakleys for life, not just for Christmas. Get these shades for about $120 dollars, and you're getting the bargain of the year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cris Musslewhite
a Weekend Warrior
from SA, TX, Bexar Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Navy Exchange
Strengths:
We get to pay our money so we can be told by Oakley that athelete X or Y uses them?
Weaknesses:
They don't stand behind their product and expect you to pay more money to have them fixed.... other sunglass manufacturers don't do that. Other manufacturers have just sett me up with out any fuss.
Broakleys are Crap!!! They screwed me on the warrenty while plenty other sunglass manufactures have been plenty cool when they break. When I pay and arm and a leg for things it's because I expect quality. You don't get that from Oakley. Performance wise they are on par with anybody out there. Quality wise, they scratch up like nothing. Value wise they stink, pay too much and get even less.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
I love em all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Got em from a friend
Strengths:
Cycling Exclusive, (don't wear them in tennis) vented, Oakley Lenses and quality, The list goes on and on
Weaknesses:
Hingless is not a weakness!! Ahh
Similar Products Used:
Pro M Frames, Twentys, Minutes
Bottom Line:
THese are the bomb Course i dunno if they are all that much better than the M frames i will know later but the m frames can detach the lenses to make them fit in a cargo pocket And where do you guys get your replacement lenses for the Racing Jackets?? E mail me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Like
a Cross Country Rider
from Evansville Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
lbl
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Get Wet
Strengths:
tight fit, don't fog up, light
Weaknesses:
my fiance thinks they look dorky
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Minutes, stupid safety glasses
Bike Setup:
lots of expensive crap
Bottom Line:
I had the black frames with black lenses and they were way too dark for riding in heavy woods. I took those back and am now waiting to get a new pair with persimmon lenses. These will be much brighter so now I should be able to see the trail. If you can afford these, by all means buy them. I know that cheaper glasses will suffice but I am a sucker for the Oakley company and a slave to late-capitalist marketing!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Brooks
a
from Portsmouth Date Reviewed: May 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Good fit. Great lenses.
Weaknesses:
The thick rim underneath the lenses means it is hard to see who is with you in the break when looking over your shoulder.
Similar Products Used:
Various Oakleys
Bottom Line:
They may have high pose value but there are better cycling glasses made by Oakley.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DHL
a Weekend Warrior
from SD, CA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
O store in Irvine
Strengths:
light weight, great lenses, great fit for biking, vent
Weaknesses:
hard to carry around without folding legs. too big for everyday use, too funky of a look
Similar Products Used:
Juliets, A-frame
Bike Setup:
giant EB comp. cheap stuff
Bottom Line:
i wanted a pair i can run/bike/roll around in the sand...and then some. i thought about Zero, but they did not proved enough protection for biking. these wrap around the face really well, keeping stuff out of your eyes. glasses fog up a little, but vents work when moving. i took this pair skiing. they were great. my gold iridium lenses provided great protection and clear vision even during night skiing. these were great for trail running as well. your friends will tease you about the funky looks, but they are just jealous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JR
a Weekend Warrior
from finland Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything fast, narrow and steep
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Intersport
Strengths:
No fogging, awesome looks
Weaknesses:
They keep you worried since they don't fold I don't dare transport them elsewhere than on my head, should get the box. Expensive
Similar Products Used:
crappy raybans
Bike Setup:
marzocchi fork and a good aluminum frame with lousy components from my old bike that I bent to unusefullness.
Bottom Line:
They defog when in motion, stop on a warm day and even your RJ's fog up, but as soon as you move the vents clean the fog out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Perkins
a Racer
from Seattle WA USA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Closest to my House!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Oakley.com
Strengths:
Looks. These are the best looking sunglasses on the market. Don't wear them anywhere but on your bike. If I see you, I will say to myself, "dork." : )
Weaknesses:
They fog up more then I expected. Yea it's pretty wet and rainy in Seattle, just as you would expect. I can't wear if it's very wet or while I'm racing Cross and workin up a sweat. They appear OK on the road bike where I get more air circulation
Similar Products Used:
Briko (don't remember the model) Single lense, wrap around. Old Suncloud CatEye style.
Bike Setup:
Too many to list.
Bottom Line:
Sunglasses are sunglasses. One doesn't need to spend 125 bucks for something to keep crap out of your eyes.
Buy them if you want the coolest glasses out there.
Don't bother if you can't be careful with your stuff. Since they will break or scratch very easy.
Why did I buy Oakleys? One reason, Principle. Oakley's president MADE his health care company give Lance Armstrong health care coverage (for his chemo treatments) when he had none. They, along with Nike and Giro didn't even consider cancelling his contact when he made the cancer announcement. Very few companies have this integrity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Jansen
a Racer
from Kloosterzande The Netherlands Date Reviewed: January 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Road/CrossCountry
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Oakley Retailer
Strengths:
When you put in on it stays and the lenses are just so good
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Pro M Frame And eye Jacket
Bike Setup:
witch bike ?
Bottom Line:
Oakley isn,t bad just a litlebit expensive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey W
a Racer
from Neenah,WI Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Moraine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Gear'N Up Bike Shop
Strengths:
Light Virtually unbreakable Inter-Changeable Lenses Life Time warranty Looks Sweet Comfortable
Weaknesses:
None Not ever
Similar Products Used:
Smith Slider Mainline Oakley Eye Jackets
Bike Setup:
Trek 930 Frame, SID Fork, XTR Drivetrain, Speedplay Frog Pedals,Specialized Stout Hubs on Mavic X-517's, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S Tires. Need I Say More?
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a pair of rad glasses the Racing Jackets are the way to go. NO COMPETITION.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P-Man
a Racer
from Salem, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
burma peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Never fogs, good visibility, comfy, precision XYZ optics
Weaknesses:
hingeless, expensive, stock lenses too dark for racing
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Jackets and Minutes
Bike Setup:
1997 Gary Fisher Supercaliber! 2.4 pound carbon frame! XT/Raceface 27 speed, 858 peds, Monkeylight riser, Manitou SX Ti Coils......sweetness
Bottom Line:
Very good-with the right lenses, I'd suggest clear, persimmon, or VR-28. Excellent performance, they look a little odd anywhere other than on the bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOE STAVISH
a Cross Country Rider
from PITTSBURGH, PA, USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
GATTO
Strengths:
Light weight, secure fit, great look, attention getter, air vents really help to keep lenses from fogging. design keeps glasses in place.
Weaknesses:
A little large.
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Eyejackets, Smith Sliders
Bike Setup:
2000 Giant XTC DS1
Bottom Line:
If you're lookin for a pair of glasses that function great while riding even the toughest trails and want that unique look then these are one sweet pair of glasses. I own a pair with FMJ Platinum frames and gold irridum lenses and they work great in all light conditions. Fair price for Oakley and lens clarity is the best, with no distortion no matter where you look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai Lindström
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
These glasses are totally awesome! Mine are with metallic blue frame & VR28 Blue Iridium lenses (+ extra Red Iridium lenses for very sunny days). My RJ's are the new SMALL spec frame so it fits my face very well (not the case with the original model). And top of that, they look much better than, for example, M-Frames. One thing though, the prize...mine cost 1327FIM (~$220), that included extra lenses & box(which is obsolete if you don't like them to broke). Otherwise, they're GREAT, as are all the other Oakleys too(I own 3 inc. my eyeglasses)...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
comfortable, strong, light, excellent optics, great for larger faces like mine
Weaknesses:
they don't fit in my jeans pocket if I wear them around town, my smaller-faced friends say they're too big for them
Similar Products Used:
Oakley Tens, two pairs of old Killer Loops, fake Oakley Pro M-Frames
Bike Setup:
the glasses are red with black iridium lenses
Bottom Line:
Great, great product. I bought them on eBay from some guy who a) had a small face and b) couldn't get over the dork factor of red frames. I didn't care; for $60 I'll put up with a little dork factor. Plus they match my fork. Beyond the fit, the optics on all Oakley products is amazing. I've got better than 20-20 vision (20-15 left eye, 20-13 right eye) and any little lens-caused distortion is always immediately obvious to me. These have none. If I have one caveat, it's that Oakley lenses scratch easily. Always replace the glasses in their bag when not in use and wash the bag every couple of months to keep gunk on the bag from scratching the lenses. Oakley provides absolutely no warranty on its lenses, although its frame warranty is quite good. Severely scratched lenses have to be replaced, and at a significant cost. I've learned that the hard way with my Tens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smak
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great ventilation, awsome looks, attract much attention
Weaknesses:
tough to clean? nothing a q-tip cant cure
Similar Products Used:
oakley eyejackets, as well as the m-frame
Bike Setup:
Classic KHS HardTail.. stiffey front too
Bottom Line:
riding a totally rigid bike can sometimes knock the fillings right out of your teeth on technical downhills, not to mention the shades off your face.. Not the case with these suckers..
I find all of oakleys products are supperior in "face grip" (just like in that james bond octapussie movie, where the little ocatpus sticks to the bad guys face.. you know.. ;P )
They look out of this world, and perform like their out of this galaxy.. awsome product, full value attained (worth the price)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Racer
from Toronto, Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The fit of the glasses are so nice. They really just mold to your face. I have an uneaven face while my left side of my face slants back a bit more then the other side (funny I know!) but most glasses feel terrible, but these just felt great. Also the looks of these glasses are soooo, hardcore. Oh my I love them!
Weaknesses:
None - I hope! But then again Oakley rocks at replacing glasses under warranty...
Bike Setup:
Custom Built
Bottom Line:
Well to be honest with you I JUST got these glasses today. I didn't even check mtbr out for advice on getting the right pair of glasses. I saw these in my local bike shop the other day and thought to try them on, and well I fell in love with them. Honestly these glasses rock, and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise! These are the first "official" Oakely's I have purchased, a little pricey, but I think its worth it. The vents that the glasses have are so handy, I took them out with me on a ride today. It was really warm today and I was sweating, but the glasses were snug to my face, and not once did they slip. Also they have great view out of them. The wide lenses are a great idea for not only protection from debris, but you can see everywhere not worry'n about the frames getting in your way of sight. Bottom Line, if you don't mind people looking at you, wonder'n if your going to the moon, or just on a bike ride with space glasses - or just walking downtown! GET THEM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Racer
from Regina Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Milstream
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
the fit is nice it's not very tight but they don't come off. I like the way they vent and I like the lense colour vr28 it is realy good in any lighting it's not the best for realy dark or realy bright but anytihng in between it is awesome. I don't have a lot of money for different glasses for different lighting so I got vr 28 and it works very well in and lighting even cloudy days when riding tree covered singletrack, or bright sunny wide open trails you won't be dissapointed.
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
oakley trenchcoats with gold iridium, eye jackets grey polarized, and smith bazooka sliders, Spy Scoop xs
Bike Setup:
99 M2-Pro
Bottom Line:
they fit great and offer awesome protection from debris like branches or mud or anything else because they cover your whole eye area not like all my other glasses leave a huge space on the bottom of the glasses. The vr28 is the best lense colour I've ever tried especially if you only want one pair of glasses. If you have the money go for it but if you don't get Spy scoop xs's you will not be dissapointed at all/
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Black King
a cross-country rider
from New York City Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have been wearing Oakley M-Frames since they were first introduced. Oakley always comes up with the latest and greatest in sunglasses. However, just when I think that the M-Frames are the hottest thing in shades out on the market, along comes a new style by Oakley called the Racing Jackets. If the fit and look of the Racing Jackets are any indication, then these shades will (not might, WILL!) knock the M-Frames off the top of the sunglass mountain. The Racing Jackets ROCK!! The frames are vented with holes in the right places to eliminate lens fogging. The frames I have are in black with the Gold Iridium lenses. The Gold Iridium lenses suit a wide variety of light conditions (from low light conditions on very cloudy days to very bright and sunny days). The lenses (especially on bright days) eliminate the blue light that causes glare. On a bright day, wear the Racing Jackets (or any Oakley frames with Gold Iridium lenses) for 20 minutes, then remove them. You will notice that everything has a noticeable bluish haze. By eliminating the glare, everything looks a lot clearer. If you already own a pair, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, go out and get a pair. These Oaks are so, so STEE-LO (as in stylin'). Retail price: $120.00
Overall Rating:
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