We review the Oakley Badman Sunglasses and how these were the beginning of the end for X-Metals.
Table of Contents
Background and History
The Oakley Badman Sunglasses were released in 2015 alongside the Madman sunglasses which we already covered in this separate guide. They marked the return of Oakley X-Metal – after a three-year pause when the X-Squared was discontinued.
When X-Metals returned with the Madman and Badman, fans were happy but confused. X-Metals were always a bit of Jim Jannards baby, so it made sense when they were discontinued a few short years after Luxottica purchased Oakley from him. But whether for popular demand or trying to gain back the collector crowd, Oakley revived the X-Metal family.
Similar to the Madman and other X-Metals, the Badman wasn’t cheap. But, retailing for $400 and up, they were in line with the trend of X-Metals over the years. After all, the Oakley Romeo retailed for $250 nearly 20 years before! We’ve got the Badman and Madman Oakley launch video in our Madman guide, so head over there if you’re interested.
Ultimately they didn’t last long. Neither were incredibly popular to the public. So while collectors were happy to have X-Metals back, it just wasn’t enough to keep them going. In the end, Oakley retired the Madman and Badman after only two years on the market in 2017.
Oakley Badman Sunglasses Overview
Frame, and Design
Featuring a full rimmed X-Metal frame material design, the Oakley Badman is similar but more simple in design than its brother, the Oakley Madman. You’ll notice the same nose flares that give the Madman its alien look but a bit tapered down.
Along with each pair also came a cylinder tube case that looks straight out of a military toolbox. The case is made of plastic, though, so don’t get your hopes up that it’s actually X-Metal frame material. Still, it added a unique element to the Madman and Badman Sunglasses.
Size and Dimensions
The Badman has a medium-sized frame with a 135mm Temple arm’s length and 21mm nose bridge. Overall these are one of the more comfortable X-Metals as Oakley continued to slim down the frame’s weight to only 38 grams. Compare this to the Oakley Romeo, which weighs in at 46 grams. If you’re wearing a pair of sunglasses all day, you’ll start to feel that difference.
We’ve included the full measurements below for reference:
- Overall Width: 141mm
- Overall / Earstems Length: 135mm
- Overall Height: 44mm
- Lens Height: 40mm
- Lens Width: 60mm
- Nose Width: 21mm
- Weight: 38g
Lenses
The Oakley Badman Lenses are reminiscent of the X-Squared’s shape but a bit larger overall. Measuring in with a lens width of 60mm and height of 40mm, this is a full 5mm taller than the X-Squared for perspective.
Just like the other X-Metals we’ve discussed, Oakley no longer sells replacement lenses for the Badman. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You can still buy replacement Badman lenses through aftermarket suppliers. Check out our comparison of the best Oakley replacement lenses for more!
How to replace Oakley Badman Lenses
Similar to previous X-Metals with full-framed designs, the Badman can be replaced with the help of a T6 Driver. To start, you need to loosen the screws on the top of the frame/lenses. Next, you’ll just gently pull apart the frame while pushing the lens out one at a time. Now repeat for the other side, then reverse the process for the new lens, popping them in and tightening the screws on top.
Original Colorways
Oakley released the Badman in 7 colorways, with every pair featuring polarized lenses. We’ve listed the colorways below for your reference:
- Dark Carbon / Black Iridium Polarized
- Scuderia Ferrari Dark Carbon / Black Iridium Polarized
- Dark Carbon / Prizm Daily Polarized
- Dark Carbon / Ruby Iridium Polarized
- Pewter / Tungsten Iridium Polarized
- Plasma / Sapphire Iridium Polarized
- X Ti / Chrome Iridium Polarized
Where to Buy
Oakley discontinued the Badman in 2017, marking the end of X-Metals as we know it. Luckily if you’re looking to buy a pair of Badman sunglasses, you still have aftermarket options. We’ve outlined your best options in our Oakley Buyers guide, including our own Oakley X-Metal Exchange, where members can buy, sell and trade everything Oakley!
Due to their unpopularity, you can often find the Oakley Badman for well below their retail price in the aftermarket. Our quick search of eBay found several pairs in the $200-$300 range, well below the original $400 retail price.
Final Thoughts
We’d say the Badman was the end of an era, but the period really ended with the X-Squared. Yes, we’re sorry to see the X-Metals “officially” end with the Badman and Madman, but maybe it was time. We’d love to see Oakley bring back X-Metals with true disruptive design. Such as pairs like the Mars and Juliet that brought amazing design and innovation all in one package.
If you’re a fan of the Madman, go for it. It’s one of the best deals you’ll find for an X-Metal, and we can’t argue with that. At the end of the day, it’s all personal preference.
Are you a fan of the Badman sunglasses? Or were you happy to see them discontinued? Do you think they compare to the original X-Metal releases? Join the largest Online Oakley community and let us know in the discussion below!
