The Oakley Crosshair was originally released in 2005. Since then, Oakley has gone on to release the Crosshair 2.0, Crosshair S, and an all-new Crosshair sunglasses frame. And this might have you wondering what’s the difference? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for our complete review and comparison of every Oakley Crosshair frame including size and dimensions!
Table of Contents
Oakley Crosshair Sunglasses Review and Comparison
Oakley Crosshair (2005)
It’s not a surprise that the original Oakley Crosshair has proven to be an enduring design. One of the brand’s first aviator styles, this frame is made of C-5 alloy material. C-5 is Oakley’s proprietary five-metal alloy that’s both light and strong. This makes the delicate-looking frame more durable than it appears.
The Crosshair shape is fairly traditional for Oakley, but it isn’t a simple aviator. It’s more angular with a wide outer edge. Plus this aviator-style frame features a nice wrap for extra coverage and protection.
This frame also features the iconic Hammerstems. This refers to the earstems that feature distinct curves adding to the overall design plus a firm but comfortable fit. You’ll also find Unobtainium earsocks on the temples for added grip.
All Crosshair lenses are made of impact-resistant Plutonite material. And when sold by Oakley the lenses were available in Iridium, Polarized, and prescription options. But unfortunately, you won’t find any Prizm lenses in this frame, since it was released before the contrast-enhancing technology was created.
Keep reading as we review the other Oakley Crosshair frames plus every colorway ever created!
Oakley Crosshair S (2006)
After just one year, Oakley introduced a slightly modified version of the Crosshair, the Crosshair S. Overall these two frames are very, very similar.
The only real difference is that the Crosshair S has a slightly smaller, less angular lens shape. Where the Original Crosshair has a deep outer corner, the Crosshair S has an oval curved shape.
The result is that the lens of the Crosshair S is a little less deep at the outer edge than the Crosshair Original. Everything else remains the same. But it’s important to note that the lenses on these frames are not interchangeable between models.
Oakley Crosshair 2.0 (2010)
In 2010, the Oakley Crosshair 2.0 marked the first major design change to the frame. The angular and oval shape of the first two styles is replaced with a distinctly round-rectangular lens with a big wrap. The lens is the same depth (40mm) across the full width.
Also gone are the signature Hammerstems from the original Crosshair sunglasses. Instead, you’ll find straight stems similar to most modern wire pairs like the C-Wire. But the earstems do still feature a very cool open icon design integrated into the hinge.
Additionally, Oakley changed the bridge from earlier models, opting to pinch in the soft curves of the first two styles. The space between the upper and lower bridge wires definitely has a more pronounced angle.
Overall, the Crosshair 2.0 has a less distinctly aviator feel. It’s more Oakley, with the square style and big wrap. It’s also more modern, with aviator elements but not the iconic look that’s so easily imitated.
Oakley Crosshair (2012)
Just two years after the 2.0, Oakley released an all-new Crosshair featuring a significant revamp. Known only as the “Crosshair” by Oakley or “New Crosshair” by collectors, this pair is definitely different from the original.
The most noticeable difference is that this Crosshair brings back the classic aviator lens shape. Compare this to the Crosshair 2.0’s rectangular lens shape.
It also brings back the iconic Hammerstems, and thankfully leaves the Unobtainium socks that were on the previous versions. Plus the New Crosshair has a significantly deeper lens than any of the previous iterations (64 mm with a deeper outer corner), a nod toward the trend of larger sunglasses with better coverage and protection.
The bridge also got an upgrade. The nose pads are sleeker, held in place by a wire wrap instead of traditional inserts. And the bridge wires changed from pinched in top and bottom to both smoothly curved up. Sadly, the cool-looking icon hinge is also gone.
The New Crosshair looks like a nice, modern version of the Crosshair Original and Crosshair S. The individual differences at a glance are not obvious, but together they make this aviator a little more modern. And sticking to its aviator roots, you can also find the Ballistic SI Crosshair variation available through the Oakley Standard Issue program.
Last but not least, the New Crosshair has Prizm lenses. No matter what you think of the style, the color and contrast enhancement of Prizm is a significant upgrade. It’s also the first lens upgrade since the original frame was introduced in 2005! Learn more about why Oakley Prizm Lenses are a game-changer in our complete guide here.
Crosshair Size and Dimension Comparison
As we mentioned in our Crosshair review above, the size and dimensions of each pair are slightly different. Our quick reference table below compares the Oakley Crosshair size and dimensions across each variation:
| Crosshair (2005) | Crosshair S (2006) | Crosshair 2.0 (2010) | New Crosshair (2012) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lens Height | 43mm | 40mm | 40mm | 47mm |
| Lens Width | 61mm | 59mm | 64mm | 61mm |
| Frame Width | 130mm | 134mm | 143mm | 145mm |
| Temple Length | 125mm | 125mm | 122mm | 127mm |
| Weight | 34g | 31g | 32g | 31g |
Be sure to also check out our complete Oakley Size guide for more information!
Original Colorways
The Oakley Crosshair sunglasses have been produced in a variety of colorways over the years. We’ve included a complete list below for reference:
| Colorway (Frame/Lens) | Model |
|---|---|
| Black Chrome / Amber Black Iridium Polarized | Original Crosshair |
| Black Chrome / Brown Clear Gradien | Original Crosshair |
| Black Chrome / VR50 to Brown Transition | Original Crosshair |
| Matte Black / Black Iridium Polarized | Original Crosshair |
| Matte Black / Black Clear Gradient | Original Crosshair |
| Pewter / Black Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Pewter / Light Grey transition | Original Crosshair |
| Polished Chrome / VR28 Black Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Polished Gold / VR28 Gold Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Silver / Black Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Silver / Dark Grey | Original Crosshair |
| Titanium / Titanium Iridium Polarized | Original Crosshair |
| Titanium Berry / G30 Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Titanium Burnt Copper / VR28 Black Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Titanium Burnt Copper / VR28 Black Iridium Polarized | Original Crosshair |
| White / G30 Iridium | Original Crosshair |
| Berry / G40 Black Gradient | Crosshair S |
| Black Chrome / Black Violet Gradient | Crosshair S |
| Black Chrome / Warm Grey | Crosshair S |
| Matte Black / Grey | Crosshair S |
| Polished Brown / VR28 Black Iridium | Crosshair S |
| Polished Gold / VR28 Gold Iridium | Crosshair S |
| Lead / Black Iridium Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Lead / Emerald Iridium Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Lead / Ice Iridium Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Lead / OO Blue Iridium Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Matte Black / Grey Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Matte Black / Warm Grey | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Matte Black / Warm Grey (VW) | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Polished Black / Black Iridium Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Polished Chrome / VR28 Black Iridium | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Polished Gold / Bronze Polarized | Crosshair 2.0 |
| Black Chrome / Black Grey Gradient | Crosshair (New) |
| Brown Chrome / Bronze Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Gunmetal / Grey (SI) | Crosshair (New) |
| Lead / Black Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Lead / Prizm Black Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Lead / Warm Grey | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / Black Iridium | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / Black Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / Emerald Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / Grey (SI) | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / Ice Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / Prizm Black Iridium | Crosshair (New) |
| Matte Black / TR22 (SI) | Crosshair (New) |
| Polished Black / Warm Grey | Crosshair (New) |
| Polished Chrome / VR28 Black Iridium | Crosshair (New) |
| Polished Gold / Dark Grey | Crosshair (New) |
| Ti Pewter / Black Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
| Titanium / Tungsten Iridium Polarized | Crosshair (New) |
Are Replacement Crosshair Lenses Available?
Yes, Replacement Crosshair lenses are available through aftermarket manufacturers. Currently, Oakley does not sell replacement lenses for the Crosshair. You can find lenses available for every variation of the Crosshair mentioned here. Plus most range in price from only $10-$40 including Polarized and mirrored (Iridium) options!
For more information and comparison check out our guide to the Best Oakley Replacement Lenses!
Where to Buy Oakley Crosshair Sunglasses?
Obviously depending on which Crosshair frame you’re looking for will determine how easy or hard they are to buy. The New Crosshair is available on the Oakley website in Matte Black and Lead with Prizm or Prizm Polarized lenses starting at $214 (Product Link).
But if you’re looking for the original Crosshair, Crosshair S, or Crosshair 2.0 you’re not out of luck. You can still find the other three versions available on aftermarket sites. We’d recommend checking out the Oakley Forum Exchange Areas where you can buy, sell and trade rare and discontinued Oakleys!
For more options check out our complete Oakley buying guide!
Review Summary
The Crosshair is an awesome Oakley aviator-style frame great for medium to large size faces. The frame has built itself with each generation. For most buyers, you’ll want to look at the current Crosshair sunglasses with their modern design and easy availability. But if you’re a collector you may be up for the hunt for a pair of original Crosshairs or Crosshair 2.0 sunglasses!
No matter which version you choose, this is an excellent lifestyle frame with Oakley quality and design.
What’s your favorite Crosshair frame? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the comments below!
