Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses are one of the best-selling Oakley sports frames. But with other top pairs like the M Frame and Radars, we were excited to see how this frame stacks up to the competition!
Keep reading for our complete Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses review. Plus, answers to your top questions about the Flak frame!
Table of Contents
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Highlights
- Half-rimmed sports design with extended XL lenses for maximum coverage
- Made of lightweight O Matter frame material that is durable and comfortable all-day
- Features High Definition Optics (HDO) for maximum clarity and visibility with a 8.75 base lens geometry
- Available with Prizm lens technology that provides color and contrast-enhancing tuned for specific sports and environments
- Impact-resistant Plutonite lenses protect your eyes on or off the field
- Unobtainum earsocks and nosepads provide added grip even when wet or sweaty
- Available with Oakley Authentic Prescription Lenses
- Buy the Flak 2.0 XL Here
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses Review
Our Gear
We reviewed a pair of polished black Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses with Prizm Golf lenses (Product Link) over a weekend, and they definitely earned their spot as a top sports frame.
Keep reading as we explain what makes these sunglasses so great on and off the field (or golf course)!
Initial Impressions
We’re already fans of the Oakley Half Jacket 2.0, so we were excited to get our hands on the Flak 2.0 XL.
And after unboxing this pair, the first thing we noticed is the updated design compared to the Half Jacket 2.0. Overall, the Oakley Flak 2.0 definitely feels more modern and updated.
There’s been plenty of input on the Flak from many wearers on the forum, and it’s become common knowledge that this is a certified win of a pair! But keep reading for our full review of why this pair stands out!
Frame, Fit, and Design
Firstly, as we mentioned above, the Flak 2.0 XL features an updated design from the classic Half Jacket. And while it still has the classic half-rim lenses, the temples feature a more modern and edgy design that makes this frame look fast!
And the temples feature Oakley’s signature Unobtainium earsocks for added grip. You’ll also notice that the Oakley Flak 2.0’s earstems tilt slightly inward. This won’t matter for most people, but it may if you have high cheekbones. That’s because the frame sits a bit more flush with the transition from temple to cheek. If you have higher cheekbones, you’ll want to check out Oakley’s Low Bridge Fit.
In all, the Flak 2.0 has a pretty versatile fit that runs secure but light. I could see why people find the Oakley Jawbreaker front-heavy if pairs like this and the M-Frames are their baselines.
Overall Aesthetic
Initially, we thought the Flak 2.0’s looked small and simple compared to other pairs. But in my hand, we like the subtle details that add up. For example, the very slight flares in the nose, shaping of the orbitals to follow the eye socket, the sculpted temples and transitions, the ribs in the stems I mentioned before, as well as on the earsocks. And all these features are functional towards rigidity, weight cutting, and handling convenience.
One doesn’t need to be meticulous with design to make a perfectly functional pair, but Oakley went that extra mile.
Nose Pad Replacement
The Flak 2.0 XL features nose pads that hook onto the frame, similar to the Radar series. But unfortunately, the Radar nose pads are not compatible with the Flak 2.0. While you may be able to get the Radar pads to work, it’s sloppy because they’re meant for a larger base.
On that note, I found the smaller mounting points of the Flak 2.0’s nose, and the smaller pads made replacing the pads more of a chore than usual.
Overall I found the nose pads to be such small pieces to grip without a safe place to secure the frame in your hand. Ultimately, smudges seem inevitable when trying to swap the nose pads. Nonetheless, this is an easy pair to clean since it’s a half-frame. I assume Oakley didn’t reuse the “plug-in” setup from the XX and Pit Boss 2 because the rubber layer is pretty thin, therefore feeling a bit hard.
Earsock Replacement
Similar to the nosepads, you can easily change the earsocks on the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL. Overall, we like the ear sock design on the Flak 2.0.
Oakley uses the hole built into the temples/frame as a locking point which is very practical and user-friendly. Once the socks have been popped out of the hole, they slide off easily.
Most people won’t need to change their earsocks too often, but it can be useful for cleaning your earsocks after a sweaty day!
Size and Dimensions
The Oakley Flak 2.0 is a medium-sized frame that fits well on most faces. The XL lenses help to provide additional coverage for sports or if you have a larger face. We’ve included the complete dimensions below:
- Frame Width: 126mm
- Frame Length: 133mm
- Bridge Height: 12mm
- Lens Heigh: 59mm
- Lens Width: 38mm
Prizm Lenses and Coverage
The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL features a half-frame design similar to the original Flak or Half Jacket. And the XL, in its name, refers to the extended lenses that flare out to the sides of the frame, providing additional coverage.
Our review pair featured Prizm Golf lenses that are designed for golfing but still worked great off the field. We won’t go into too much detail on our specific lenses here, but you can check out our guide to Prizm Lenses for more.
The Flak 2.0 frame seems to sit closer to the face than other sports pairs. This helped to make the frame and temples less noticeable in our field of view. And the wind deflection from the lenses and frame is definitely sufficient for cycling.
Overall, we found the Flak 2.0 XL to have fantastic coverage, and the expanded lenses definitely provided additional peripheral vision. There were still some gaps off to the sides, but we’d say the Flak covered 90% of our field of view.
Final Thoughts – Are They Worth It?
Yes, Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses are worth it for anyone with an active lifestyle or athletes. This frame is lightweight durable, provides maximum comfort and lens coverage for a dual-lens design!
After wearing these for a weekend, it’s obvious why these are a best-selling pair for Oakley. And now, these have quickly become a staple in our lineup of sunglasses.
Keep reading for answers to your top questions about the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL sunglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Oakley Flak 2.0 and Flak 2.0 XL?
The lens size is the only difference between the Oakley Flak 2.0 and Flak 2.0 XL editions. The Flak 2.0 XL has larger lenses that extend to the sides for more coverage. But both sunglasses feature the same frame, so you can switch between standard and XL lenses if you want.
Are Oakley Flak 2.0 Sunglasses OSHA approved?
No, while Oakley Flak 2.0 sunglasses are designed to exceed ANSI Z87.1 standards, they do not qualify as Oakley safety glasses. That’s because to qualify as OSHA-approved safety glasses, both the frame and lenses need to be ANSI stamped.
Are Oakley Flak 2.0 Replacement Lenses Available?
Yes, Oakley Flak 2.0 standard and XL replacement lenses are available directly through Oakley, including Prizm, Prizm Polarized, Photochromic, and Standard options.
And if you’re looking to save, you can also find replacement Flak lenses through aftermarket suppliers. These manufacturers are often 50%+ less expensive than Oakley authentic lenses, but the quality may vary. Check out our guide and comparison of the Best Oakley Replacement Lenses for more.
Note: This post was initially posted by member Ventruck and has been adapted for this article with additional details added. Credit to member Ventruck for his fantastic review.
