We break down the Oakley Flak Jacket, Flak 2.0, and Half Jacket 2.0 and explain the frame and lens differences, so you know what you’re buying!
Table of Contents
Background
Oakley Jacket sunglasses are some of the most popular sports frames on the market. And with the Half Jacket, Half Jacket 2.0, Flak Jacket, and Flak 2.0, it can get a bit confusing. Plus, we’ll compare the sizes and designs of the current models along with the standard, XL, and other variations available so you can keep them straight.
Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses
Frame Overview and Size
Oakley released the original Half Jacket in 2002, offering a half-frame design lending to its name. This was Oakley’s first dual lens frame with interchangeable lenses. And it became an instant hit. Unfortunately, this model has since been discontinued, but you’re not out of luck.
In 2012, Oakley followed up with the Half Jacket 2.0. A similar but updated design is featuring an O matter frame with Prizm lens technology.
The Half Jacket 2.0 features a width of 135mm across, 133mm in temple length, and 36mm in height. And the lenses are interchangeable similar to the original Half Jacket, using a pressure snap-in system identical to the Oakley Radar and Radar EV.
Standard vs. XL Lenses
The Half Jacket 2.0 is available with both Standard and XL lenses. The frame for either of these variations is the same. The only difference is the lens size.
Standard lenses offer a traditional rounded cure, while the XL lenses feature a concave lower design that flairs out 2mm extra to provide additional coverage for peripheral vision.
As a side note, original Oakley Flak Jacket lenses (not 2.0) will fit into the Half Jacket 2.0 – but not the other way around.
Oakley Flak Jacket Sunglasses
Frame Overview and Size
Introduced in 2007, the Flak Jacket was what many thought to be the successor to the Half Jacket. But, with the release of the Half Jacket 2.0, this was not the case.
Featuring a similar half-lens design and O Matter frame and Unobtainium earsocks. The Flak Jacket is strikingly similar to the Half Jacket.
The Flak Jacket features a width of 130m across, 135mm in temple length, and 37mm height. And the lenses are interchangeable similar to the Half Jacket 2.0, with various replacement lenses available.
Standard vs. XLJ Lenses
The Flak Jacket features two lens variations similar to the Half Jacket. The larger lens, named the XLJ, provides a different lens shape with additional coverage. Similarly, the lens is the only variation, so you can easily swap between Standard and XLJ lenses if needed.
If you have higher cheekbones or find your glasses digging into your face, you’ll want the standard lens. However, if you find gaps in your lens and sunlight creeping in, we’d recommend XLJ lenses.
Oakley Flak 2.0 Sunglasses
Frame Overview and Size
The most recent release in 2015, the Flak 2.0, is the successor to the Flak Jacket with an updated design. But aside from the design, not too much changed with this release. Though there have been several variations released (more on that in the section below).
We already reviewed the Oakley Flak 2.0, so we won’t cover too much here. But similar to the previous pairs, it features a half-rim design, interchangeable lenses, and Unobtainium earsocks and nose pieces.
The Flak 2.0 features a width of 133m across, 132mm in temple length, and 38mm in height.
Standards vs. 2.0 XL Lenses
Like the other pairs mentioned, the Flak 2.0 features a standard XL lens. Following suit, the XL provides an additional 2mm of width coverage and the shape to curve around your cheek.
In addition to the XL variation, Oakley has also released new models of Flak 2.0. Both released in 2017, the Flak Beta and Flak Draft are unique frames versus the lens differences in the XL variation. We’ll talk about both below.
Flak Draft vs. Flak Beta vs. Flak 2.0
The Flak Draft sunglasses offer an “easier” option to swap lenses. Interestingly, Oakley decided not to use / brand this as Switchlock technology. Though as we covered in our Radar comparison guide, they seem to have backtracked on the feature.
Overall, the Flak Draft features an easy lens swap mechanism – as Oakley puts it:
A single release trigger helps make lens changing quick and easy, and with features like integrated ventilation that fights fog buildup, this premium multi-sport sunglass is the new definition of performance.
Oakley Standard Issue
The Flak Draft features a width of 130mm across, 130mm in temple length, and 38mm in height.
The Flak Beta offers less unobtanium than the Flak 2.0. Only the nose piece is made of rubber grips, whereas the temples are just O Matter. If you’re someone with longer hair who finds the rubber earsocks grabbing your head, you may like the Beta.
Oakley Flak Jacket vs. Half Jacket vs. Flak 2.0
Now that we’ve covered each of these frames – we’ll talk about the similarities and differences.
Overall the biggest difference is the frame aesthetic. While there are some frame size differences, as shown in the table below – most are pretty similar.
The Beta is the smallest of all the frames, suited for small to medium-sized heads. It also contains less Unobtainium, as mentioned above, than the others. While obviously, the XL frames will be best suited for those with larger heads.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with any of these frames, the main deciding factor will be the look of the sunglasses.
| Half Jacket 2.0 | Flak Jacket | Flak 2.0 | Flak Draft | Flak Beta | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple / Earstem Length | 133mm | 135mm | 132mm | 130mm | 126mm |
| Frame Height | 36mm | 37mm | 38mm | 38mm | 38mm |
| Frame Width | 135mm | 130mm | 133mm | 130mm | 130mm |
| Available Lens Width | Standard: 57mm XL: 60mm | Standard: 58mm XLJ: 61mm | Standard: 58mm XLJ: 61mm | 59mm | 57mm |
| Lens Swap | Pressure / Snap-in | Pressure / Snap-in | Pressure / Snap-in | Trigger Release | Pressure / Snap-in |
Are lenses interchangeable across these pairs?
As mentioned earlier, the Standard and XL or XLJ pairs are interchangeable across the same frame. While not officially advertised by Oakley, some lenses across these pairs can be swapped. For example, Oakley Flak Jacket lenses fit into Half Jacket 2.0 (but not the other way around).
Member Discodave also reported that his Wiretap lenses fit in his Half Jacket and Flak Jacket frames.
Where can I buy these Sunglasses?
All of the mentioned pairs are still available directly from Oakley.com, including Low Bridge (Asian) fit variations. But you’ll be paying retail price, so you may want to look at other options.
Your best bet for finding affordable Oakleys is our Sunglasses Exchange on the forum. Buy, sell and trade with 30,000+ members, including rare and discontinued Oakleys.
And, of course, you also can use traditional aftermarket options such as eBay and Craigslist. But be careful and make sure you understand how to spot fake Oakleys, as there are plenty on both sites.
Have A Question?
Have a question about your Oakley Flak sunglasses? Or want to learn more? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the comments below!
