If you’ve never gone through the process of buying Oakley’s before, a bit of guidance might be worth your time! We’ll go through some of the specifications and critiques of the Oakley Gauge 8’s so when you head to the store, you can buy with confidence.
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Oakley Gauge 8 Sunglasses Review
We reviewed a pair of Gauge 8 M sunglasses in Matte Lead with Prizm Sapphire lenses. Overall we were impressed with how comfortable these sunglasses are especially with a metal frame. Keep reading for our full review of the frame, lenses, and size!
Frame and Design
The Oakley Gauge 8 frame features a full-rimmed frame with a squared aviator design. The frame itself is made of C-5 alloy, which is similar to most other metal frame Oakleys these days. Overall C-5 is plenty durable and flexible for everyday conditions. But if you’re looking for a pair for sports or activity – this isn’t it. You’d be better off going with an O-Matter frame that can take the constant wear and tear.
The earstems are skinny and feature a small O icon, finally ending with Unobtainium earsocks. They’re also connected to the frame using Monoshock hinges, meaning the earstems use tension to grip your face without squeezing. Overall we found the fit to be comfortable and not overbearing in terms of the tension.
Despite the Unobtainium earsocks on the temples, you won’t find the same on the nose pads. Instead, the Gauge 8 has clear silicone nosepads similar to what you’d find on eyeglasses. We’ve seen Oakley do this on several other wire and metal frames like the Savitar and Wire Tap 2.0. This is likely to create a cleaner more classic design compared to the sport look of Unobtainium.
Medium vs. Large Size & Dimensions
The Gauge 8 sunglasses are unique since they offer a medium and large-size version of the frame. These size options give you more options and variety when you’re looking for the perfect fit. The medium size is more suited to anyone with a smaller face and more delicate features, while the large size fits anyone larger with a rounder face. We’ve included the complete dimensions below for reference:
Gauge 8M 57-17 (Medium)
- Frame Width: 130mm
- Lens Width: 57mm
- Lens Height: 42mm
- Bridge: 17mm
- Temple Length: 136mm
Gauge 8L 62-17 (Large)
- Frame Width: 140mm
- Lens Width: 62mm
- Lens Height: 45.5mm
- Bridge: 17mm
- Temple Length: 136 mm
For more information on sizing, check out our complete Oakley Sunglasses Size Guide.
Oakley Gauge 8 Lenses
The Oakley Gauge 8 lenses are currently available in Prizm, Prizm Polarized, and Standard options. The pair we reviewed included Prizm Sapphire Polarized lenses. We’ve already covered everything PRIZM Lenses in our complete guide here. But we definitely were not disappointed.
The frame has a medium wrap and the lenses provide plenty of coverage for everyday activities. Does the Gauge 8 have the same coverage as a shield visor pair like the Encoder or Radar? Definitely not, but it is fine for driving, walking, and normal activities.
While the Gauge 8 is available in a variety of lens colors, we’d generally recommend Prizm Sapphire to make a statement. But if you’re going for a more subtle look check out Prizm Tungsten Polarized and Prizm Black.
The lenses themselves are made of impact-resistant Plutonite, like most modern Oakleys. You can read more about this proprietary material in our guide: What are Oakley Plutonite Lenses? Plus keep reading to find out why finding Gauge 8 replacement lenses may be harder than you think.
Final Thoughts
Overall the Oakley Gauge 8 sunglasses are a great all around metal aviator frame. Plus with a variety of Prizm and standard lenses available, you can find a colorway that stands out or keeps it calm.
And with the Medium and Large size options, you can find a Gauge 8 that fits right for you. If you’re a fan of metal or aviator designs, you should definitely check out the Gauge 8 sunglasses.
Are Gauge 8 Replacement Lenses Available?
Yes, but the answer’s a bit complicated. The Gauge 8 frame uses a friction fit to hold lenses meaning you can easily swap your lenses by simply “popping” out the current lens, and inserting the new ones. But finding the lenses may be a bit trickier.
Currently, Oakley does not sell Gauge 8 replacement lenses. However, you can still find replacement lenses through several aftermarket retailers. Plus these lenses are usually less than 50% the price of lenses direct from Oakley. Check out our complete guide and comparison of the best Oakley Replacement Lenses.
Where to Buy Oakley Gauge 8 Sunglasses?
Oakley Gauge 8 sunglasses are currently available directly from Oakley (Product Link). Recently we’ve seen several Oakley sales with the Gauge 8 for 30-50% off. This lowers the retail price from starting at $196 to only $98. But even if there isn’t a sale currently you can likely still save.
For current and new Oakleys, you can often find them for 20-30% off retail prices on aftermarket sites like our Oakley Forum Exchange and eBay. These are a great option and easy way to save with only a little bit of leg work. For more information check out our guide to Never Paying Retail for Oakleys Again!
Also if you qualify for the exclusive Oakley Standard Issue Program, the Gauge 8 (Product Link) is available with your discount!
Are you a fan of the Oakley Gauge 8? Or have a question about your sunglasses? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the thread below!
