Released in 2008, Oakley Half-X sunglasses are Oakley’s second attempt at a half-rimmed X-Metal after the Romeo 2.0. Initially retailing for $315+, the Half-X was not well received by the public. Unlike the Romeo sunglasses, there was no grand party to launch the Half-X, no star-studded celebrity event.
And while almost every other X-Metal pair is featured in a blockbuster movie – from the Romeo in Mission Impossible to the Oakley Penny in the X-Men franchise – the Half-X has no fame.
Ultimately, the Penny was discontinued in 2012 along with the remainder of the X-Metal line. Even today, many people consider this pair to be the outcast of the otherwise popular Oakley X-Metals. But the real question is why? Keep reading as we review everything to know about Oakley Half-X Sunglasses to find out why it may be the last popular X-Metal!
Table of Contents
Oakley Half-X Sunglasses Review
Frame, Size and Design
The Oakley Half-X features a semi-rimmed frame that lends itself to its name. But overall, this is a pretty simple design. You won’t find any of the aggressive frame designs of the Oakley Juliet and out-of-this-world styling of the Mars. Even the flex couplers (aka the separated nose bridge that allows additional flex in the frame) are removed, leaving a seamless frame without the cuts and grooves of other X-Metals.
At first glance, it’s easy to see why the Half-X would be overlooked. But let’s go a bit deeper.
The Half-X does include a higher tension spring hinge technology similar to the enhancement we discussed on the Oakley Penny, allowing for an overall tighter fit. But with the greater tension, these spring hinges are known to break over time. And unfortunately, this isn’t a part that can be repaired.
Weight and Serial Numbers
In terms of enhancements, the Half-X is lighter than other X-Metals. The frame weighs 38 grams compared to earlier releases that were 45 grams or more! This weight decrease is a welcomed change by those who complained that early X-Metals were too heavy on their face.
One aspect that has hurt the collectability of this frame is no serial numbers. That’s because the Half-X was produced in 2008 when Oakley stopped serial putting serial numbers on frames. Unfortunately, that means you won’t find any “serialized” Half-Xs.
Lenses
Oakley Half-X Lenses are similar to the shape of Flak Jacket lenses but a bit less sporty. And these lenses are made with XYZ optics to minimize distortion while featuring a Hydrophobic coating to repel oil and water.
Overall the lens options you’ll see in the colorway section below are, well, boring. Most Half-X colorways included various Black and Grey Iridium lenses, with the most exciting color lens being Ice Iridium. Needless to say, this didn’t help the Half-X’s popularity.
Luckily, you can find aftermarket replacement lenses and parts for the Half-X, though it is harder than other X-Metals. This is mainly due to their lack of popularity overall. And similar to other X-Metals, Oakley no longer offers any replacement lenses or parts for the Half-X.
Original Colorways
Oakley Half-X sunglasses were produced in 6 total colorways. We’ve listed the complete listing below for reference:
- Carbon / Black Iridium
- Carbon / Black Iridium Polarized
- Plasma / Ice Iridium Polarized
- Plasma / Tungsten Iridium
- Polished / VR28 Black Iridium
- X-Metal / Warm Grey
Final Thoughts – Are They Worth It?
Where do we even start here? Do we dislike the Oakley Half-X? No. Is it our favorite X-Metal? No. The truth is the Half-X seems a bit forgotten.
While other X-Metals all seemed to have a story and a purpose within the family, the Half-X appears to be lost in that sense. It’s not the first half-frame, and while it’s a bit sportier, X-Metals are never true sports pairs. That’s why Oakley sold sunglasses like the M Frame and Eyeshade.
We’d recommend the Half-X if you love half-rimmed designs or you’re a collector looking to have every X-metal. Otherwise, we’d recommend the Juliet or Romeo sunglasses, both of which beat this frame in terms of collectibility and design.
Where to Buy Oakley Half-X Sunglasses?
If you’re looking for a Half-X, you’ll need to look in the aftermarket. As discussed before, Oakley no longer produces any of the X-Metal sunglasses with only the occasional re-release. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
You can still buy Oakley X-Metal sunglasses through aftermarket sites like our X-Metal Exchange, where you can buy, sell and trade with members. For more information, check out our guide to buying rare and used Oakleys.
Compared to other X-Metals, the Half-X doesn’t have as crazy prices. Sure they will often go for more than retail since they’re discontinued, but generally not too much more. Due to the lack of demand amongst collectors, you can often buy these close to their original retail prices.
Let Us Know
Do you think Oakley Half-X sunglasses are the least popular X-Metal? Or have a question about the pair? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the comments below!
Wish I could find them again.
Wish I could find them again. 
