Introduced in 2016, the Oakley Mainlink is part of “Link” family that dates back to the 2012 Crosslink.
In addition to the many variations of the Crosslink, the Link family also includes the Mainlink, Straightlink, Chainlink, and Thinlink. All of these frames share similar full-frame O Matter designs.
Keep reading for our full Oakley Crosslink sunglasses review and everything to know before you buy.
Table of Contents
Oakley Mainlink XL Sunglasses Review
For our review, we got our hands on a pair of Mainlink XL sunglasses in Polished Black with Prizm Deep Water Polarized lenses.
We’ll talk through the differences between the Mainlink and Mainlink XL below, but overall the frames are very similar so we didn’t see the need to review both pairs.
Keep reading for our impressions after a day of wearing this performance lifestyle frame.
Frame and Design
Starting with the frame, the Mainlink Like the other “Link” family sunglasses are made of lightweight O Matter material.
Wearing the frame is definitely comfortable thanks to the light frame and Unobtainium earsocks integrated into the bottom of the temples.
While wearing the Mainlink you realize this is a frame that can easily go between everyday wear and cycling or hiking.
Is this our top choice for a cycling frame? Probably not. But if you’re looking to buy one pair of Oakleys that works in just about every environment, this may be it.
The Mainlink design reminds us of the Gibston sunglasses we reviewed not too long ago.
Overall it’s a fairly plain full-rim O Matter frame design. Honestly, if you removed the Oakley logo and put these on a gas station rack you probably wouldn’t second guess that they belong there.
We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with the Mainlink design. There is definitely a place in Oakley’s lineup for simple sunglasses that you can wear on the street or at a backyard BBQ. But you definitely won’t find out of this world styling or innovation like the Over The Top or Kato here.
Keep reading as we review the Mainlink lenses and compare the standard and XL sizes of this frame.
Lenses
Currently the Mainlink XL (and standard) are available with Prizm or Prizm Polarized lenses.
We’ve already covered Prizm lenses and why we love them, so we won’t go into too much detail here. But the Prizm Deep Water Polarized worked well in the Mainlink frame.
It’s not clear if Oakley is trying to push the Mainlink as a fishing frame similar to the Split Shot. You can definitely see design similarities when you compare this frame and some of the more popular fishing brands like Costa.
Overall the lens selection is pretty small these days – with only 4 Prizm lenses available for the Mainlink XL. And only 1 for the Mainlink standard.
The frame is available through the Oakley Custom Program with more frame/lens options available. But it wouldn’t surprise us if the Mainlink is slowly being faded out of the Oakley lineup based on the colorways available.
Mainlink vs. Mainlink XL – What’s the Difference?
As we’ve talked about in our Oakley Sunglasses Size Guide, the “XL” just notes a larger version of a frame.
So the only difference between the Mainlink and its sibling, the Mainlink XL, is size.
As the name indicates the Mainlink XL is a larger frame with bigger dimensions all around.
Overall the Mainlink is a medium-large frame, while the Mainlink XL is, of course, a large to extra-large frame. You can see a complete comparison of the sizes below.
| Mainlink | Mainlink XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Width | 131mm | 137mm |
| Lens Width | 57mm | 61mm |
| Lens Height | 40mm | 43mm |
| Bridge | 17mm | 17mm |
| Temple Length | 138mm | 138mm |
Original Colorways
While Oakley only offers a few Mainlink colorways today, the frame has been released in a variety of models over the years. You can find a complete listing of the original colorways below.
Plus keep reading to find out where you can find discontinued colorways and frames.
| Colorway (Frame / Lens) | Original Price |
|---|---|
| Arctic Mist / Prizm Black Iridium | $173 |
| Blue Pop Fade / Prizm Sapphire Iridium | $173 |
| Corten / Torch Iridium | $160 |
| Dark Ink Fade / Chrome Iridium | $160 |
| Ford Grey Ink / Sapphire Iridium | $173 |
| Grey Ink / Prizm Black Iridium | $170 |
| Grey Ink / Prizm Sapphire Iridium | $180 |
| Grey Ink / Sapphire Iridium | $160 |
| Grey Smoke / Jade Iridium | $160 |
| Matte Black / Black Iridium Polarized | $190 |
| Matte Black / Grey | $140 |
| Matte Black / Prizm Black Iridium Polarized | $200 |
| Matte Black / Prizm Grey | $153 |
| Matte Black / Prizm Jade Iridium Polarized | $200 |
| Matte Black / Prizm Tungsten Polarized | $200 |
| Matte Black / Ruby Iridium Polarized | $190 |
| Matte Black and Red / Black Iridium | $160 |
| Matte Black and Ruby / Prizm Ruby Iridium | $200 |
| Matte Black Sapphire / Prizm Sapphire Iridium | $200 |
| Matte Sepia / Tungsten Iridium Polarized | $190 |
| Matte Tortoise / Prizm Shallow Water Polarized | $200 |
| Military Green / Prizm Tungstens | $173 |
| Polished Black / Black Iridium | $160 |
| Polished Black / Deep Water Polarized | $200 |
| Polished Black / Prizm Daily Polarized | $200 |
| Polished Black / Prizm Golf | $200 |
| Polished Black / Prizm Ruby Iridium Polarized | $200 |
| Polished Black / Prizm Sapphire Iridium | $200 |
| Polished Black and Navy / Black Iridium | $160 |
| Polished Clear / Prizm Ruby (MotoGp) | $193 |
| Poseidon Translucent / Prizm Black Iridium | $173 |
| Steel / Prizm Shallow Water Polarized | $200 |
| Woodgrain / Prizm Daily Polarized | $200 |
Final Thoughts – Are they worth it?
The Oakley Mainlink is a simple versatile frame that works in just about every environment. We found them comfortable all day, without any issues.
Overall, If you’re looking for one pair of Oakleys you can wear for just about anything – the Mainlink is the right fit.
But because of the limited Mainlink colorways available today, we’d recommend looking at the Oakley Gibston sunglasses instead.
Plus keep reading as we’ll show you exactly how to save up to 30% on Oakleys, and even find discontinued Mainlink colorways.
Are Prescription Mainlink Lenses Available?
Yes, Oakley Prescription lenses are available for the Mainlink through Oakley’s website or your local eye doctor. All you’ll need is a valid prescription to order.
Currently, they’re available in single vision and progressive prescriptions. Plus you can order them with standard, Prizm Everyday, and Prizm Sports lens technology.
And the Mainlink is also available as eyeglasses if you prefer this design for everyday wear.
To learn more check out our complete Oakley Prescription Sunglasses & Eyeglasses Guide.
Are Replacement Mainlink Lenses Available?
Yes, Oakley carries a large variety of Mainlink replacement lenses in stores and on their website starting at $70.
You may also be able to find discounted replacement lenses through Oakley Vault locations or during holiday sales.
And if you’re looking to save even more, there are several aftermarket lens suppliers with lenses starting as low as $10!
For a complete comparison of the best replacement lens options, check out our Oakley Replacement Lens Guide.
Where to Buy Oakley Mainlink Sunglasses?
Since the Mainlink is a current style you can buy it directly from Oakley and its authorized retailers starting at $166. But with the right timing, you can find up to 50% off through Oakley sales, bringing the price down to $83.
If you don’t want to wait for a sale, you still have plenty of options to save. You can often find big discounts on new and current Oakleys through aftermarket sites.
Want to know how?
Check out our complete guide to Never Pay Retail Again for Oakleys.
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