Oakley has consistently set the bar higher for sunglasses and lenses over the years. And Oakley Prizm lenses are no different! Plus, with the introduction of Prizm Road lenses, there is finally a purpose-built lens for road sports like running, biking, and driving! Keep reading for our full Oakley Prizm Road review and the top frames you can find this lens in!
For more great Oakleys, check out The Best Oakley Sunglasses of This Year!
Table of Contents
What are Prizm Lenses?
Prizm lenses offer contrast-enhancing, enhanced clarity, and glare reduction tailored to your specific environment. Originally Oakley released Prizm lenses designed for specific sports such as Prizm Golf, or Prizm Snow.
But over time, the Prizm lineup has gone way beyond just sports and crossed over into everyday life. And you can now find Prizm lenses in almost every pair of Oakley sunglasses currently sold. Check out our complete Oakley Prizm Guide to find out exactly how Prizm technology works!
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What is Oakley Prizm Road?
Oakley Prizm Road lenses feature color and contrast-enhancing to highlight road signs, spot hazards in the road, and enhance the riding experience with vivid surroundings for cycling and running. We’ve detailed these features below.
Key Benefits
- Spot Road Hazards and highlight small changes in the surface of the road such as cracks and potholes
- Highlight road signs and lane markings to make sure you’re aware of your environment
- Color enhancing tuned for your environment and the nature around you for a more enjoyable riding experience
- 100% Protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays plus blue light up to 400nm
Oakley Prizm Road Lens Review – Is it Worth it?
First Impressions
For our Oakley Prizm Road review, we got our hands on a pair of Jawbreaker sunglasses that included the lens. Overall our first impression was that Prizm Road could easily be used as an everyday lens.
They provide great contrast and color for most environments and have a 20% light transmission which works great for sunny and overcast days. Prizm Road even shares the same base lens color (Rose) as Prizm Daily Polarized, advertised as the “everyday” lens. Keep reading as we put this lens up against a sunny Sunday ride.
Is Prizm Road the Best Cycling Lens?
In our opinion – Yes! After taking the Prizm Road lens out cycling, we could really see how these features stand out. We noticed many of these on our first drive home with the lens. But taking it on an open-air bike ride really brought them to life.
The contrast-enhancing was clearly visible on the road, highlighting some small potholes we likely would have missed otherwise. Plus, the pop of color on the surrounding trees was a nice touch. Although that contrast-enhancing you can find on most other Prizm lenses.
Overall, we loved Prizm Road for cycling and running. On the road is where this lens thrives, and rightfully so. This lens is clearly built with cyclists and runners in mind! Keep reading as we compare Prizm Road and Prizm Road Black. Plus our favorite Oakley Prizm Road sunglasses!
Prizm Road vs. Prizm Road Black vs. Prizm Road Jade
There are actually 3 variations of the Prizm Road lens – Standard, Black, and Jade. And all of these Prizm Road lenses feature the highlights we mentioned above, mainly contrast and color enhancing for cycling and running.
But what’s the difference between Prizm Road lenses? Mainly the color, light transmission, and conditions they’re built for. Prizm Road Black is the darkest lens, followed by Jade and finally the original Road lens.
Side by Side Comparison
Check out the table below that compares these three categories across the lenses:
| Prizm Road | Prizm Road Black | Prizm Road Jade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Light Transmission | 20% | 11% | 15% |
| Appearance Color | Red / Orange | Dark Red / Black | Green Jade |
| Base Color | Rose | Rose | Rose |
| Ideal Conditions | Medium Light | Bright Light | Bright Sun |
You can also see all three lenses compared against each other in the pictures below from a visual and appearance perspective.
Top Oakley Prizm Road Sunglasses
Flight Jacket
The Oakley Flight Jacket Sunglasses (Buy It Here) are one of our favorite Cycling Sunglasses. The large visor lens and brow-less design offer plenty of visibility and coverage. Plus, this frame comes with interchangeable temples to fit perfectly, no matter the size of your head or helmet! For more information, check out our complete Flight Jacket Review.
Flight Jacket Highlights
- Brow-less design with a large visor lens for maximum visibility, perfect for cycling and running
- Interchangeable earstems to fit well with helmets and different size heads
- Advancer nose bridge to prevent fogging and easier lens changes
Jawbreaker
Similar to the Flight Jacket, the Oakley Jawbreaker (Buy It Here) features a large visor lens shape. Plus, Switchlock technology makes it easy to swap lenses for any condition. The Jawbreaker also has a lightweight O Matter frame that makes it perfect for sports. Check out our Oakley Jawbreaker Review for more! And find out why the Jawbreaker was one of our best cycling sunglasses of this year!
Jawbreaker Highlights
- Switchlock technology for easy lens swaps on the go
- Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads for added grip even when sweaty or wet
- Large visor lens for max visibility and protection
Flak 2.0 XL
The Flak 2.0 XL (Buy It Here) is a classic jacket frame featuring a half-rim design. If you’re familiar with the popular Half Jacket or Flak Jacket frame, you’ll recognize these sunglasses. The lightweight O Matter frame has Unobtainium earsocks for added grip and comfort during those long rides or runs! For more information check out our Flak 2.0 Review.
Flak 2.0 XL Highlights
- Half-rim dual-lens design for easy lens swaps on the road
- Lightweight O Matter frame with Unobtainium earsocks for added comfort and grip
- XL Lenses for maximum coverage compared to standard models
Encoder
The Encoder (Buy It Here) is one of the newest frames this year. Featuring a large rimless lens and Unobtainium earsocks, this frame is made for cycling! Unfortunately, because of its unique design, you can’t swap Encoder lenses. Also, be sure to check out our complete Encoder guide for more information!
Encoder Highlights
- Large rimless Oakley Prizm Road lens design for maximum visibility and coverage
- Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads for grip even when wet or sweaty
- Hat and helmet fit temples for an easy fit
Sutro
If you’re looking for a pair of performance sunglasses to wear on and off the field, the Oakley Sutro (Buy It Here) is it! This frame is large and in charge! It’s definitely not for everyone and reminds us a bit of the old-school Oil Rigs, but it definitely has style! Plus, with its O Matter frame and Unobtainium nosepads, it’s still comfortable when biking or running!
Sutro Highlights
- Performance lifestyle design great for on and off the field
- Large Plutonite lens design available in Prizm Road and Prizm Road Jade lenses
- Unobtainium nosepad for added grip when wet
Plazma
The Plazma (Buy It Here) is another new release from Oakley this year. Featuring a design similar to the Racing Jacket/Jawbone with a full O Matter frame. This frame still manages to look sleek! Plus, it’s available with Prescription lens options for any Rx wearers! Check out our Oakley Plazma Review for more information!
Plazma Highlights
- Full rim design inspired by the Racing Jacket / Jawbone frame
- Lightweight O Matter frame for all-day comfort
- Prescription and Prizm lens options are available
EVZero Ascend
While all of the frames above are considered Unisex, the EV Zero (Buy It Here) is one of our top Oakley Women’s sunglasses! Featuring a rimless design with clean curves, this O Matter frame is lightweight and comfortable. Plus, it still includes Unobtainium for added grip!
EVZero Ascend Highlights
- Rimless curved design with feminine features
- Lightweight O Matter frame for all-day comfort
- Available with Prizm Road lenses
Where to Buy Oakley Prizm Road Sunglasses?
We’ve included direct links to all of the Oakley sunglasses mentioned above. But unless Oakley is running a sale, you’ll likely pay the retail price.
But if you want to save on your next pair of Oakleys, you’re not out of luck. You can often save 20-30% on new Oakleys through aftermarket sites such as our Oakley Forum Exchange or eBay. For full details, check out our guide to Never Pay Retail for Oakleys Again!
Are you a fan of Oakley Prizm Road? Or have another lens you like? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the comments below!
