We review the Oakley Prizm Ruby Lens including why you need it in your sunglasses and one reason you might not!
Oakley’s Prizm Ruby Lens is one of our favorite lenses currently offered. Over the last few years we’ve seen Oakley take the technology from Sports to just about every pair they offer. We’re even seeing Oakley launching Prizm lenses in wire frames like the Whisker and all new Savitar.
What are Prizm Lenses?
Before we jump into our review we first should talk about Oakley’s Prizm Lenses. We’ve already covered Prizm lens technology in our complete guide here so be sure to check it out for an in-depth look. But the simplest explanation is that Prizm lenses are optimized for enhanced contrast, color, and clarity. Originally designed for specific sports and activities, like skiing, cycling, or shooting, the lenses are purpose-built for a variety of conditions from bright light to overcast and more. Now they are the most popular Oakley lens and being released in just about every newly design frame.
Oakley Prizm Ruby Iridium Lens
Oakley Prizm Ruby is specifically built for bright light conditions with a Bronze base lens color. This means it’s built to filter out light and from what we saw does it well.
We’ve highlighted the key featured of the lens below before we dive into our full review.
- Contrast Enhancing Prizm Technology
- 17% Light Transmission
- Ideal for Bright Light conditions and everyday wear
- 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protection
The Prizm Ruby lens is exactly what it says and then some. We’ve always been a fan of Oakley’s original Ruby Iridium lens which we covered here. Prizm Ruby takes it to the next level. The contrast-enhancing in the lens is phenomenal during the daytime, specifically on sunny days. Generally, this is a great all-around / everyday lens for your sunglasses. However, if you’re looking for a sports lens this likely isn’t your best pick. Instead, you’ll want to use one of the sport-specific Prizm lenses like Shallow Water Polarized, or Prizm Gaming.
How do they work in Bright Light conditions?
If you’re considering Prizm Ruby Iridium then you’re likely wondering how they work in the bright light conditions they advertise. Our verdict – Very well! The Ruby Prizm lenses we tried on did a fantastic job of filtering out light on a sunny day and that lines up with the 17% VLT. If you’re really concerned about bright light then you’ll also want to check out the Prizm Ruby Polarized lenses. Keep reading for how combining Polarized and Prizm lens technology can give you the best of both worlds!
Prizm Ruby Polarized vs. Standard
If you’re considering Prizm Ruby lenses you may be deciding between Prizm Ruby Polarized or the standard option. Both options offer Prizm lens technology and the contrast-enhancing features it offers. However, the Polarized lens brings the best of both worlds providing additional clarity to reduce eye strain in bright light conditions.
Ruby Iridium vs. Prizm Ruby Iridium
We’ve already compared Oakley’s standard Ruby Iridium and Fire Iridium lenses. But if you’re comparing the Prizm and non-Prizm version of this lens the biggest difference is the contrast-enhancing technology. The standard option actually has a grey lens and is rated at 14% light transmission compared to the Prizm’s Bronze base with a 17% LT. But the truth is you’ll likely notice the contrast-enhancing of the Prizm much more than a 3% difference in light transmission. Both lenses are rated for bright light conditions and based on what we’ve seen work well! If you’re deciding between them, the best option is to try both on at an Oakley or Oakley Vault store.
Are prescription options available?
If you’re looking for Prizm Ruby prescription lenses in your Oakley sunglasses you’re in luck. Oakley offers prescription lens options for just about every Prizm option in their lineup including Ruby Iridium Polarized and standard. Oakley prescription lenses are generally available in +3.5 to -6.0 sphere strength and 5 to -5.0 in Cylinder. Check out our complete guide to Oakley prescription glasses here for more information!
Looking for more information?
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