Originally released in 1998, Oakley Racing Jacket sunglasses are known for their vented frame and sports style. This signature venting was featured on all four generations of the Racing Jacket (especially the 2005 RJ which featured a lot of vents)!
In this post, we’re reviewing the 2012 Racing Jacket, the same generation you can currently buy on Oakley’s website. Keep reading to see what we thought of this sport frame, plus the real differences between the Jawbone and Racing Jacket sunglasses.
Table of Contents
Oakley Racing Jacket Sunglasses Review
For our review, we wore a pair of Retina Burn Racing Jacket sunglasses with Prizm Road lenses and overall had an awesome time cycling with this frame.
See below for the quick highlights of this sport Oakley frame.
Racing Jacket Highlights
- Switchlock interchangeable lens technology for fast and easy lens replacement in seconds
- 8.75 base lens curvature with a full rim vented design for great peripheral view and anti-fogging
- Made of lightweight O Matter frame material that is flexible and durable
- Shorter temples with Unobtanium grips for a secure fit that is also cycling helmet compatible
- Removable retaining strap to secure your eyewear during sports like running and cycling
- Impact resistant Plutonite lens material that protects against 100% of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays, plus harmful blue light up to 400nm
- Available with Prizm Lenses and High Definition Optics (HDO) technology for superior clarity and glare protection
Frame and Design
The Oakley Racing Jacket features a full O Matter frame with a large wrap giving it great coverage. But the innovation for these cycling sunglasses doesn’t stop there.
After putting the Racing Jacket on, you first notice how lightweight the frame is. And if you’re a serious runner or cyclist you know how each ounce of weight matters.
Finally, the frame features Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads for added grip, even when wet and sweaty. This proprietary rubber is pretty standard on most Oakley sports frames but we still are happy to see it on the Racing Jacket.
Cycling Helmet Compatibility and Removable Strap
Doubling down on its cycling focus, the Racing Jacket has shorter temples specifically designed to fit comfortably with a cycling helmet. We tested our pair with an Oakley AO03 helmet and had no issues with fit.
You’ll also notice the Racing Jacket has a raised top brow to create a better field of vision when looking up from the handlebars.
And if that wasn’t enough to make this one of the best cycling sunglasses, the Racing Jacket also comes with a removable strap across the back that helps this pair wear more like goggles.
We haven’t had a huge issue with slipping Oakleys on previous rides, usually thanks to Unobtainium grips which the Racing Jacket also features. But the added strap is welcomed especially if you’re an off-road or mountain biker.
Size and Dimensions
The Racing Jacket is a medium to large frame that looks great on most face shapes. We’ve included the dimensions below:
- Lens Height: 40.1mm
- Lens Width: 61.7mm
- Bridge: 18mm
- Temple Length: 126mm
For more information and to find the right fit, check out our complete Oakley Sunglasses Size guide.
Lenses
As we shift to the Oakley Racing Jacket lenses, you’ll first notice the cutouts in the outer corners for ventilation. This ventilation helps to keep the sunglasses from fogging up when riding or running.
We tested our sunglasses during a bike ride and saw no issues with fogging and it even helped when wearing a mask!
And like most sport Oakleys today, every Racing Jacket colorway features Prizm lens technology, designed to provide contrast-enhancing and color optimization. Plus you’ll find cycling-specific Prizm lenses like Prizm Trail Torch and Prizm Road available in this frame as well.
Finally, similar to other Oakley models, Racing Jacket lenses are made out of impact-resistant Plutonite material that blocks 100% of UV rays and offers high-velocity protection.
Switchlock Technology
One of the biggest features of the Racing Jacket is Switchlock technology that allows you to swap a new set of lenses in seconds. We’re a fan of Switchlock technology and have already reviewed it on other pairs like the Style Switch.
And on the Racing Jacket, we found switching lenses just as easy. Switchlock allows the bottom of the frame to swing open with the touch of a button. The lens then slides out and can be replaced by reversing the process. Overall, this process took us about 30 seconds to change our lenses.
This feature makes the Racing Jacket ideal for those who ride (or run, or do anything outdoors) in all different types of weather.
You can learn more in our complete Oakley Switchlock guide.
Colorways
Currently, Oakley Racing Jacket sunglasses are available in 4 colorways from Oakley, with all featuring Prizm lenses. We’ve included the complete listing below:
- Carbon / Prizm Trail Torch
- Polished Black / Prizm Black
- Polished Black / Prizm Road
- Retina Burn / Prizm Road
Our Final Review – Are They Worth It?
Oakley Racing Jacket sunglasses are a pretty iconic Oakley style. But that doesn’t mean you should run off to buy them.
Overall we love the Racing Jacket for its full-frame design and Switchlock technology that makes it great for cycling and running. But if you’re considering the Racing Jacket, you may be better off going with the new Oakley Plazma.
Based on the Racing Jacket and Jawbone design, the Plazma features a similar full-frame style, with an updated modern design. But there is still one big advantage of the Racing Jacket – vented lenses.
So if you often battle fogging with your sunglasses, the Racing Jacket is your clear choice. Otherwise, we’d recommend checking out the newer Oakley Plazma.
Oakley Racing Jacket vs. Jawbone – What’s the Difference?
There are very few differences between the Oakley Racing Jacket and Jawbone. The Jawbone was introduced in 2009 and later merged with the Racing Jacket line.
The only real differences in the Jawbone are interchangeable icons, plus options with non-vented and vented lenses, compared to all vented lenses in the Racing Jacket.
Since those differences don’t affect the size of the frame in any way, parts are interchangeable between the two styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Prescription Racing Jacket Lenses Available?
Yes, you can buy either single vision or progressive Oakley prescription Lenses for your Racing Jacket sunglasses.
To purchase Oakley prescription lenses, all you need is a valid prescription. From there you can order through Oakley’s website or your local eye doctor. Plus prescription Prizm lenses are even available through Oakley’s prescription program.
For more information check out our full Oakley Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses guide.
Are Replacement Racing Jacket Lenses Available?
Yes, and with Switchlock technology, replacement lenses can easily be swapped into the Racing Jacket.
Currently, Oakley’s replacement lenses for the Racing Jacket are available in Prizm Road, Prizm Trail, and Black Iridium Polarized. But those aren’t your only options.
You can also buy a variety of replacement lenses through aftermarket manufacturers. And these lenses are often over 50% cheaper than Oakley lenses.
For more information, check out our full guide and comparison to the Best Oakley Replacement Lenses.
Where to Buy Oakley Sunglasses?
You can find a limited selection of Racing Jacket sunglasses on the Oakley site starting at $285 (Direct Link). But you’ll want to keep an eye out for sales before buying since you can often find 20%+ off this frame.
And even if Oakley isn’t running a sale, you’re not out of options.
You can often find discounts of up to 20-30% off new Oakleys through aftermarket sites like our Oakley Forum Exchange and eBay. For more information plus everywhere to find discounts, check out our guide to Never Pay Retail Again for Oakleys.
Have a question?
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