Despite the common mix-up, Oakley Ruby Iridium and Fire Iridium are very different lenses! We’ll explain the differences so you can buy the right one!
Following our post comparing Ice and Blue Iridium, it was definitely time to compare Oakley Fire Iridium and Ruby Iridium lenses. Both lenses are found in current Oakley models and in Oakley’s Custom Program. We’ll break down each lens so you can determine which is right for you!
Oakley Fire Iridium Overview
Oakley Fire Iridium has been included in hundreds of frames – from X-Metals of the 90s to modern O Matter frames. Fire iridium has an amber base tint with a 16% light transmission designed for medium to bright light.
Overall, fire iridium provides an overall orange flame tint. When you think of the orange glow of a fire, this is the lens.
Ruby Iridium Overview
While slightly less popular, Oakley Ruby Iridium lenses are found in 100+ Oakley frames from X-Metals to Frogskins to Wires. Providing a darker, more reddish tint, Ruby Iridium has a grey base tint that allows only 14% of light. Similar to Fire Iridium, this lens is designed to perform in medium to bright light conditions.
Oakley has also since released a Prizm Ruby variation of this lens, optimized for enhanced contrast. Check out our complete review of Prizm Lenses here.
Ruby Iridium vs. Fire Iridium – What’s the difference?
Now that you’re familiar with both lenses – Which is better?
Obviously, this will come down to personal preference. Ruby Iridium will provide an overall darker lens and deeper red appearance, while fire iridium lenses provide an orange appearance.
The other big difference is that Ruby Iridium has a 16% light transmission, while Fire Iridium has a 14% VLT. While this isn’t a big enough difference to be noticeable, if you’re looking to block the most light, Fire wins this round.
Finally, if you’re looking for prescription lenses, you’re in luck; both lenses are available through Oakley’s prescription program or your local ophthalmologist.
Bottom Line
The main difference between Oakley Ruby and Fire iridium is the color, while almost every other aspect (frames available, light transmission, etc.) is similar.
For a dark red color lens, go with Ruby, and for more orange color, try Fire Iridium.
To learn about more lenses, check out our complete Oakley lens tint guide.
Join the Conversation
So are you choosing Fire Iridium or Ruby Iridium? Let us know in the thread below why!
