The year is 2003, and Oakley’s eyewear lineup includes famed pairs like the Half Jacket, Eye Jacket, and Wiretap. And with the introduction of Oakley Valve sunglasses, the brand continues to push boundaries. But does this pair deliver?
Almost 20 years later, we’re reviewing the new Oakley Valve and why we think this frame is headed for extinction!
Table of Contents
Original Release & History
Originally debuting in 2003, the Oakley Valve is one of two replacements for the discontinued Oakley Scar and Plate. While not an instant hit, Valve sunglasses did cement their place in history.
Unfortunately, Valve sunglasses were discontinued after only two years in 2005.
But in 2014, Oakley re-released the Valve with an all-new updated design. Although in the end, this design was also discontinued shortly after its release.
So this begs the question – What’s wrong with the Valve? Or has it just gotten the short end of the stick?
That’s why we’re reviewing the new Oakley Valve to see how this frame performs and whether it’s just the underdog in today’s Oakley lineup!
Oakley Valve Features & Highlights
- Full-frame design built for everyday life with peripheral vision coverage thanks to a 8.75 base lens curvature
- Lightweight and durable O Matter frame designed for all day comfort with a three-point-fit for precise optical alignment
- Impact resistant Plutonite lens material protects against 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays, plus harmful blue light up to 400nm
- High Definition Optics (HDO) in every lens for superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision
- Available with Prizm and Polarized lenses to fight glare and enhance contrast
Oakley Valve Sunglasses Review
Our Gear
We got our hands on Oakley Valve Sunglasses (OO9236-02) in Polished Black with Positive Red Iridium lenses (Product Link) for our review. And once we got these in our hands, they had some surprises in store for us.
Now let’s see why.
Initial Impressions
The Oakley Valve frame features a classic full-rimmed design that reminds us of the newer Turbine frame. Although the Valve definitely has a sleeker design with thinner earstems.
We bought this frame at 50% off during Oakley’s Black Friday sales and, honestly, weren’t sure what to expect. The original Valve in 2003 had a more aggressive design, and since the re-release in 2014, this frame seems to have just existed.
But when we got the Valve in our hands, we were surprised how much we liked it. Sure the overall design is simple, but the details and curves still give it a great look.
Frame and Design
As you focus on the frame details, you begin to see the beauty of the Valve.
The protruding frame thins in the outer half until the lens is flush with the frame. This gives the frame an aggressive but classic design.
And the nosepiece on the Valve sunglasses curves out and away from the frame, adding another design element. Finally, the design is brought together by the thin two-tone earstems.
We definitely like these design elements for a lifestyle O Matter frame that help to spice it up a bit!
Lenses and Protection
As we shift to the Valve lenses, our pair included Positive Red Iridium lenses that added a pop of color to the frame.
This is one of our favorite lens colors of all time, thanks to the deep red color and 17% Visual Light Transmission (VLT). So, needless to say, we had a great time with them in the lenses.
Plus, like all current Oakleys, the lenses are made of proprietary Plutonite material that offers impact resistance and UV protection. But despite the lenses meeting or exceeding ANSI Z871. It doesn’t mean the Valve qualifies as safety glasses (since the frame isn’t stamped).
Currently, the Valve is available with both Polarized and Iridium coatings, in addition to prescription lens options.
And while we’d love to see contrast-enhancing Prizm lenses in this frame, unfortunately, Oakley doesn’t offer them.
Final Review – Are They Worth It?
While we had a great time with our Oakley Valve sunglasses and love the design, the lack of Prizm lens options makes us recommend against buying this frame.
Let’s be clear, we love Positive Red Iridium, but this is arguably the most exciting lens color currently sold in the frame. Most of the other colorways include Grey or Black lenses.
Plus, in recent years, Oakley has begun offering Prizm lenses in almost every Oakley frame in their lineup. Including lifestyle and sport performance frames. This leads us to believe the Valve is likely on its way to being discontinued in the next year or so as Oakley sells off inventory.
Because of those reasons, we’d likely recommend looking at the Oakley Turbine, Split Shot, or Sylas that feature similar designs but updated lenses and colors.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Original vs. New Oakley Valve – What’s the Difference?
While similar, the Original (2003) and New (2014) Oakley Valve sunglasses have a few key differences.
First, the earstems on the new Valve were simplified from the more aggressive original temples (pictured below). Also, the new model features a larger two-tone color area.
The New Valve frame is also more rectangular, though still sporting a full rimmed design made of O Matter frame material. Plus, the new model features Unobtainium earsocks not found on the first Valve.
Finally, the updated Valve design is larger than the original, so if you have a bigger head and fan of this frame, you’re in luck!
Original vs. New Valve Colorways
Over its history, the original and new Valve frames have been produced in various colors, including a Ducati special edition Black/Red pair and Infinite Hero Camo.
We’ve included the complete listing of colorways below for reference across both the original and new Valve designs.
| Colorway (Frame / Lens) | Original Price | Original or New Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Black / Black Iridium Polarized | $180 | Original |
| Black and FMJ+ / Black Iridium | $115 | Original |
| Blue and FMJ+ / Black Iridium | $115 | Original |
| Bronze / Titanium Iridium Polarized | $180 | Original |
| Dark Grey / Grey | $115 | Original |
| Dark Grey / Ice Iridium | $125 | Original |
| Dark Grey and Red / Black Iridium | $120 | Original |
| FMJ Platinum and FMJ+ / Gold Iridium | $150 | Original |
| Matte Black and Orange / Black Iridium | $140 | Original |
| Silver / Fire Iridium | $115 | Original |
| Silver / Ice Iridium | $130 | Original |
| Blue Black / Black Iridium | $165 | New |
| Carbon Fiber / Chrome Iridium | $150 | New |
| Cool Grey / Grey | $140 | New |
| Covert Matte Black / Grey | $140 | New |
| Dark Gray / Grey | $140 | New |
| Dark Grey / Emerald Iridium Polarized | $200 | New |
| Ducati Polished Black (and red) / Black Iridium | $150 | New |
| Infinite Hero Matte Black Camo / Black Iridium Polarized | $230 | New |
| Infinite Hero Matte Carbon Camo / Black Iridium | $180 | New |
| Matte Black / Dark Bronze | $140 | New |
| Matte Black / Prizm Maritime Polarized | $230 | New |
| Matte Black / TR45 Titanium Iridium | $160 | New |
| Matte Black Smoke / Black Iridium Polarized | $230 | New |
| Matte Carbon / Black Iridium | $150 | New |
| Matte Fog / Grey Polarized | $190 | New |
| Polished Black / Positive Red Iridium | $150 | New |
| Polished Black / Black Iridium | $150 | New |
| Polished Black / Deep Blue Polarized | $210 | New |
| Polished Black / G30 Black Iridium | $150 | New |
| Polished Black / Prizm Deep Water Polarized | $230 | New |
| Silver / Fire Iridium Polarized | $200 | New |
| Woodland Camo / Bronze Polarized | $190 | New |
| Woodland Camo / Shallow Blue Polarized | $220 | New |
Where to Buy Valve Replacement Lenses?
Unfortunately, Oakley no longer sells Valve replacement lenses. This is yet another sign that this frame is on its way to being discontinued.
But you’re not out of luck!
You can still buy Oakley Valve replacement lenses through aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers. Plus, most of these aftermarket lenses are even cheaper than original Oakley lenses.
Before you buy, be sure to check out our guide and comparison of the Best Oakley Replacement Lenses.
Where to Buy Oakley Valve Sunglasses?
Depending on whether you’re buying original or new Oakley Valves, availability will vary.
You can buy new Oakley Valve sunglasses directly from Oakley’s website (Product Link). And they’re usually included in Oakley sales, where you can store up to 50% off. Check out our guide to when Oakley runs sales for more.
If you’re looking to buy an original Valve or a discontinued colorway, you’ll need to look on aftermarket sites like our Oakley Forum Exchange Areas. Check out our complete guide to buying used and discontinued Oakleys here for a breakdown of your best options!
Overall you’ll find more of the New Valve sunglasses out there. This isn’t too surprising but may mean you’ll need to search if you’re looking to buy original Oakley Valves.
Have a Question?
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