We review the Oakley X-Squared and breakdown how these sunglasses revived the X-Metal line only to end it 3 years later!
Table of Contents
Background and History
Launched in late 2009, the Oakley X-Squared sunglasses were a needed refresh to the line. Twelve years after the Romeo first launched and one year after the disappointing launch of the Half-X, the X-Metal line had lost the innovation and design that wearers first fell in love with. This was the pair that brought X-Metal back from the vault.
The X-Squared was met with instant positive reception. Retailing for $350+, they were one of the most expensive Oakleys at the time. But collectors didn’t care. They offered classic styling and even included an exclusive X-Metal coin alongside the standard box, bag, and warranty papers.
Unfortunately, as we’ve discussed, only three short years later the X-Metal line was discontinued. As a result, the Oakley X-Squared became the last of the original X-Metals released. This doesn’t count the later releases of the Badman and Madman but that’s a whole other conversation we’ve already covered in our X-Metal guide.
The X-Squared didn’t have the same movie notoriety as the earlier X-Metals. No blockbuster film, no adorning the face of Tom Cruise. But this generally was the trend after Jim Jannard sold Oakley to publicly traded Luxottica – turns out Jim had better connections in Hollywood!
Oakley X-Squared Sunglasses Overview
Frame and Design
To start you’ll notice that this is the first squared-shaped X-Metal compared to the rounded frames of the Juliet, Romeo, etc. This squared design honestly modernized the XS almost 12 years after the initial X-Metal release. Though they still retain the classic X-Metal styling cues of sharp angles, cuts, and grooves that we love from the Juliet. This was also helped by the return of the flex coupler nose piece that had disappeared on the Half-X.
Size and Dimensions
The X-Squared is approximately 157mm in length and 115mm wide. The pair does however have slightly shorter earstems compared to other X-Metals. Because of this, the Oakley X-Squared provides a tighter feeling fit than other X-Metals. The XS weighs in at 42 grams, which is a pretty average weight for the X-Metal family which tends to be heavier due to the increased strength.
Lenses
Whether the squared lens shape on the XS works for you will likely depend on your face shape. Some find they hug their face just right, while others with a flatter face may find a large gap when looking downward. Measuring in with a lens width of 58mm and height of 35mm they are definitely a shorter lens. On a separate note, the colors available for the X-Squared lenses were arguably the best options after the Juliet (which wins by just sheer variety)!
Unlike other X-Metals, you can still purchase replacement lenses directly through Oakley – though the only color currently available is Dark Bronze. These are likely leftover from when the X-Squared was still available, so don’t expect more choices or stock once these are gone.
For additional choices, you’ll want to check out aftermarket suppliers such as Forum Sponsor Linegear as we’ve covered in our complete replacement lenses guide.
Original Colorways
- 24K / Titanium Iridium Polarized
- Carbon / Black Iridium
- Carbon / OO Black Iridium Polarized
- Plasma / Fire Iridium Polarized
- Plasma / Ice Iridium
- Polished / VR28 Black Iridium Polarized
- Polished Carbon / Black Iridium Polarized
- X-Metal / Ruby Iridium
Where to Buy
Since being discontinued in 2012, your only chance of buying an Oakley X-Squared is the aftermarket. As we discussed in our buying guide, your best bet for rare/discontinued pairs such as these is usually our X-Metal Exchange area built exclusively for X-Metals or sites such as ebay. For a while after 2012, you would see these pop up at your local Oakley Vault, but for the most part, those days are gone.
Luckily, X-Squared sunglasses don’t see as crazy prices compared to their original retail price. Does this mean they’re cheap? Sorry, no. Since they originally retailed for $350+, you’ll see them on the aftermarket for 1.5-2x their original MSRP. However, this is relatively cheaper than other X-Metals such as the Juliet that can go for 2-3x their retail price.
Final Thoughts
The X-Squared Sunglasses were Oakley’s opportunity for redemption after the Half-X and they succeeded. The XS brings back everything we loved about the early X-Metals. At the same time, they were the bitter ending of one of the best Oakley lines of all time. Is it too much to ask Oakley to do a re-release of the X-Squared?
Do you love the X-Squared? Are they up there in X-Metal royalty with the Juliet or no? Let us know in the thread below!
