4+1 Linegear questions

[steveadorjan]

I have a collection of 2007 Straight Jackets (SJII) and even though I stocked up on spare lenses, some of my nicest ones (including my favorite +Red and OO Red Polarized) have finally given up the ghost (the dreaded bubbling/peeling). Since OEMs are not available any longer (except 2-3 basic tints, such as BI or Grey), I'm finally considering aftermarket alternatives. Having spent half a day going through the forum, I've decided that Linegear would be my best option. But I have a few questions, so I would be very-very grateful for opinions/long-term experience/reviews and/or photos regarding the following:
1. What are the main differences among the cheapest/basic "Non Polarized" lenses, the non-polarized "HD" lenses, and the NXT Embedded lenses in terms of optical clarity, durability, and resistance to scratches, marks from cleaning, or peeling? The cheapest lenses cost around half of the NXT Embedded (both non-polarized), while the HD are only a bit more expensive (20% extra) compared to the cheapest version. Are the NXT worth the considerably higher price? How to the HD fit in between the basic and NXT lenses? And how do these three lens families compare to genuine Oakley iridium lenses?

2. Normally, I would go for the NXT lenses, but some of the more interesting tints are not available in NXT versions, only basic non-polarized and HD. Since I'm trying to replace my + Red Iridium lenses, which of these 3 is closest to that (and what are the differences among them): Premium Red, Tanzanite, and Red Mirror? And how to these coatings compare to the +Red & Ruby iridium coatings on Oakley lenses? In some photos, Tanzanite looks the closest, but in other photos Premium Red.

3. Does anyone have the Premium Red NXT Varia (photochromic) lenses and can share their experience? Do they get as dark in sunny conditions (strong UV exposure) as the non-photochromic Premium Red?

4. Is Linegear Violet (non-polarized basic version) similar to the old Oakley Violet Iridium when looking through it? Or is it more neutral (less greenish)?

4. Finally, has anyone experienced the bubbling/peeling that's almost inevitable with OEM lenses also on Linegear lenses?

Any thoughts/experiences are much appreciated. Thanks

 

[SteveNYC]

Hi,

I have @Linegear Japan for many of my Oakleys. I usually buy the non-polarized lenses as I am in NYC and I don't feel the need for polarized lenses as someone in Florida or California might. The lenses that I purchased are pretty dark lenses, ranging from 10-13% VLT.
Romeo-1, NB10
Juliet - , Green Jade, Premium Red.
Mars - NB10
New racing jacket - Liquid Metal, Saxe blue

I have had some of these lenses for at least 5 years now, with ZERO delamination. Just clean them after wearing, especially on those hot summer days. Use an alcohol free cleaner and some premium lens cloths.
To me, the lenses are very clear. No problems wearing them all day long. Even vacationing in Clearwater Beach , Florida I had no issues with the sun.

E-wire 1st gen - Premium Red polarized, delivery soon

I am planning to get the Tsuyakeshi matte lenses for the Romeo -1, Mars and Juliet.

I have no input on the HD lenses as they didn't seem to fit my needs.
I am definitely interested in trying an NXT lens though.

You will be very pleased by the quality and clarity of their lenses, no matter which you choose. Also, their fit is spot on.

I am weariing their lenses in many of my WOAYWT pictures.

Have fun shopping,
Steve

 

[steveadorjan]

Hi,

I have @Linegear Japan for many of my Oakleys. I usually buy the non-polarized lenses as I am in NYC and I don't feel the need for polarized lenses as someone in Florida or California might. The lenses that I purchased are pretty dark lenses, ranging from 10-13% VLT.
Romeo-1, NB10
Juliet - , Green Jade, Premium Red.
Mars - NB10
New racing jacket - Liquid Metal, Saxe blue

I have had some of these lenses for at least 5 years now, with ZERO delamination. Just clean them after wearing, especially on those hot summer days. Use an alcohol free cleaner and some premium lens cloths.
To me, the lenses are very clear. No problems wearing them all day long. Even vacationing in Clearwater Beach , Florida I had no issues with the sun.

E-wire 1st gen - Premium Red polarized, delivery soon

I am planning to get the Tsuyakeshi matte lenses for the Romeo -1, Mars and Juliet.

I have no input on the HD lenses as they didn't seem to fit my needs.
I am definitely interested in trying an NXT lens though.

You will be very pleased by the quality and clarity of their lenses, no matter which you choose. Also, their fit is spot on.

I am weariing their lenses in many of my WOAYWT pictures.

Have fun shopping,
Steve

Thanks so much for the detailed response. I'm going to check out your photos.
I exclusively use the Oakley cleaning kit (cloth and cleaner lotion), so I assume that should work fine.

Would you consider the Premium Red coating similar to Ruby (or + Red)?
And does looking through the Green Jade have a very pronounced purplish tint?

 

[Numpty]

I have the NXT polarized Red Mirror, and i would say it is a very nice ruby.
I'll post a photo later.

 

[Slojack]

I've found that pretty much all aftermarket lens companies have almost no delam compared to OEM.

 

[Numpty]

Some pics.

 

[steveadorjan]

Some pics.
View attachment 1253033

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View attachment 1253036

Thanks, it looks really great!

 

[SteveNYC]

Some of the Linegear. The very last picture is looking thru the Green Jade. Rain today. Picture from inside car.

 

[steveadorjan]

Some of the Linegear. The very last picture is looking thru the Green Jade. Rain today. Picture from inside car.

View attachment 1253049

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Thanks so much! They all look great. I'm trying to decide whether to go for the Premium Red, Tanzanite, or Violet? Violet looks really great in the photos, but I'm not sure whether it's just as greenish to look through as the old OEM Violet Iridium (it looks so on the Linegear site). They also list a New Violet, which is more bluish (and less green to look through), though the description still says that it's also "dark green" when looking through it. I really like Oakley's Prizm Violet (much better to look through than the older Violet Iridium).

 

[AlanH]

Here are there newest jewel in the line

emerald is back!