Finally getting back into X-Metals - buying Juliets... new or used?

[mnm4ever]

I am brand new to the forums, have been lurking and reading posts for a while. So I know this question is subjective, but I thought I would ask some opinions. This will be my second pair of X-Metals, I used to have Pennys a few years back and I lost them. I really regret losing them, I have a pretty decent collection of other Oakleys but I have never found sunglasses I like as much. Now I need to wear glasses more and more and decided to get a pair of prescription sunglasses. As I shopped I felt it was dumb to pay $400 for prescription lenses and then not put them in the best frames I can find, so I decided to buy a pair of Juliets.

As I shop, the prices surprised me. After watching eBay for a while it seems like gently used, "excellent condition" pairs run $330-340 or so. And while prices of brand new ones vary dramatically, I have found a few brand new in box pairs for $500-600. My question is, would it be worth spending more for brand new? I am picky, I do not want to see scratches or wear on the frames. But the lenses I am replacing, so I don't really care if they are mint condition. The things I do not know about are the flex and loosening of the nose bridge and hinges, and some people's description of "excellent condition" might not be the same as mine.

Used:

Brand new:

 

[Nortika]

Welcome to the forum! I would say buy used if you can to save you money if you purchase off eBay, you also can look off craigslist and find a bargain, when you meet the requirement you can purchase really nice ones here for allot less then eBay sometimes. I've worn my Juliets with prescription for years now and still love them!

Forum Rules | Oakley Forum

Exchange Guidelines | Oakley Forum

 

[ShortChangeHero]

Welcome!

I personally rarely pay over retail. But if your picky about marks, scratches, scuffs and such your better off getting a brand new pair. Be prepared to pay a lot though. As you've already seen on eBay it gets pretty crazy. You'll find really good deals on this forum from trust worthy people. Usually you get a item in better condition than described, and that's just an example to the great people you'll deal with on this forum.

 

[dragonvoi]

agree with above. or you can make a project pair and send it to our rebuild/custom specialists that would make some tired frames better than new and in colors/textures that would not be available OEM.

 

[joecool862]

Used... and I don't usually pay more than $200 for a used frame... They pop up on the forum for under $250 all the time.

 

[OakleyFrankFMJ]

I agree with everyone here

Buy a used project pair since you plan on putting lenses in it.

Have it refinished if you aren't happy with it and put some new rubbers on it and then your lenses. Best bet.

 

[cyclerdoug]

I agree with everyone here

Buy a used project pair since you plan on putting lenses in it.

Have it refinished if you aren't happy with it and put some new rubbers on it and then your lenses. Best bet.

Project pair absolutely. It can be tuned better than new in most cases. I wear all mine so I've never spent the money for BNIB, because it wouldn't be as soon as I got it opened!

 

[kronin323]

A "complete" set, i.e. with box and coin, is a collector's item. If you plan to wear them, your budget is better served by finding a unboxed pair.

As mentioned, x-metals are easily refurbished so whether you get a pristine pair or a beat up pair and refinish them is of little difference, as long as you price accordingly.

 

[mnm4ever]

Wow you guys game me some great responses and great ideas, I am glad I asked!! I never really thought about buying a project pair and having them completely redone, I figured it would cost more in the end and I am more of an OEM type of guy... I am sure I am one of the only people with both a Mustang GT and a Jeep Wrangler with essentially zero modifications from stock LOL.

Several of you made a good point about buying new... as cool as it is, new ones are rare, and I am definitely going to wear these, so they wouldn't be new once I got them, so why spend the money?!? And one of the main reasons I wanted these glasses is they are well made enough to last as long as I want, always able to refurb them if needed. So I decided to pull the trigger on one of the gently used pairs I found (pictured above)... got them for $325, if they are as described I shouldn't have to do anything to them anyway. Yes they have the original box, papers and coin... call me crazy but I like the idea of having those things. Mainly because I bought my Penny's new and kept all that stuff, and when I lost them I just tossed out the box and coin (mint condition too!), I never realized it would be worth something someday!

I never saw frames as low as $200, I imagine they do pop up here on the forums but I haven't been a member long enough to shop there. The frames on eBay, even the beat up ones, seemed to still sell for close to $300 by the time the auction ends. If what I read on here is true though, I am sure I will end up buying more pairs, so I will keep an eye out for some project frames to restore. Maybe get another pair of Penny's for my wife.

Thanks again for the advice, great forum!

 

[Wicked]

You have lived this long w/o them so wait out the 15 days (or become Premium Member for instant access) and start surfing the exchange here. You should be able to pick up a Juliet for $200.00-$225.00 that will prob. need a tune-up and maybe refinish ($75.00 for both) and have a 'new' frame......and remember you can't wear the box.