Lenses

[Carrera1963]

For me, it comes down to the most important part of any pair of sunglasses being the part that actually protects my eyes - the lens. It's not the part I'd be looking to make savings on as a result.

 

[dragonvoi]

For me, it comes down to the most important part of any pair of sunglasses being the part that actually protects my eyes - the lens. It's not the part I'd be looking to make savings on as a result.

i agree. if i want to SAVE money, I would buy the best bang for the buck. Unfortunately with anything that i have endeavored to modify or customize, i have learned first hand that you end up spending MORE by buying something cheap, then a step up, then ending up with what you considered "expensive" in the first place. if you have the option to get the lenses that are superior go for it. it's better to spend $55 vs $35+$45+$55. this holds true in my experience with home theater, (speakers, amps, wires, TV's) Cars, (brakes, suspension, motor) plus the baller feeling of buying top of the line and actually knowing that you are going to use it properly and to its best potential is pretty awesome.

 

[Joshua yates]

I see what your saying and I too like to have the best. But what makes oakley lenses better? It's not just a mark up of the name then? Forgive my newbie question just like the full facts and haven't learnt them yet. Being new

 

[reginacarmelitas]

You gotta ask yourself why you chose Oakley sunglasses -- is it just for the looks or for the superior eye protection? or both?

If you bought your Oakley just for the looks then I guess after-market lenses is an option. However, if you also want to experience superior optics and protection then it's OEM lenses, no doubt. If there is any after-market lenses out there that can match or even surpass Oakley's optics at a much better price then I would have no problem getting those. In the meantime, I enjoy my OEM lenses on my X-metals immensely and, because they are pricey, I really take good care of them and have invested on OEM replacement lenses for future use.

But if you are more inclined to use after-market lenses for whatever reason, here's a nice review from one of the members here: http://www.oakleyforum.com/threads/fuse-lenses-review.35414/#post-396524

Goodluck!

 

[kronin323]

This page used to be better (more info) before they redesigned the website:

http://www.oakley.com/en/technology/eyewear

But in the HDO part click between "oakley" and "non-oakley" to see different results from the Prism test. They only briefly describe the Clarity test and Refractive Power test. It used to be you could see results for all three tests, using pulldowns to compare to specific competitors' lenses.

Also go just below that to the HD Polarized section to see how the polarization technology and manufacture differs.

 

[kronin323]

You gotta ask yourself why you chose Oakley sunglasses -- is it just for the looks or for the superior eye protection? or both?

If you bought your Oakley just for the looks then I guess after-market lenses is an option. However, if you also want to experience superior optics and protection then it's OEM lenses, no doubt. If there is any after-market lenses out there that can match or even surpass Oakley's optics at a much better price then I would have no problem getting those. In the meantime, I enjoy my OEM lenses on my X-metals immensely and, because they are pricey, I really take good care of them and have invested on OEM replacement lenses for future use.

But if you are more inclined to use after-market lenses for whatever reason, here's a nice review from one of the members here: http://www.oakleyforum.com/threads/fuse-lenses-review.35414/#post-396524

Goodluck!

It's a decent review and I believe it's honest but I wish he'd been able to do the refractive power and prism tests, too. Also, the tests IH had done were performed by a licensed optician; his appears to be a DIY job and I'm uncertain how accurately the test was reproduced. Then there's no explanation for why there's no noticeable difference between their house lenses and the ones they market as from Zeiss, which are sold at a price point that would be below cost (I find that fishy). Finally, there's the deal with them apparently pushing replacement lenses with a different base curve than OEM.

 

[Joshua yates]

Sadly kronin the link sends me to the oakley UK store I will do a search in the morning for this info. I do believe they are better just would like to see how and why. Just like watching the beyond reason video.

 

[kronin323]

Sadly kronin the link sends me to the oakley UK store I will do a search in the morning for this info. I do believe they are better just would like to see how and why. Just like watching the beyond reason video.

Arggh, you must have been redirected due to IP location...

If the UK site is anything like the US one, you'll find it under the "technology" tab at the top.

 

[Joshua yates]

Sweet I'll have a quick look, although I think the mobile site is different. Cheers for info.

 

[xmetalmaniac]

There are many times several members post up threads with extensive research, comparisons, and most of all, personal experience when it comes to using aftermarket lenses, so a simple search can answer many questions....Many members want to have a specific color of a lens for a certain frame, so it Oakley doesn't make it we tend to go to an aftermarket company. Now, with that said, aftermarket is not such a bad thing when certain companies make high end gear, equipment, parts, etc that can adapt to a manufactures item. This can be anything from a turbo charger, to a camera lens. Oakley put research into developing a quality lens for there frames. Maui Jim, H20 Optics, and many other companies also take pride in quality optics. However when companies come out of bushes with a lens for a frame that's cheaper, people will buy it before even asking pertinent questions. How many of us, drive our vehicles and the windshield gets bugs, dirt, smears, smudges and road debris on it. For some people this can be a distraction especially if its in the field of view. I know I do..... Especially on a sunny day, a dirty windshield can cause a haze making it harder to see out. Now lets shrink it down to a scratch, smear, dirt, etc on a sunglass lens. Many, if not all of us hate this, as it impairs your field of view, what do we do? We either deal with it, or get new lenses. The next step is OEM or aftermarket. The aftermarket lens may look pretty, new, and clean, but the technology that goes into making them is non existent. You could buy gas station frames that would save you even more money and produce the same results. Your eyes, which you only have 2 of, are susceptible to all sorts of things in the environment. You use sunglasses to protect you and never consider could they be harming your vision. It may take some time, but poor quality optics can cause an issue if your eyes. Those of us that wear reading glasses or full on RX lenses/ or contacts understand what I mean. What happens when the RX strength is no long there and you strain to see or read. In the case of aftermarket poor optics, not all of them have UVA and UVB protection, some lenses are just simple light filters which down the road will cause bad light to get n your eyes faster. I have done much reading online by doing a simple google search. Studies have shown even some high end manufacturers dont have everything set in place for their optics. Many are just serious frame makes and you have lenses made to your specs to go in them. I personally have tried a few aftermarket lenses. After installing them i noticed how the bend of the lens can warp your field of view and make you feel uneasy on your feet. Also some lenses cause a starburst effect when looking a standard lighting. You may not notice it today, tomorrow or next week but it does put a strain on your eyes down the road. I know that I choose specific needs for my reading glasses and I know when the RX was off slightly or did not provide me with what I needed. Everyone wants to save their OEM lenses. What are you saving them for? Wear them and enjoy them, buy an extra set and keep them stored away. Take care of your lenses and frames and you wont have to worry about ruining them. Remember, they are your eyes........