Updated by 30th April, 2021 by @cacatman
Acknowledgement - Almost all the information you find in this thread has been the result of @Jmgarcia. Thanks buddy, for all your hard work!! I had the easy part!
If you have any further information to add re: X-metals and cases, leave a comment please. I will incorporate it into the thread below
Introduction
The unique design of the X-metals made it iconic. And art did truly triumph over "function" in the sense that most of the X-metal series couldn't fit in standard cases (Oakley or non-Oakley). Here to help settle all your fears about buying the wrong case is all the information you need!
If you're interested in Pelican cases (which are stronger) to protect your Oakleys, go here to @gpstar 's excellent thread Plastic Hardshell Cases
Method
The three X-metal frames that were used to test the size of the vaults were:-
What Cases Exist?
Top to Bottom:-
P.S. The Rep Case has 2 different sizes as you can see, and the lid has a semi hollowed out foam so it can support taller frames.
Top to Bottom:-
16. X-metal Soft Vault (2 sizes) - All of these types of X-metal soft vaults will fit ALL X-metals, but the one on the left is the slightly wider, so will fit Romeo 1 and XS more comfortably. As per @Nucchem, they can be a tight fit, but if you're careful, they will definitely fit (you may need to insert the glasses at a slightly different angle inside the case to safely make it work).
Suitability (The Good Stuff)
1. Smaller Rep Case
At the top are hammer stem Juliet’s which sit in the opening however the stem ends extend out and prevents the entire frame from sitting within the opening.
At the bottom are regular stem Juliet’s and as you can see they barely fit in the opening. Stem ends still extend out so with movement it creates a pivot effect with the lenses tilting slightly forward with the orbitals facing down towards the foam.
Juliet - Stems extend out and make the sunglasses pivot slightly.
XS - Stems extend out and have the same pivot effect which makes the orbitals face down towards the bottom of the foam
R2 - Fits just fine one end of the may or may not touch the edge.
2. Strong Box
3 different cutouts - 2 black which is pre-cut and the other is a "pick 'n pluck". The 3rd on is this one that looks like it was meant for the goggle and m-frame alpha.
Smaller Foam Cutout
None of the frames really fit in the small sunglasses slot. Foam can be damaged.
Larger Foam Cutout
All fit facing up or down.
4. Crossrange Vault
Juliet
XS
R2
5. Medium Aluminium Vault
Juliet - No
XS - No
R2 - Fits
6. Small (Wire) Aluminium Vault
Juliet - No
XS - No
R2 - No
7. Pill Metal Vault (current)
Juliet - No
XS - No
R2 - Yes
Acknowledgement - Almost all the information you find in this thread has been the result of @Jmgarcia. Thanks buddy, for all your hard work!! I had the easy part!
If you have any further information to add re: X-metals and cases, leave a comment please. I will incorporate it into the thread below
Introduction
The unique design of the X-metals made it iconic. And art did truly triumph over "function" in the sense that most of the X-metal series couldn't fit in standard cases (Oakley or non-Oakley). Here to help settle all your fears about buying the wrong case is all the information you need!
If you're interested in Pelican cases (which are stronger) to protect your Oakleys, go here to @gpstar 's excellent thread Plastic Hardshell Cases
Method
The three X-metal frames that were used to test the size of the vaults were:-
- Juliet (1st Generation Plasma). P.S. First gen orbitals are marginally smaller than later generations
- X-Squared (XS)
- Romeo 2.0 (R2)
What Cases Exist?
Top to Bottom:-
- Smaller Rep Case
- Strong Box
- Array Vault
- Crossrange Vault.
P.S. The Rep Case has 2 different sizes as you can see, and the lid has a semi hollowed out foam so it can support taller frames.
Top to Bottom:-
5. Medium Aluminium Vault
6. Small (Wire) Aluminium Vault
7. Pill Metal Vault (current)
8. M-Frame/Radar Vault (with lens slits)
9. Flak Jacket Vault (hollowed out)
10. Soft Vault (current)
11. Custom Vault
12. Wire Soft Vault
13. Infinite Hero Soft Vault (@Dyeraudio)
14. Large (X-Metal) Metal Vault (@Questor)
15. Extra Large (RX) Metal Vault (@SMman)
16. X-metal Soft Vault (2 sizes) - All of these types of X-metal soft vaults will fit ALL X-metals, but the one on the left is the slightly wider, so will fit Romeo 1 and XS more comfortably. As per @Nucchem, they can be a tight fit, but if you're careful, they will definitely fit (you may need to insert the glasses at a slightly different angle inside the case to safely make it work).
Suitability (The Good Stuff)
1. Smaller Rep Case
At the top are hammer stem Juliet’s which sit in the opening however the stem ends extend out and prevents the entire frame from sitting within the opening.
At the bottom are regular stem Juliet’s and as you can see they barely fit in the opening. Stem ends still extend out so with movement it creates a pivot effect with the lenses tilting slightly forward with the orbitals facing down towards the foam.
Juliet - Stems extend out and make the sunglasses pivot slightly.
XS - Stems extend out and have the same pivot effect which makes the orbitals face down towards the bottom of the foam
R2 - Fits just fine one end of the may or may not touch the edge.
2. Strong Box
3 different cutouts - 2 black which is pre-cut and the other is a "pick 'n pluck". The 3rd on is this one that looks like it was meant for the goggle and m-frame alpha.
Smaller Foam Cutout
None of the frames really fit in the small sunglasses slot. Foam can be damaged.
Larger Foam Cutout
All fit facing up or down.
4. Crossrange Vault
Juliet
XS
R2
5. Medium Aluminium Vault
Juliet - No
XS - No
R2 - Fits
6. Small (Wire) Aluminium Vault
Juliet - No
XS - No
R2 - No
7. Pill Metal Vault (current)
Juliet - No
XS - No
R2 - Yes
Last edited: