OAKLEY Sunglasses - Engineering for elite sport

OAKLEY sunglasses have a reputation for being the best in sports eyewear. It is impossible to contradict this claim, because the facts speak for themselves. Elite athletes prefer them without a second thought.

The cutting-edge PRIZM technology used to create the lenses far outperforms any other competitive product. And the Unobtanium material is unique in the market. But why are they so good? How can you identify genuine OAKLEY eyewear? And what are the best and latest models of the brand for men?

Today, at Bassol Optics, we will answer all these questions. Keep on reading.

Origin of OAKLEY sunglasses

To talk about the history of OAKLEY sunglasses we have to meet one of the 100 most creative people according to Fast Company magazine. He is Jim Jannard, entrepreneur and, above all, designer. Born in 1949 in Los Angeles, he studied medicine at the University of Southern California, but never graduated.

Halfway through his career, he discovered he was lost. He put the encyclopedias aside and set out on a motorcycle journey across the United States. This would be the genesis of the multinational eyewear brand we know today.

In 1975, his love of motorcycles led him to found a small traveling accessory store he named OAKLEY after his beloved dog. "The Oakley Fist" was the store's first product and consisted of a handle for motocross handlebars. They were made of a material that Jim Jannard christened Unobtanium and which is still used in the manufacture of sports eyewear.

It should be noted that Jim started his empire with only $300, and before long, he was selling BMX and motocross grips, gloves, chin guards and goggles. But it was in 1983, when OAKLEY would launch the original O-Frame goggles, whose model revolutionized the industry and has hardly changed to this day.

Later, Jim designed the iconic Eyeshades glasses for professional cycling. According to the brand, these sunglasses would change their status from "accessories" to "must-haves".

In 1984, three-time Tour de France champion Greg LeMond became the first professional athlete to sponsor the brand, wearing Eyeshades. Over time, more and more athletes would join the OAKLEY sponsorship.

The brand continued to grow and encompass more and more sporting goods, from apparel and footwear to watches, bags, luggage and more. Today, it's impossible not to think of OAKLEY when looking for top-notch competitive gear.

Why are OAKLEY sunglasses so sought after?

It's no secret that top athletes will always prefer OAKLEY sunglasses. Still, it begs the question, what makes them so special? Most models have maintained the same concept since the brand's inception nearly four decades ago.

What makes them elite eyewear are the little details, design improvements and clever selection of materials. They also look amazing, but leaving that aspect aside (for now), we have to look at the technical advantages of the brand.

OAKLEY frame technology

The key to making OAKLEY sunglasses great for physically demanding activities is in the design of the frames. The brand's designers have put all their efforts into three key points: creating comfortable and lightweight frames made from high-performance biomaterials.

According to the manufacturing material, the brand has divided its frames into three groups:

• O MATTER: It is specially designed to be much more flexible and resistant than the acetate normally used in eyewear.

• NANO MATTER: This ultra-light and durable material is often used in formula eyewear, as it is so light that it is barely noticeable on the face.

• BIO MATTER: Finally, we have this material that is made of 56% bio-based carbon. It is super light and resistant to shocks, falls and the elements.

Unobtanium

Now when we talk about the comfort of OAKLEY sunglasses, we have to mention the grip. The design is meant to provide great support, with no uncomfortable pressure on the ears and bridge of the nose, and no hair-pulling.

In fact, OAKLEY frames maintain their grip even when the skin is damp from sweat. The trick is Unobtanium, which we mentioned earlier as a unique creation of OAKLEY founder Jim Jannard.

Unobtanium is mostly implemented in sports eyewear, in small quantities. For example, this material can be found in the temples, as well as in the nose pads. Its porosity increases grip when perspiration is present, so the frames will not move out of place.

Nose pads

Typically, eyewear manufacturers don't consider that the wearer needs to remove them quickly and place them on the head. And if you're a frequent spectacle wearer, more than once you've experienced painful hair-pulling when your hair gets caught in the nose pads.

Well, in some OAKLEY sunglasses, a unique and surprisingly simple system has been implemented to avoid this problem. The nose pads do not catch on the hair because they are connected at the top and bottom to the rest of the frame, creating a rounded anti-pulling shape.

Switchlock system

Some of the brand's models feature the Switchlock system and come with two pairs of lenses. One pair is for bright environments, while the other is more effective in cloudy weather.

The point is that an athlete doesn't have time to change glasses when there are violent changes in brightness. But Switchlock technology solves that problem by integrating a switch to change the lenses in record time.

Maximum impact resistance

Good sports eyewear has to be tough. Drops, accidents and trips are an everyday occurrence. That's why OAKLEY models are designed to offer extra protection for both the athlete's eyes and the eyewear itself.

Most of the frames are made of optical polycarbonate, or as the brand calls it, "Plutonite". It is a highly resistant material, which works in conjunction with the geometry of the frame to withstand drops with the least amount of damage possible.

Latch Hinge

This feature, implemented in some OAKLEY sunglasses, consists of a hinge that allows you to hang them on your shirt without fear of dropping them.

Hollowpoint Hinge

Finally, we have the Hollowpoint hinge, present in several of the sports frames. The device was inspired by the wheels of hubless motorcycles. There is a cam mechanism with a self-contained spring and piston. The design conceals the mechanism itself, creating an unobtrusive visual result.

PRIZM lens technology

OAKLEY never stops innovating, and this quality is not only present in its frames, it is also reflected in its lenses. Within the brand's glasses we can find ordinary dark lenses, polarized and many varieties, but this time, we will talk about the PRIZM technology.

These lenses are the result of years of research, focused on color science. The main objective is to enhance colors, maximize contrast and increase visibility in low or high light environments.

When practicing a sport, it is crucial to identify all obstacles in the terrain, so delaying often translates into an accident. OAKLEY sunglasses with PRIZM technology provide ultra-precise definition of surroundings

In wooded and arid climates, the glasses enhance browns, reds and greens so it's easy to distinguish when there's a change in terrain. Seeing rocks, sand, roots and mud ahead of time can save your life.

On the road, they are intended to help cyclists identify variations in the asphalt surface. They are also useful for recognizing potholes, cracks or other obstacles.

If you are an experienced sportsman, you will know that snow is one of the areas where vision is most reduced. The white color and icy lenses reflect a lot of light, so it's easy to get blinded on a sunny day. OAKLEY eyewear with PRIZM technology elevates the small contrasts of snowy terrain.

These glasses implement research at the molecular level, which filters the light that is directed at the eye, adjusting it to more comfortable and practical frequencies.

The best OAKLEY sunglasses for men

Since OAKLEY launched the O-Frame, the first model, it has not stopped producing and innovating. To date, there are hundreds, if not thousands of designs covering all possible tastes and needs.

It is possible to get lost in this sea of choices. That's why we've compiled the best OAKLEY sunglasses for men in our store. Shall we take a look?

Oakley OO9208 RADAR EV PATH 9208E8 38

We start off strong with a sporty, eye-catching model. These glasses are panoramic, so they allow a complete vision, ideal for speed sports. They are made in a super resistant acetate and are quite light.

Their measurements are as follows: 38 mm for the caliber, 138 mm for the bridge and 128 mm for the temples. You can check in our store if you need different sizes. As for the color selection, OAKLEY has chosen an extravagant yellow with black details and dark lenses for this model.

You can also get them in gray with dark lenses, black with reddish lenses, black with blue lenses, black with purple and green lenses, black with red lenses, white with black lenses, white with reddish lenses, red with black accents and a host of other varieties.

Oakley OO6048 HOLBROOK TI 604802 57

This is a model of OAKLEY sunglasses for men a little more casual, although they can also be used to practice certain sports They are made of super light metal and its classic square shape gives them a superb touch.

The standard sizes are 57 mm for the caliber, 18 mm for the bridge and 139 mm for the temples. They are also available in black, brown, white, gold and gray with blue lenses.

Oakley OO9463 SUTRO LITE 946348 39

This pair of goggles is among the favorites of those who practice snow sports Considering other models of the brand, these have a simple design with curved lines and a pair of angles on the temples.

They are made of ultra-resistant acetate, so they will withstand any fall. In addition, the lenses are panoramic and cover a good part of the face. As for their technical specifications, they are 39 mm in caliber, 139 mm at the bridge and 138 mm at the temples.

This particular model uses a predominant gray, with a mix of greens and blues. It is also available in turquoise with black lenses, black with yellow lenses, entirely black, white with reddish lenses, gold with dark lenses and in a wide range of colors.

Oakley OO9465 SUTRO LITE SWEEP 946518 39

These glasses are similar to the ones in the previous point, but OAKLEY has decided to go a step further and added some important details. For example, they are slightly wider and the glass has circular air inlets. In addition, the angles are a bit more aggressive, so this model is less discreet.

The technical specifications are as follows: 39 mm caliber, 138 mm temples and a 139 mm bridge.

This version is yellow with black accents and purple and red lenses. However, if you prefer something less extravagant, there are completely brown and green ones with dark lenses.

Oakley OO9018 OJECTOR 901815 55

This model is one of the best sellers, although it is not intended for extreme sports. Instead, it has a traditional design, similar to the classic Ray-Ban, but with a couple of details that make them unique. For example, the junction of the front with the temples has circular details that resemble screws. In addition, the hinges have a discreet relief.

They are square, with polarized lenses and are made of super light acetate. Their measurements are: 55 mm for the caliber, 20 mm for the bridge and 143 mm for the temples. You can even ask us for other sizes that better fit your face.

This model is completely black, but we also have it in black with yellow lenses, black with reddish lenses, completely gray, transparent with blue lenses, completely brown and black with red lenses and printed temples.

Oakley OO9265 LATCH 926562 53

It's another classic that keeps getting attention for its minimalist design. The rounded lenses and the simple acetate frame make them great to combine with any style, from sporty to formal.

The specific measurements of these OAKLEY sunglasses for men are 53 mm in caliber, 139 mm in the temples and 21 mm in the bridge.

On the other hand, they are available in many colors and combinations. This particular model is entirely black, but we also have it in black with purple lenses, clear with blue lenses, clear with reddish lenses, brown and many other colors.

Oakley OO9229 HYDRA 922907 37

Comfort is the priority in this model. It is made of ultra-light materials and, thanks to its design, it is almost impossible to fall, even when practicing the most demanding sports. They offer a panoramic view of the environment with channeling of light frequencies to enhance colors and not blinding.

Their measurements are as follows: 37 mm for the caliber, 137 mm for the bridge and 139 mm for the temples. Thanks to these parameters and their design, they can be used with all types of helmets without any discomfort or pressure on the ears and temples.

In this case, the glasses are blue with iridescent lenses, but there are also orange with blue lenses, totally black, totally brown, black with purple lenses and black with yellow lenses.

How to identify original OAKLEY sunglasses?

So far we have seen many impressive qualities of OAKLEY sunglasses, but it is no use if you buy a counterfeit. Unfortunately, such products abound in the market and it is easy to fall for a scam.

First of all, you should know OAKLEY's motto: "Everything in the world can be made better." In other words, every OAKLEY product will be synonymous with excellence and quality.

So how can you tell the difference between OAKLEY contact lenses and counterfeits? Let's give you some tips:

Frame details

The first thing you should do is locate the brand logo, which is usually placed on the side, on the temples. However, what will really help to identify them is the serial number. Locate the SKU code on the inside of the pins.

For older models, the code starts with a zero. Newer models, on the other hand, often use a different format. It starts with "OO", then four numbers, a dash, and ends with two or four numbers. The result would look something like this: OO1234-5678.

If the frames do not have a similar serial number, you are most likely looking at a counterfeit.

Check the stickers

Some original OAKLEY glasses have stickers on the lens, but this is rare. In any case, if you bought a pair with stickers, try to evaluate their quality. Likewise, stickers on counterfeits often leave a residue of glue on the lens.

Engravings on the lens

This detail is present on all OAKLEY PRIZM sunglasses. It is an engraving on the lens itself that says "PRIZM", "POLARIZED" or "PRIZM P". It is also possible that there is no inscription on the PRIZM.

Now, if the glasses are non-prescription and have the brand logo engraved on them, you are looking at a counterfeit.

It should be noted that counterfeits often use the brand logo, but in a sticker version. To find out, just run your finger along the glass to locate the edge of the sticker.

Packaging

Let's start by clarifying that OAKLEY glasses always come in their original case or case Their design is minimalist, nothing extravagant and without many details. Sometimes the packaging also has a barcode and perhaps a sticker. If the sticker is of poor quality, or somewhat rough, be suspicious.

Also, you should check the stitching. You will not find loose threads in an original product.

OAKLEY Quality Certificate

The original glasses come with a certificate of authenticity which should show the serial number that you will find on the frame. If the number does not match, then it is a counterfeit.

But the contents of the certificate are not the only thing that can reveal if the glasses are real. It is a small, neatly folded piece of paper, similar to a medical leaflet. If the paper is badly folded, or the sheet is too large, the glasses are almost certainly counterfeit. In addition, imitations often contain spelling mistakes or typos.

The price

A pair of OAKLEY sunglasses latest model at twenty euros looks like a juicy offer, but be wary of such low prices We are talking about designer glasses, with cutting-edge technology and materials of the highest quality, so they are not cheap products.

You may find glasses on sale. Even in our store you can find glasses at a discount. But if you see some with a discount of more than 50% in another store, start to be suspicious.

Finishes

It is true that the piracy market knows how to cheat the customer. Every day, imitations are more difficult to identify at a glance, but the finish will never be like the originals.

So that you don't make a bad purchase, be sure to look at these details:

• Crystals: Watch them carefully for distortions and scratches.
• Temples: This part usually reveals fakes more obviously. Touch the terminations looking for irregularities or plastic leftovers. Feel the rubber, which, remember, should be Unobtanium.
• Lens frame: In an original model, the lens fits perfectly in the frame. If you see that the lens moves slightly, or that there is an empty space between the frame or the lens, you are looking at an imitation.

Quality of vision

It's that simple: OAKLEY sunglasses were made to improve your vision, not make it worse. If possible, try them before you buy them. You should see sharper contours, greater color saturation and higher contrast.

At Optica Bassol we are your best option to buy OAKLEY glasses.

The best way to get original OAKLEY sunglasses for men, without fear of being ripped off, is to buy them from an authorized dealer At Optica Bassol we are that reliable dealer you are looking for. We have thousands of OAKLEY frames for you to choose the one you like the most.

In addition, we invite you to visit our blog, where you will find useful information regarding the latest fashion trends in eyewear. For example, you may be interested in knowing the iconic models of David Beckham or these tips to find out if your sunglasses are polarized.

Don't think twice! Order in our online store or make an appointment to try on your favorite frames in any of our opticians. The best sports glasses can be found at Óptica Bassol.