Watch This Before You Buy Oakley Sunglasses

[@edcmag1]

Being a 20 year die hard Oakley collector I sadly have to completely agree with you. Lux has gutted Oakley and they are a shell of what they used to be. I stopped collecting when Jim sold the company.

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks so much for your honesty and the comment! I bet you have a killer collection with all those great old frames! I have a bunch my self I still love but the new ones not so much..

[@edcmag1]

I just picked up the Clifden. It's unique and a little different. Hearkens back to the days of old a little when Jim was defying convention.

[@martinpastor9137]

unfortunately me too

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

Shit I want all my dam sunglasses to be METAL FRAMES!!

[@oaklley007]

Me to when i was in the MARINE CORPS Thats all i wear . But i do like BOLLE There cheaper and the quality is good.

[@whyilovethemoon]

A video with better alternatives to popular Oakleys would be awesome!

[@williec6665]

I just bought a pair of Holbrook Rx with photocromatic, iridium coated prescription lenses for my everything glasses. They seem to be well made and the digital lenses are amazing.

[@Len_M.]

So you like Oakley’s Photocromatic Lenses? What Colours can you get? Or is it only available in Black? I want to get some Prescription Lenses with all the Bells and Whistles if I can twist someone’s Arm to sell me their Juliets.

[@guywholikescheese97]

My first $100+ sunglasses are Oakley an I honestly just went for them because of the name. My dad was always an Oakley fan and that was enough for me to spend the money. Lenses are absolute game changers, yet the frames are creaky. Still happy with my purchase but for 200 they could be better.

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

This is true. I just returned a pair of Oakley Bottle Rockets because they felt super-cheap. I miss my old Oakley Tapers.

[@stephanwilliot2324]

I have been wearing Oakley for about 30 years now, while I have questioned some of their latest design cues I still believe their lenses are some of the best on the market. I have converted so many people, the contrast is unbelievable and the protection they offer (SI Ballistic range, even everyday wear). I usually buy on average a pair a year. I do a lot of cycling and the lenses have saved my eyes from rocks and large insects so many times. I’m sure the lens would have cracked or the rock gone through with other glasses. I also Ski a lot and their googles are just amazing! Ok I am a long time fan so I’m a little biased but I have tried so many other brands and I have never found that level of comfort (fit and sun protection). Their RX sunglasses are probably the best out there. The clarity and contrast I get with mine are unbelievable. I agree the Luxottica politics suck and I know someone who worked in one of their Italian factories, they treated employees like crap and the health issues for the products used has had consequences on that persons health. The latest designs are a little too main stream unfortunately but luckily not all of them and I haven’t run into any build quality issues yet . At the end of the day it is up to personal taste, preference and budget. Having bought sunglasses for my kids Ray Ban and Julbo (90EUR-100 EUR for kids sunglasses) I don’t find Oakley over expensive (except for some models). Most of my models are made or assembled in the US. Hope they keep it up. I wish they have a better spare parts catalogue too. I have about 30 pairs from the 90’s to nowadays and it would be good too find parts (nosepieces, ear-socks…). I wish Luxottica would give Oakley more freedom on designs (wishlist respecting a budget as at the end of the day it’s all about $).

[@namename8207]

Why buy a pair a year?

[@rekoking2561]

I'm a huge Oakley fan but like you said the plastic ones do feel cheap that's why I like to stick to their metal ones they're heavier and they feel like better quality like the Oakley Holbrook metal frame edition those feel expensive also they just came out with the Ahyris collection those are all made with titanium and steel

[@Simple_Youtube]

I'm still rocking my X metal Pennies from 2001. I missed those Oakley days. I have a pair of Alphas but I wish they had at least a little customization in terms of fitment. For that price you would expect it.

[@ShadeReview]

Wow those were amazing! Hopefully we can go back to those days

[@thetechlibrarian]

That must be why those glasses from that time go for 200/400 still

[@DwithBoost]

Nothing like the X Metal series. I have a pair of X Metal Squared that I cherish. Amazing quality. But it is said how things have turned out for Oakley

[@steveb4012]

I have Mauis, Persols, Tom Ford, loads of Ray Bans and Oakleys. I suffer degenerative Myopia and im highly light sensitive. Oaklyy Flak Jackets and Flak 2.0 have been my go to's everytime i step outside, great for dog walking ( dont fall off when its time to clean up after mans best friend!) And the ability to replace lenses or nose pads and ear socks have prolonged their life. Ive recently picked up a pair of Holbrooks, nice, but noticed the lack of rubber nose pads straight away and a lot of sharp seams. I do like them, but my Flak 2.0s feel better made. As a pair of utility sunglasses , Oakleys are hard to beat as a member of the military has highlighted already.

[@MortisNuntius]

Appreciate your opinion but disagree. Being in the military I cant say enough about both the ballistic lenses that can save a life, as well as the Prizm tech. Your can get other glasses that can stop a bullet but Oakley tests products around the clock and the ballistic specs meet military requirements which are more stringent than civilian. The Prizm tech is far greater than any other sunglasses I've tried included all the top brands. The dyes they use create specific filters depending on the environment which for military among other fields is incredible important for clarity. Do they make X-metals anymore no, but they are lighter, more comfortable to wear, they don't slip off easily and have hundreds of styles to choose from. I have yet to try on a pair of Ray bans or Maui's where the Prizm tech polarizations cant meet or exceed. Just my 2 cents to respond to the video, that's all.

[@gtiguy1992able]

Smith chromapop lenses are amazing

[@gtiguy1992able]

@Nature Guppy unless you got from a known dealer u probably got fakes, but they do make a prizm and prizm polarized , u might have just the Normal non polarized version, my wife’s are great

[@willyjankins]

Thats a man who cares a LOT

[@FlyWithMe_666]

stop a bullett?? 😂

[@willyjankins]

@@FlyWithMe_666 original poster is obviously clinically retarded

[@AlexanderTheGR88]

I just switched to Oakley from rayban. The quality is absolutely amazing. I'm definitely a fan for life now. I wear their sunglasses and eyeglasses.

[@rustyshackleford17]

I had some Plaintiffs and one of the screws fell out. Asked Oakley if I could buy some replacement screws. It was pretty much "lolno we'll you sell you a different pair at a slightly reduced price." Pretty much bailed on the company at that point.

[@kael13]

My Plaintiffs served me pretty well for like a decade... Until someone sat on them. I've just bought some Contrail Tis as a replacement. I hope they're constructed as nicely.

[@greghelton4668]

Every single of my Oakley sunglasses had problems with the lenses. The protective film(s) begin to bubble and peel after a few years. Very unhappy with the lens.

[@jegerm6752]

I have the same experience. I purchased a pair of flak a couple years ago, and the coating came off the second time I wore it. Second! I admit I wiped the lenses with my shirt many times because they kept getting foggy. The outer part of the lens is fine, not a single scratch, but the inner part is all scratched up and the edges are peeling. The scratches may be my fault, but the coating coming off is unacceptable. It just looks ugly now and it’s been in my closet ever since.

[@KevinLindsay1]

I have My Oakleys I got in 2004 and they are awesome and you can definitely see the quality difference. I can rip the 2004 glasses apart and they go right back together, the new ones not so much.

[@grantsdad6585]

Yes i aggree

[@richardmodglin3900]

I still buy Oakley. I like the Flak 1.0 - 2.0 because they're light and all day comfort. Also like the prizm polarized lenses. My first pair the lenses started peeling after about 5 years but this pair of frames allows for switching out lenses. I just bought my son a pair of Flak 2.0 and so far he loves them. I also bought a pair of "Portal" from Oakley. They are large lenses but top notch quality. I love Oakley unobtainium and O-matter tech. Helps keep glasses from sliding off your face when you sweat. Stays tacky for nice grip. I love both pairs and am very satisfied with purchase.

[@alv8829]

Agree 100%.. I stop collecting Oakley.. too expensive for a low quality material they use nowadays ...

[@variant.edition]

As someone who worked for them for a few years, every time you said "a big blow to Luxottica" it made me smile. This is a company that seriously doesn't care about their employees, their products, and, despite the facade, they don't care about their customers.

[@ShadeReview]

But they always seem to get there way in the end…

[@bonesbrigade4564]

Hey buck...my name is bill..u wrote that u worked for oakley for a few years...I have been a huge oakley fan for many years....is it true what u said bro?about them not caring?

[@variant.edition]

@@bonesbrigade4564 It's not Oakley specifically. It's Luxottica. The company that owns Oakley, Ray-Ban, Costa, Sunglass Hut, Lens Crafters, etc. They're a massive corporation and they act as such. I've met a lot of the reps for Oakley, and they're actually some of the nicest people. But even they have the same problems with Luxottica that I do. Especially since Luxottica strong-armed their company in order to take it over. They don't care about their people or their product. Costa went from being a high performance fishing company made in Florida, to cheap mass produced junk made in China almost overnight once they took over.

[@bonesbrigade4564]

@@variant.edition WOW...Thanks for the info...and thanks for the reply big homie......

[@markprice2225]

Guess I won't be buying anything from Costa anymore. Watched the documentary on Luxottica and it was an eye opener! They are all basically the same company/same glasses now as every other brand, just pay for the label

[@Albin.og.in.Canada]

Same here. All my oakleys were made in usa. Now I’m just turned off to the brand.

[@stevenhenderson1198]

I will say that Oakley prizm polarization is top notch for the price. Hard to compare to maoi Jim's but still damn good

[@grantsdad6585]

wrong

[@Tyetheberious]

What brand would you recommend now?

[@wwstop2050]

Serengeti American optics Randolph engineering Maui jim

[@Tyetheberious]

@@wwstop2050 Thanks, I ended up with a pair of Maui Jim Kanaio Coasts and I love them.

[@Gollunsss]

Oakley is nice. Just find good prices. If he doesn't like Oakley anymore why does he still keep 7 glasses in his collection?

[@KarlBlessing]

I got a pair of Holbrook XL Woodgrain textured, wanted something more 'contemporary' and comfortable, wasn't big on the athletics other than maybe trail hiking etc. I do agree that the frames for the most part do kind of feel pretty standard plastic (especially the typical matte black pairs that have no texture). And for frames alone I wouldn't want to pay retail. What I did buy them for was their selection of Prizm lenses with my preference being towards the rose bases, so Prizm Shallow Water Polarized, Prizm Trail, Prizm Daily Polarized. So in that respect the only thing I feel worth getting the Oakley for are their Prizm selection and wouldn't bother buying a frame if it didn't come with least something of that lens line. PS: Noticing that the newest stuff particularly the metal ones like Savitar, Ejector, Wire Tap 2.0 etc that came out this year now say "CHINA" on the side, particularly boldly on the Savitar, with the slightly older Holbrook XL saying "USA Assembled" (so... overseas parts, and just snapped together in the US?). Nutshell : I really really like their "Prizm" lens offerings, and that's probably the only thing worth closer to the cost for moderns especially if the manufacturing of them remain consistent.

[@drrider100]

I probably have about 14 pairs of Oakley. I have never had any issues with them at all. But, that's just my experience.

[@AlbeyAirto]

I've noticed the build is off too, almost all my Oakley's were built in America. My Twoface and Tincan are made in China, but the quality build is not there. I ended up bending and replacing my Tincans, my Inmates(bought in 2009) however seem to be a much stronger alloy and haven't shown any rust or bending.

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks so much for sharing with us!

[@GDLamb42]

I've been wearing the same pair of Radar EV's for 3 seasons of baseball.They've had ground balls come up and hit them, they've been knocked off, and they've been thrown around quite a bit. And they're still in pretty decent condition, i did have to replace the lenses after being hit by a baseball a few times but the frames are still going strong.

[@TheAngryFishh]

Sounds like you just need to learn how to catch.

[@RedSrhRed]

@@TheAngryFishh 😂

[@markamd1]

This video is very missleading.... You are correct, Oakley has outsourced some of their lineups to China such as the T-wire frames and a few others. But Most of their product is still being Hand made in the U.S.A which is amazing.

[@alwayspooh1588]

In Milan where I was last week (August 2022) no-one was wearing Oakley glasses; people wore Ray Bans, or high designers like Prada, Gucci, Armani and so on. Oakley are sports glasses mainly now, and made in China mostly. If you want style, get RB/Prada/Armani/Gucci and so on. If you play sports and need glasses, buy Oakley.

[@domingod4648]

I switched from Ray Ban to Oakley for the exact point you motioned, Ray Bans break and I have a pair of Holbrook XL's from 2012 that are still holding up along with 4 other Holbrook pairs. I've also bought Oakley Snowboarding goggles and out of all the dozens of pairs I've tried, the Oakley's are by far the most durable/better fitting. sucks that now they are made in China but so are iPhones and most phones and pretty much 80% of things are made in China...

[@mysticpresence]

Ray ban is fragile, I wore them maybe 50x total and dropped it on concrete and the glass lenses cracked and had to replace lenses. Now I don't wear them... Not good unless you want to be a posh grandpa.... I daily wore my Versace glasses 500x+, wiped out on jetskis, dropped 20+ times, went into the ocean 20+ times, jumped from cenotes, played soccer, drove with, did everything with them and they are still ok but have a lot of scratches on the frames. Had them for almost 3 years now and looking for a pair of Oakley next. Anything that has plastic polarized lenses and a decent frame should be fine especially if you buy straps to lock in around the back of your head. But what's this I'm hearing about Oakley polarization film peeling.....???

[@storozhevadaria3040]

Thank YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO IT NEEDED TO BE MADE WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU TO KEEP THESE COMPNAYS IN CHECK

[@ThirstysURL]

I CONCUR

[@martinpastor9137]

How sad, the words of JIM Jannard. Founder of Oakley inc.1975 - 2007 7/28/2016 From Jannard's Facebook: Devastated. LUX has officially dismantled everything it took decades to build. Shakes head. Rolls eyes. Deep depression. Building Oakley took inventions wrapped in art and an army of great people. It now has been reduced to a bottom line number. Sad day for me and everyone who invested their heart and soul in the "O".

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

I had a pair of Oakley t wires when they first came out and they were great. I think after that, they went downhill. I wouldn't buy another pair now. The Chinese are the worlds best at making cheap rubbish. Regardless of the name on the product.

[@ShadeReview]

That is very true no company moves there production over to China and the quality gets better. only worse every single company every time....

[@grantsdad6585]

@@ShadeReview FAX

[@jonhettrick7969]

Well said well said. I was a huge Oakley fan. Now I'm just kind of like I don't know but I still like the brand somewhat. I was a little sad they stopped making the watches being made. Not the same quality sunglasses that used to be. The prices can be too high for what they are.

[@James-wg8mn]

I like Oakleys MAINLY because of their lens technology/clear optics. I also like that they are lightweight and comfortable. Yes they might 'feel' cheap but I think they serve their function (great optics, lightweight and comfortable) 100%

[@jasongraves1841]

I'm trying to find a decent pair of oakleys at the moment And Im with you on the design there not like they used to be theys Oakley Square Wire will be my last Sunglasses with them sadly

[@austinschofield2555]

I just bought a pair of Oakley Sutro Prizms and I can testify that they are amazing. I previously had a pair of Costa black fins 580p polarized and they’re awesome for the water but if you’re in a less glare area it almost makes the costas too dark and I don’t have that issue with the sutros

[@davidroberts4658]

I bought a pair of Oakley split shot in the clear water prizm lens feel cheap and they can't compare to my Costa Diego with the green inshore 580g lens but I like my fuel cell in the deep water prizm lens

[@DanielSzilagyi]

I have my first ever pair of Oakley XX sunglasses, the rubber edges and tips have worn down but the lens are in good quality despite being simple. Since that time I own the Gascan, Flak, Oilrig and Frogskins...all are still made in the USA and are great but have noticed that they make more and more overseas now which is a real shame. To be honest any time a company needs to scale or grow they can't seem to maintain the quality, in the case of Oakley I wouldn't knock the "plastic" too much, I mean look at a brand like Maui Jim which is either made in Italy or Japan and it's flimsy as hell but the lens are good, I would argue the same logic applies to Oakley, maybe the frames could be better but the lens and the quality there depending on the model is still high.

[@miketorre16]

People say the same thing when Costa del mar moved to LUX. They are still good glasses

[@tomdavis3038]

If you look at all the new frames released under Lux they are cheap. Of course Costa has had rubber peeling problems in their frames before though. Look at what happened to Oakley and that’s exactly where Costa is going. Cheers

[@miketorre16]

@@tomdavis3038 I doubt it

[@allstar930]

I’ve been collecting Frogskins for years and I can’t recommend enough that you budget for a pair of Revent Elite lenses for your Frogskins because they’re way better than the ones that come in them.

[@iain6225]

So true. Though the frame is durable, the lenses are bad, with them peeling off the iridium coating about 1-2 months after use

[@pedrovalencia552]

you probably bought fake oakleys

[@jonathanbenitez1165]

To be completely honest, I love my Oakley's far more than my Costas, Ray Bans and Maui Jim. The amount of light transmittance and the vibrancy of color through the prizm lens has made me fall in love with Oakley as an EDC. If I'm fishing I may choose Costa Del Mar, and if I feel snazzy - MJ, but hey man, overall on most days, Oakley for the win.

[@MinecraftSimonProMax]

Totally agree with you. Oakley has reduced dramatically the quality of their sunglasses. My Last three sunglasses have been replaced by quality issues. Additionally, they're producing sunglasses with frequently encountered designs in other brands. Now, they don't nothing similar to Juliet, for example.

[@clint4237]

Why did you pick the most boring designs for your video?

[@transgenderedmuhammad8817]

Almost all of them look like this

[@powersww1reset]

@@transgenderedmuhammad8817 ummm, that’s not true at all! How about the ‘Jacket’ line, and the ‘Link’ line?

[@transgenderedmuhammad8817]

Jimmy Powers I said ALMOST all of them you fucking moron

[@richardkrivik7032]

I Collect Oakley’s since 1995 guys but only the 1994-2005 modells..Those are the Real deal honestly in my opinion..I just bought the latest eye jacket Redux, to see what’s up Nowadays..hmm feels really lot cheaper stuff No doubt but comfy and the lenses are on point Sure..Not made in USA 🇺🇸 hmm..yeah true that’s Not cool Sure..Since Jim Jannard soled the company..Yes can see less cool 😎 modells and.......... 🤷‍♂️ But I still love and collect the vintage ones 💪👌

[@ShadeReview]

Pre 2005 models for the win!

[@tonyngo9200]

Oakley use to be my brand. Invested in two pairs. Went for polarized. Took them on vacation and the polarized film started bubbling and peeling. Was told my Oakley it’s from your sweat. Basically it’s not their problem. Sporting gear can’t handle a bit of sweat hmmm

[@ShadeReview]

Crazy…. I’m getting a lot of reports like this for the film starts coming off

[@tonyngo9200]

@@ShadeReview You'll get more longevity buying their clothes

[@billbog25]

Bought oakley wiretap 2.0 sunglasses. Nose pad fell off and was lost. Try finding one. Impossible. Even oakley doesn't have them. Insane! Now i have no idea what to do.

[@wadsworth2351]

If you had to recommend a pair, which one would it be, both pre and post Lux? Do some of their carbon frame sunglasses still feature some degree of quality?

[@virkelie2]

Which are the better brands?

[@karaoke888]

Their sport glasses are still good. However I agree with you regarding their lifestyle glasses.

[@james-p]

They still make a lot of their glasses in the US, and in fact they are planning to expand their already very big manufacturing plant in California. So maybe all is not lost. And their prescription lenses are friggin' awesome - super-precision lens grinding.

[@Terrible_colognetaste]

I’ve had my radars for 4 years and they still look good 🗿

[@jetfueljp4]

I have 7 pairs of oakleys, fortunately all usa made...

[@samus4799]

These new Terrigal frames have really caught my eye. Not a sunglasses kind of guy, don't know a whole lot, but I've never seen anything like them before.

[@princessumaru4011]

I am buying prizm/polarized because of the glare of the sun (as i have chronic migraine and light source is the trigger)My migraine, is so bad that even driving is so unbearable, on a good day (good weather) its hard to enjoy, if i wanna run or hike) it is the only glasses that helps.. when i found prizm (color pop) it just makes everything livelier! (this is coming from someone who wears sunglasses daily) I'm obssessed with them. Unfortunately I lost my pair, and needing to buy a new one, they are not cheap, Im getting ready to buy the same pair I had, (rev-up) just seeing reviews or if there are other glasses closest to them as I didn't do much research the first time. Idk why theres so much negative comments n here though regarding oakleys.

[@spectatorofallthings6587]

That’s because not everybody can afford them sadly. I use both but for my migraines Oakley is my preferred to me ray ban is more for fashion but for real life and eye health Oakley worth every penny. Most ppl that hate iPhones hate them because they can’t shell out $1400 on the best!

[@powersww1reset]

@@spectatorofallthings6587 it probably does boil down to price, being why everyone is shitting on them. I felt that my new Flak 2.0’s are easily as good, if not a lot better than my 2007 flak jackets! Still have them though, and would throw em right back on, if I needed to

[@9Erra]

@@spectatorofallthings6587 I hate iPhones and I have a Samsung Note 20 Ultra (Same price range), so you're wrong. It's not about having or not having the money, it just takes some basic knowledge about tech to realize they're trash. I do love Oakleys though so we agree on that lol

[@williamault4160]

@@spectatorofallthings6587 most of the people in this comment section who dislike Oakley have other expensive sunglasses so it's not about affording them, I think it just comes down to personal taste

[@PulledPurk]

I have a pair of Tightropes that my friend gave me. They are crooked as hell but they're cool

[@PoltergeistWorks]

True, a bad move for sure, but they are still designed in the USA and the military line (SI) is still manufatured in USA. You pick designs that really don't have much to offer, it's a different story in the sports glasses world (cycling especially) where Oakley still sets the bar IMO with some amazing new designs like the Flight Jacket. As for the quality, I don't agree - if you feel some of the ZERO frames from 1990's the plastic can feel chaeper than the stuff from today, also it seems they improved the composition of the UNOBTANIUM that used to degrade and get sticky over time. I personally think the new rubber is more durable, maybe a tiny bit less grippy though.

[@noelvega5993]

I have a pair of M frames 1991...the made in USA stamp and the quality was definitely way 100% premium all my newer ones feel cheap....just paying for a logo now...not quality....get with the program Oakley...🤨

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks for the insightful comment Noel, people who have actually experienced and owned Oakley sunglasses made in USA understand how much better they were then cheep Chinese ones they make now..

[@mackstertube]

This is really dissapointing to hear. I biught my first pair of Oakley sunglasses in about 1988-89. I can't remember the name but they were my most beloved thing I had ever owned. My friends later bought blades & frogskins. I have nearly always tried to buy other brands but they just never fit as well or have as good of a lensed a bronze lens even though I want a blue because the cookies thriugh it look amazing. Especially greens like grass & leaves. I could talk forever about Oakleyss so I'll stop. The reason I watched this because I need reading glasses d it had never entered my mind to get Oakley reading glad frames but guess what? It turns out they fit the best again. They are the only glasses that have the best curved arms instead of straight ones that hit your temples. Also look cool, reasonable prices for the type without frame on bottom etc. However if I get prescription sunnies plus my reading and long distance glasses I get the $500 prescription glasses for free so that's a great deal. I fee never salient that much but it works out cheaper to get the more expensive +prescription to make my other gkasses 50% off. However looking at my Oakleys I noticed they were made in America. Logic tells me if A oriduct is still made in America it is quality because it has not gone to China to be manufactured. So the company cares about quality. But after seeing your video I realise that it's no longer true which is so awful and disappointing. It just seems like it is inevitable everything goes to China which directly correlates to quality dropping. I mean it just makes sense to a business man I guess. However it hurts when they do it not to save money for the consumer but just have a bigger profit margin. I mean it would be one thing if the same pair suddenly went from $500 down to $200 or something but that's not what business puerile do. They just want all the money. Then Dr year they have to make more and the cycle of feed gets worse while the quality drops. I mean at some point you need someone at the company to draw a line and say quality cannot do last this. Really you need the person who stated the company to run it forever so their passion and dreams stay true & it is not just a business but they live they put it in shows in the product. Unfortunately unless it stays in family it's not sustainable is it? Do disappointed because now I wonder if my reading glass lens will be made in China. They are expensive and they only put oakley lenses in Oakey frames. I would rather pay more for a product like this and have quality. Unfirtunately like Whittaker's if you want them made somewhere other than china you need the most expensive lines or custom made. Badjaling you have to be very very rich nowadays. Is anyone in the comments old enough to remember everything was made in Japan. We used to take that for granted not realising the what we had in electronics etc. Then I remember after a while you couldn't buy anything that was not manufactured in Taiwan. Now it just says China. I hope one day it goes back the other way. Unfortunately cheap labour will always win combined with unsafe work practices, corrupt governments, lax environmental care (like dumping & pouring crinto rivers. Just look at where they make tv's) plus nauseous slave labour and poor working conditions etc etc which all make it cheaper. Basically shortcuts that help evil & not treating humans the way they did or the environment means people get $10 drills etc. Things used to be made to last now they are made to throw away quickly and with more and more people on the planet it is easy to see this is not the way we shood be doing things. Sorry for the rant I got carried away because I wish the human crew would go in the right direction with anything not the other way but as the song goes. Money is the root of all evil and it is one of the most true sayings ever.

[@Mithadon]

I quite enjoyed the rant. Best wishes

[@jessewilliamson5519]

What other brands are better in quality? I actually don’t really know, I’m not a sunglasses enthusiast like this guy. It would have been nice to hear some other brands to give an example for what is good quality.

[@Sir_Jörgen_Björgen]

Just because they produce in China nowadays just means the frames are feeling less of a quality. The lenses are still a banger! The filter isnt just printed on, its molded in the lens itself. Therefore its totaly centered, you don't get a dizzy feeling in light changing situations and they are still shrapnel proof. So maybe think twice before you belive everything said in this video.

[@ShadeReview]

Lenses are trash try Maui Jim or Persol they are so much better

[@markprice2225]

What I did was buy glasses from a new company that was family owned! They used to own Native and then ReflecT & now they are part of the Clean Water Initiative with 4OCEAN. I wish 4OCEAN made sunglasses

[@kerenkochav6274]

worked 6 years at optics a life guard show me his old holbrooks matt black with purple mirror lensses said it was heavy used for more than 4 years.The sunglasses were in consider time and use in good shape,he ask for a new ones got "Oakley" that made by Luxottica came to me after 1 year with the lensses coating start peeling.They buy and destroy many brands Oliver peoples is also on the list and you can see how quality went down from original ones made in japan than the ones made in Italy.rather get used ones than new ones.realy a shame to the industry.

[@ShadeReview]

Wow extremely insightful thanks for sharing

[@ariefwings7325]

Man i miss my og wiretap...lost them in high school😢

[@blazerman61]

Huge difference in quality in the last 3 years! They feel like cheap drug store sunglasses now!

[@bluesguitar1973]

Yes. I paid for Oakley a few years ago and wonder why I spent that much on a cheap pair of plastic. They should cost maybe $30 for the quality. The material in their sunglasses costs almost nothing. U are paying for the name, marketing.

[@qxpn9220]

@@bluesguitar1973 what sunglasses company do you recommend

[@ngarci8040]

I totally agree I have $500 worth of Oakley sunglasses & they feel like $5 worth…!

[@davidgunther1282]

Bring back the x-metal Juliets!!

[@poolee77]

They'll never be able to make them for as cheap as they were. Would probably cost over a $1000 now. Titanium is hard to work with and they no longer have the machinery.

[@Gollunsss]

This sunglass model is like 'favela'.

[@michaeltrader7366]

I would love for Oakley to re-release the x metal Juliet’s and Romeo’s. I lost my x metals in a car fire. I still have the half x. Have you ever owned any of the x metals? If so what’s your thoughts

[@brian1988]

REKS is my go-to brand new. Good quality and reasonable pricing.

[@mattb9664]

I pulled out my Holbrook LX (which were the nice Chinese made acetate frames) since I still like the subdued, classic style. To my dismay, the polarization film grew peeling marks everywhere on both lenses after being in a safe storage area for 2-3 years. I'd wear them to the beach various times, sweat in them at various times, but I'd always wash them with dish soap before, then blot dry then polish before storage. No corrosion on the hinges. I have older Oakleys that have never done anything like this. That said I still like their Holbrook frame in general and will get replacement lenses to restore them. I'm pretty much done with Oakley though.. I appreciate their futuristic sport frames on other people, and the way they look. I'm more of a Randolph wearer now since their overall glasses are timeless and very classy.

[@yeesengteng5976]

I choose Oakley because of its lenses, especially their Prizm polarized lenses, nothing on the market can compare with it.

[@gtiguy1992able]

Smith chromapop

[@TrailBikeMike]

I tried a 100% Hiper lens and it was awesome, worth checking out as an alternative. I didn’t get on with the particular frame shape so sent them back (the frame was really nice quality though). I’m now on a Prism Trail Torch lens.

[@carlobrown7906]

Always been an Oakley fan, but prefer the classics. My Juliet & Crosshair Ducati are the favorites in my collection but I still rock my XX ( Twenty ) from '99, A-Wire and Splice. Great quality.

[@NitroMonkey91]

For me it’s the fact that Oakley doesn’t have metal hinges that will rust or easily break. I use the Holbrook XL as my prescription transition glasses because I tend to break all my raybans right at the hinge. The rayban club masters are definitely a timeless classic that I’ll probably always deal with breaking hinges on though lol.

[@infamousgerald]

My oakley oil rigs from 2011 lasted until I sold them last year as I needed money for bills. I have some holbrooks from 2018 I found but I’m really looking at some wayfarers.

[@Goenie2005]

How about the quality of the batwolf? I'm owning a pair of Maui Jim canoes now and these are pretty epic. I'm looking at the batwolf as they seem decent and I really like the one-piece glass.

[@tremayne3]

They are almost garbage.

[@emesor78]

So what are the brands you recommend that are better than Oakley?. I had a pair of fuel cell and gascans for like 7 years and I have to buy a new ones . But looking at the new models I felt the same you are pointing

[@ShadeReview]

Vuarnet, Maui Jim, Serengeti, Sungod , RE Ranger

[@drrider100]

Even tho oakleys are not the same and i only buy when they are 50% off. I have 22 pairs over the years and every one of them have lasted so far. I have not had any issues with lenses or frames. But I also take good care of my sunglasses. I just wish Oakley would either drop the prices or make a better quality feeling frame.

[@markkuehn4922]

Not mine. In 2022 I got the sutro S w prizm lenses. Straight 🔥. 180$ so good price too

[@wallacerickmanii]

Agreed. Luxottica did the same thing to Revo. They used to be such nice sunglasses and great lenses. Revo was never the juggernaut in the industry that Oakley was/is, and I really do believe that Luxottica bought Revo JUST to run them into the ground. Funnel sales toward their cheaper made, higher markup house brands. From what I understand, they finally sold Revo off (their goal of exploiting and then ruining its reputation accomplished). It seems the new owners are trying to get quality back up, but they have a lot of ground to cover and lost brand recognition to combat. And now they have Costa. Much like the aliens from Independence Day, they’ve moved on to the next brand to mine it’s resources until it’s a husk of its former self. My prediction is that Oakley will stick around with Lux (like Ray Ban). They are both big names, and it’s relatively cheap to produce them “good enough”. They definitely found their sweet spot with Ray Ban - they make the classics with just enough quality to keep people buying them while coming out with really cheaply made new models. Costa is going to be trickier though. Their lenses are more expensive and technical to produce, and a lot of their fan base actually use them to either earn a living or engage in an expensive hobby. Therefore, I think they’ll be less tolerant of a big quality drop. So, they are going to find it hard to either follow their Revo model of sucking the brand dry and then pawning it off on someone else, or follow their Ray Ban/Oakley model of dropping quality just enough to satisfy their markup requirements. I think they’ll start out with the Ray Ban/Oakley approach of dropping quality down gradually to find a point where they can still sell them, but at a higher markup. What’ll be interesting is how tolerant the fan base will be of it. If people start leaving in droves they’ll either have to use their Revo model of wringing the last bit of brand loyalty out and then offloading the company, OR they’ll have to up quality and spike the prices. So, within 10 years we will either have much inferior Costas or they’ll be the equivalent of $400-$500 in today’s money. Either way, next up will be Maui Jim. That one I really dread.

[@nomadjedimaster7690]

Their watches were fantastic,I bought one in Seattle in 06 ,revo was selling just as much as Oakley then.

[@gimpTHEmaster]

What durable glasses do you recommend???

[@carlosmartinez6696]

That’s why u look for the vintage ones lol had my fuel cells for 4 years only thing wrong is my lenses are scratched as I work in concrete construction my fuel cells basically a tank lol

[@ShadeReview]

Yep and sometimes you ca really get some good deals on older styles

[@lunch2102]

I'm a carpenter and I've been wearing a pair of jawbones as safety/work sunglasses almost everyday since about 2011, sure they're on their 3rd set of lenses and 2nd set of socks but the frames are still going strong.

[@alenbole8633]

Oakley fan allready 20 years quality go down during years and definitely price go up,some of them are overexpensive and no5 so good quality.

[@djwambach6192]

This video is your opinion being pushed as fact. Look the inside of the glasses and mine have a big red tag that says "MADE IN USA ". Do even know what PRIZM lenses do? Golf light Golf dark Trail Road Field 2 shooting I think your knowledge of Oakley sunglasses is at least 5 years out of date.

[@ShadeReview]

My opinion is FACT because quite honestly I am a sunglass GOD I have owned dozens of Oakley’s with all those lenses and was not in the least impressed. I also own hundreds of different sunglasses so I know how they compare to a real pair of glasses like Persol SunGod or Randolph

[@exoticcarsofseattle8913]

😂

[@elimarnordqvist2420]

@@ShadeReview But Persol ist also owned by Luxottica and probably share the same business philosophy? ;)

[@BooksNGuns]

"My opinion is fact because.." Then he backs it up with more opinions. Lol

[@watersjaws]

this is true except oakley's polarized lenses are notoriously easy to scratch. like water can scratch them. it says so in the little booklet you get with your glasses. something about iridium coating.

[@nichflor007]

Agreed I still wear them many Flak Jacket 2.0 while in the military the Standard Issue line is a great deal. Now I sport Halbrooks I like the Metal and Poly combo, wish they were still US made but they hold uo well and have bent to many wire frame aviator types to spend that much one them.

[@wileecoyote6607]

I just bout a pair of sliver xl in gray or clear. With blue lenses. Awesome 😎 50% off

[@coqui1550]

I have the Oakley Currency eyeglasses, made in China, and they're practically unbreakable. 👍🏻

[@edba1591]

I agree with your video. Use to be great when I bought the romeo and romeo 2.0, now it seems like the unique factor is gone. It's a shame.

[@AD-xn7pt]

Specifically, would you say their prizm lenses separates them from the rest of all the other big brands, or are they the same

[@DJKISKEYA]

impressive research where do you find this information

[@zackinblack]

Oakley has several patents on their lens manufacturing process as well as the acrylics used in the lens and frame. This allows them to still produce high quality glasses, regardless of manufacturing them in China. Personally I've seen a man's eyes saved by wearing oakleys.

[@curlyhairdudeify]

All of my sunglasses are Ray Ban aviators with perfect optics. Needless to say, I tried my brother's Oakley's wayfarer style and the slight curvature to wrap around the face, the lightness, the over reflective outer lense coat, the over reflective inner lense coating made me feel like I was going to go crazy.

[@ShadeReview]

really that’s wild haha

[@curlyhairdudeify]

@@ShadeReview Yes, very wild indeed. The inner reflections are wayyy too much for my eyes. I'll add the model number later

[@curlyhairdudeify]

@@ShadeReview it's the Oakley Holbrook with 24k Iridium lenses

[@liviu250810]

What brands do you recommend instead of Oakley?

[@ShadeReview]

Maui Jim SunGod Maho

[@martinpastor9137]

I recommend randolphusa.com the glasses are Made in U.S.A. and are superior to Oakley in quality THE ONLY REMAINING METAL EYEWEAR COMPANY IN THE US.

[@jobbmail9434]

@@martinpastor9137 Maui jim have metal fram glasses.

[@powersww1reset]

@@martinpastor9137 superior in quality is subjective. Simply because they are metal, does not make them superior! We’re talking about eyewear, not pocket knives. When regarding sunglasses, metal means heavier, colder, hotter, slipperier, more conductive, in some cases rustier, less safe, less comfortable and form fitting. Metal is terrible for everyday all day wear! I have to wear safety glasses everyday and metal frames would be awful!

[@martinpastor9137]

@@powersww1reset If you like cheap plastic now I understand why you consume Luxottica

[@ronaldmercer9616]

Save your money boys , as a wood cutter I wear Nemesis safety glasses, taken many a shot to the face with them on haven't broken a lenses yet , 40 bucks for a case of 12 , might not be up to an IED but I don't think I'll encounter one in West Virginia

[@armando_hd]

Oakley quality is definitely no more "premium" as it was before. I still have some USA made models and they are just on another level. Don't know if they are all made in USA, but for me some Wiley X models are the todays equivalent of early 2000's Oakley.

[@mattb9664]

Oakley changed once they embraced the "spaghetti on the wall" styling some 10 years ago ago now. In my opinion, they would make way too many styles for each season, some of which were marginally better looking than gas station glasses, and the ones that would become popular would prevail in their catalog while all the others would become discontinued. Oakley wasn't always like that. So that was in June 2008 when they were sold, then they transitioned into pumping out styles regardless of whether they looked good in the 2011-2012 timeframe. Now their relying on their back catalog of style for release, and taking the FOMO approach on the current customer. Kinda sucks.

[@SortoMario89]

Kinda late but I agree. 100% I’ve been using Oakley for 15 years and lately even the premium glasses/TI are made in china and scratch just by looking at them. Not really worth it, sadly I think I’m done buying them

[@LiahusN]

I had an 2 oakleys and on both the film on the lens started coming off 😳😳😳

[@MikesLife87]

The second pair to your right with the blue lens on the stand. What’s the name of that color lens? I bought a pair just like that a few years ago and the guy at Oakley said, they discontinued that particular lens so I bought them (my favorite lens on Oakley). I recently lost my pair and I need to find out where I can possibly purchase them again. I looked everywhere and they don’t have that particular one. Help buddy. Lol

[@JordanMeyer]

I wouldn’t wear, or spend money on anything but Oakley.

[@4o7T0r0]

Same dude

[@suisiruy]

Prizm lens has flares effect, and the polarized version even more.

[@BernardoZuquim]

Definetly you are right! I have some different pairs of Oakley. The old ones, and some new ones. The last one I bought its the Oakley Clifden its on the way to be delivery to me. But yeah, unfortunately they dont have more the x-metal which were hard and well made, some others too the lenses were tought, now I have some Holbrooks which the lenses are so bad that seems to be fake sunglasses lenses. That's terrible. Even my wallet from Oakley is endind, I left a few time on the drawer and start to peeling off the leather... what a shame!

[@ATLdonkeh]

Hey, quick question. What is the name of the third pair of sunglasses (starting from the left side)

[@selwynjones4884]

I started with Gargoyles, after the TERMINATOR movies. A few years later, I got hooked on Oakley, after I saw a baseball player wearing a pair of Oakley M frame heaters, and I was hooked after that. I will not EVER wear Raybans, and I don’t like Nike sunglasses. If their not Oakley’s, then I don’t wear them. Now I wear the Flak XL, Flak Jacket XL, Radar XL, M frames HEATERS. I’ve had many others and the quality was ALWAYS top notch, but after they were sold, I haven’t bought anything else from them, and I now get my glasses from Ebay. They feel cheap and uninspiring and I HATE IT!!! I NEED THE OLD OAKLEY BACK!!!😢💔