Oakley sunglasses are among the most popular for outdoor and sports enthusiasts, though they do cost a lot of money. But what makes them so expensive?
Oakley sunglasses are durable and offer superior eye protection compared to other brands thanks to their use of high-end technology and engineering. These include High Definition Optics, HD Polarized Lenses, XYZ Optics and Iridium lenses among others for better clarity and optical protection.
Read on below to learn more about the innovations behind Oakley sunglasses through the years, and what makes them pricier.
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What Makes Oakley Sunglasses So Expensive?
When shopping around for sunglasses, one can easily tell that Oakleys are definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum. Oakley sunglasses cost around $200 on average, though there are many popular models that sell for $400 up – some even as much as a couple thousand dollars.
You can buy a decent pair of sunglasses at a department store for $10, so why are Oakleys so much pricier? Here’s why:
Unparalleled Eye Protection and Clarity
Oakleys are known for being stylish but they are also extremely functional. The technology that goes into making each model is renowned worldwide for offering unparalleled clarity as well as eye protection from the sun’s harmful rays, so it’s no surprise that Oakleys are the sunglass brand of choice for outdoor enthusiasts and people who spend a lot of time under the sun.
Through the decades, Oakley has also innovated numerous technologies that set them apart in the eyewear industry. These technologies are in place to help the wearer see better and thus, perform better.
To do this, they make use of various types of trademarked and/or patented technologies and engineering present in various models:
- High Definition Optics: All Oakley sunglasses and lenses are made with High Definition Optics, a series of patented technologies that ensure the wearer enjoys excellent clarity and visual fidelity while the lenses have met the standards for impact resistance. Because of their High Definition Optics, wearing Oakley lenses ensures your environment is less distorted.
- HD Polarized Lenses: Oakley’s polarized sunglasses are engineered to block out 100% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Without this kind of optical protection, the eyes are prone to deterioration over time and can lead to reduced vision – even blindness.
In addition, Oakley polarized lenses are manufactured in a way that not only does it reduce glare for better clarity but also results in crisp vision. Both lenses in each pair are also cut simultaneously so that the polarization axis is aligned, unlike other polarized lenses that are merely made with laminated layers that have been glued together which can actually worsen distorted vision.
- Iridium Lenses: Some Oakley models are made with Iridium lenses which are made with superheated metallic oxides that have been fused molecularly to the lens. As a result, the lenses provide uniform filtering for optimal contrast while reducing glare effectively. Furthermore, Iridium lenses maximize the balance needed for light reflection, absorption, and transmission depending on the environment where it is worn.
- XYZ Optics: XYZ Optics is a stage in production wherein Oakley’s lenses are cut from the same sheet and on the same axes for perfect visual alignment. This process guarantees precisely shaped lenses that deliver high-definition clarity while reducing eye strain and protecting peripheral vision, which comes in handy when you are driving or out doing sports.
- Prizm Lenses: Oakley has developed Prizm lens technology after years of research on color science. These special lenses are designed to control transmission of light in certain environment for maximum contrast, which is why there are different Prizm lenses for various sports environments. For example, there are Prizm lenses for golf, another for cycling, and another for golf.
- Plutonite Lenses: Developed in 1986, Oakley’s Plutonite lenses have undergone extreme testing for high-velocity impact and ultraviolet light blockage. They are also optically pure, extremely durable, and among Oakley’s most iconic innovations.
Smart Eyewear
Oakley developed wearable technology for its athletic customer base by providing smart sunglass features. These include real-time coaching, integration with Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth which help improve athletic performance and vision.
Durability
Unlike other pairs that can break or shatter easily, Oakley sunglasses are manufactured to be durable and last many years.
Most of Oakley’s lenses are designed to surpass the impact resistance standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improve the competitiveness of US businesses as well as quality of life by providing assessment standards for many industries, including eye protection. Theirs is the accepted industry standard for optical clarity as well as impact resistance.
The rating of Oakley lenses surpasses the ANSI Z87.1 standards set out by the Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, which means that their eyewear protects the eyes from common hazards such as radiation, blunt impact, small particles, dust, and splashes.
Additionally, sunglass frames are also made to withstand wear and tear because they are manufactured with one or more of the following:
- O-Matter: Many models use the O-Matter frame, a patented Nylon material which is stress and sweat-resistant. It’s also 25% lighter than acetate despite being twice as strong.
O-Matter frames can be subject to cold or heat without the risk of getting brittle, unlike other cheap department store sunglasses. Because of its amazing flexibility, O-Matter sunglass frames are more impact resistant and they are also comfortable to wear even for longer periods.
- X-Metal: Some of Oakley’s all-metal sunglass frames are made with X-Metal, a special titanium alloy they developed in 1997. It is lightweight yet designed in such a way that some areas of the frame can be flexible while others are rigid.
- C-5 Alloy: Oakley wireframe glasses may look delicate, but these are made with C-5 Alloy which is comprised of 5 metals for flexibility and durability. The alloy allows the frame to absorb impact but will easily spring back into shape.
Versatility
One of the major advantages of investing in Oakley sunglasses is that you can enjoy their versatility.
Oakley’s Switchlock Technology, which was invented in 2009, enables you to change lenses in seconds. But even before this, Oakley sunglasses already featured changeable lenses. However, the development of this new feature made it easier than ever to change lenses based on your need, the activity, weather, visibility, or even your personal style without damaging the frames or lenses.
Standards & Testing
The durability and high quality of Oakley sunglasses are always tested. In fact, the brand is renowned for some of the most rigorous optical and impact performance testing in the eyewear industry.
They continuously test based on standard methods set forth by ANSI Z87.1 as well as AS/NZS 1337 and EN166. In addition, some Oakley models whose frames and lenses have been marked with the Z87 label are already certified for use in circumstances requiring eye and impact protection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The OSHA is a federal agency under the United States Department of Labor that is responsible for workers’ health and safety.
What Are the Most Expensive Oakley Sunglasses?
Oakley has many sunglasses that are well-loved by customers despite the hefty price tag, because of their amazing features. Here are some of them, which are available on Amazon (note: we earn a small commission if you decide to purchase these glasses):
- Oakley Men’s Oo6038 Gauge 6 Titanium Square Sunglasses (US $298): This stylish contemporary sunglasses are made with ultra-tough titanium frames. They sit lightly on the face while the Mono Shock hinges enable the stems to move for extra comfort. The sunglasses are made with HD Polarized lenses, Prizm technology, Iridium lens coating, XYZ Optics, and Plutonite material for maximum protection and clarity at all times.
- Oakley Men’s OO9290 Jawbreaker Shield (US $273): These specialized sports sunglasses are made with Plutonite lenses for 100% UV protection, Prizm lenses, High Definition Optics, and O-Matter technology – all of which combined, deliver unparalleled clarity, contrast, and visual accuracy no matter what environment you use them in. They also use Unobtanium in nose pads and ear socks for added comfort. These sunglasses are equipped with Switchlock Technology too, so that you can change your lenses any time you need.
Conclusion
Oakley is famous worldwide for their innovative sports and lifestyle sunglasses. They may be expensive, but they are definitely worth the investment for anyone who is serious about optical protection, performance, and durability in eyewear.