When Oakley came out with the radars, the cycling communities went mad and bought them all because of how good they seemed to be. And rightly so.
The High Definition Optic or HDO lenses assist their wearer to avoid headaches from multiple images being formed in the retinas, and forcing our brain to work to create a picture.
There was one flaw in the radars however. Replacing the lenses put force on the frame of the glasses. Not a big issue, but it was something Oakley fixed when they released the Jawbones. The mechanism that held the glasses together was amazing, and popular amongst mountain bikers.
Road cyclists stuck to Radars, as their appearance was 'fierce', and looked more aggressive, matching their riding style. The issue still remained however.
How do you take the pressure off the frame, but keep the same appearance? Oakley came up with a reasonably simple solution. They put the lock inside the arm, and used the same nosepiece removal system as the radars.
They called the new design Oakley Radarlocks.
The lenses are the exact same as the Radars, and they undergo the same testing (a drop of a 500g metal spike onto the lens, and a 1/4 inch metal ball bearing fired at 170km/h from 2 inches. If it leaves any more than a tiny dent, the whole batch fails). The lenses are shaped to look good, however when wearing them normally, you notice a gap that isn't covered at the bottom (lenses are too small). This is not a noticeable issue whilst riding.
The replaceable lens system is clever, and though complicated, and seemingly impossible the first time, after 4 or so times, you get used to it and it seems easier and easier.
The frame construction is lightweight, but doesn't compromise on strength. The different colours available make it easy to get a pair that will suit your bike and gear (most important aspect of the glasses... clearly).
Overall, the Oakley Radarlocks had great first impressions, and are even better when you get used to them. All of this for a (reasonably) low price of $300, costing a bit more depending on the number of lenses you get.
These glasses are used by Skyline MTB Films' rider Fergus.
image (above): Oakley Radarlock Path
The High Definition Optic or HDO lenses assist their wearer to avoid headaches from multiple images being formed in the retinas, and forcing our brain to work to create a picture.
There was one flaw in the radars however. Replacing the lenses put force on the frame of the glasses. Not a big issue, but it was something Oakley fixed when they released the Jawbones. The mechanism that held the glasses together was amazing, and popular amongst mountain bikers.
Road cyclists stuck to Radars, as their appearance was 'fierce', and looked more aggressive, matching their riding style. The issue still remained however.
How do you take the pressure off the frame, but keep the same appearance? Oakley came up with a reasonably simple solution. They put the lock inside the arm, and used the same nosepiece removal system as the radars.
They called the new design Oakley Radarlocks.
The lenses are the exact same as the Radars, and they undergo the same testing (a drop of a 500g metal spike onto the lens, and a 1/4 inch metal ball bearing fired at 170km/h from 2 inches. If it leaves any more than a tiny dent, the whole batch fails). The lenses are shaped to look good, however when wearing them normally, you notice a gap that isn't covered at the bottom (lenses are too small). This is not a noticeable issue whilst riding.
The replaceable lens system is clever, and though complicated, and seemingly impossible the first time, after 4 or so times, you get used to it and it seems easier and easier.
The frame construction is lightweight, but doesn't compromise on strength. The different colours available make it easy to get a pair that will suit your bike and gear (most important aspect of the glasses... clearly).
Overall, the Oakley Radarlocks had great first impressions, and are even better when you get used to them. All of this for a (reasonably) low price of $300, costing a bit more depending on the number of lenses you get.
These glasses are used by Skyline MTB Films' rider Fergus.
image (above): Oakley Radarlock Path