Oakley Sunglasses Radar EV

Product Information

It isn't only looks that attracted me to the Oakley Radar EV's. In functionality alonethe Oakley Radar EV scores a solid 10/10 and this is a key area where it out scores a lot of rival brands. Zero distraction is key here, if I am able to forget the sunglasses are there then it's doing its job, exactly what the Radar's do. Prizm™ is a revolution in lens optics built on decades of color science research. Prizm™ lenses provide unprecedented control of light transmission resulting in colors precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility.

It may look like Oakley toned down from their radical aesthetic, yet the originalM-Framereally had little going on in that department save for paint-jobs. And yet, it became immensely popular, applicable, and imitated worldwide. If you make more out of less, it’s more impressive from an engineering standpoint. You only get a single lens included here, but if you do buy a second one, swapping between them is straightforward: you squeeze the sides of the nosepiece together to release it and then pull the lens away from the frame in the centre. This reduces the tension enough to remove the lens easily. For us, the fit doesn't pinch, nor rub anywhere it shouldn't (such as on your ears). Even after hours of wearing them, they remain perfectly comfortable. The acid test is mountain biking, and the Radar EVs stay exactly in place without any wobble.

Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Designed in conjunction with Mark Cavendish and designed exclusively as cycling sunglasses, the more expensive Jawbreaker is the Oakley model being strongly marketed to cyclists. Being made up of 27 pieces, it's got a whole lot more going on than the relatively simple Radar EV. The old Oakley Radar glasses feature an 'O' channel in their arms; for the EVs, this has been replaced with a more forward vent port that leads to effective channels on each arm – helping to direct airflow down past your temples and helmet straps. TheRadarEVuses the typical “clip-in” method found with most half-rim shield designs, including the original Radar. It’s a proven and robust design, especially since the nose piece acts as a secondary measure of retention.

Ventilation continues with theRadar EVlenses using the “new generation” vents similar to the Jawbreaker. One pair of vents at the rising points of the frame and another pair at thenosebridge. However, the cuts aren’t quite as large as the Jawbreakers vents. I’d assume Oakley determined this was appropriate without the presence of alowerrim. Radar EV (left) with top vents next to Jawbreaker sunglasses (right) with bottom vents If you’ve read my Jawbreaker review, we touched upon the strong possibility that the Oakley Radar EV was the more practical buy: cheaper, simpler, yet the comparable coverage and function. I find there is truth to that thought, but you have to weigh in on each aspect to determine if it’s really the better buy. In contrast to our experiences with the Prizm Road, the Trail's 36 percent light transmission left us wanting a darker lens for bright sunny days on shadeless trails. These are certainly best suited to shaded and forested trails, as opposed to open desert riding, for instance. Seems like we’ve seen Oakley replace pairs more so than improve them. Ultimately, this leaves us to get hung up on a hit-or-miss mentality in retrospect. I think the EV really is all about building on a good thing. When (or if) the original Radar ever gets phased out, I don’t think people will say “what were they thinking?” because I’d say it’s pretty evident.This is thanks to a great all round fit. No digging in around the ears, nose or temples. The frames remain firmly in place even when doing your best Chris Froome head roll too.The 'zero distraction' is also helped by the low weight, with the Oakley Radars (in standard size) hitting our scales at 29g. Path lenses enhance performance if traditional lenses touch your cheeks and help extend the upper field of view Refraction: With regular lenses, objects aren't really where you see them. HDO offers a truer visual image so your brain won't have to work overtime. Clarity: Conventional lenses can magnify images. HDO precision gives less distorted vision across the entire field of view.

One big upside to the Jawbreaker is the glaring difference between the pairs: the bottom rim/”jaw”. Not only does this aid in wind deflection and potential added protection, but simply handling of the pair. Every time you remove and replace it on your face, every surface you set it down upon. A sense of delicacy goes away with the Jawbreaker vs. the half-rim shield bunch. Despite these niggles, for us the new Radar EVs and Jawbreakers have between them set a new benchmark in cycle eyewear. Assuming you prefer the simpler frameless style, they fit you, the price doesn't offend your budget, and the potential discipline limitations aren't an issue, then the new Oakley Radar EV Prizm sunglasses will absolutely not disappoint. O-Matter™ stress-resistant frame material is both lightweight and durable for all-day comfort and protection

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Having used both Radar EV and Jawbreaker models, we'd happily use either (both on and off road) so the choice perhaps comes down more to desired style than performance. Pretending that such a decision would be made on more than style alone, if you're looking to replace lenses or want more control over the arm fit then the Jawbreaker is the better option. Otherwise, the simpler and lighter construction of the Radar EV is something that many will appreciate. The pair in this review features Prizm Outfield lenses, which are designed for bright light conditions. Compared to Prizm Road, Prizm Field has a stronger red tint. Functionally it works similarly to Road, and in essence is tuned to induce even higher levels of light/dark contrast and depth perception. Road retains a bit of violet/purple, which if I get my “optical logic” correct, maintains color perception better in comparison and reduces “washing out” reds in the environment. On the bike, Outfield feels at home. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people found it better since we all have slightly varying color perception at the least. However, as said, I have found the Prizm Road lens optimal. But if you ride in lots of different light conditions its changeable lens will be best for you.