Why We Like The Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL Sunglasses

There's little about the Oakley Half Jacket that hasn't already been said by its overwhelmingly appreciative wearers, or impressive sales numbers since its release way back in 2002. The new Half Jacket 2.0 XL continues the longstanding traditions of Oakley's first interchangeable dual lens sport performance sunglass, with a slightly updated revision of the half-rimmed classic.

The 2.0 redesign takes width and fit cues from its predecessor, while widening out the sculpted earstems and using a more confident set of integrated hinges. In essence, the 2.0 blends the best aspects of the initial Half Jacket, and Oakley's more recent Fast Jacket, but without the Switchlock technology.

Like every Oakley design that leaves their Foothill Ranch factory, the Half Jacket 2.0 XL not only meets, but exceeds the rigorous standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Granted, the worst that most of us will ever see is the occasional tree branch, or fast-flying insect, but Oakley still designs their lenses to withstand impacts, keeping your eyes protected wherever you ride.

What good would safety standards be without near-perfect clarity? Oakley's patented High Definition Optics (HDO) boasts some of the best clarity in the industry. These optically-correct lenses are constructed from pure Plutonite, Oakley's proprietary polycarbonate that not only blocks all harmful UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and harmful blue light up to 400nm, but is also the heart of the impact resistance of which Oakley is so proud. Each lens is finished with a hydrophobic treatment that repels moisture buildup from water or sweat, and contaminants like fingerprints or smudges from sunscreen.

The Half Jacket 2.0 XL is constructed from a super-lightweight O-Matter polycarbonate frame, and is available in two color options: Polished Black with Black Iridium lenses, or the traffic cone-inspired Blood Orange with Fire Iridium lenses. Oakley's Iridium treated lenses pull double-duty: firstly, they protect the lens itself from scratches that could impact lens clarity, but more importantly, Iridium is Oakley's proprietary anti-glare treatment. Granted, polarization is the ultimate in glare reduction, but an Iridium lens is still designed to reduce glaring white light reflected off the road's surface, thereby lowering your risk for eyestrain. Perfect for when you're deep in the drops, the Half Jacket 2.0 XL features a slightly larger, and more angular lens profile than that of its little brother, so if you have a smaller face or like a more low-profile lens fit, you'll probably prefer the standard Half Jacket 2.0.

Details:

• O Matter frame and Unobtainium components maintain low weight while holding the sunglasses in place even when you sweat
• Three-Point Fit holds lenses in specific optical alignment for optimal clarity and coverage
• Interchangeable High Definition Optics lenses maintain sharpness and focus all the way out to your peripheral edge
• Plutonite lens materials (on all lenses) filter out harmful UV rays, while Iridium lens coating further reduces glare when you're looking over water or snow in broad daylight
• Semi-rimless design allows for an open downward view that won't restrict your vision

Lens: Plutonite (polycarbonate)

Frame: O Matter

Face Size: large

Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime