Oakley Radarlock Review

The “Switchlock” incorporated into Radarlock is similar in concept to Oakley’s Jawbone. I remember back in the day when Oakley’s lenses just snapped into place; they were basically held in by force. Even though I never had a problem with my Radars, it made me cringe every time I swapped those lenses. Oakley says that this led to uneven pressures on the lens which caused optical distortions. The “Switchlock” mechanism of interchanging the lenses eliminates any distortion.

The hinged or "Switchlock" built into the frame that secures the lens in place. The hinge allows for an easy lens swap without the use of force to secure.

It’s hard to tell if what Oakley says about Switchlock technology holds true or not, but it’s undeniable that their optical quality is absolutely superbe. If only the real world looked as good as when these sunglasses are on. I rate my Jawbones’ optics just as highly except I prefer the fit and wide field-of-view of the Radarlocks. The Radar design grasps my head better and tend to not slide down on the nose like my Jawbones do. I do favor the “in-your-face” aesthetics and customisation options of the Jawbones however. Those who prefer fit and function over form usually choose the Oakley Radar design over the Jawbones.

The Radarlocks come with two lenses. One for bright and sunny conditions and another for low-light conditions.

Radarlock sunglasses are sold in two styles: The Pitch which have a slightly larger lens and reduced ventilation, and the Path (shown in the photos here). Both come in many frame colours to choose from and 12 lens colours including polarised and photo-reactive options.

Oakley includes a hardshell case, a cleaning-cloth pouch, a second nose-piece, and a second lens option with RadarLock.

WRAP-UP

Expensive, but worth it

Oakley sunglasses have never come cheap but once you wear a pair you'll realise that it's money well spent. The Radar style has been around for years and it's not like they're going out of fashion anytime soon. They look great, they fit so well you forget your'e wearing them, and the optics are superbe. You can expect to pay $300 to $360 AUD depending upon lens selection.

GOOD STUFF

Easy locking/unlocking mechanism to replace lenses
Beautiful optics
They look great
Have a solid feel
Lenses don't fog up
The lens coating keeps them crystal clear (requires proper maintenance)

BAD STUFF

Expensive!
Despite a shared aesthetic between Radar and Radarlock, the lenses between them aren't interchangeable

CTECH RATING

9.0

Performance

9.0

Value for money

7.0

Optics

10.0

Design

9.0

Fit/Comfort

9.0

Quality

9.0

WANT IT

slhaydon

Really? 1 Pair of glasses gets a whole days topic!
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  It’s a SLOW day! And getting the Giro and AToC results up are time consuming as well….
  - slhaydon
    
    I understand, did not mean to dig just look forward to the juicy topics. Appreciate the time and effort always.
    - http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
      
      no worries…didn’t take it as a dig! Writer’s block today…
Rockit barber

I had lazer eye surgery, so I could where radars. Nuff said
Notso Swift

Can you show a photo of the back, is the Rx a clip in or ground lens?
No Rx means no go to some of us
- lekoshe
  
  I too refuse to use inserts, they’re inconvenient, they’re ugly, and they have terrible fogging issues.
  - Notso Swift
    
    Absolutely agree, which is why it is important to know. The site says they are available Rx, but doesn’t say anything about how they achieve it.
    I suspect based on the design they are inserts, but if not I would be VERY interested, Rudy is $1000 in Transitions Rx - that is obscene
    - rockit barber
      
      depending on your perscriptions, oakley cuts into the lenses and then glues it into them, since i have a very large script i couldnt get it done, so as i said before i had laser to able to where these, coming from rudy’s with clip behind and had issues. i now have the old radars and they are the best glasses i have ever had. go see your optom or one oakley has aproved and do it. if i was correct its between 450-600 for them.
      - Jason
        
        The Rudys are available at a cheaper price if you dont use the ‘Rudy Project’ lens
- Anonymous
  
  Just a thought: I wear multi focals. A few months ago I was looking around for prescription sunnies for riding, and ended up with bifocal contact lenses and normal Rudy Project Rydons. Modern contact lenses are easy to wear, no need for an acclimatization period, and they work well enough. I only wear them while riding - wouldn’t want to read a book with them, but can mend punctures, use the phone etc. The lenses are supposed to be worn only 30 times, and 3 pairs cost $150 locally, probably half that online. Amazing the difference *not* wearing specs makes - my bike looks smaller, meaning of course it’s no longer magnified by a separate lens.
- Anonymous
  
  Just a thought: I wear multi focals. A few months ago I was looking around for prescription sunnies for riding, and ended up with bifocal contact lenses and normal Rudy Project Rydons. Modern contact lenses are easy to wear, no need for an acclimatization period, and they work well enough. I only wear them while riding - wouldn’t want to read a book with them, but can mend punctures, use the phone etc. The lenses are supposed to be worn only 30 times, and 3 pairs cost $150 locally, probably half that online. Amazing the difference *not* wearing specs makes - my bike looks smaller, meaning of course it’s no longer magnified by a separate lens.
lekoshe

I’ll say this for Oakley, their after-sales customer service proved to be terrific.

My new prescription lenses were beautiful and flawless and then three months later I get a call, they’d introduced a new line of laser-cut lens just after my order was placed and could I please supply a shipping address for the new ones.

As with Rapha, you get what you pay for.
Guest

Obviously can’t comment on these, although i’d like to get some feedback on the there claim of not fogging up.

I bought Jawbones a month ago, after years with Rudy Project Rydon’s and find my lenses continual fog up when I stop at lights etc. Oakley don’t seem to have good availability for lenses, been trying to get the photochromic lenses but supply is limited and the price is higher here than the US (difference of $80)
i’m keen to try these, as I find the ‘Jaw’ hinders peripheral vision.
- Tim
  
  Have you tried ebay for lenses?
http://profiles.google.com/aglogan Andy Logan

I have Jawbones and were lenses, I do find they slop down a little but the photochromatic lenses are unreal. Easily the best purchase I made, rain or shine they are fantastic.
Bigguy

I have been cycling in Oakley sunglasses since 1987. Generally I love the product why should I contribute so much to the Oakley marketing/sponsorship budget.

Take a simple piece of coloured rubber worth cents, add some packaging worth not a lot more - now mark it up a few THOUSAND percent after all the costs to get it to the retailer and a set of Ear Socks, retails for $20.00. And don’t get me started on lenses.

Thankfully now that I am married with kids I only have one pair of Oakleys at a time. (Until the end of this year!)
SgtJoshua

http://www.bicyclerx.com/