[Closed] Expensive Sunglasses worth the money?

Can anyone explain why spend anymore on a pair of [s]sunnies[/s]watches/cars/bikes/food/etc/etc/etc?

because you can.

No.

Next question.

The reviewer commented that they acquit themselves well compared with glasses that cost several times as much.

Well, colour me convinced!

Anyone want to buy an Oakley collection?

I like Oakleys.
I currently have 3 pairs, and will no doubt buy more in the future.

I think the lenses are pretty bulletproof compared to some of my cheaper pairs of sunglasses, the Jawbones have survived numerous impacts without sustaining any damage.

Worth the money - probably not.
But... its all relative - and you could ask the same question of many, many people riding very expensive bikes in RideLondon yesterday..

Sometimes.

Have several cheap pairs of clear and yellow cycling glasses, and they are no worse than previous Oakley lenses I have had.

But I have yet to find a dark pair that for bright light that are as good as my dark Oakley lenses for reducing glare and clarity of tbe lens.

As far as casual sunglasses go, I've just replaced some broken Oakleys with a pair of Animal sunglasses. Initially not much in it lens wise, but the Animal lenses don't seem to come clean as well as the Oakleys. And the fit is much worse - don't stay as tight on the head, despite being so close that they steam up if you walk quickly....

My theory is you buy what you want to pay for. Oakley haters will hate anyway.

I fail to understand how some people break or lose their glasses so often, and so regularly. I haven't lost a pair of glasses, ever I think, and the last pair that broke was in 1997 there or thereabouts.

I found when i bought cheap sunniest I treated them as such.. Only ever used oakleys last 8 years have 5 pairs the oldest set are 8 years old and still in good nick.. Pay more I take care of them and they're after sales/warranty is second to none 8)

I have a nice pair of Oakley's and some TKmaxx Nike sunglasses. The Oakley's cost alot more than the Nike sunglasses and don't really offer much more in style or function. The discounted Nike sunglasses are alot nicer and barely any more expensive than 'cheap' sunglasses...

Worth the money - probably not.
But... its all relative - and you could ask the same question of many, many people riding very expensive bikes in RideLondon yesterday.

exactly!

see also the expensive trinket thread. Just different priorities I guess

Oakleys for the customer service. My frames bought 18 years ago, been replaced twice after snapping one arm then getting the replacement frame run over by a car.

Its optical quality mostly - when i put my Oakley's on its just like I'm not wearing them except everything gets darker.

Try wearing prescription sunglasses - I love my Oakleys for riding and at £300 I find I take good care of them...

I've had cheap and (for me) expensive, some good and bad in both. Oakleys though IMO are well worth the money. Latest pair, EVZero's with Road Prizm lenses, just superb and well worth the cash.

if you have to ask, you'll probably never know!

The optical clarity between Oakleys and cheap sunglasses is very noticeable when you try side by side.
I have seen Oakleys impact testing in real life and it is reassuring that the lens arent going to break if they get hit by a branch. I have several pairs of Oakleys and I will buy more I am sure!

http://uk.oakley.com/en/technology/eyewear

The optical clarity between Oakleys and cheap sunglasses is very noticeable

Even when splatter with mud, covered in sweat or caked with sea spray?

My real world experience begs to differ

Its optical quality mostly - when i put my Oakley's on its just like I'm not wearing them except everything gets darker.

I only really wear my Oakleys when driving (they're a [weak] prescription, polarised lense) if I'm out and about then I just wear cheap 'fashion' sunglasses.

For biking I mostly use Bolle Contour safety specs. I wouldn't wear £200 prescription lenses for that because they'd get dropped/squashed/scratched, and in those situations the clarity doesn't matter so much.

The optical clarity between Oakleys and cheap sunglasses is very noticeable
Even when splatter with mud, covered in sweat or caked with sea spray?

My real world experience begs to differ

Having worked for a company that made and sold industrial and prescription eyewear, the difference in costs don't reflect the difference in price - material-wise they're much the same except high-end products do a bit more in terms of polishing and coating the lenses. I expect Oakley don't even make their own lenses, but sub-con to one an optical specialist who makes lenses for plenty of others. The Oakley price premium also pays for sponsorship and away giving free stuff, not making a better product. I've had Oakleys, but have been equally well served by the likes of Rudy Project and Smith.

I was driving on the M6 once wearing a pair of Oakley sunnies with polarized lenses and the weather got really grim and was lashing down with rain.
I'd forgotten I was wearing sunnies and when i remembered i took them off but found it really difficult to see through the rain I put them back on and it was much clearer, and even though it made it darker it was easier to see.

My other pairs of Oakleys are just cooler than cheap sunnies and ladies just seem to gravitate towards me when I'm wearing them.....

Used to be a lab geek so got used to cheap plastic lenses etc. Had all sorts and regularly borrowed them for biking, had cheap biking glasses too but then I won some addidas evil eyes, I lost them and bought some more broke them and got another pair... The optical quality is superb. For me that is the difference between suffering them and headaches and not caring so it's them for me.

Are you saying there's no difference when the lenses are clean? Or just that (surprisingly?) Oakley lenses aren't very clear when they're covered in mud?

Yep ... statement of the bleeding obvious on my part, but I guess that's the issue and I think you've answered the question:

I wouldn't wear £200 (prescription) lenses for that because they'd get dropped/squashed/scratched, and in those situations the clarity doesn't matter so much.

Oakleys for the customer service. My frames bought 18 years ago, been replaced twice after snapping one arm then getting the replacement frame run over by a car.

This for me also, doesn't help with losing them unfortunately, there are a pair of M frames somewhere on the Hants / Berks / Wilts borders I won't see again 🙁

Oakleys for the customer service. My frames bought 18 years ago, been replaced twice after snapping one arm then getting the replacement frame run over by a car.

For clear lenses I don't see much difference. My mid range Tifosi lenses have no discernable distortion. I don't own any Oakleys but tried a friends pair once and couldn't see any difference in optical clarity. If going for the safety glasses then I think it helps to try a few. Some wrap around your face and the curv of the lenses creates some distortion at the extremes but not really noticeable when riding. While others appear nice and clear like my Tiffosi.

But if going tinted then I think the special coating and the material used to create the tint have a big difference. Crap lenses can add a big colour bias or just reduce brightness but still have lots of glare (I think you need polarizing lense for this?).

Expensive Sunglasses worth the money

[s]Yes[/s] sometimes.
I have had a pair of Specialized Helix adaptalite for years(£50 in a Leisure Lakes sale)as I don't tend to scratch,lose or bust glasses. They are a fantastic bit of kit and the whole adaptalite thing works for me.I also have a set of clear nxt lenses for the winter.I don't know what I will get if these get lost or smashed up,sad that Specialized stopped doing glasses 🙁 .Tried a few sets of the Bolle safety ones for winter,but haven't found them as good a fit.

I have seen Oakleys impact testing in real life and it is reassuring that the lens aren't going to break if they get hit by a branch.

I wear bolle safety specs, pretty sure they'd be ok in an impact. I've got some of the more pricey ones at £15 not £7. Not all safety glasses are created equal, my work ones aren't as good as the ones I wear for riding in terms of lens quality. As above though the first bit of dirt, sweat or rain and it doesn't really matter.

I'd never buy expensive ones because they get damaged or lost too easily. I prefer having cheaper ones and spares - especially for clears in winter (bit different for dry weather sunglasses). But like most things bike related it is about wants not needs for most.

edit - some things aren't available cheap - polarised and reactive often cost more and can be worth the money. I'm a fan of polarised for reducing glare.

Oakleys are overpriced. The lenses are no better than Tifosi, Bolle. Some of the O-matter frames feel cheap as well. Turbines were not too bad, but the Slivers (£140) were shockingly finished. Prism lenses were nice, but just not worth the premium.

But, people can wear what they like. If they can afford it and like them, then good for them.

This is how you look in cheap sunglasses

Just because some sunglasses are expensive it doesn't automatically make them better. You're often just paying for the branding that they've built up. The mark up can be huge. I bought 2 pairs of Giro glasses from my LBS when they had a few pairs left after they stopped stocking them, they were RRP £100 & £90 and they let me have them at their cost price which was £25 each, that's a hell of a difference. For general riding I use clear lense ones that I got at decathlon for £7 each and I can't fault them.
But as has already been said, if you like posh sunglasses and are happy to spend hundreds, then go for it, everybody's different.

I'm as much a fan of **** monkey expensive sunglasses as the next consumer indoctrinated fool. Nice things are nice after all, but it's been my experience in 17 years of typical British conditions MTBing that expensive glasses get lost and scratched just as easily as the cheap ones, but are much more painful to replace.

YMMV.

Who remembers Rubber Banz by Style Eyes?
My Dad is into cheap sunnies and that's cool because he does break, loose, scratch and leave them on roof of car.
He gave me a pair of Ray-ban Aviators that came with some binoculars because of the above.
They're 20-25 years old now and I still wear them often between 3 pairs of Oakleys, 2 bought on specials.
My original M-frames broke about 10 years ago and Oakley charged £15 to replace the frame, I'm on the second clear lense which survived everything even a few outings for work while grinding.
Cheap sunnies are good fun though. Spy cheapies have some way out colours.
Whatever blows your hair back!

I was tempted to buy a pair of fancy Oakley(still am) but knowing I would scratch or loose them that thing was of the table. (pun not intended)
I bought a pair of Endura Gabbro glasses http://www.endurasport.com/products/?ProductID=326&InitCode=E1012BK
Fits me fine, doesn't feel or look like cheap plastic and comes with a hard case - I haven't lost them yet and not replacing them any time soon.

if you spend more on a pair you tend to look after them better and not lose them.

I like my oakley prescription sunglasses but can only really wear them one week a year in mallorca as it's too cloudy in Scotland but my cheaper Bolles are cheaper and great although the lemon flavour lens makes Bonehead from U2 look like me.
Everyday specs are oakleys pretty fragile compared to their sunglasses but buy then online half the price compared to vision express and their crappy insurance you pay 25% for any claim and that's a lot to pay when the price is so high to start with

My original M-frames broke about 10 years ago and Oakley charged £15 to replace the frame,

Probably cost price...

Given the build quality of the frames, they probably still made a profit on the £15.

I've switched to Breo Sunglasses. Used to be an Oakley can boy. These changed my mind comfy and the lenses are ace. 2 pairs for £27 too

if you spend more on a pair you tend to look after them better and not lose them.

Yes. That's what you fool yourself you'll do.

Way way back in the day, when the whole world thought a £1000 bike was hugely expensive and those worn components could last another few seasons, there was definitely a difference in lens quality between an expensive pair of sunnies and the cheap pair you'd use for biking.

These days, less of a difference in lens quality between a £30 pair from the LBS and Oakley's flashest. Same is true for prescription glasses, little difference between my £300 pairs and my Specsavers pairs.

Frame fit for a wide face and arms that dont foul the frame of your helmet might push me to more expensive brands with a wider choice.

My prescription Oakleys are easily best quality lenses I have ever had. I think they are 8 years old now and still in very good condition despite being used as much as possible for riding, skiing and driving. I have had few other glasses in the meantime and couple of riding glasses too but none have lasted as well as these.
Of course this does not tell much about current Oakley quality, the company has been sold to investors I think?

I like Oakley glasses, and think they're good quality.
Better quality than other stuff? I don't know.
Good value for money? Probably not.
But twice I have broken the frames (my fault i.e. big snowboarding crash) and have sent their customer service team a grovelling note saying 'I love your glasses, wouldn't use anything else, could you please fix / replace them and let me know what I owe you'?
Twice they have replaced them free of charge and I got a nice note back saying 'glad you like our kit'. Both times I didn't have proof of purchase (one set bought in Singapore by my folks, another time I was in the States and they had been bought in the UK). I thought that was pretty fantastic customer service.
Will I buy more in due course? Yip, absolutely.

the way i lose them no..

I like Oakley glasses, and think they're good quality.
Better quality than other stuff? I don't know.
Good value for money? Probably not.

I tend to only buy high quality glasses, and 'often' ots Oakley. I don't tend to loose them, and rarely sit on them. I still have a pair of C wires from about 2001, my (actually, I have no idea what they are called - I just like them!) driving ones that live in the sun visor, a pair for mountain biking in and a pair for shooting (Radars) that I mask off my left eye due to an eye dominace issue that means I struggle clay shooting.
Every time I try something else, the lens simply isn't as good. I get headaches after a few hours and the fit just doesn't seem to be as good. I was given a pair of Maui Jims (spelling?) which are supposed to be very good. They just don't fit my face.
So for me? Yes, they are worth it.

Oh, forgot, I left my sunnies in my car when I went on holiday 3 weeks ago so had to but another pair at the airport - that's 2 identical pairs of glasses. At my rate, that's 20 years of wearing!

I picked up a nice pair of Gul polarized ones on holiday as I didn't want to wreck my Animal Wayfarer style ones on the beach / in the sea with the kids and kayaking, I've also got a pair of Oakley Gas Cans that are about 7 years old.

The Gul glasses are excellent, really clear lenses and really comfortable. For changeable days on the bike I've got a set of those Endura 20-80% light reactive ones and they're superb.

Can't see the point of spending £100's myself.

With companies like Luxottica having a monopoly on manufacture - I guess we will never know the true cost of glasses.

If Oakley provide luxury service Fatmax decribes - I guess people will keep paying for them.

if you spend more on a pair you tend to look after them better and not lose them.

Given what a clumsy ****-wit I am, I'm reluctant to spend a shedload of money to disprove this theory. But disprove it I most certainly would 😀

Oakley's here - a number of different pairs.

well worth the premium price. optical quality noticeably better than competitors

excellent customer service if needed.

Twice they have replaced them free of charge and I got a nice note back saying 'glad you like our kit'. Both times I didn't have proof of purchase (one set bought in Singapore by my folks, another time I was in the States and they had been bought in the UK). I thought that was pretty fantastic customer service.

The cynic in me thinks they can afford to do that due to the amount they make on every pair. I know they don't have to of course, so it's nice that they do, but still....

I've switched to Breo Sunglasses. Used to be an Oakley can boy. These changed my mind comfy and the lenses are ace. 2 pairs for £27 too

Interesting. Some half decent frames on there. Might be worth a punt once the ones I am after coming back in stock.

bongohoohaa - I'm sure you're right. I reckon the frames would be the cheap bits and the frames are the expensive part of what you're buying.
But it's rare to get service that good...only bettered by Planet X and Dave Hinde I reckon! 😉

No, Aldi's own were as optically precise as my Oakleys.

Erm... oh do tell me more about the Breo glasses

On the customer service thing: I had a set of[url= https://www.bloceyewear.com/collection/sport ] Bloc[/url] Shifters - the ones you could change the lenses on. Not the cheapest but nowhere near Oakley Money. Excellent quality kit

I managed to snap the frames (because I'm a clumsy ****-wit), got in touch with them, and they sent me an apology and their re-designed beefier frames (apparently it had been a problem on that model). Can't really argue with that

[quote=hairylegs ]On the basis of a recent review on STW I bought a pair of cheap and cheerful Lomo sunglasses for the princely sum of £15.

Gosh, we're not all made of money like you. I'm currently using £5 Bolle safety glasses, and TBH they're just as good as £50 branded* sunnies I've had before (I've tried but never owned Oakleys and not convinced there's a significant difference in the quality). So impressed I bought a second pair for when I lose the first, but haven't yet, thus disproving the theory about not looking after cheap ones 😉 , but it does mean I now have one set I can keep in the car. Oh and a non cycling mate was so impressed with the appearance he wanted to know what they were and where I got them (he didn't know they were cheap, though he knows I'm a skinflint!)

* branded being a relative thing - I remember when Bolle were one of the trendiest brands for glasses, when Greg Lemond was wearing them. I owned an expensive pair of them back then and there appears to be little or no difference in the quality compared to those they sold for 10 times the price.

Try Maui Jim's for real,optical quality.

Stunningly good.

I remember when Bolle were one of the trendiest brands for glasses, when Greg Lemond was wearing them.

I know he briefly wore Bolle Attacks (?), but he was certainly far better known for wearing Oakley! Original Eyeshades circa 1984, and onwards to Mumbos etc.

Will let you know about the legendary Oakley customer service after I ring them, I have an old (about 8+ yrs old) pair which are now discontinued and the lens is cracking (bit like a car windscreen). Not a scratch on them, just the crack so we'll see what/if Oakley suggest....

Still had my original mumbos until my last house move. They went missing.

🙁

Still with the original box, bag and paperwork. And about 15 years use.

Still have another 5 or 6 pairs though.
Last time i used my own money to buy new glasses Oakley still made everyone what look second rate. Things may have moved on in the last 10 or so years.....