OAKLEY are anything but conventional. If you’re a new Oakley customer, don’t expect to fit in with the norm. Oakley boast avant-garde designs and strive to push the boundaries of outlandish and unconventional sunglasses which not only excel in appearance, but in their execution of construction.

The Oakley HALF JACKET was built for sportsmen like me. I’m not great at making decisions because I like to have it all! I like to be prepared for every situation life throws at me and I love to have the latest and greatest technology. When Oakley made the Half Jacket and coined it the ‘chameleon’ of the sunglass world, I was instantly intrigued.

Famously endorsed by renowned names in sport; Ian Poulter, Peter Reid, Sam Stosur and Annika Sorenstam, its clear these are some classy, ultra-high tech sunglasses.

HALF JACKETS are Oakley's primary dual-lens sunglasses with interchangeable lenses so you can customise your look.

Although I’m an Omni-sportsman, I prefer to wear my HALF JACKETS for cycling. I’m a keen mountain and road biker and if you are too you’ll know all too well the problems faced by cyclists and light. I’ll depict you the scene. Sometimes I’m hammering it down hills through rough terrain under lattice canopies. Light splices through divisions in the trees to reveal snippets of my path and leaving behind rays of haze. Other times, it’s a continuous endurance cycle in the burning sunshine. I used to find myself squinting (despite wearing sunglasses) and at the end of the day, my eyes would be aching behind the eyeballs. When Oakley bought out the HALF JACKET a few years ago, I was excited at the prospect (to say the least). Finally, 1 pair of sunglasses to cover any eventuality? It sounded too good to be true! But, quite rightly, HALF JACKETS do exactly what they say on the tin.

LENSES?

High Definition Optics (HDO’s) and XYZ optics come as standard with every lens. Basically, this provides complete clarity at each angle of view, even with the curvature of the lens. I’ve had my HALF JACKETS for a few years and have had to get one set of replacement lenses due to rough terrain causing my sunnies to fly off my face onto gravel and rocks! Yes of course, this did cause them to scratch, but I’m fairly reckless with these glasses and they have proven pretty hardcore. This is because of the impact resistance Oakley promise with every lens. It’s an ANSI standard and a guarantee, but obviously within reason. PLUTONITE lenses also filter out all UV. The best part is the view is not compromised along the bottom as the HALF JACKET only have a semi round lens.

I’m pretty fit (even if I do say so myself) but this doesn’t mean I’m not subject to perspiration when riding. No problem for Oakley, the specially developed frames of UNOBOTANIUM are designed to withstand perspiration and retain grip despite rain or muggy conditions.

STANDARD VS XLJ LENSES

There are 2 lens sizes to choose from, making these Oakleys most compromising sunglasses yet. Opt for the standard lens or larger XLJ lens for a larger face or wider field of vision. Either way, quality is as standard.

COLOUR TINTS?

With so many lenses to choose from, I felt spoilt for choice. As I mentioned before, I like to look good and I’m also a guy who likes to customise my look for different occasions and conditions. With this in mind I opted for a polarized gold iridium lens for complete glare cover and a sharp look. These are constituted to eliminate glare from water or the tarmac. Superb. Persimmon lenses were my second choice and they hold their own in dim light, great for late night cycles. Finally, I wanted a lens which would look the part, but classy rather than flashy. Something I could wear day to day. For this occasion I chose a Grey.

Each differing hue is complied individually to give different variations of light absorption, transmission and reflection. Oakley's polarized lenses harbour a unique ‘liquid infusion process’ which fuses the polarization at the molecular stage. This process is what ensures Oakley's polarized lens maintain the edge and rein supreme.

Its also possible to have RX-Lenses to integrate your prescription.

FRAME?

Made from UNOBOTANIUM grips and interchangeable ear socks, its not only the lenses which can be customised. The O-MATTER frame is lightweight and very durable which creates the perfect face fit. Oakley's infamous ‘3 point fit’ adds that complete all day comfort the way only Oakley know how.

PERFORMANCE?

PRO’s

• Look great
• Easy clean
• Outstanding optics
• Multi-wear
• Scratch resistant
• Great value for money

CON'S

• Some fogging
• May be tricky to get used to changing the frames

HALF JACKET ARRAY and XLJ HALF JACKET ARRAY

The ARRAY offer a complete package of interchangeable lenses to fit into the frame for different conditions. G20 lenses improve depth perception and enhance visual diversity! Grey for precise colour , Persimmon for low light and Bronze for average sun brightness. Cleaning bag and hard protective case come as standard,

POLARIZED HALF JACKET XLJ FISHING

HDO’s for accurate view, HYDROPHOBIC lenses for water protection and XYZ optics as standard, these are the Daddy of fishing sunglasses. They come in Deep or Shallow Blue iridium lenses. You guessed it, the Deep lens aids in deep water by expertly balancing the suns rays and deep waters glare and the shallow lens intensifies depth perception.

XLJ ACTIVATED BY TRANSITIONS

Photochromic lens technology, if you haven’t already experienced it, is the ability of the lens to finely tune and filter the light going into your eyes. It does this by lightening and darkening the lens accordingly to enhance the available light. This is great not only for the safety of your eyes, but in boosting your overall depth and clarity of vision from one environment to the next (or if you’re a UK dweller, one minute to the next!).

WOMEN'S HALF JACKET

Don’t worry ladies, Oakley haven’t forgotten about you! All of the quality and high standards of the male half jacket, with a feminine twist. This time it’s a cool Pearl/Black Iridium (03-624).

ULTIMATELY?

Despite the name, the HALF JACKET is not a sunglass of halves when it comes to quality and performance! Oakley have once again prevailed. Quids in.