This is an initial Review:

I have these lenses as XLJs on a pair of Flak Jackets (FJs). The glasses, my very first Oakley set, were originally purchased with the Flak Jacket standard Shallow Blue Polarized (SBP) lenses. Although the standard SBPs are great, the contrast and brightness rendered when looking through them was almost overwhelming at times, while playing golf at the California Central Coast with the spring time sun at its peek brightest. The SBP review however, is for a different section of this site. This write-up is about the Grey Polarized lens.

Research:

Oakley.com has 28 off-the-shelf accessory lenses available for the Flak Jackets. On the website, one can look at simulations of the view through each set of accessory lenses. The depictions for the Grey Polarized (GP) lenses seemed to be what my eyes needed, but before I committed, I opted to do more research. A Google search for Oakley lens reviews allowed me to stumble upon this website where I was surprised to find that the user rating for the Grey Polarized lens was only 3.8 out of 5. I read through the reviews and low user ratings were because: (1) the glare reduction wasn’t as good as an Iridium coated lens, and; (2) the lens is boring – since reflectivity is low due to its non-Iridium coated surface, a mirrored effect is not achieved and people can see your eyes at certain light levels and intensity, and that objects of different hues and brightness were not in super high contrast. On the other hand, the lenses’ high points were: (1) their versatility – the lenses work great for medium to bright light; (2) that they are soothing to the eyes; (3) that colors are not distorted because of the neutral Grey base, and; (4) that contrast for a neutral based lens was very good.

I went back to Oakley.com with the intent of finding something better for myself. I once again studied all the accessory lenses for Flak Jackets, paying closer attention this time to the Iridium coated lenses both polarized and non-polarized versions. My specific criteria were lenses that: (1) worked for medium to bright light; (2) had maximum UV protection, and; (3) had no color distortion. After some time, I found what I was looking for – the Deep Blue Polarized (DBP) lens. However, although the DBPs are said to be options for these frames, I found, unfortunately, that they are only available with the “fishing specific” editions. Since buying another $190, “fishing specific” pair of glasses - with frame colors I did not particularly favor, was the only way to get this lens, I continued my search. Once again I found myself considering the GP lenses. I waited a couple of days before I called the Oakley Telesales Department where I verified the availability as well as the compatibility of the lenses with my frames.

The lenses arrived 2 days later. Swapping out the lenses on the FJs took some getting used-to, but other than the feeling that you might break either the frame or the lens, you get used to that feeling once you’ve swapped-out the lenses a few times. I’ve had the lenses for a few days now and in my humble opinion, this is how I rate them:

(1) Look – 5/5. They’re neither flashy nor attention-grabbing, but they do cover my eyes. I don’t particularly care that people can see my eyes but maybe I will someday when I find lenses that do hide my eyes and still offer use in other than super bright light conditions.

(2) Performance - average 4.9/5.

Contrast is better than what the naked eye perceives in medium (5/5) to sunny (5/5) conditions.

In lower than medium light to low light situations (4.7), contrast lessens somewhat – but those conditions are not what this lens is designed to support. I have not tried this lens in an extreme sunny and bright environment although I mean to do so in order to see how it performs.

Depth perception (5/5) is great throughout the range of advertised conditions (medium to sunny) as I was able to hit a golf ball where I wanted to hit it. Sunglasses I’ve worn in the past never made it past the first 2 holes. Usually after the second green, those glasses would go in the golf bag and would not come out again until after the round of golf was over.

(3) Comfort (5/5) - the lenses are very soothing to the eyes allowing the wearer to relax and soak in the vista.

(4) There is some measurable refraction (4.5/5) that causes objects to appear just slightly larger than normal.

(5) A very slight prismatic effect (4.5/5) is also evident which causes objects to appear to have shifted ever so slightly to the right once one puts these lenses over his or her eyes.

I really don’t know if consumers can get lenses that have no refractivity and prismatic effects but still offer the look and protection that they need.

(6) Cost (4/5) – at $80, it’s a bit pricey.

(7) Quality (4.5/5) – I’ve noticed that the film on the front surface of the lens (at the sharp corners) has come off since I’ve swapped-out the lenses several times. I hope that this does not become an issue.

Overall Rating – 4.6.
Recommendations – YES - but do your research first.

I used to be into just iridium lenses. Blacks, reds, fires and rubies were the only lenses I would use. I then wanted something more subtle and found grey polarized in a pair of frogs, and I'm glad I did. I can see where people would say they are boring lenses but this lens does its job and does it well. I look foward to buying more models with this lenses.

Not realy good comparing to my previous g15 lens on rayban because the colour relfection like a rainbow, price is absolutely a loser with my shaun white plaintiff model compare to rayban with polarize.

I have no idea why these are so low, but they are fantastic! I was never a huge fan of the Black Iridium, as I thought it was too dark for most occasions. I found the Grey Polarized to be the most versatile. Great lens, and highly recommended! I know the mirror is lacking, but I truly believe the light transmission is just right, and the polarization makes these work compared to the non polarized version.

The best lens for driving ever. Great lens. Lets in the perfect amount of light. Surprised it isn't rated higher. Almost zero color distortion - may be better than Ray Ban G15 lens in that respect. Highly recommend.