The brown tortoise frame is so fine,and it has to be just the right combination for the gascan.Just got my gascan brown tortoise/bronze polarized,and the frame is amazing.Fits so much with the strange science fiction lifestyle aesthetics of the gascans,but also fits perfectly as well to more aggressive frames such as the monster dog's.Of course when you wear the glasses it darkens and you can't see the tortoise pattern,but only the fact that it's actually there and you can see it anytime as soon as you take the glasses off,is enough for me.Perfect!
The tortoise effect doesn't look like it's printed on on the first glance. I've got a Gascan S and here the effect looks quite good. On thicker frames it may be worse. Sadly if you put the frame on your head most of the marble effect is gone and it almost looks like a normal brown frame. Only if it shines against the sun you can see it.
But this is ok because you have a more interesting frame than just some crystal brown if you look closely. But if you wear it not everybody notices it and you don't look like a geek and the sunglasses go well with almost everything.
Brown Tortoise gives a frame that extra visual appeal that sets it apart from "ordinary brown", and its translucent characteristic makes it even more interesting. In short, this frame may be paired with almost any lens for a winning combo.
Update: Now I see why "owning" an item may be a crucial factor prior to writing a review. Just received my first pair of Brown Tortoise frame Oakleys in the mail today, and the frame was a bit disappointing. Although it does look "marbelesque" from a distance, upon closer inspection the "dark coloration" within the frame appears "fake", almost comparable to viewing a cheap newspaper under a magnifying glass. It's difficult to describe, but if you see the frame close-up you'll know firsthand. Because of the cheap coloration characteristic, I'll have to reassess my previous rating and move it down to three skulls... and even that may be a bit generous.
I have the Brown tortoise monster dog with the gold Icon. I like very much this frame color. The light gives an orange color through the clearest parts of the frame. I think I'll try to catch some Gold Ir Lenses to swap the bronze.
This is alright I suppose, but I prefer Rootbeer to it. It looks quite dark when wearing it (for the MD, at least). A decent offering that's not overly wild nor plain, and it won't go out of style as far as I can tell.