The first generation of plasma frames is way superior to the most recent descendants.While the later editions seem to be actually a more polished edition of the raw,unpolished titanium finish,the original plasma frames are more matte and raw,and almost resemble the silver c-5 frames,being only a bit closer to a somewhat yellow/pearl tint.Well,this finish due to it's increased brightness in comparison with the less interesting newer editions makes a big contrast with the lenses,and I mean any given lenses,they all work well,and this ends up with both frame and lenses shining and showing up more.I don't know how this was done,but only oakley is capable of doing that kind of magic.Certainly a legendary addition to the collection.

The plasma frame is another classic for the x metal line.it looks to me like a shiny,brighter,and smoother,almost with slippery texture,than the titanium finish.Although I do have a preference for the matte titanium frames,I have to say that the plasma ones really match well with every lens option,(or at least the ones released officially by oakley),specially with the brighter ones such as emerald of fire,and are always an addition to the collection as good as the rest.

Have 2 2nd Gen (polished silver look) Plasma Juliets, the first one had an Emerald Lens, which I later sold, and the latest one I got was a modified 2nd Gen plasma frame with Ruby Iridium. I'd have to say I like the 2nd Gen plasma with its polished silver look better than other frame options. In my opinion, they just look better when worn with a suit or your favorite shirt and jeans.

I'm surprised how much I like it. The only issue I have with it is that it doesn't look like any of the pictures. Mine looks like champagne...

The frame option on the Juliet that gets the least amount of love...and I don't know why. I've always made the argument that there is no such thing as a "all purpose" frame in the X Metal family: some frames look good with some lenses...and some don't. Period. Plasma is no different. Its Oakley's fault for pairing it with lenses it doesn't really fit with. The Fire belongs with Polished, Ruby with Carbon, etc.

As for Plasma, I feel this frame was custom developed to pair with Ice and Ice with Plasma. I find that the key to pairing a lens and frame: which does each look best with?

I've owned this frame with every possible lens combo and on the XX, Juliet and X Squared. I have yet to see any Plasma look better than the X Squared with Ice: classy, modern, and (literally) cool. In the right combo, a frame everyone should have one of in their X Metal collection.