Frame: Plasma
Lens: Tungsten Iridium

Form - Oakley's 2nd attempt at a half rim frame within the x-metal commodity. As we all know, flex couplers are omitted, and for the most part, I'm fine with it for now. These are the first x-metals without flex couplers and hence without seams between the nosebridge and orbitals. The front frame is very clean looking, and has distinct resemblance to Flak Jacket, only with more definition. BTW, they are not flat fronted like Half-Wire, these actually have excellent wrap. The earstems interface with the front frame through a spring hinge of somewhat greater complexity than those of Wires. Icons are back once again, but I still prefer if people can just glance quickly at the glasses and tell they are Oakley without an icon.

Fit - These will fit snugly to anyone's head. I originally thought the spring hinge provided the earstems to move vertically, but they do not. Much of the snugness is attributed to the higher tension of the spring hinges. You can feel the front frame 'hugging' about your nose. Mine sit perfectly across my nose as well, the way one would expect a $300+ pair of sunglasses to sit. As with most Oakley glasses, they are lightweight, so all-day wearability and comfort is not an issue.

Function - The lenses provide about the same level of coverage as Flak Jackets, which is excellent. The lenses are about the same size as XLJ lenses for Flak Jacket, but without the sporty XLJ cut. The cut is more subdued, and also contributes to the clean appearance of the glass. This is my only Tungsten Iridium lens, and I am very happy with them. Tungsten I believe is a bronze basecoat with what appears as a light Black Iridium coating. They stand up to the bright sun better than say a VR28 Black Iridium, but also provide great contrast in overcast (even light rain) without overemphasizing certain colors, like a G30 or G20. The wearer will have unobstructed peripheral and downward vision since the frame is very unobtrusive. The hydrophobic coating is included and works as described, so no excuses for oily lenses.

Overall - I give Half-X a 4 out of 5. They are not and never will be Juliet. Development costs aside, the retail price is a bit high for slightly less material, in a frame design that, by observation, takes slightly less time to assemble during manufacture. The style isn't really generic, but a design intended to appeal to more people in hopes of selling more. Its not as edgy as Juliet or Penny, but they do attract attention in a good way. However, they are pretty comfortable and functional, and became my go to pair for the remainder of the summer, while my Juliets both remained in my display case, unharmed.

After having spent some time with the newest member of the highly regarded X-metal family, only one word comes to mind when describing the Half-X: Uninspired. Perhaps boring as well.
The X-metal lineup is known for its uniqueness, and each member of the X-metal lineup has it's own personality that put it above and beyond all other sunglasses. Yes, even the Romeo 2 is unique. So if you think the Romeo 2 seemed uninspired, you'll be highly disappointed in the muted stylings of the Half-X.

For the initial release, there seems to be lack of colour in the lineup. Hopefully this will change later on, but it does add to the model's uninspired feel.

However, that's not to say there's nothing good about it. In fact, the fit of the Half-X is absolutely wonderful, conforming to the face well. I suspect that most people will be able to wear them very well. Further, being a half frame means it's very light relative to to full-framed X-metals. It sits very comfortably on the nose for great durations without any discomfort.

While flex couplers are popular features in previous X-metal releases, the Half-X not having it this time around means one less thing to become defective later on.

Spring hinges are a nice touch as well, though they may suffer the same issues that Wire spring hinges had (not gripping well to the head).

Overall, I give the model a 2.5 out of 5 (rounding to 3). It belongs more in the Wire family rather than the X-metal one. It is, unfortunately, a disappointing release if you're a big X-metal fan.

Review dated July 11, 2008

Frame: X Metal
Lens: Warm Grey

First the pros, these are very comfy. I felt like they were very light and the fit was nice. I like the design of the hinges. They remind me of the Plates. The lens coverage was excellent.

The only thing I didn't like about them was the generic design. I felt the price tag was much too high for its design. If you are into light weight eyewear that isn't too flashy but are willing to pay for quality I would say this is for you.

Frame: X-Metal
Lens: Warm Grey

I don't know why everyone reviewing these are putting them down? I love them they are the best X-Metals produced yet in my opinion. In fact one person compared the fit of these to Pennys? I mean what? How ridiculous is that! These are far larger than the Pennys and Juliets. They are up these almost i'd say with X-Metal XX just a tab smaller. They are about Romeo 2.0 size. I personally like these just as much as Romeo 2.0 and I must admit Romeo 2.0 is sweet too. These new Half X's fit beautifully on my face and are light and more comfy than any other X-Metals I have worn. Desgin wise they are great in my opinion! Sophistacated but also very cool too! Like a small Wayfarer style and we all know how popular those Wayfarer's were! Thanks Oakley for finally producing a Wayfarer X-Metal! I am not knocking them like other reveiwers on this site. The X-Metal warm grey colorway looks great and the silver O icon really stand proud. 5 Stars for me. I plan to own these for ever.

Frame: Polished
Lens: VR28 Black Iridium

The Half-X is by many, considered the outcast of the X-Metal line. It is the second half frame designed, and many would argue an inferior design.

I do not take the stand that most take with the Half-X. I for one, do like the Half-X. I have stated in other post that I feel like it is the X-Metal version of the Flak Jacket. I really like the design minus the spring hinges, but they are a necessity since the nose bridge is a solid piece with no flex coupler.

I believe that Oakley was trying to evolve the X-Metal line since the nose bridge on other X-Metals seemed to be problematic. For this frame they went with a solid nose bridge and spring hinges. The spring hinges though are the weak point on this frame. Many people do not like these hinges and I am also not a fan of the hinges, but I can live with them.

These are not highly sought after, and not coveted by most collectors, but are still a part of the original X-Metal line. I don't have a problem with these, and in fact, like the fact that they are a little different from the rest of the line up with the solid nose bridge. They have character and are a must have for tru collectors. Pristine examples are easily had, even today, and for very modest prices.