Frame: Dark
Lens: Black Iridium
Have finally splashed out on Rx Whiskers, but in the process have rediscovered my 1st gen 1996 E-Wires! I still remember buying them for the then unholy price of £100 at Heathrow duty-free on the way to Stockholm, carefully opening them on the plane, and the summer that followed. I was so set on getting them that I never considered lens tints, and in retrospect the BI can be a touch dark in some situations. Mine haven't had much use lately because I need prescription, but they are an iconic design with really nice design details, and I'd never part with them, partly because of the memories they encapsulate. I'd dearly love to fit Rx lenses but my dealer says Oakley no longer make lenses for them (rx or plain) - terrible news :(
Riggs -
I bought these brand new in 1994. They held up for a good year before the spider web cracks started in the lenses. Sent them in for repair, was charged about 10 bucks. A year later, more cracks. Gave up on them for a long time and dug them out to look for replacement lenses. One of the nose pieces has fallen off, the metal holding them is bent, and the arms are very loose. The lenses also scratch very easily and the ear socks tear extremely easy. I love these glasses though, so am in the process of getting them "new" again. Let's hope technology has come further to prevent the cracking in the lenses these were well known for.
Frames:Dark, Burnt, Black Chrome, Gold
Lenses:Gold Iridium, VR28, Black Iridium, Titanium iridium
I appreciate the simple lightness of the design, after the "heavier" o-matter offerings I'm used to. The style has aged well in 20 years, and has proven structurally robust in constant rotation.
They work remarkably well as a non-sporting pair, with adequate eye coverage, unlike the A and C wires which allow much more ambient light in around the smaller lens. I find the "hammer-stems" protrude too much in width for use under a motorcycle helmet...
...and that's the only thing limiting the style from 5 full stars!
Frame: Black Chrome
Lens: Black Iridium
It's always nice to have a retro pair. I remember seeing these in high school, and not liking them very much. I grew to love them as time went on, and now I'm stoked to have a pair in my collection.
Michael014 -
Frame: Light
Lens: Gray
I just got a pair of these for my birthday at a very cheap price.. than i found out that these are supposed to be rare nowadays? i cant believe how lucky i am.. anyways the frame fits perfectly, it doesn't slide off your face because of the ear socks and the nose bombs... the lens are very clear and comfortable, i could wear this all day ^_^ great pair!