Finally scored the Echelon Radars and went straight out on my afternoon training ride. They are beautiful to look at - much like the original Ruby was, but even better. They have a bit of a translucent look, but seem to get deeper red the brighter it gets. But man, this lens ghosts more than any other I have ever tried. I had red dots and blurs all over the place during my ride today - much more noticeable earlier in my ride when the sun was brightest. The photochromic properties seemed to work quite well - I didn't notice any eye strain even at the brightest point of my ride. Looking through them is quite similar to the standard ruby with that very pleasing, blueish hue that Ruby produces. It was actually more blue at the top of the field of vision, and a bit more "natural" towards the middle of the lens. Kind of odd, but not all that noticeable after a few minutes. Other than that, the carbon frame with this lens is very striking....certainly unique. Glad I only paid retail however - if I had dropped the 400+ the most folks seems to be commanding on the bay, I might have been a little underwhelmed. Anyway, I'll certainly get use out of them...but if the ghosting issue bothers you, I'd definitely attempt to try this lens before buying!
I was wondering what to call that effect. I also have the Echelon Radars and I noticed that it "ghosts" heavily as well. Most of what I have is pretty old and the optics are great. Some of my most recent pairs have had issues with ghosting, noticeably my x squared with fire polarized. I think that is one of the worst lenses that I have. It has terrible contrast as well, almost as bad as an aftermarket. At least the VR50 is super sharp. I was riding my bike and the sun set on me. I was able to make it back with almost no light and the lenses did very well. The Echelon was my first Radar, and all I can say is wow. Amazing glass, and except for the ghosting, is perfect and well above my expectations.
Just a couple questions about this piece. I was looking online and they look very cool in the pics.
Are these the Tour De France pair for this year? Also, do you know if they are going to be selling these anymore or are they completely sold out. They were sold out within a few hours it seemed, but they still are listed as new on the website. I'm hoping they make another batch.
I keep hearing "July" as to when more might be available. I wouldn't expect a super wide, SGH release kind of thing, but if you are into the cycling/outdoor scene, I think most of the major retailers are supposed to get these and the Echelon Jawbones. I would expect them to stay somewhat limited, but I think with the TdF starting today, you'll see them pushed out soon enough.
For what it's worth I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of the clear/black iridium Photochromic Radars ad lOved them. I wore them for a month working on the Congo river in Angola and had no ghosting problems at all. They worked flawlessly and I love them.
I have the clear to black as well - apples to oranges. The photochromic properties have nothing to do with the ghosting. I think it has to do with how the Ruby coating is applied.
Anyone know for sure if there is going to be a other release of these, im looking for a Jawbone. One retailer lists getting in stock by 24th, just curious if anyone heard otherwise.
The ones I have are matte finish. I read on another site that someone had a pair of polished frames but I think they either got ahold of a custom jawbone and put the echelon lenses in them or they thought they had a real echelon. I don't think Oakley would have released two different frames under the same SKU. But that's just my opinion.
they most certainly did release both versions, I had 4 matte's and 2 polished come into the shop. I have a pic comparing the two that I will try to upload tomorrow. It is legit for sure with sku on the inner arm and everything... the polished looks just like the true carbon fiber radar.. the matte is the most badass of the two but sounds like not many of the polished ones are out there.....
.This lens was re-released for Radarlocks during the London 2012 Olympics where pro athletes got them, but never released officially.
I have seen a minimum transmissibility figure of 16%, but this too is "unofficial".
I find they do "ghost" minimally in bright light (amber driving lights in particular), but significantly less than the benchmark Fire lens.
These are the best lenses I've tried as far as reading pavement goes, compared to my experience with VR28 BI, or OO Black.
Very much recommended for road cycling.
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