The biggest change is the most noticeable - the lens shape is all new. The M2 has been released with a single lens shape. The look of it may seem a bit funky, but I must admit it is extremely functional. I have a large face and traditionally wear M Frame Heater and Strike lenses almost exclusively. The M2 lens isn't quite as big as I'd prefer, but it doesn't leave large gaps in coverage like the smaller M Frame lenses, or the Path lens from the Radar line.

Overall size I'd say is similar to a second generation Hybrid from the M Frame line. The M2 is front and center, with a Hybrid and Hybrid S flanking. The rear row are Slash, Strike, and Heater lenses. It certainly doesn't have the panache of the Heater, or the attitude of the Strike.


Another immediate difference is that the M2 is a smaller pair. The frame is thinner and the stems are shorter, akin to removing the hammer fangs from an M Frame. The hammer of the stem is also less defined. The wing is redesigned and is interchangeable, hinting at possible future modifications, straight stems, or other possibilities.


A curious design note is a ridge on the inside of the frame in the center above the nose. I tried fitting the Helo Kit, which attaches to the New, 2.0, and 3.0 frame, but was unsuccessful. It does seem this could be used for a future wind gasket, or other attachment.



The Helo kit profile fits the lens, and it can technically be used, but the top of the Helo's orbital interferes with the brow of the M2.


The strap from the 2.0/3.0 and New Racing Jacket is compatible.


The M2 lens is NOT backwards compatible.


M Frame lenses ARE forward compatible. Previous lenses fit with little fussing. There is sufficient tension to hold the lens, but I'm not sure about how it might stand up to serious performance or impact.



The frame's flexibility can likely be pointed at as the cause of the lens interchangeability. The lens channel is traditionally the stiffest portion of an M Frame frame, with minimal flex required to fit and tension a lens. The M2 requires significantly more frame manipulation to fit its native lens. This is a new frame and may be stiff yet (which sounds funny because it's quite flexible), but lens changes are somewhat cumbersome in comparison to the M Frame, but the method is identical and learning how the change the M2 will come with time. Hopefully a wide range of M2 lenses are offered in the future, one of the big draws of the M Frame has been its wide array of lens options.

Staying on the lens topic, I will note that using the Heater and Slash lenses in the M2 felt quite awkward. I haven't tried to figure out why, it's just not something I'd plan on doing. Hybrid and Strike lenses were much less offensive.

Fit of the M2 with a Strike lens.


And the M2 with its native lens.

Wow, that's a thorough review. I definitely need to pick one in addition to a 3.0. I do like the new lens, but of course later options would be nice. Since they haven't named this lens, I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully there will be some cool color options since I'd probably have to go with a chop custom at this point.

Nice write up
I might be tempted to get a frame only and pop in a older lense shape

Great write-up Ross, thanks. That's something we can do something with!

Really great write up!

I had the chance today to try them on. I did not like the of the nose piece as much as the M Frame, it felt stiffer. That's not to say I won't pick one up for the collection though. Maybe it will grow on me in time. That is an excellent review, thank you.

I love the Carbon Fiber / Ice M2''s. I shoot a lot around the USA and am disturbed by the number of high visibility pro shooters who have switched from the O to Rudy Project. Julie Golob is one in particular. Their lens is very close to the M2 and note the O on the front of their lens...it may be a vent but it's shape is no coincidence.

http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/index_inner_detail.php?group_id=1&cat_id=30&item_id=SP118406S3

Ruby Project has always been wanting to be Oakley, right down to the overly complicated technical jargon.

Per Ross' review above, it looks like the M2 lens is a little bigger, so it won't fit into the M Frame, but the M Frame lenses will fit into the M2, despite not being as snug.

An addendum to my review: I sold my M2 a while ago. Lack of lenses being the biggest reason. I was REALLY hoping for a new Heater cut that improved on the few shortcomings of the Heater. The shorter fitting stems were bothersome for me.

I liked them, but not more than my normal M Frames or the two Radarlocks I have.

It's going to be my next pickup I think, for completion's sake. I did finally get that Aggro Strike lens, so I think I'm back in the game, hah.

I wondered how the slimmer cut of the Asian Fit would be on the XL lens, so naturally the only way was to pick one up. (Global fit XL on its way)