Since joining the band here on O-Review I've read a few threads here and there and I've noticed that Split Jackets weren't too popular to the masses. Just wanted to get your guys thoughts on it:) I personally love the shape and the fit of them.

Since joining the band here on O-Review I've read a few threads here and there and I've noticed that Split Jackets weren't too popular to the masses. Just wanted to get your guys thoughts on it:) I personally love the shape and the fit of them. - JP

I am with you on the Split Jackets. Picked up my first pair only recently and have been mad at myself for ignoring them for so long. They incorporate all the best practices of Jawbone in a simpler and sleeker design. I really like how I can completely disassemble the frame, clean it and reassemble it. Definitely will add life to the pair and the finish over time. I have been stuck on vintage for so long (still am) that it was a welcome change.

As to why they were far less favored over the Jawbone is a question for another member. It may just be a matter of people who already liked the Jawbone and dropped $260+ for a pair didn't see a reason to drop another $260+ for what seemed to be essentially the same thing. Which is odd because that is exactly what you see with X-Metal or Frogs but it didn't carry over with Split J. The reasons that I like them is probably the same reasons that others did not. But that's an old story with me; whatever products I happen to like on my own end up going away after only a little while (looking at you, New Balance). It's too bad too. It's a great frame and i'm glad I got ahold of it when I did.

I guess I missed the Jawbone somehow and when I did get a pair it was the Split. So I've naturally drifted to them over the Bone.

I can't shed any light on why they weren't as popular, but I sure love my Windjackets (Splits with a removable wind gasket).
They are a favoured choice as "vacation shades", as I've accumulated a good range of lens colors and a large enough soft case for travelling, plus, they work well under a motorcycle helmet.
I still struggle to tell the Jawbone from a Racing jacket, but the SJ is immediately recognizable.

I picked up a pair on of split jackets sale this year. I got the jawbones when they first dropped in 2009 and liked them. When I discovered the split jacket this year, I found that I liked the way they fit even better than the jawbones. . I hope they will make some prism lenses for them, cause I think it would be a sweet combo. I hope to be able to pick up a pair in matte black soon.

Personally I like them more than the jawbone because, as it was mentioned, they are a more streamline look. I think the jaw is a little different too. The split jacket jaw is not as sculpted as the jawbone jaw, and they hug my face a little more snug.

I guess I missed the Jawbone somehow and when I did get a pair it was the Split. So I've naturally drifted to them over the Bone. - JP

The Racing Jacket is the new name for the Jawbone. I believe Oakley had to change the name due to the trademark on the use of the name Jawbone; so the Racing Jacket is what we have now.

I can speak to the favor of the Jawbone/Racing Jacket over the Split Jacket; I prefer the lens shape of the Jawbone/Racing Jacket over the Split Jacket as it offers a larger unobstructed field of vision when I ride. For someone who has a smaller face, the Split Jacket was a good fit, but for most, the Jawbone/Racing Jacket is the perfect lens size for riding.

I picked up the Infinite Hero Split Jackets when they were released. I wanted to add an IH piece to my collection, but I also wanted to use them for riding. I still use them when I ride, but more often that not, I'll wear them off my bike with my various IH Tee Shirts.

When people say they use them for "riding" I've always been a bit unclear as to whether that means for cycling or riding a motorcycle. I ride a motorcycle and have always used my Flaks for that. I use a full face helmet, and I've never had any problems with the Flaks for that purpose. I'm just curious since, I've seen it posted quite a bit.

Big fan of both SJ and JB. Love the switchlock tech and look that comes with it. I think the JB has advantages in colorways (esp for those of us that like it loud) and sport application. I think the SJ has advantages on more universal fit and wearability, more neutral colorways. Many folks have commented that they wouldn't wear the JB for casual wear.

I picked up the Infinite Hero Split Jackets when they were released. I wanted to add an IH piece to my collection, but I also wanted to use them for riding. I still use them when I ride, but more often that not, I'll wear them off my bike with my various IH Tee Shirts.



- H01B3RG

These have been my go-to since they came out. I love these!

And this discussion just gives me a reason to pick up a pair of Jawbone/Racing Jacket's so I can compare the two for myself:)

I hope they will make some prism lenses for them, cause I think it would be a sweet combo. I hope to be able to pick up a pair in matte black soon. - supersharp

If you want an SI matte black pair, the Vault store has them right now. $180 for polarized and $140 for non-polar:

http://www.oakleyvault.com/en/mens/sunglasses/sport-sunglasses/shop-all-sport-sunglasses/us-standard-issue-split-jacket/product/W0OO9099SI/?skuCode=OO9099-16

You have to look under "shop all sport sunglasses" or do a search for Split Jacket. They don't come up under "new arrivals".

Unless Oakley is planning some crazy resurgence of the Split Jacket (doubt it), if you really want a pair I suggest you grab it now because they might be gone soon. I just bought one from the Vault site for that very reason - I ordered the 9099-15 from Tactical Gear at a kick ass price only to get an email three weeks later saying sorry they are out of stock.

And that would be pretty sweet if Oakley made a Prizm for these but I wouldn't hold my breath. Thought the same thing when Prizm first dropped. But as I have been scanning Prizm availability as of late, it ocurred to me that Oakley may only be interested in current production lines. Radar, Half, Flak, Racing are all getting the love, but I don't see any sets for discontinued frames.

Still, if it does happen that would be AWESOME! Until I got a Split J, I never seriously looked at different intensities or gradients; just sun lenses. Now it's all I look at. Would never have considered a light gray or VR28 lens before but now its interesting. So having a Prizm would be pretty cool.

When people say they use them for "riding" I've always been a bit unclear as to whether that means for cycling or riding a motorcycle. I ride a motorcycle and have always used my Flaks for that. I use a full face helmet, and I've never had any problems with the Flaks for that purpose. I'm just curious since, I've seen it posted quite a bit. - supersharp

I would guess the difference is that RJ is for bicicle riding, racing, mountain biking, etc. Split J was intended for motorcycle riding. Of course you could use either for both or whatever fits you best, like your Flaks.

This also illustrates to me why I got back into Oakley, because of the vast diversity in their products. There are so many people, on OR and beyond, who swear by Oakley but all have a different interpretation as to what the O means to them. Whether its M-Frame, Frogs, X-Metal or whatever, two or more people could sit and talk for hours or days about their devotion for the ellipse and never be talking about the same thing.

I work with many guys who, when they say "Oakley", they mean Flaks or HJ ... and they actually get into arguments over which one is better! (LOL) i don't have either so I never join in but always find it interesting.

But hey, if the Flaks work for you, then they work. I believe the motorcycle thing was just a marketing gimmick anyway. The wind gasket is pretty cool but it feels a little goofy and peripheral vision kinda sucks.

The wind gasket is pretty cool but it feels a little goofy and peripheral vision kinda sucks. - skull.jacket

Actually, the goofy feeling disappears with familiarity, which doesn't take too long. The gasket really functions well, keeping dust, grit and drafts away from your eyes. (I've always imagined the WJ would be ideal for parachute jumping). It's a doddle to remove that gasket too, taking only seconds to give you the Splits!
Personally, and maybe my face is wider than yours, I find the peripheral vision acceptable for a full frame shade. Waaaay better than a New Zero! When I need unhindered peripheral vision (cycling), I grab an M frame, as, like you, I don't own a Flak/Fast jacket.
I too haven't much hope of Oakley providing Prizm for our SJs, but all of us saying "PLEEEZE" can't hurt...

Big fan of both SJ and JB. Love the switchlock tech and look that comes with it. I think the JB has advantages in colorways (esp for those of us that like it loud) and sport application. I think the SJ has advantages on more universal fit and wearability, more neutral colorways. Many folks have commented that they wouldn't wear the JB for casual wear. - oogie

Agreed, I very rarely wear my JB out in public when I'm not riding my bike; but I have done it when I want to be loud about things...

When people say they use them for "riding" I've always been a bit unclear as to whether that means for cycling or riding a motorcycle. I ride a motorcycle and have always used my Flaks for that. I use a full face helmet, and I've never had any problems with the Flaks for that purpose. I'm just curious since, I've seen it posted quite a bit. - supersharp

Riding = Cycling (Tour deFrance bikes) The Jawbone was designed for cycling. I actually had a chance to talk with Ryan Calilung at the Collectors Event in Miami, he was instrumental in their design and also a part of the SwitchLock Team that implemented that design across other eyewear/goggles.

The Jawbone was interesting for them; they really didn't think they were going to be as popular as they became, and the sales far exceeded their expectations.

From a design/function standpoint for daily use, the Jawbone is my favorite frame. Although many cyclist like the wide open field of vision that a Radar/Radarlock lens offers, these frames leave the bottom of the lens exposed. If a cyclist crashes, which happens, the lens have been know to slice open the cheek. The Jawbone offers protection against that from happening... plus they fit perfectly on my face... LOL

Another reason why cyclists gravitate towards the Jawbone, full customization. You can designa Jawbone to match almost any bike frame or kit (Kit is a full cycling outfit... jersey, shorts, socks)

Here's some pics from Ryan's display table at the Miami Collectors Event:




After the event, I asked Ryan to sign a page in my book that spoke to him, that meant to most to him with his design work at Oakley... this was the page he opened up to and signed for me... (He also made these for my wife: Purple Jawbone)

That is so cool Chris!

I've only recently picked up a Split and Jawbone (which I guess is a New Racing Jacket, but it was the MPH Fathom frame without the straps, so same difference) and I don't know why I don't wear them more often. Perhaps I'm just stuck in my Half/Flak Jacket world, but the former two fit very well. If I had to guess, it would be the price point. Having to buy spare lenses, which while is a good idea to encourage the ease of lens changes, pushed the price point into a new bracket that some may avoid when they can just get a Tier 2 model at $50 less or so.

Since the Jawbone was out for a while before the Split, perhaps we will see a smaller version of the Jawbreaker in time for those who don't need the huge coverage for cycling.

Going back to the protos Chris posted, the New Racing Jacket actually started as a Switchlock original Racing Jacket, then a switchlock New Straight Jacket II, before settling into its own form.

I can foresee a smaller version of the Jawbreaker in time... granted I haven't worn a Jawbreaker yet, but what it does look like is an Eyeshade sized lens with Switchlock technology, but streamlined for the looks of today.

I know in the cycling world (first hand as a cyclist and former competitive racer), field of vision is key, especially in the final Sprint for the line. Being able to see your competition out of you peripheral is essential, and if something is obstructing that for just a second, that's the edge your competition needed to get on you to beat you to the line. (I think this is why we saw so many pics of Cav in the Jawbreakers; who best to test them than the "Manx Missile")

This is also why (I believe) you saw many racers reverting back to the Radarlock frame during The Tour last year, that lens offers zero peripheral obstruction; but I personally think the Jawbone/Racing Jacket is a more comfortable frame, easier to clean afterwards too.

I think for the recreational cyclist, a slimmer version of the lens might be attractive...

I can also see a smaller Jawbreaker being in the next X-men movie. I think it's suppose to be set in the '80s so something Eyeshade-esque would be appropriate, and there would be none more appropriate right now than a Jawbreaker. Since Cyclops is a kid, perhaps a smaller Jawbreaker is in the works for the movie? Ah, I'm just wishing and guessing. Principle photography starts in a month, so hopefully we'll find out in a few months.

If you want an SI matte black pair, the Vault store has them right now. $180 for polarized and $140 for non-polar:

http://www.oakleyvault.com/en/mens/sunglasses/sport-sunglasses/shop-all-sport-sunglasses/us-standard-issue-split-jacket/product/W0OO9099SI/?skuCode=OO9099-16

You have to look under "shop all sport sunglasses" or do a search for Split Jacket. They don't come up under "new arrivals".

Thanks for the tip on the Vault, Skull.Jacket. The non-polarized SI SJ is down to $120!

Unless Oakley is planning some crazy resurgence of the Split Jacket (doubt it), if you really want a pair I suggest you grab it now because they might be gone soon. I just bought one from the Vault site for that very reason - I ordered the 9099-15 from Tactical Gear at a kick ass price only to get an email three weeks later saying sorry they are out of stock. - skull.jacket

Funny enough, I tried to order the SI Split Jacket from Tactical Gear as well. I was late to the party, and realized they were out of stock before I clicked all the way through. Got a pair of Fuel Cell Cerakote Limited Edition (Ultrablend Desert) instead. This is my first collector's pair, so I thought it'd be fun to get a special pattern (Ultrablend) and SI all in one pair.

I think it's sweet that Tactical Gear allows civilians to buy SI gear. Don't think Oakley allows that on the dedicated SI site, only in the Vault on closeout.

Here's some pics from Ryan's display table at the Miami Collectors Event:

- H01B3RG

Very cool, Chris! Hope I can time things right to make it to a Collectors Event one day!

When the Split Jacket came out right after I had LASIK to skip RX lenses, it was synchronicity! The SJ is by far my favorite Oakley frame. It's low key enough to be wearable in a professional setting. With the gaskets (or without), it's been great for skiing and other outdoor activities. I'm hard on my glasses, so anything with exposed lenses just isn't practical for me.

I can foresee a smaller version of the Jawbreaker in time... granted I haven't worn a Jawbreaker yet, but what it does look like is an Eyeshade sized lens with Switchlock technology, but streamlined for the looks of today.

I would very much like a Split Jacket-sized version of the Jawbone/Racing Jacket.

I think for the recreational cyclist, a slimmer version of the lens might be attractive... - H01B3RG

That summarizes it for me, although I have yet to spring for a Racing Jacket. As nice as all the rimless designs are for field-of-vision, in real life I need my frames to go all around the lens for longevity. Split Jacket fits the bill. Racing Jacket will hopefully be added to my quiver sometime down the road (pun intended).

I think it's sweet that Tactical Gear allows civilians to buy SI gear. Don't think Oakley allows that on the dedicated SI site, only in the Vault on closeout. - Brainstorm

It's not that civilians can't buy SI stuff, they just can't buy it at the military discount, which is why Tactical Distributors and others have them at full retail. Oddly enough they had some exclusives like the Eagle Fuel Cell.

I also like the fact that SI gear is available on the open market as well even if it is at full retail. While I appreciate the SI program itself, I never liked their sign-up method. My CAC and enterprise email do not technically belong to me and thus are not supposed to be used for personal gain. I know tons of people who have signed up with this method and its never been an issue before (that I know of). But all it takes is once and I certainly don't want to be in front of that freight train if/when it derails. Perhaps the next time I am forward I will see if I can do it in person at an Oakley Tactical Shop. Otherwise, I am content with paying full retail, at least in this sense. Probably the only time I will ever say that :D

I love the fit of the split jacket. I am sad to see that they have discontinued it after such a short production run. I like the fit better than the jawbone. They are more casual and the switchlock technology is awesome to change lenses on them. I wish they offered more variety in the lens colors and kept the production.

It's not that civilians can't buy SI stuff, they just can't buy it at the military discount, which is why Tactical Distributors and others have them at full retail. Oddly enough they had some exclusives like the Eagle Fuel Cell. - Dann

Thanks for the clarification, Dann! But civilians still can't order directly from OakleySI.com, even at full retail price, or can they? In any case, I'm content to buy SI gear from 3rd party sellers, or wait for close-out SI gear to hit the Vault at a discount. I'm just glad I discovered this, with several packages on the way as evidence.

While I appreciate the SI program itself, I never liked their sign-up method. My CAC and enterprise email do not technically belong to me and thus are not supposed to be used for personal gain. I know tons of people who have signed up with this method and its never been an issue before (that I know of). But all it takes is once and I certainly don't want to be in front of that freight train if/when it derails. Perhaps the next time I am forward I will see if I can do it in person at an Oakley Tactical Shop. Otherwise, I am content with paying full retail, at least in this sense. Probably the only time I will ever say that :D - skull.jacket

Completely agree, skull.jacket! I do not use work e-mail for anything personal, on principle. It's just a slippery slope that I'd rather stay away from. My work e-mail belongs to my employer, and gets left behind each time I move on. No expectation of privacy at work either. My personal e-mail belongs to me, is private, and remains my property regardless of where I happen to work at any given time. Even if this requires more hardware and makes access less flexible, it's a small price to pay to keep things straight.

Now if I could get work to pay for all of my Oakley gear...

Correct. Oakleysi.com is only for those with the proper credentials (since there isn't an option to buy without the discount), so you'd have to go through the 3rd party sites.

I love the fit of the split jacket. I am sad to see that they have discontinued it after such a short production run. I like the fit better than the jawbone. They are more casual and the switchlock technology is awesome to change lenses on them. I wish they offered more variety in the lens colors and kept the production. - thisguy

I couldn't agree more with you!