I was wondering if anyone had any opinons on which to get for Mountain Biking?

I know there are people who swear by the Racing Jacket but the Half Jacket's versatility seems to be really a big plus to me right now. I like the fact that you can easily change lenses and that the frames actually fold. Plus I think the Half Jacket soft vault is cool because it's smaller and holds two extra pairs of lenses.

Any thoughts?

Well the Racing gives you a nice wrapping feel since all the flex is in the frame, no hinges. Half Jackets are good if you want to change for lighting conditions, although if you get a +Red or Gold, you can go from bright to evening with no problems. Half's take up a lot less space when stored so the Racing can be a pain to carry around.

Um...buy both!

Water jacket. Racing Jacket frames fit 'too' well and inhibit airflow--your lenses will fog up and you'll find yourself one with a tree. Not that this has necessarily happened to me but you're gonna want to go for circulation. If the choice must be between the half jacket and the racing jacket frame, I'd go for the vents. Water Jacket.

I always wanted a pair of Racing Jackets and this would more than justify the buying of a pair. Especially with the Build to Order option. I'd love to get both Dann. But there's way too much to get and I guess I feel the need to narrow the list in some way. Did that sound believeable?

Dann do you have a pair of Racing Jackets? Do you know if the still make a case for them?

Thanks for the feedback!

But aren't the "Ram-air surge ports" suppose to prevent fogging?

I really like the RJ's They have better coverage & I think the venting is fine. I keep mine in the pro M-frame ballistic case & they fit perfect

Oakley still has cases for them, yes.

BTO will allow you to get a vented lens without buying a Water Jacket and stripping the strap off (unless you want that). It also comes with a box.

My friend has a Black/G30 Water Jacket pretty much new in box for $100 if you want me to talk to him.

I just got my first pair of HJ's recently and now I wonder why I took so long. They're both worth owning, but I understand how it is to have to be choosey.

Wow this is going to be a harder decision then I thought. Maybe I should buy both.

Dann I'll think on the G30 Water Jackets. I was actually looking to get something with a lighter color lens.

Has anyone ever tried changing a Racing/Water Jacket lens?

Just pop it out through the front.

Oh and Water Jackets ARE Racing Jackets, they even say 'Racing' in the inside of the nosebridge.

different bridge, though. The Unobtanium for Water Jackets are massive and cover the inside of the bridge pretty much entirely.

I've tried both and I'd go for vented.

I take RJ over HJ anytime. RJ has Oakley all over it! But if you are on a budget go for the HJ (some are cheap)But it may get expensive if you go with the HJ array. Also, I only prefer the XLJ lenses.


I have converted my WJ to RJ back and forth depending on use. therefore I have change the lenses from the vented one to the non vented one. It's pretty easy


Note: there are 2 generations of RJ. 2nd Gen RJ is slightly smaller than 1st gen.

Also, the replacement lenses RJ is not readily available unless you send the frames back to Oakley.


Advantages of HJ

-looks better in most faces (XLJ lenses only)
-looks sporty
-hinges for better storage
-easily interchangabe lenses
-lenses widely available
-cheaper than WJ
-more selection and combinations

Advantages of RJ/WJ
-definitely Oakley (design is state of the art)
-has that aggressive/stunning Oakley look
-looks extreme
-definitely calls attention
-better fit
-will not fog up ( especially w/ the vented lenses)

These are all personal opinions only


Thanks for bringing the RJ some attention! I love that stuff man!

Dann, any chance wanna trade frames? a black for a blue.

My RJ's are actually my brother, so I don't think he'll trade.

I believe RJ/WJ is less likely to break than HJ. A friend has the FMJ 5.56 RJ and it seems indestructible (no hinges to blow out either).

I like RJ alot, I think they're definitely all Oakley! That's why when I started mountian biking again I thought of getting those first. I would love to have a pair. So I think I might just be going with the RJ/WJ's. Thanks for all the info. and advice everyone! Thanks CAL for giving me a point by point reply!!

ive got a gen 1 racing jacket, and an XLJ with tons of lenses.
if its only for biking then get the RJ cos i find when going fast wearing XLJs the wind still makes its way into my eyes and stings them. but that never happens with the RJ.

I wear my XLJ clear everyday at work. My Shadow Head wears my RJ everyday at home in the display case.

If you want the lens vents in the Racing Jacket, get the Pro Racing Jacket.

Where can you get those?

Bike shops that are OPDs have em, and sportsvisionbend.com has em too:

Dark Grey/G30 Lens

http://www.sportsvisionbend.com/cgi-bin/sportsvisionbend.filereader?426d6a18015d854c273f4227b6220653+EN/products/04&2D641

Black Chrome/G30 Persimmon Lens

http://www.sportsvisionbend.com/cgi-bin/sportsvisionbend.filereader?426d6a18015d854c273f4227b6220653+EN/products/04&2D642

I've seen some in O-Stores, but not sure if they still carry em.

Cool thanks for the info. OB

O-Stores have them, I saw some (vented no less) today in Orlando. Black Chrome, G30 lens... They'll do BTO, which I think is the best way to get what you want.

Do most OPD's do BTO? Is it available now?

O-Stores do it.
Only other place I've seen it offered in the US is Seattle Sunglass Co.
http://store.seattlesunglass.com/sunglasses-oakley-half-jacket.html

not sure if they do RJ BTO's though.

Cool ,thanks, I'll have to look into it.
I do think the BTO is the way to go if I do get a pair of RJ.

So the lenses are real easy to change in the RJ? It sounds like from what Dann said. I guess my only concern from the beginning was the lenses. You take one good spill mountian biking and you could screw your lenses up just like that. I've done it a few times. So I just thought with easy changing HJ lenses and the fact that they seem so easy to get they might be the best bet.

If the RJ are easy to change and with BTO maybe lenses will be easier to get and the fact that I've always wanted a pair of RJ, then I think they may be the way to go.