is o-matter just oakleys name for plastic or is there some other technology involved?

In the past Os were made from Nylon. O-Matter may be a refined version of said Nylon from back then?

Well, there's probably a lot of technology involved; nothing is 'just' plastic. I've heard of plastics that are suitable for engine blocks, so there you go.

Sorry that doesn't answer your question though.

O-Matter is a catch-all for Oakley's special recipe plastics, much like:

- X-Metal is their proprietary titanium alloy
- O-Luminum is their proprietary aluminum alloy
- O-Metal is their light, flexible metal used in some RX frames
- C5 is their standard wire frame material

Not sure if O-Matter is any one specific formula, either. For example, most modern O-Matter frames are much less brittle than older gen Eye Jackets. Also, crystal/translucent frames have a different "feel" compared to opaque frames, which seems to suggest the plastic is different.

Weren't the original Mumbo frames made of "Virgin Serilium"? What the heck is that?!

Yes - I agree on that 'feel' issue with different O-Matter. There's also unobtanium, and my unobtanium D2 is way different than earsocks.

serilium is a combination of polycarbonate plastic & nylon.
the same durability as nylon , but sturdier

but it would be nice to know what solvents or glues worked well or were resistant to.

My Half Jackets feel like they are made from some formulation of nylon. The texture and flexibility are my hints.

Most plastic frames that I've come across are generally either some form of acrylic or nylon. Acrylic is more rigid and less durable than nylon. Usually acrylic used more for fashion and inexpensive glasses where flex and durability are not as important as style. Omatter frames seem more oriented towards active people so flex in the frame makes them stay better and makes them less prone to breaking.

what!!! its common knowledge


Oakley eyewear frames were first developed as performance tools for professional athletes. Sports pros were demanding the impossible: eye protection that exceeds industrial impact standards yet offers the comfort of ultra-low weight. For protection, the frame material would have to allow a critical degree of flexibility to absorb and dissipate impact forces. It would also have to be durable enough to withstand ultraviolet radiation, thermal shock, and extended exposure to heat and cold.

Oakley engineers experimented with countless substances before realizing the solution could be reached only by starting from scratch. Endless research resulted in a new substance, a proprietary Oakley innovation called O Matter®. This synthetic frame material not only meets the demands of professional athletes, it exceeds the durability requirements of industrial applications that include chemical exposure and environmental extremes.


everyone knows this ;-)

Why do I get the feeling I should be taking notes? Welcome to the site Travis.

Now we do. Thanks Trav

right but can we build an engine block with it?