This is an initial Review:

I have these lenses as XLJs on a pair of Flak Jackets (FJs). The glasses, my very first Oakley set, were originally purchased with the Flak Jacket standard Shallow Blue Polarized (SBP) lenses. Although the standard SBPs are great, the contrast and brightness rendered when looking through them was almost overwhelming at times, while playing golf at the California Central Coast with the spring time sun at its peek brightest. The SBP review however, is for a different section of this site. This write-up is about the Grey Polarized lens.

Research:

Oakley.com has 28 off-the-shelf accessory lenses available for the Flak Jackets. On the website, one can look at simulations of the view through each set of accessory lenses. The depictions for the Grey Polarized (GP) lenses seemed to be what my eyes needed, but before I committed, I opted to do more research. A Google search for Oakley lens reviews allowed me to stumble upon this website where I was surprised to find that the user rating for the Grey Polarized lens was only 3.8 out of 5. I read through the reviews and low user ratings were because: (1) the glare reduction wasn’t as good as an Iridium coated lens, and; (2) the lens is boring – since reflectivity is low due to its non-Iridium coated surface, a mirrored effect is not achieved and people can see your eyes at certain light levels and intensity, and that objects of different hues and brightness were not in super high contrast. On the other hand, the lenses’ high points were: (1) their versatility – the lenses work great for medium to bright light; (2) that they are soothing to the eyes; (3) that colors are not distorted because of the neutral Grey base, and; (4) that contrast for a neutral based lens was very good.

I went back to Oakley.com with the intent of finding something better for myself. I once again studied all the accessory lenses for Flak Jackets, paying closer attention this time to the Iridium coated lenses both polarized and non-polarized versions. My specific criteria were lenses that: (1) worked for medium to bright light; (2) had maximum UV protection, and; (3) had no color distortion. After some time, I found what I was looking for – the Deep Blue Polarized (DBP) lens. However, although the DBPs are said to be options for these frames, I found, unfortunately, that they are only available with the “fishing specific” editions. Since buying another $190, “fishing specific” pair of glasses - with frame colors I did not particularly favor, was the only way to get this lens, I continued my search. Once again I found myself considering the GP lenses. I waited a couple of days before I called the Oakley Telesales Department where I verified the availability as well as the compatibility of the lenses with my frames.

The lenses arrived 2 days later. Swapping out the lenses on the FJs took some getting used-to, but other than the feeling that you might break either the frame or the lens, you get used to that feeling once you’ve swapped-out the lenses a few times. I’ve had the lenses for a few days now and in my humble opinion, this is how I rate them:

(1) Look – 5/5. They’re neither flashy nor attention-grabbing, but they do cover my eyes. I don’t particularly care that people can see my eyes but maybe I will someday when I find lenses that do hide my eyes and still offer use in other than super bright light conditions.

(2) Performance - average 4.9/5.

Contrast is better than what the naked eye perceives in medium (5/5) to sunny (5/5) conditions.

In lower than medium light to low light situations (4.7), contrast lessens somewhat – but those conditions are not what this lens is designed to support. I have not tried this lens in an extreme sunny and bright environment although I mean to do so in order to see how it performs.

Depth perception (5/5) is great throughout the range of advertised conditions (medium to sunny) as I was able to hit a golf ball where I wanted to hit it. Sunglasses I’ve worn in the past never made it past the first 2 holes. Usually after the second green, those glasses would go in the golf bag and would not come out again until after the round of golf was over.

(3) Comfort (5/5) - the lenses are very soothing to the eyes allowing the wearer to relax and soak in the vista.

(4) There is some measurable refraction (4.5/5) that causes objects to appear just slightly larger than normal.

(5) A very slight prismatic effect (4.5/5) is also evident which causes objects to appear to have shifted ever so slightly to the right once one puts these lenses over his or her eyes.

I really don’t know if consumers can get lenses that have no refractivity and prismatic effects but still offer the look and protection that they need.

(6) Cost (4/5) – at $80, it’s a bit pricey.

(7) Quality (4.5/5) – I’ve noticed that the film on the front surface of the lens (at the sharp corners) has come off since I’ve swapped-out the lenses several times. I hope that this does not become an issue.

Overall Rating – 4.6.
Recommendations – YES - but do your research first.

I used to be into just iridium lenses. Blacks, reds, fires and rubies were the only lenses I would use. I then wanted something more subtle and found grey polarized in a pair of frogs, and I'm glad I did. I can see where people would say they are boring lenses but this lens does its job and does it well. I look foward to buying more models with this lenses.

Not realy good comparing to my previous g15 lens on rayban because the colour relfection like a rainbow, price is absolutely a loser with my shaun white plaintiff model compare to rayban with polarize.

I have no idea why these are so low, but they are fantastic! I was never a huge fan of the Black Iridium, as I thought it was too dark for most occasions. I found the Grey Polarized to be the most versatile. Great lens, and highly recommended! I know the mirror is lacking, but I truly believe the light transmission is just right, and the polarization makes these work compared to the non polarized version.

The best lens for driving ever. Great lens. Lets in the perfect amount of light. Surprised it isn't rated higher. Almost zero color distortion - may be better than Ray Ban G15 lens in that respect. Highly recommend.

This is a solid lens. My major complaint is that in some frames they are too light. I know that they are not iridium coated so people can see your eyes but in frogskins and holbrooks it's rediculously light. Compared to fuel cells they atleast hide your eyes indoors.

My feelings toward regular Grey apply, but I'm kind of a snob for polarized lenses. I like them better than grey, but less than Black Iridium, and much less than Black Iridium Polarized.

My feelings toward regular Grey apply, but I'm kind of a snob for polarized lenses. I like them better than grey, but less than Black Iridium, and much less than Black Iridium Polarized.

Good polarized lens with excellent glare reduction and good clarity. I have these in a set of Radars and they work well when running on pavement on really bright days. Good driving lens if you don't like the color distortions that typically come with high-contrast lenses. The black iridium polarized lense seems to have slightly better definition when viewing distant objects and better glare reduction, though the grey polarized can be used in lower lighting conditions.

Standard grey lens with polarization: soothing on the eyes, excellent for cutting glare, but not really noteworthy due to the availability of Black Iridium Polarized. Overall, a decent lens, but certainly not one of the best. I would definitely opt for an iridium finish.

Nice lenses overall and a nice change to my collection of irids. The looks is boring but sometimes you just don't need that dark of lenses. Overall versatility is great and neutral is great for most situations. Polarized makes it more effective than darker shades of non-pol lenses. Again giving you some verstility. These are kept in my convertible for driving and on any drives besides directly into the sun, they are sufficient. Once you get used to the polarized "rainbow" effect on things, you won't think twice about them. 4 for good overall performance but not a 5 because it's not perfection.

These lenses came on my SI Half Jackets. This is a great all around lens that's not too dark or light for most conditions. I wear them inside and then forget I have glasses on because I can still see well inside.

Polarization is very good for cutting down glare not only when on the water but many other situations too where reflections can be a problem. Although I find that polarization can have strange visual effects if looking at a glossy or shiny surface with some reflection on it. It makes the reflection get brighter and dimmer if you move your head sometimes.

Grey Polarized is a solid, classic performer. I use M Frames, and I find the grey polarized lens to be very practical and functional. Very comfortable to wear with a neutral grey base - no hue at all imparted to your vision.

For the M Frames, you have only two polarized tints to choose from. For bright, sunny days on the road - whether behind the steering wheel or the handlebars - grey polarized is fantastic. It's a darker tint than Amber, and with its color neutrality, you can enjoy the splendor of the scenery around you.

The amber suits a thin-overcast or dreary, partly-cloudy partly-sunny day. But if it's totally sunny, the grey polarized wins hands down.

I think it's a good-looking lens - it's a classic grey tint. Absolutely functional, to boot. If you don't need "flash" to like your lenses, grey polarized will serve you really well.

Great lens, got them on my Matte Black Monster Dogs. They do a good job of filtering fairly bright sunlight and glare, yet after only a few seconds I don't notice I'm wearing a lens at all. With lesser sunglasses I keep squinting my eyes because of glare or to make out details lost in the lens, when wearing these I can relax completely and still see clearly without straining my eyes or muscles around my eyes.

Distortion is minimal and only noticable when glasses are held at an angle. The polarization tend to make some surfaces look odd, like car windows, but only from the outside and only from an angle, they don't affect your view out of your car windscreen.

The reason I only give them 4 points, is they do look a bit unspectacular, and in some light (like flourescent) you can see the eyes through the lenses from outside.

Very Disapointed!

Super Fragile!

Coating on Lenses Bubbling!

"Customer service" need a lesson in customer services. Should be called "Pay more replacement dept"

You have been warned!

Pretty boring to look at,although surprisingly effective lens contrast-wise.
Good for bright days,as well as overcast ones.
Also by far the easiest lens to clean!

Not my favorite type of lens since I prefer the iridium lenses reflective quality. pretty versatile lenses. Great for sunny days as well as overcast days.

Slighlty better than normal Grey but not much, this lense makes everything look a greyish green which is better than normal grey but this is still a boring lens with a polarization.

I have always had an aversion to the Grey lens until I got the Polarized version. I have been exposed to many different brands over the years through RFI, and they all looked drab and seemed relatively ineffective. So there was no way I was going to drop some of my own coin on a frame and be stuck with some blah Grey lens. Better to hold out for Fire or Ice or whatever, right?

That was until I got the Split Jacket with the Grey Polarized lens (yep, it was that recent). I was looking forward to the VR28 with this frame as I had used them in the past. But the Grey Polarized completely changed my view (pun intended) of this lens. Turns out, I just kept using the wrong brand (when will I learn?) or tried to use them all the time forgetting every lens has its purpose. Once I had the Oakley Plutonite on my face, suddenly everything became clear (I did it again!). The lens is kinda borning, to be sure, but it is way better than I thought it would be. The Polarization is a definite plus (as it always is) and more than makes up for any (noticeable) loss in light blocking compared to Black Iridium.

Total comfort when wearing all day; very much reminds me of the Black Iridium. Now I don’t believe the Grey Polarized is a substitute for the BI (the Grey certainly isn’t) but it is still a worthy stand-in and does well in all but extremely bright light. I was surprised at just how comfortable my eyes were – no squinting or discomfort as the clouds changed. And unless it became stormy or dark, the Grey Polarized stayed strong.

Using the Grey Polarized had made me go back and revisit the Grey as I am sure I must have missed something. That not withstanding, I am sure the Polarization had a lot to do with how well this lens performed. Unless you have to wear Grey lenses to be IAW APEL, I am sure that many of you aren’t running to the store to grab a bunch of these. Even if you use a good Polarized Iridium, I am sure it was favored due to the color or fit of the lens rather than the base. But if you are ever in need of a good backup lens (and Grey & Grey Polarized can sometimes be an inexpensive grab) this would be a good one to get ahold of.

Not my favorite lens, but not bad either!

Overall: 3 - Recommended - Get One If You See One

Great while they lasted on my antix..

Within 4 months I had enough scratches on them to be annoying while wearing them. I was very dissapointed because I'm not rough on my glasses at all, but I would live.... then..

The top of the lens over each eye started to bubble and if I try to look in front of me with my head tilted down, I can't see.

Long story short, I payed a lot extra for a lens that didn't make it past 6 months before they were pretty much unusable. Plus no thanks to oakley for even coming close to standing behind their products.

This was my first pair of oakleys in a few years (wore them all throughout high school), tried out ray-ban and maui jim, so I figured I'd give 'em another go. Never again.