Frame: Brown tort.
Lens: Bronze polarized
I've just bought these and I love them. They're just a tiny bit smaller than XX's, although they don't feel any tighter. The lens shape is just perfect, obviously Oakley but more compact and muscular and less "cat-eye" than, say, minutes or XX's due to the thick frames that are widest further from the centre and slightly squared at the bottom outer corners. I actually like the big ear stems, they add a strain of monster dog to what is otherwise a jacket. They seem to grip well while not feeling tight - the whole thing feels really natural and comfortable. Note that the brown/bronze polarized combo looks a LOT darker and more subtle in most types of light than it does in the photos. In dim indirect light they look almost black, but they light up bit when the sun shines through them. These are reasonably subtle shades, you can wear them in everyday situations without worrying that you might look like a bit of a w**ker. A good sober alternative to black if, like me, warm colours suit your skin tone better. The bronze polarized lenses are great - with the polarization to cut out glare, I reckon 15% transmission is just right for prolonged wear in normal sunny conditions - and they enhance contrast and make you feel good, unlike horrible "rainy-day effect" black iridium!
Frame: Polished Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
A small, tight-fitting, and highly sculpted piece of eyewear. The deep, curving lines in the earstems are totally different from anything else from Oakley or otherwise.
This color is only available in the Asian Fit version, which has a nosebridge shape specifically designed to push the frame up and away from flatter Asian noses. I'd say it works quite well, as I had tried a standard fit version and was not very happy with it.
The Polished Black frame is plain and unremarkable, but the gunmetal icons look nice. It is almost better that they don't stand out like silver icons would. After all, the real story here is the Ruby Clear lens. While very impractical, it is certainly unique and a must-have lens for collectors. The red/orange/yellow Iridium coating is applied to both sides of the lenses, which makes them look spectacular even when the glasses are not on your face. However, they filter very little light and create the most horrific ghosting of bright lights if you use these at night.
Actually the "Unknown" is the model name. According to the Oakley rep that I talked to, they couldn't think of a name, so they called it that. Of course the website goes to town on why it *should* be called the Unknown, but in reality, they just hadn't thought of something. The Fatcat is a new Jacket similar to a Valve, and the Warden is an aviator style wire glasses similar to the type cops wear. The Unknown is also already available.
Frame: Polished Rootbeer
Lens: Bronze
I was a little worried about the fit on these, since I wasn't sure if the Japanese Edition would work with other lenses. These are great though, and fit my Asian face exceptionally well, so No Asian fit here! I know some will disagree, but when I first looked at these, I thought they were a mini New Straight Jacket II. However, the arms are very unique and are great in general with the unobtanium. The curves on the actual frame are much more significant than I thought, and are very different from the standard frames I carry.
Now I've had a lot of people ask me about my opinion on the Brown Smoke/Rootbeer frames. It seems that not many people like them, mainly because they find it harder to match lenses with them. I guess that doesn't matter for me since I love the Bronze Base lenses, but I really like the see through frames. It gives them character and it's different from what you normally see. I have 5 Rootbeer/Brown Smoke frames and will probably keep on adding to the collection. As far as light, they do sometimes go through, but you end up getting used to it after a while. Great pair though! They are exceptionally cheap on eBay right now (just find a legit seller!)
Frame:Dark grey
Lens:Dark grey
I was kind of waiting for this moment to come!The unknown is one of the most beautiful,most progressive,most extraordinary pair of sunglasses that oakley has ever produced.For the standards of o-matter models it's a significant transition,from all the past ficticious models,such as the zeros,or the straight jackets,to a more aggresive,more artisan as well,but never underestimated nonetheless,generation of dinstictive sunglasses.Just two words:STANDS OUT!!!While the list of available finishes and lenses is significantly limited,each and every one of the models,is a piece of art,thanks to the unusually thick frame,which somehow,never gets annoyingly overprojected than the rest of the whole notion.The total frame is a continuous flowing curve,a thick,sculpted wave,unlike any other oakley model(the plates look relatively cheap and unisprired compared to them,and God knows how much I admire my plates),which has a totally aggresive shape,specially around the orbitals,and a harmonic end towards both of the earstems.While the orbitals may look much like the splice as many other revieweres have noticed,the unknown manages to be something completely different,since the orbitals,thanks to their thickness as well,manage to be rounder,smoother,and express this aggressiveness in a less superficial way.They are dominant and sublliminal at the same time.But in the end,no matter how you will look at it,they will impose themselves to you.Can't get better than this,can't think myself without them!!!
Since I have to review,Iwill do so,but the appearance of them alone is a reason sufficient enough for them to exist in any collector's display.Their fit is good,but not very tight,don't expect the absolute straight jacket fit here.But with the aids of the unobtainium,I think that everybody's going to be satisfied.In spite of the thick frame,the vision is wide and clear,and furthermore,I was never bothered by their weight.Also,thanks to the wide,beautifully carved earstems,there is absolutely no sun interference from the sides and the back,and that alone is a major achievement.If it wasn't for the somehow loose grip,we'd be talking for the best o-matter pair of sunglasses here.That good!!!Simply can't get better.
Frame: Crystal Black
Lens: Dark Grey
Another offering in the "MPH" version. Very unique frame and colorway. I bought them for my wife, but I just might wear them.
Frame: Polished Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
Excellent glasses! The lenses are simply superb, by far the best of the ruby clear range, with far less ghosting than other models. The only imperfection is the polished frame, with a matt black frame (like the Monster Dogs) the lenses would really shine. But these still get a five.
Frame: Crystal Black
Lens: Black Iridium
Aesthetically, the lenses are almost identical to those of the Splice (some have even said that they are identical). The frames, however, are obviously different than their predecessors, being composed completely from o-matter and with a different design. The wrap on these are excellent, providing great coverage for the periphery, and the lens size would best suit those with medium profiles. Unobtainium earsocks also offer enhanced comfort, but unfortunately there are no matching unobtainium nosepieces. Still, an overall excellent pair of glasses featuring lightweight comfort and adequate protection.
Frame: Jet Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
I don't even know what to say about these....I am in love. The lens is amazing. A little ghosting but no problem for me at least. The asian fit is actually more comfortable to me than the regular fit too so that is really nice.
Frame: Overcast
Lens: G30 Black Iridium
Really cool looking combination. The overcast frame looks like a pastel purple. It looks really good with the G30 look of the lens. The frame is very comfortable and light weight. Eye coverage is excellent. The overcast frame color is a unique color for Oakley frames.
Frame: Jet Black
Lens: Ruby Clear Iridium
This is one of my favorite pairs. The jet black and ruby clear combo is excellent. The ruby clear looks very nice. I love the fit of this frame. It is very comfortable and light weight. Eye coverage is excellent as well.
Frame: polished Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
Great and special combo. Nice glasses but not wearable in this combo. O-Matter should have Iridium lenses like Fire, Ruby, Titanium and so on, but no Ruby Clear. It makes your eyes bigger and looks very strange in this glasses.
The Unobtanium is great. The line from frame to Unobtainium is a good solution
Frame: Matte Black
Lens: Black Iridium Polarized
Very nice shades. Super light and comfortable. They fit my small/medium head perfect. The Black Iridium Polarized lens is awesome!!!
Frame: Jet Black
Lens: Ruby Clear Iridium
these are uber cool i first saw them when yukio of the o-whores
returned from an oahu trip with them and i just had to get one too. great fit lenses are really trippy looking.
Frame: Dark Grey
Lens: Dark Grey
I love these! It's great for driving because this type of lens makes things brighter, it's also very light. I have my old Minutes and they do the job, but I think for style points the Unknown wins.
Frame: Polished Black
Lens: Black Iridium
These actually fit my big filipino head pretty well. At first I thought I would have a problem with the nose bridge. Usually with a design like this the shades just float above my nose since I barely have one. But these sat pretty well. The design is really awesome. The eye coverage is excellent.
Frame: Jet Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
For some reasons, I like clear lenses. I also like red/purple lenses so this ruby clear combo is one of my favorites so far. When you wear this, people can see your eyes at most conditions. Lens reflects red/blue/yellow colors so this definitely intrigues others.Not recommendable in bright days. This lens increases contrast so good for your night vision. This ruby clear is an Asian fit model so provides nice fitting for Asian faces.
Frame: Rootbeer
Lens: Gold Clear Iridium
This is the lesser-known of the two Japan Exclusive Unknowns. Personally, I like this combo a little better than the black/ruby clear. I'm not partial to the Unknown frame, but this color combo almost makes me want one. They are available through online auctions sites in Japan for now, but I have a feeling they won't be available much longer. Models purchased online in Japan come without bar code stickers on the box, just the frame/lens details. The Gold Clear lens is great for lowlight situations.
Frame: Jet Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
Despite buying five of these I don't own one. These are a very popular Japan Exclusive release that is somewhat rare in Japan. They can still be found at some retailers as well as online at auction sites such as Yahoo! Japan Auctions. Eventhough I like them, I have sold them to members here. One day I may get around to picking one up, but they do not have a strong draw on me at present. The Ruby Clear lens is quite unique and they are definitely worth acquiring if you are a fan of the Unknown.
Edit: Finally have one. Love it. It's kind of "dorky cool" like the dude from Weezer might wear.
Frame: Black
Lens: Black
A small pair of sunglasses but a nice aggresive design. The earstems are really cool, it grows on you. Its a unique pair for sure!
Frame: Black and Rootbeer
Lens: Ruby Clear and Gold Clear
I've tried the Black/Black ones too, but they're nothing special. The fit is a bit tight and I don't care too much for them, but my wife loves them. The Ruby and Gold Clear lenses however are very nice and also very hard to get. But if you get the chance, I highly recommend it.
Frame:Overcast
Lens:G30 Black Iridium
i think these are an underated model.
they look very cool from the side but not as good front on. I chose this combo cos they have been discontinued and ive wanted a pair of Unknowns for a while.
great combo thats colours compliment eachother well.
Frame: Polished Black
Lens: Ruby Clear
The only pair of Unknowns I own but had to get them because of the awsome lens. These are a pretty comfortable fit and are great for clowdy days.
Frame: Black
Lens: Black
I always thought the Unknown was a really small fit, along the lines of the five and minute. But after trying on a few times, they seem to be close in fit to the splice, much more appealing. I actually like the stylings of the earstems, and would like to see in different/more exciting colorways.
Frame: Crystal Black
Lens: Emerald
I would give these beauties 5 stars but how the emerald lenses came to be is a mystery...
Frame: Polished black
Lens: Ruby Clear
The most fun pair of Oakley's I have owned in a decade. This colorway is a Japan exclusive so good luchk getting a pair. Ruby Clear lenses can be worn at night and its great having people stare when you wear them indoors! To quote Lance "These are badass"
K
Frame: Matte Blk
Lens: Blk Polar
I love the earstem and lens designs on these. They sit perfectly on my small/med face and flat asian nose. Very light weight. Get perfect wrap around my peripheral. Grips tightly but more comfortably than my Minutes. Do not recommend for large faces; go with the Monster Dogs instead if you want a similar design (my friend did).
Frame: Jet Black
Lens: Black Iridium
The only reason these get three stars is that they're a bit on the small side for me. However, those with smaller would probably love the fit. One thing I really like is the way the earstems are sculpted, almost like they're a couple of pieces fused together.
Frame: Matte Black
Lens: Black Iridium Polarized
After seeing these when they came out I assumed they wouldn't fit. After reading the above reviews and seeing Todd Rodgers beach volleyball player wearing a pair I thought I'd try some on. This frame fits me better than the XX. Its not for those that don't like a tight wrap around the eye sockets. I'll post five stars but would have liked a ice polarized option.
K
Frame: Brown Tortoise
Lens: Bronze
I really like the detail on the earstems & the shape of the orbitals. I wish Oakley would get a little crazier with the stem design on more O-matters.
Frame: Dark Grey
Lens: Dark Grey
Most people complain that these glasses were built to small, luckly I have a smaller to medium sized head. For the longest time I thought my Oakley valves fit my head as good as I could get a sunglass to fit. I was wrong!!!! The Unknown's fit me as if they were specifically made for my face. They have a nice snug fit but gladly not as tight as my valves. Some people complain about the design but I absolutly love them. I have also heard a few other people saying they like the minutes better. WHY? The unknowns design to me is more modern and uptodate. On top of them being such a great fit and look, they are one of the cheaper pairs of oakleys that you can buy. For all these reasons the unknown has turned up as one of my favorite pairs I have owned to date.
Frame: Any
Lens: Any
When these first appeared on the Oakley website, I was kinda excited. But then I saw them in person and realised they were way too small. They have a nice overall design, but I think the earstems were a little overdone. Especially if Oakley planned on this being the replacement for the Minute. Just too unconventional for the conventional buyer. I do like the Ruby Clear lenses on the Japanese version, though.
Frame: FMJ PLATINUM
Lens: GOLD
I like the contours and the details of the earstems. Everything looks perfect in the molding. This is the reason I won't buy fake because the real ones are just magnificently done
Frame: Brown Turtoise
Lens: Bronze Polarized
i tried this at a local optic store, they fit nicely(on my small asian head) on both hinges, very lightweight too. the lenses looked kinda funny cos i just found out that bronze polarized doesn't have any iridium mirror on it. i can practically look at my own eyes on the store's mirror when trying them on, definitely a no no if you want a pair of shades to check out babes on the beach(not that they exist in any part of the place i live, lol). in conclusion, they're great alternative if you're looking for something smaller than those huge monster dogs, or even bigger monster doggles.
Frame: Polished
Lens: Black
Scelzi sports these and they get plenty of coverage on ESPN. I was planning to get these, until I tried them on at the store. A bit worried about the flex, doesn't really flex like a minute because the earstems thicken up near the hinges making it ideal for smaller heads. A really nice design though and the earstems seem to do a good job.
Frame: Brown Tortoise
Lens: Bronze Polarized
If it is an Oakley, and it is polarized, I suddenly want the item like it was gold. I have tried this pair of many times, and although I really like the overall style, they are just too small for my head. It's not really how small or big they are, it's the shape. They made my eyes look closer together. The Minute fits me fine, but the Unknown just has an unusual front style. I think the arms are just pretty radical, and the style looks hot on display, but again, just too small for someone like me. I fit better in a Minute or a Twenty.
Frame: Platinum
Lens: Gold Iridium
I tried these glasses the other day and was really impressed. They fitted extremely well, close all the way around the forehead, and lens shape and size seemed to be just right. My dealer tells me that Oakley are planning that the Unknown be a replacement for the Minute, if that is the case then they have certainly done an excellent job, with a frame that is interesting yet subtle. An ideal purchase for an Oakley rookie.
Frame: Dark Grey
Lens: Dark Grey
I had the opportunity to try these last night. I had liked what I saw when I caught them in an Oakley presentation and couldn't wait to try them out. The lens shape is great, the size is great, all the color combos are standard Oakley fare. The were very lite and comfortable, but the ear stems are a distraction. Over sculpted, and though it's a selling point, very thin as well as a small hinge and not as smoothly curved as other styles. Especially for being a Jacket.