Frame: Bronze
Lens: Titanium Iridium Polarized
Finally got a pair of these even though they've been out for quite some time. The lugged earstems are somewhat similar to Scar, but Valve is a totally different animal. The frame is much more compact, and the lenses get taller toward the outside edges. This gives the lenses a unique shape, although the bottom corners of the frame tend to sit on my cheeks. I don't mind too much as long as I don't wear them for an extended period of time. Larger nosebombs would probably help, but they aren't available.
The long, sculpted, Unobtainium-free earstems are surprisingly comfortable and are screwed onto the thick lugs. This gives the earstems a nice, solid feel. Unlike Scar, the Valve earstems hinge ahead of the lugs, so the folded frame is much more compact. The lens orbitals are also highly sculpted, and there are pronounced "eyebrows" above the lenses. These are really apparent if you ever put them up on your head.
The Bronze frame, Black Chrome lugs, dark silver icons, and Ti Polarized lenses make a really nice combination overall. Titanium Iridium is probably my favorite lens, and polarization makes them even better for high-glare conditions.
Frame: FMJ Platinum
Lens: Gold Iridium
These are nice frames best for smaller faces IMO. The platinum and gold color scheme is a bit loud but it’s probably my favorite option for the Valves. The metal icon accents make it look less plastic and the platinum base has a rich matte finish which is sweet.
The fit is snug though it can tend to sit a little high up and fairly close to the face. You can’t beat the aggressive (frowning) style which is quite unique. It looks a little like a condensed version of the Unknown and coverage is good though it could be better. May not work for all, but definitely a nice addition to the lineup.
Frame: Grey
Lens: Grey
I have had my valves for a little over a year now. I used to think these were great until I got some Splices. I think it is more along the lines of these glasses just dont fit my face right. They sit a little to high on my nose, which makes it to where If I look down there is no lens cover at all. They are also a little tight behind my ears, sometimes seeming like it is "gripping" my face way to hard, other times I forget I am even wearing them. I find myself alot of times constantly pushing them back closer to my face, and are an absolute pain to wear on your head compared to others I have owned. Overall I love the look of them, the design is very aggresive, much improved from the original Eye jackets. They dont offer alot of colors to choice from, even though I am partial to oakleys more basic color schemes. Overall for the price I payed for them I cant complain. They will definatly stay in my Oakley collection.
Frame: Bronze
Lens: Titanium Iridium Polarized
I was going to wait a while before reviewing this, but I've had it for three days. I'll repost if things go awry.
This gets a five out of five. Fits nicely, though this is a bit on the smaller size for a big head like me. Still, at least as much peripheral vision as the Eye Jacket 2.0, so no complaints.
Pros: The lugs are a nice touch and seem to keep some resistance in the hinges (the O-Matter lugs on other models i.e. Ducati; JP Montoya may not be the same). The frame colour is unique. Lens tint is super (see Ti Polar review). Aesthetically a success, more curves than most jackets; very complex; aggressive without looking like a goofball.
Cons: Not really many. I was a bit disappointed that there was no Unobtainium on the arms but the design doesn't really allow it. It doesn't seem to make much difference anyway. I'm waiting to see if the frame will stretch.
The only ways to improve this model would be
1) an X-Metal cam like the Scar
2) with a FMJ/Polarized combination (Copper, Black Iridium Polarized, if you please)
But both of these would be pretty pricey.
Frame: Silver
Lens: Fire iridium
I have been searching all over the web for those in years,and finally found them in a store 10 miles away!And boy oh boy are they great.They have already a special place in my collection,since their design with the attractive lugs,initially released on the scar,are an element of attraction themselves already.The orbitals are smooth,but the sharp edges around the lenses are adding a bit of extremity,and the batwing earstems never allow you to frget their origin.This specific valve muust be the best of the line,it's the most attractive for sure,and there's no doubt why they were an OPD series model.The lenses are quite big,and the fit is just great.In fact they appear to be tighter than the half jackets,but the lack of unobtainium doesn't allow them to take the lead from the king of jackets.Still they are the nicest full frame o-matter oakley piece of eyewear.
Frame: Dark Grey
Lens: Grey
Ok, the combination I have is not the most interesting one. But even the other combinations look a bit boring I think. The fit is ok, but on my face the glasses look a bit too narrow vertically. The lenses get taller toward the outside edges and that doesn't look too good on me. Also the paint comes off from the frame and that is something I haven't experienced before.
Except for the FMJ Platinum version on all other Valve frames featuring FMJ just the small piece with the O icon is FMJ.
Overall not a favorite of me. But I like it enough to keep a pair in my collection since I really miss the times of the Scar, Splice, Plate and Valve and so I keep them in my collection.
I would recommend the Silver / Fire and Silver / Ice combinations!
Frame:fmj platinum/black/fmj silver
Lens:gold iridium/black iridium/fire iridium
Along with the splice,the valve must definitely be the most aggresive designs of oakley.The asymmetric almost rectangular/square orbitals with the big lenses and the exceeding fenders on the upper and lower sides of the orbitals,borrowed straight from mag switch,certainly give them a furious tone.Which by the way is further complimented by the two tone offset lugs and the batwing earstems,that,unlike the scars,are far more balnced,and in the end more matching to the overall concept.And while the splice boasted the two pattern frames,the valve is a homogenic ensemble,both aggresive and well defined.
Likewise,their fit,must be the best up to now in regard with the o-matter models.It fits to the head like a helmet,and never goes out.Whether it is the well calculated geometry of the earstems,the stiffness of them also,the unobtainium nosebombs,or the overall balanced design of theirs,one thing is for sure.They are definitely among the best jackets.
They also provide good coverage.Okay,the lenses might not be as wide as your new straight jackets' lenses are.But I never felt any lack of coverage,and the fact that they really look like television screens,should be taken under serious consideration whenever the coverage issue comes up.They also provide good coverage on the sides,due to their frame design,and it's one of the few times that I never felt the rays of sun hitting the lenses from their inner side.
One more thing that I feel obliged to point out is the majestic fmj finish.Whether it's 5.56,platinum,silver,or whatever,this brilliant idea of oakley,gives the glasses that it's applied on,a classy,expensive tone,and sets them apart the rest of the line.After all I think that all of us may be fed up with all this o-matter.The best flj finish that I have seen though,is the 5.56,on my twentys.However,all the valve moddels are equally distinguished by this great process.
Last but not least,the silver/fire model,with the great fire iridium lens,and the matching coloured lugs.It's definitely the valve philosophy in the maximum level.Aggresive and radical.If it weren't for the splice,I'd say that they're the best o'matter model ever.Even the five stars are not enough sometimes...
Frame: Dark Grey/Red - Ducati
Lens: Black Iridium
While most Oakleys feature lenses that scale down from thick to narrow (moving from the nosebridge to the temple), Valve lenses actually scale in the opposite manner. Angular, aggressive, and unique, the frame compliments the lenses perfectly while adding visual appeal. Sadly, it seems that the Valve didn't perform well at retail, so it was discontinued within a relatively short period of time. If you're an Oakley enthusiast, however, chances are you'd appreciate these shades for their fit, funcationality, and unique design.
The Ducati version is quite difficult to locate now, so pick these up if you have the opportunity.
Frame: Black FMJ
Lens: Polarized Black Iridium
Got these for the motorcycle. Needed something polarized (no compromising for vision while driving at break-neck speeds) and without unobtainium earsocks so I could slide them into the fabric of the helmet. These fit nicely inside and provide good eye coverage even with my helmet's visor up. The ear stems have a tendency to pop out on occasion, but they pop back in just as easily. The FMJ provides great contrast to the Black o-matter.
Frame: Platinum
Lens: Gold Iridium
I gotta admit I like these a lot more than I thought I would. The orbitals are awesomely aggressively shaped, mean lookin >:^) These fit me very well, look good on my face, and are snug but not too tight. Living in the Seattle area I love gold iridium, it's perfect for overcast to moderately sunny days. The coverage is good enough for driving as well. These are my first pair of O-matter frames and I'm liking them, although my scars have a tighter feel (it's the hinges) I like these more for the fit and mean style.
Frame: Platinum / Silver
Lens: Gold / Fire
The Scar was discontinued and in its wake the Plate and Valve remained. While the Plate went crazy the Valve took on a more conservative approach. But in the process they became a mere ordinary pair and nothing to gather much attention. They fit okay, but not exceptionally well. The sharp edges tend to wear, and the paint then comes off.
Frame: Silver
Lens: Fire Iridium
If asked what the most unnoticed and unappreciated Oakleys were, the Valves would top the list. The fit, functionality, and styling coalesce into a simple yet sophisticated form. With a lightweight o-matter frame that hugs your face despite the lack of unobtainium earsocks, these shades also offer superior coverage, even at the periphery. Oakley decided to include unobtainum nosebombs, which add comfort while reducing slippage. The lenses/orbitals also have an unique, aggressive architecture, while the earstems - although reminiscent of the Scar - are scaled-down and compliment the rest of the glasses perfectly. For this pair, the contrast of the silver frame with the Fire Iridium looks amazing.
Frame: Ducati
Lens: Ducati
The second addition to my Ducati line-up, these glasses appear to be for smalled faces. Had I looked at them and NOT tried them on, I would have never bought them. While a unique look on a bigger head, I find myself wearing these more and more.
The arms loosen up quickly, though. Still, I like them...and they won't be sold anytime soon.
Frame: Ducati
Lens: Black Iridium
The frames don't fit my face well - I have high cheek bones and the outer edges of the rim rests on my cheeks, leaving a mark after 20mins. However, they do feel nice and tight even without unobtainium on the stems. The Valves have a real aggressive look to them - quite different from other O-Matter looks. The Ducatis are definitely a show piece - the red stands out amongst the grey.
Frame:Bronze
Lens: Titanium Polarized
Definatley not my favorite pair the valves sit a little to close to my face, if they did not sit so close they would not give my eyes enough coverage. Because of the lack of unobtanium on the earstems they do not fit snug enough for anything other then everyday use.
Frame:Black & White
Lens:Black iridium & Fire Iridium
Had to buy both of these so i could breate the awesome black with orange accents and fire lens, looks so good and the by product of the white, silver and black looks pretty good to.
Frame: Black FMJ
Lens: Black Iridium
I got these really cheap off of the 'bay, and they were just too small for my face. If they made them exactly the same but bigger, they'd be worth a buy. They just don't stick to your face well enough without them being smashed into your eyes.
The coverage leaves something to be desired as well.
Frame: Black
Lens: Black iridium
Absolutely love the shape of the bridge, they're extremely comfy and very light and the O accent really gets them noticed, I also find the coverage on the valve to be very good but I think its an individual thing, they hug my head pretty well
Frame: Black- FMJ+
Lens: Black iridium
one of my favorite what a wonderful fit, great wrap almost fit like a google, probably one of the better glasses for bike riding
Frame: blue
Lens: black iridium
this is what I wear when I gotta get dirty for work. its a good casual pair cuz its rigid
Frame: Blue
Lens: Black Iridium
Frame: Bronze
Lens: Titanium Iridium Polarized
Like them wore them, gr8 looking, maybe small for some but the styling was gr8, price too.
very sleek design good material nice combos a good allaround sunglasses.
Frame: Grey (Ducati)
Lens: Black Iridium
I have the Ducati edition. It was my first Oakley. Then I kinda fell in love with 'em. The frame is excellent and definetly feels right. And the lenses are very high quality!
Frame: Black - FMJ+
Lens: Black Iridium
These are nicely designed sunglasses. They have Oakley all over them. This color scheme is really sweet with Black and Silver. The one problem I had with them was that they didn't fit me very well. They kind of floated above my nose. I have a filipino profile so maybe an the asian model would fit better.
Juan Pablo Montoya Edition
Frame: Dark Grey
Lens: Ice Iridium
Like the way it looks! But it is a little bit narrow for my face and when I wear it for long periods it starts to get uncomfortable.
Frame:Dark Grey
Lens:Ice
My first pair of valves, ive been wanting a pair for a while so i decided to go for the badass JPM sig version. these are very cool but valves are a little too small for my face even though they are comfortable to wear they look a bit silly.
great for the collection though!
Frame: Silver
Lens: Fire Iridium
These were my second pair of Oaks and were really what kicked off this very expensive obsession. I had a hard time choosing between these and the Silver/Ice Iridium combo. They are pretty comfortable but I would not recommend them for someone with a wider head structure.
Frame: Silver
Lens: Fire
I am of the strong belief that the Valve doesn't get the respect it deserves. I've always liked the design of these glasses, espcially the detail on the arms. They are a very easy pair to wear. I give them full marks.
Edit: sold them, guess I didn't like them as much as I thought I did.
Frame: Silver
Lens: Fire
A nice glass with very cool color choices. A great pair for someone that wants to go bold but not all out.
Frame: Dark Grey
Lens: Ice Iridium
I like Valves, though I've never owned a pair. They fitted my larger nose bridge pretty well and looked cool and interesting, and personally, I prefer them overall in comparison to Scars.
Frame: Black
Lens: Black Polarized
Nice color combo as well as a little harder to find since these are not sold at every Oakley dealer. Simple yet stylish. Polarized lenses, as with all Oakley polarized lenses, are top notch. Black lenses are dark but with all the sun where i live, these are perfect. One problem i have is that they have less open area and do tend to fog up if you are at a standstill and the temp is hot. Retail price is a bit higher than I might want to pay but a nice pair of shades none-the-less.
Frame: Black
Lens: Black Iridium
These are my kid brother's pairs. The lenses themselves look small on me but they look and fit much better on him. I really like the way the metal earstem lugs stand out and the overall look of this model is quite nice. They're supposed to be the succesors to the Scar but other than the metal lugs, they're really nothing alike. However, my bro really likes them and would probably give them a solid 4.
Frame: Blue
Lens: Black Iridium
I'll have to agree with many others. Valve just isn't as good as Scar, but for some reason it replaced it. The color combonations are alright, but Scar had better ones. On the good side, the orbitals are very aggresive. But thats about all I like. I would only recommend if you have a smaller face, and if you want a fairly inexpensive pair of glasses that still have some style to them.
Frame: Ducati
Lens: Black
Since I like the Scar so much. I see nothing that special with the valve except where the front orbitals protudes and the earstem holder faces the other way. I like it except that it was a little small in my face
Frame: Platinum
Lens: Gold
A pretty snug fit and tight overall curvature of the glasses. But the styling is pretty sweet. I like the frame shaping done around the lenses. Like the Scars before it, the jettison of some metal in the o-matter really makes them stand out. Given to me by my wife on our wedding night ... so I guess they'll hold a special place in my Oakley heart.
Frame: Silver
Lens: Ice Iridium
These aren't as comfortable as my old minutes upon initial wear, and doesn't seem to fit as well as my minutes, but after a few minutes of wearing them, u tend to forget that you're wearing them. They are very like and relatively comfortable. While i still prefer my old mintues, the design just looks awesome and has great lens clarity and perhiperhal vision! I'll only update these when i lose them (as i have with several minutes) or hopefully get some Juliets :)
Overall they aren't to bad, but can be tight at the arms for larger heads. I can feel them pressing down on the side of my head quite stiffly!
Frame: Black
Lens: Black Iridium
Valves are very comfortable and lite weight. sometimes I forget I have them on because they fit so nicely on my face. I think it's a way better design than the scars because of the way the frame feel, folds, and looks. If you want an inexpensive and trendy pair of shades, I recommend the valves.
Frame: Dark Grey - Ducati
Lens: Black
Very Cool design! i love how the red stands out from its grey frame.hate how it fits my head,