Gear Review: OAKLEY Flak 2.0 XL “Prizm” Sunglasses

I am a sucker with sunglasses! There was a time that I bought 3 dozens of sunglasses during my visit in the United States which I gave most to some of my running friends with the intention of giving them as a gift. These are cheap sunglasses that any runner can use in trail running or road races without the thought of being broken or lost along the route. In a sense, they are disposable! Up to this time, I am still using three pairs of these sunglasses alternately during my heat training workouts.

In my collection of sunglasses, they are categorized as either fashion or sports sunglasses. In my early days of running in the 80s, I would use the Sports Sunglasses of Ray-Ban until my favorite “Olympic Model” just vanished from the market. What I have now are the Classic Aviator, Classic Clubmaster, Classic Wayfarer, and the Classic Round Metal Classic but I only use them in my casual wear and local & foreign trips. I never use them in my Sports activities.

When it comes to running and hiking/outdoor activities, I would prefer to use my Oakleys. Actually, I have five (5) pairs of Sports Oakley Sunglasses and they are in different styles: Turbine; M2 Frame; Frogskins; Half Jacket; and Flak 2.0. Except for the Flak 2.0, the rest were assembled and bought in the United States.

For the past two months, I’ve been using the Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Polarized Sunglasses which I bought at Sunglass Haven in Metro Manila.  This is the second most expensive Sports Sunglass in my collection and it is worth the price of more than Thirteen Thousand Pesos! 

For the past two months that I have been using the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Polarized Sunglass, I have observed that it is very light due to its lightweight O Matter™ stress-resistant frame which sits snugged on my nose and ears and I did not feel any movement of the whole sunglass in every step and stride I made during my runs and hikes. I did not have to make any adjustments on the sunglass once I used it from the box. I have observed that the lower portion of the lenses don’t touch the upper part of my cheeks as compared to my other sports sunglasses.

The design of the frame and the lenses are for lasting comfort and performance. The lenses don’t touch any part of my face that may cause irritation or marks to my skin. The shape and configuration of the lenses also allow some air to get inside the space between the lens and the eyes preventing the lens from getting any mist due to my warm face and perspiration. There are some sports sunglasses that have holes on the lenses to prevent such mist but in this particular model, there are none. The frame is also fitted fully well on my ears that I could not feel that I am wearing the said sunglass. The rubber stirrups are well designed not give pressure and marks on the skin above my ears.

The optics is high-tech as it is called “Prizm” which is a High Definition Optics that sharpens the vision and highlights the elements often not clear when using other lenses. Aside from seeing my surroundings in the outdoors clearer than other lenses, they are not tiring to the eyes. During day time, I use it while I am driving my car and I feel alert seeing the details of what I see in front of me  and on my side and rear mirrors.

I am really amazed with the performance of this sports sunglasses as I used it for the first time in the The North Face Hongkong 50K Ultra Trail Race. It was hot and sunny day in the Wilson Trail during the event but my eyesight was very clear and refreshing that I did not have a chance to remove it during daytime. What I observed in the lenses was that my perspiration does not leave any mark once it is dried. My sweat just simply slide on the surface of the lens leaving no trace at all. During nighttime, I just simply clipped the sunglass on top of the visor of my cap and it stays snugged on my cap. I really appreciate the versatility of this sports sunglass.

The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Polarized Sport Sunglass provided me with much comfort, clarity in my vision around me, protection from dust, elements and whatever things that would harm my eyesight, and I guess, it gives me good looks, of course! I highly recommend this product as a casual wear when you are exposed to sunlight, when you are driving, and when you are engaged in any outdoor sports. It is worth as an investment for a healthier and clearer vision and protection to your eyes.

(Note: I am not Sponsored By Oakley)