Oakley has been at the forefront of innovation for cycling sunglasses over the past two decades. We analyzed the top options so you can be at peak performance!

From the Olympics to the Tour de France, Oakley sunglasses have made appearances on the faces of top athletes around the world. It seems year after year Oakley has been able to innovate raising the level of performance. But to the average consumer, it can be a bit overwhelming. After all most of us aren’t in contention for a Gold medal (Silver maybe?). This guide breaks down the top Oakley cycling frames and lenses and what sets them apart.

What are the best Oakley cycling lenses?

Before we talk frames, we have to talk lenses. When you’re flying down a hill at 25mph+, lenses are what make the difference between seeing or avoiding that divot in the road.

In 2015, Oakley Prizm Lenses hit the market and changed high performance sunglasses forever. They soon followed up the release with the Prizm Road lens specifically built with cycling in mind. These lenses have 3 distinct specialties:

Spot hazards in the environment: From shadows to subtle changes in road texture, these lenses highlight the differences so you can avoid them Vibrant road signs and lane lines: We all know what happens when a cyclist meets an automobile, these lenses help to make sure that doesn’t happen Enhanced environment colors: Life is about enjoying the rides, from bright leaves and blue-er water, enhanced colors bring it to life

If you’re a serious cyclist, Prizm Road lenses are a must have. Luckily Oakley offers them in a variety of frames and sizes.

What are the best Oakley Cycling Sunglasses Frames?

Now that you’ve learned about the lenses, it’s time to make dig into the frames. No one wants their frames flying off their face on a turn or slipping off while grabbing their water. Oakley has continually enhanced their glasses to meet the challenges of today’s modern riders. We’ll cover the most popular cycling frames and the features of each.

Jawbreaker

Oakley Jawbreaker Sunglasses



One of Oakley’s latest cycling glasses, the Jawbreaker offers an even wider range of vision than the Radar Path. The “Jaw” part of the name really refers to Oakley’s Switchlock functionality, which allows the user to quickly swap their lenses for different conditions.

Additionally they feature the classic Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads. These rubber pieces keep your sunglasses from slipping off your face even when sweating on a downhill.

Flak 2.0

Oakley flak 2.0 sunglasses with sapphire iridium lens

The successor to the Flak Jackets, the Flak 2.0 is a great all around sport sunglass. They offer a half frame lens with a traditional nose bridge, so your range of vision may be somewhat obstructed compared to a visor lens. If you’re not a fan of the visor look, these should likely be high on your list.

A key enhancement in the Flak 2.0 is the Unobtainium earsocks which lock into the cutout between the ear stem and the classic Oakley “O” symbol. This helps solve previous generations issues of the earsocks sliding off your glasses after intense sweating/heat.

Flight Jacket

Oakley Flight Jacket (left) vs. Jawbreaker (right)

The “other half rim” sunglasses, the Flight Jacket offers a unique brow less design. Along with a wide range of vision, this can offer better compatibility with your helmet while cycling if you notice your sunglasses constantly hitting up top. Similar to the other glasses in this post, they offer unobtanium earsocks for extra grip.

You can read more in member Ventrucks complete review of the Flight Jacket here.

Radar EV

Radar EV Advancer Sunglasses

The Radar EV is the third generation Radar model sunglasses, featuring the same half frame visor as its predecessors. Lenses are still swappable similar to previous Radar glasses. Additionally they offer the same e Unobtanium earsocks and nosepad for grip.

If you enjoy the half frame along with a visor lens, you’ll likely land on the Radar EV. Additionally they’re offered in a variety of lens shapes and sizes to meet most face sizes.

EV Zero

Oakley EV Zero while Cycling

If the Flak 2.0 and Radar EV are still too much frame for you, look no further than the Oakley EV Zero. One of the sport frames to feature a completely rimless lens, while still built for durability and performance. These glasses use a similar nose grip and earlock to the Radar line for maximum grip on your face while cycling.

Unfortunately along with a rimless design, comes the limitations. Currently lens swapping in not available for the EV Zero, so if you’re looking to change it up, you may want to think twice.

M2 Frame

M2 Sunglasses

Traditionally a military frame, the M2 frame has equally been popular with athletes. The M2’s predecessor the original M frame was popular with MLB players for it’s large visor lens. The M2 has continued that tradition and is a fantastic option for cyclings thanks to a large field of vision.

Are prescription lenses available?

Don’t have perfect vision? Don’t worry, you can still have the best oakley cycling sunglasses with your prescription. eCurrently all of the frames here mentioned are available with prescription lenses. Many of these are also available with Prizm road prescription lenses so you don’t have to sacrifice performance due to your vision.

So which pair are you getting for your next ride? Let us know in the comments below.