Oakley's iconic Radar sport glasses have been redesigned with an elegant hinge-lock mechanism that releases its interchangeable lens in seconds. RadarLock is the new name and it was developed to ensure a secure fit, which is necessary to maximize impact resistance, without introducing any flex to the lens to eliminate possible image distortion. RadarLock sunglasses are sold in two styles:
Pitch with a slightly larger lens and reduced ventilation and the
Path (shown here). Both feature an assortment of frame colors, mix-and-match 'O' icons and of course, Oakley's High Definition optics in 12 color treatments including polarized and photo-reactive options. RadarLock pricing ranges from $220 to $300 USD depending upon lens selection.
Get your game face on with Oakley's RadarLock sport glasses. When light conditions are variable, use the Switchlock function to quickly change out the lens to maximize visibility.
Those who want performance eye-wear that is nearly imperceptible on the face and head usually choose Oakley's Radar design. Much of the success of the Radar is due to its three-point contact - two hydrophylic earpieces grip the top of the ear and caress the curvature of the skull rather than hook around the ear lobes. The third point of contact is a simple nose-piece which is set flush with the lens to provide a maximum field-of-view. The well-vented lens hovers close to the face without touching, and wraps around the rider's entire field of view. The simplicity of the original Radar design was its selling point, however it required customers who paid top dollar for Radars to bend the frame well beyond their comfort levels to release or install a lens. While Oakley designed the frame to be flexed well beyond the degree needed to install a lens option (I watched as Oakley's Steve Blick twisted a Radar frame 360-degrees to prove that it would spring back to shape), it became obvious that a better solution was in order. Enter Switchlock technology.
Pop open a latch on the back of the hinge and the entire RadarLock temple swings forward, instantly releasing the lens.
Switchlock allows the wearer to flip a lever, swing the temple piece open and release the lens without flexing or pulling on the frames. In the case of the RadarLock, the release lever is flush-mounted near the left-side temple hinge. To replace the lens, slide the lens interface into the frame opposite the Switchlock temple, slip it into the groove in the upper frame, and then swing the Switchlock temple closed. A pin in the latching mech' secures the lens laterally, while the groove in the frame keeps the lens in optical alignment without putting stress on it.
A few RadarLock options to get you thinking about the possibilities.
Oakley casts its 'High Definition' lenses in a carefully engineered shape and then, depending upon the intended use, machines the final shape from the curved blank to eliminate distortion across the user's field of view. The man reason for Switchlock design is to maintain the engineered shape of the lens while holding it more securely in the frame. The second goal is to boost the impact resistance of the glasses. Oakley says that, the more secure the fit, the more energy is shared by the Radarlock's individual components, and impact resistance is dramatically improved.
Oakley includes a protective case, a cleaning-cloth pouch and a second lens option with RadarLock so your glasses will always be at the ready.
Oakley released RadarLock quietly into the marketplace early this Spring - first with its athletes - and more recently, at a number of specialty retailers. Those interested in sporting the new RadarLocks can browse
Oakley's on-line store if there is no place locally where you can see a pair in person.
