On the eve of the 2018 Paris-Roubaix, eyewear industry leaders Oakley released its all-new Flight Jacket and Field Jacket sunglasses for the world to see. No strangers to producing high-end activity specific eyewear, the new shades look to build on the high standards that the American company is so well known for.
With a host of innovative features such as Advancer Anti-Fog technology and a refined aesthetic, Oakley has clearly begun evolving its products to suit consumer demands, building on the high benchmark set by activity-specific products such as the Jawbreaker. So without further adieu, see below for six things to know about the all-new Field Jacket and Flight Jacket sunglasses.
1. Worst Kept Secret
With so many big name teams and athletes on its ambassador roster, there was little chance that Oakley's latest and greatest wouldn't be noticed by the cycling world. The Flight Jacket has been spotted in recent weeks on athletes such as reigning world cross-country champion Nino Schurter, Team Dimension Data as well as German sprint sensation Marcel Kittel of Katusha-Alpecin. However, through-out all of this hype, Oakley kept silent on the details.
2. Fighting Fog with the Flick of a Switch
Arguably the most important innovation the new shades possess is what Oakley has dubbed "Advancer Technology". Essentially what Advancer does is allow riders to shift the glasses out and away from the face, offering increased airflow behind the lens which is said to aid in the dissipation of fog. The Advancer nose bridge is activated by a toggle switch located on the front of the glasses.
3. Semi-Frameless Design
Whilst the aesthetic of both the Flight Jacket and Field Jacket take a queue from its stablemate, the Jawbreaker, there's more to the design than meets the eye. The Flight Jacket in particular features a semi-frameless design that is said to promote a greater field of view and aid in ventilation without sacrificing the impact resistance touted on framed models elsewhere in the Oakley range.
4. Prescription Ready
Whilst it misses on the sleek semi-frameless design, the goggle-like Field Jacket has an ace up its sleeve in that the two lenses can be swapped out for prescription lenses if you require. Whilst this ability isn't all that new, it still shows that Oakley is committed to providing access to its newest innovations to those with prescription needs
5. Adjustable Arms
The Flight Jacket also scores interchangeable arms. Attaching beside the temples, the interchangeable arm lengths are said to aid in allowing the sunglasses to better fit with different styles of helmets. This should stop helmets with lower-set retention systems forcing your sunnies to slide down, or sit incorrectly on your face.
6. Oakley Cycling Collection
The Flight Jacket and Field Jacket compliment the new range of Oakley ARO cycling helmets and premium cycling kit. The "Cycling Collection" signifies the industry giant's intentions to be more than just an eyewear provider to the sport of cycling, providing cyclists with a complete range of on the bike clothing and accessories.
7. Pricing and Availability
Whilst Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed, both the Flight Jacket and Field Jacket are available globally right now at Oakley.com and selected premium retailers. Check with your local bike shop for local stock availability.
The Flight Jacket is available in the following colour/lens configurations;
Matte Black with Prizm Road
Matte Black / Redline with Prizm Ruby Polarized
Matte Black / Orange with Prizm Trail
Matte Grey / Carbon with Prizm Low Light
Matte Navy / Retina Burn with Prizm Road
Matte White with Prizm Sapphire
Neon Pink / Polished black with Prizm Road
Steel Grey with Photochromic
The Field Jacket is available in the following colour/lens configurations;
Polished black with Prizm Road
Polished matte white with Prizm Road
Matte dark grey / Celeste with Prizm Trail
Retina Burn / Carbon with Prizm Road
Matte Black / Carbon with Photochromic
Matte Black / Olive with Prizm Tungsten Polarized
Polished Black with Prizm Black Polarized
Balsam / Arctic-Surf with Prizm Sapphire
In the market for a new set of shades? Shop the wide range of Cycling Eyewear available from leading retailers across the country right here, on BikeExchange.
