Hello OF,
A few months back, I was sent a pair of LG Nxt Varia lenses to review from @SEAN WAYNE. I will admit, initially, I was a bit skeptic as I am typically an OEM only guy. However, I decided that I would be as objective as I can be and give the lenses a fair shot. Over the past few months, I have worn these and compared them with my other Oakley OEM lenses. I wanted a long term comparison, as I felt it was more objective and fair - since the lenses have a lot of technology packed into them. I did not want all the cool things the lenses do to artificially inflate the review.
First off, I would like to discuss the material composition of the lens:
- They are composed of TRIVEX (what NXT refers to) and are an upgrade over polycarbonate - offering as much impact protection, but increased clarity.
Varia - What does it mean?
Now, I would like to mention that these lenses have another marketing term: "VARIA". It stands for variable light transmission. So, in reduced light settings, the lens will allow in more light (whilst still hiding your eyes due to the iridium layer). Alternatively, in increased light settings, the light transmission will decrease. They do get dark enough to the point that I can wear them in both the sunniest of days as well as the cloudiest of days. It definitely is a very versatile lens! Additionally, when the lenses darken, the iridium changes slightly as well. I notice that the iridium will go from new fire iridium (in low light) to old school fire iridium (in bright light).
Fitment
Fitment was on par with OEM. It was a perfect fit for the model I tested them in (Pitboss I). I popped them into various Pitboss I frames and each one accepted the lens perfectly with no signs of wiggle or gaps shown.
Clarity
I am particularly sensitive to clarity, and in all honesty - I found these lenses as clear, if not clearer than OEM Oakley lenses. This may be due to the upgraded material choice. I am no expert, but I would attribute it to that.
Depth Perception
These lenses appeared to be prism compensated. As a result, no depth distortion was found.
Headaches?
I experienced absolutely no headaches with these and I have been known to be particularly sensitive.
Overall Opinion
While these lenses, admittedly, are a bit pricey. I do think that they are worth the money (especially when they go on sale). They are definitely a good alternative to OEM lenses - especially for frames where there may not be an OEM donor available.
Million Dollar Question - Would You Personally Buy Them?
Yes, and no. I would buy them for a frame where an Oakley OEM matching BC donor does not exist (C-Six, for example). However, for other situations, I would not. That decision, however, is due to the fact that I have many donor lenses I can cut. For someone not in that situation, these would be a good choice. I can say if an OEM matching BC donor did not exist, I could happily pick these and not feel like I was missing out on Oakley quality or clarity.
Pictures (to show difference in iridium in indoor conditions vs. outdoor sunny conditions):
Indoor conditions, ambient lighting:
@Linegear Japan Now you just need to start making lenses for an Oakley C-Six!
A few months back, I was sent a pair of LG Nxt Varia lenses to review from @SEAN WAYNE. I will admit, initially, I was a bit skeptic as I am typically an OEM only guy. However, I decided that I would be as objective as I can be and give the lenses a fair shot. Over the past few months, I have worn these and compared them with my other Oakley OEM lenses. I wanted a long term comparison, as I felt it was more objective and fair - since the lenses have a lot of technology packed into them. I did not want all the cool things the lenses do to artificially inflate the review.
First off, I would like to discuss the material composition of the lens:
- They are composed of TRIVEX (what NXT refers to) and are an upgrade over polycarbonate - offering as much impact protection, but increased clarity.
Varia - What does it mean?
Now, I would like to mention that these lenses have another marketing term: "VARIA". It stands for variable light transmission. So, in reduced light settings, the lens will allow in more light (whilst still hiding your eyes due to the iridium layer). Alternatively, in increased light settings, the light transmission will decrease. They do get dark enough to the point that I can wear them in both the sunniest of days as well as the cloudiest of days. It definitely is a very versatile lens! Additionally, when the lenses darken, the iridium changes slightly as well. I notice that the iridium will go from new fire iridium (in low light) to old school fire iridium (in bright light).
Fitment
Fitment was on par with OEM. It was a perfect fit for the model I tested them in (Pitboss I). I popped them into various Pitboss I frames and each one accepted the lens perfectly with no signs of wiggle or gaps shown.
Clarity
I am particularly sensitive to clarity, and in all honesty - I found these lenses as clear, if not clearer than OEM Oakley lenses. This may be due to the upgraded material choice. I am no expert, but I would attribute it to that.
Depth Perception
These lenses appeared to be prism compensated. As a result, no depth distortion was found.
Headaches?
I experienced absolutely no headaches with these and I have been known to be particularly sensitive.
Overall Opinion
While these lenses, admittedly, are a bit pricey. I do think that they are worth the money (especially when they go on sale). They are definitely a good alternative to OEM lenses - especially for frames where there may not be an OEM donor available.
Million Dollar Question - Would You Personally Buy Them?
Yes, and no. I would buy them for a frame where an Oakley OEM matching BC donor does not exist (C-Six, for example). However, for other situations, I would not. That decision, however, is due to the fact that I have many donor lenses I can cut. For someone not in that situation, these would be a good choice. I can say if an OEM matching BC donor did not exist, I could happily pick these and not feel like I was missing out on Oakley quality or clarity.
Pictures (to show difference in iridium in indoor conditions vs. outdoor sunny conditions):
Indoor conditions, ambient lighting:
@Linegear Japan Now you just need to start making lenses for an Oakley C-Six!
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