Prizm vs. Polarized Lenses | Oakley Differences Explained

[Sushobhon]

The Ruby Prizm tint is seemingly a better version of Fire already.

Yes you are right.

 

[adamsapple19]

I was thinking the same thing! But, from what I've heard is that Prizm Ruby is going to be the only lens of the two and there won't be any Prize Fire, which is something that I don't understand because of the popularity of the lens, though in the fall I've heard of Prizm Violet, Prizm Emerald and Prizm 24k coming out.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, I can't fathom them discontinuing the Fire. Regardless of the view through the lens (the current greenish/yellowish) it is super stunning from the other side EDIT: **if you get lenses from the right batch**.

The Fire lens (from the view of other people) is basically what got me back into Oakleys after a substantial hiatus.

Surely they'll find a way to reproduce Fire in Prizm with a modified view through the lens...?

 

[JC1966]

newbie here, so many lenses to choose from, I just want them all, but for motorcycle riding the sun glare at time s is what I am after to getr rid of, so which lenses work best to keep away glare from sun while on a motorcycle....I really want to find a decent pair os the discontinued Wind Jacket, it keeps the wind and I suppose the glare away too??? So most or all Oakleys are able to change out the, Is that one sure way to tell rom all the fakes out there?? if they say the leses do not interchage, or does some of the real ones still not interchange??

 

[Sushobhon]

newbie here, so many lenses to choose from, I just want them all, but for motorcycle riding the sun glare at time s is what I am after to getr rid of, so which lenses work best to keep away glare from sun while on a motorcycle....I really want to find a decent pair os the discontinued Wind Jacket, it keeps the wind and I suppose the glare away too??? So most or all Oakleys are able to change out the, Is that one sure way to tell rom all the fakes out there?? if they say the leses do not interchage, or does some of the real ones still not interchange??

Black iridium polarized is the best lens for keeping glare away from the sun.. It has a 9% light transmission and it is a neutral grey base lens.

 

[jb1]

There are a few guides on tinternet, although not updated for Prizm yet that I've found.

Lists:
Oakley Sunglass Lenses Types - The Internet Opticians
Oakley Sunglasses Lenses Information

Simulation:
Oakley Lens Simulator - Lens Guide | Blaze Sunglasses

Hope that helps.

If anyone's found a better list do let us know!

Cheers

Just my luck, they don't have the Prizm Black Iridium to compare to the VR28 Polarized....

 

[Zixxer]

My only prizm glasses are the Mainlink Prizm Deep Water. Bought them just before our holiday to a Greek Island: the colours you see with the lenses a truly so much more spectacular compared to my Jupiter Squared Tungsten Polarized lenses. My wife had no idea why I was so enthousiastic about some overviews, until she put on my glasses.
If possible, I’ll only go for prizm from now on.

 

[johnalism]

As I've mentioned elsewhere in the Oakley Forum, I am a sunglass newbie...so pardon me if this is a laughably ridiculous question...

Years ago I bought my first pair of polarized sunglasses. I was dumbfounded by the difference, and was determined I wouldn't buy a pair without polarization.

I've noticed some Oakley lenses aren't polarized. What's the advantages/reason to Prizm lenses that *aren't* the Polarized Prizm?

I'm thinking of buying my first pair of nice sunglasses soon, leaning heavily toward Oakley after initially being interested in Costa Del Mar. I sure have questions, but feel a little dumb asking most of them. Trying to do my homework because this will be the first time I spend more than $40 on sunglasses, and I want to be thrilled with what I get.

 

[Atticus]

Some polarized lenses cause odd artifacts that can be seen. I see it a lot when driving and seeing LED break lights.
I’m not a huge fan of polarization, as it seems to make reflections look “off” in color, too.
With that said, people still put more “value” on polarization, but not everyone likes it.

 

[VirusSixZero]

Polarization is a tool, like any other. It's great for reducing glare. It's not great in flat or medium to low light conditions, and it tends to mess with depth perception and some terrain contour reading. It's a great option to have access to, but it makes the lens specialized, not necessarily versatile.

Prizm is the proprietary Oakley lens tinting process to enhance some colours to be a bit more vibrant. Whether you care about contrast or how much a lens messes with colour perception is a personal choice. In general, Prizm is versatile, and doesn't make a lens worse at what you bought it for. You should not think a "standard" lens with no Prizm, and no polarization is inherently crappier.

My advice is to try on pairs of sunglasses, and in particular try out different lens tints. Prizm tends to give lenses for everyday wear a slight rosy hue. Some prefer a grey lens that doesn't mess with colours as they naturally appear. Some people like a brown lens in sunny or overcast conditions for the soothing effect on the eyes without darkening so much as a grey lens.

You want to start your research with an idea of what you want to get out of the sunglasses. Do you want something you can wear every day in a lot of conditions? Do you want something for a sport or hobby you enjoy? Do you want something that will go with a specific outfit like a business suit, a uniform, or a sports jersey? With a few ideas of what you want, you can start looking at products designed for that role or look.

 

[SpliceD]

Here's a great article explaining everything:

Oakley Prizm Lenses - The Complete Guide

A complete guide to Oakley Prizm Lenses, Sunglasses and Goggles! Find out what Prizm is, why it's different, and how it can help you on and off the field!

www.oakleyforum.com