Questions For Jim Jannard!

[dr.chop]

I was wondering how the news of Lance's admission of doping hit you given all the support you showed him back in the day when everyone else bailed? You were such a vocal supporter and it just hurt so many to hear that.

 

[Razerwire]

Hi Jim,

If the day comes where RED as a company achieves what you want it to be, would you ever go back to sunglasses or is that a chapter that has definitely closed? If so, what would be your next endeavor (without giving away too much, of course. )

 

[Max Fearlight]

Jim, is there a possibility of RED products for the prosumer/consumer market in the future? MFL.

 

[jim jannard]

Other than helping Oakley if they ask, my sunglass days are likely over. RED is working on new stuff that just might translate to consumer. We'll see...

Jim

 

[GRFMotorsports]

I had heard that once the non compete clause was over you might be interested in perusing a new high end sunglasses adventure. Although there might not be any want to it at the moment, is this something that has crossed your mind in the past?

 

[jim jannard]

I had heard that once the non compete clause was over you might be interested in perusing a new high end sunglasses adventure. Although there might not be any want to it at the moment, is this something that has crossed your mind in the past?

As I mentioned... the only sunglass effort I would make going forward would be to help Oakley if there ever ask.

Jim

 

[Ian Pham]

I haven't read the whole thread so I don't know if this question has been asked. But just wondering why the X-Metal/Romeo/Juliet are being phased out.

 

[Rezechs]

The X metal plant was shut down due to safety reasons I belive?

 

[InfiniteHero]

I think there is a thread with a link to an article. This has been explained pretty well. I also think there is a youtube video showing the process. You will have to google it. Many reasons for the shut down. Safety, cost etc...... It was in Nevada and the process was highly toxic. I believe, they just didn't want to risk it anymore. I can't say anymore with authenticity, so you will have to do the research. I hope this helps

 

[Batwolf]

I'm sure there are a lot of factors that went into that decision and since Jim wasn't around when they decided to pull the plug, he might not have an answer for that.

To add to what everyone else mentioned, the process of making X-Metal frames is extremely volatile and dangerous. So dangerous in fact that California wouldn't permit Oakley building a plant there hence why it was located in Nevada. Add in the costs of manufacturing such a product, combined with employee wages, benefits, rising costs of precious materials and so on and so on. Would it still be around if Oakley was still an independent company? Hard to say and I don't think there is one answer floating around that will answer everyone's question relating to this topic.

Seriously, it's done and it's in the past. Time to move on or enjoy what X-Metals you do have because they are truly a work of art. It had a good run of nearly 15 years. I bet you can't find many companies out there that have made a line of products for that long.