Peeling Oakley Lenses - suggestions?

[Rapunzel]

I purchased radarlocks in immaculate condition on BikeHub a few days back - immaculate condition and 2-3 years old. Saturday's ride was very misty so took the gogs off my helmet when the sun appeared to find the moisture from the mist had caused the coating on both the outside and inside of the lenses to bubble and peel to the point I couldn't see through them and touching the lenses left glittery coating all over my fingers.
Unsurprisingly I didn't get anywhere with Sunglass Hut (even If I had proof of purchase and they were less than 2 years old, "it's the soap you cleaned them with , the sunblock you use, your hair products, the way you store it, .... but Oakley's never fail").

I've previously tried Revu replacement lenses but they're very thin and distort badly.

 

Any suggestions on how to get the rest of the coating off the lenses so they can be used again? I've tried the microfibre cleaning case but it only gets the loose pieces off.

Btw, if you purchase Oakley replacement lenses from Sunglass Hut, they have no warranty even with proof of purchase, only complete glasses do.

[DieselnDust]

56 minutes ago, Rapunzel said:

I purchased radarlocks in immaculate condition on BikeHub a few days back - immaculate condition and 2-3 years old. Saturday's ride was very misty so took the gogs off my helmet when the sun appeared to find the moisture from the mist had caused the coating on both the outside and inside of the lenses to bubble and peel to the point I couldn't see through them and touching the lenses left glittery coating all over my fingers.
Unsurprisingly I didn't get anywhere with Sunglass Hut (even If I had proof of purchase and they were less than 2 years old, "it's the soap you cleaned them with , the sunblock you use, your hair products, the way you store it, .... but Oakley's never fail").

I've previously tried Revu replacement lenses but they're very thin and distort badly.

 

Any suggestions on how to get the rest of the coating off the lenses so they can be used again? I've tried the microfibre cleaning case but it only gets the loose pieces off.

Btw, if you purchase Oakley replacement lenses from Sunglass Hut, they have no warranty even with proof of purchase, only complete glasses do.

The best solution for Oakley is to throw them in the bin and move on.

The longest lasting coated lenses seem to be 100%. Mine are 6 years old and no signs of peeling, both pairs. My experience with Oakley is pretty much as you describe even with POP.

[Cheabb78]

1 hour ago, Rapunzel said:

I purchased radarlocks in immaculate condition on BikeHub a few days back - immaculate condition and 2-3 years old. Saturday's ride was very misty so took the gogs off my helmet when the sun appeared to find the moisture from the mist had caused the coating on both the outside and inside of the lenses to bubble and peel to the point I couldn't see through them and touching the lenses left glittery coating all over my fingers.
Unsurprisingly I didn't get anywhere with Sunglass Hut (even If I had proof of purchase and they were less than 2 years old, "it's the soap you cleaned them with , the sunblock you use, your hair products, the way you store it, .... but Oakley's never fail").

I've previously tried Revu replacement lenses but they're very thin and distort badly.

 

Any suggestions on how to get the rest of the coating off the lenses so they can be used again? I've tried the microfibre cleaning case but it only gets the loose pieces off.

Btw, if you purchase Oakley replacement lenses from Sunglass Hut, they have no warranty even with proof of purchase, only complete glasses do.

Not that I've stopped buying them, but every pair I've had looks like your picture after a few years.  Was thinking of replacing directly from Oakley, but will face the same again in the near future. Sorry, no suggestions from me.

[gemmerbal]

EyewearSA. I have bought from them before and will do so again (Radar EV and Racing Jacket lenses). Legit Oakley lenses are not cheap, but if its what we want, then thats the price we have to pay. I have bought non OEM replacement lenses before, Revant if I'm not mistaken, won't do it again. The fit is crap and the lenses are less durable than OEM Oakley lenses and don't even ask about the so-called polarized lenses the sell!

Oakleys for the win! Just a pity some of their new designs look like someon was on an epic mushroom trip when it was conceived...

I am ordering replacement Photochromic lenses for my Radar EV's next. I pay the R2000 with a smile.

Edited October 13, 2025 by gemmerbal

[NC_lurker]

Unfortunately this seems to be a common Oakley issue. After experiencing the same with a couple of pairs I switched to Rudy Project and haven't had any issues at all.

[The Ouzo]

if this keeps happening, why do people still swear by Oakleys ?

This is certainly not the first time I've read about this happening, yet, as proved by the posts in this thread, some people will just keep buying them

If they were cheap to buy and you could treat them as disposable then by all means, but they are certainly not cheap.

[DieselnDust]

7 minutes ago, The Ouzo said:

if this keeps happening, why do people still swear by Oakleys ?

This is certainly not the first time I've read about this happening, yet, as proved by the posts in this thread, some people will just keep buying them

If they were cheap to buy and you could treat them as disposable then by all means, but they are certainly not cheap.

Some brands are "Godlike" and will be evengelised. Misery loves company I guess.

I''ve had better results with Rudy Project, 100% and even D'arcs. I use D'arcs for Mtb mostly (the Peak) and they last long enough, are comfortable, don't distort and accept prescription lens inserts. For R1200 bucks all my boxes are ticked.

[Rapunzel]

9 minutes ago, The Ouzo said:

if this keeps happening, why do people still swear by Oakleys ?

This is certainly not the first time I've read about this happening, yet, as proved by the posts in this thread, some people will just keep buying them

If they were cheap to buy and you could treat them as disposable then by all means, but they are certainly not cheap.

For some of us, the fit is an issue. I have a narrow nose bridge and have tried Salice, Rudy Project and Adidas and if I could get their quality with Oakley's fit it would be awesome.

[DieselnDust]

12 minutes ago, Rapunzel said:

For some of us, the fit is an issue. I have a narrow nose bridge and have tried Salice, Rudy Project and Adidas and if I could get their quality with Oakley's fit it would be awesome.

true, Oakley does have a wider fit range than other brands that seem to cater for everyone over 6ft2'.

I feel your pain on this one

[gemmerbal]

41 minutes ago, The Ouzo said:

if this keeps happening, why do people still swear by Oakleys ?

This is certainly not the first time I've read about this happening, yet, as proved by the posts in this thread, some people will just keep buying them

If they were cheap to buy and you could treat them as disposable then by all means, but they are certainly not cheap.

I got 12 yrs out of my original Racing Jacket lenses. Radar EVs still too new to draw a comparison. The photochromic lens I am replacing was a 2nd hand purchase which was destroyed when I got it - sadly, the seller could have been more accurate as to the condition of the lens, but it was still good enough to last me about 4yrs.

If things get used, they dont last. Thats just the way I see it. For years I refused to buy Oakleys because of the price, but once I got over myself, I cant see myself going to something else.

BUT, as always, each to his/her own.

[The Ouzo]

1 minute ago, gemmerbal said:

I got 12 yrs out of my original Racing Jacket lenses. Radar EVs still too new to draw a comparison. The photochromic lens I am replacing was a 2nd hand purchase which was destroyed when I got it - sadly, the seller could have been more accurate as to the condition of the lens, but it was still good enough to last me about 4yrs.

If things get used, they dont last. Thats just the way I see it. For years I refused to buy Oakleys because of the price, but once I got over myself, I cant see myself going to something else.

BUT, as always, each to his/her own.

well when you put into context how long they've lasted you, then it doesnt look so ridiculous to keep buying them, but most of the stories I've read people make it seem like it happened within 1 - 2 years of ownership.

[gemmerbal]

21 minutes ago, The Ouzo said:

well when you put into context how long they've lasted you, then it doesnt look so ridiculous to keep buying them, but most of the stories I've read people make it seem like it happened within 1 - 2 years of ownership.

I cant speak on their behalf. I try and keep it in good condition, and if its not on my face, its either on my cycling helmet or in its sakkie. NEVER on my kop. And wash with very mild hand soap if/when needed.

[DieselnDust]

19 minutes ago, The Ouzo said:

well when you put into context how long they've lasted you, then it doesnt look so ridiculous to keep buying them, but most of the stories I've read people make it seem like it happened within 1 - 2 years of ownership.

in my case, all were still within the warranty period when the lens coating peeled off. None were warrantied. 

Wait I lie, one was warrantied at Cycletour Expo when one of the reps saw my lens was peeling and grabbed them off my head and gave me brand new pair. The resthave all been rejected due to "sweat is too strong", improper cleaning (Cold water and oakley lens cleaner is apparently not correct), Not storing in Oakley branded sunglasses bag ( I used a Sunglasses hut pouch they placed in the box).

Back in the 90's when Oakley had a branch in Cape Town ( Black River Business Park) their service was good and fair. The last 20 yrs or so since luxotica took over good and fair service is gone

[gemmerbal]

1 minute ago, DieselnDust said:

in my case, all were still within the warranty period when the lens coating peeled off. None were warrantied. 

Wait I lie, one was warrantied at Cycletour Expo when one of the reps saw my lens was peeling and grabbed them off my head and gave me brand new pair. The resthave all been rejected due to "sweat is too strong", improper cleaning (Cold water and oakley lens cleaner is apparently not correct), Not storing in Oakley branded sunglasses bag ( I used a Sunglasses hut pouch they placed in the box).

Back in the 90's when Oakley had a branch in Cape Town ( Black River Business Park) their service was good and fair. The last 20 yrs or so since luxotica took over good and fair service is gone

I agree with Luxxotica/Sunglass Hut not living up to the standard of the earlier years. I wonder if Oakley HQ is aware because I just get a feeling that this level of service will not be acceptable in Yanky Doodle Country - I have no point of reference to make that statement, its just a hunch.

[Stretched@Birth]

I have a pair of Radar Lock's.  Bought new with 3 lenses, 1 Grey, one Rose and one polarized Grey.  The glasses and lenses get stored in an Oakley case.  The coating on the rose lens started to crackle first, about 2 weeks later the grey lens and about a month later the polarized lens.  Almost as if all had reached their sell by date at the same time.  

I've always been an Oakley fan, but will not be replacing these with Oakley's after this experience.

[droo]

59 minutes ago, gemmerbal said:

I agree with Luxxotica/Sunglass Hut not living up to the standard of the earlier years. I wonder if Oakley HQ is aware because I just get a feeling that this level of service will not be acceptable in Yanky Doodle Country - I have no point of reference to make that statement, its just a hunch.

Oakley is owned by Luxottica, so they most likely are aware. 

They used to be pretty good with replacing lenses, I had quite a few pairs back in the day - but in my case it was only the polarised lenses that peeled after about 5 years. Walked in to their store in Black River Park and got sorted for a few hundred bucks in about half an hour. No more, it seems.