Family: Active / Jackets
Date: Spring 2003-2005

Frame:
Lens:
A unique hybrid of technologies and materials, Oakley Valve® eyewear combines stress-resistant O Matter® frame material with sculptural earstem lugs. Select models utilize 1000 amperes of electricity to encase these dimensional elements in an alloyed metal jacket. The remarkably lightweight design surpasses ANSI Industrial Standards for impact protection. Patented XYZ Optics® provide clarity at all angles of view while Unobtainium® nosebombs maintain a comfortable grip. Prescription ready.
Black
Black Iridium Polarized
$180
12-837
Black - FMJ+
Black Iridium
$115
03-875
Blue - FMJ+
Black Iridium
$115
03-877
Bronze
Titanium Iridium Polarized
$180
03-878
Dark Grey
Grey
$115
03-880
Dark Grey
Ice Iridium
$125
12-675
Dark Grey - Red
Black Iridium
$120
12-638
FMJ Platinum - FMJ+
Gold Iridium
$150
03-876
Matte Black - Orange
Black Iridium
$140
12-707
Silver
Fire Iridium
$115
03-879
Silver
Ice Iridium
$130
12-642



Ed -
Frame: Bronze
Lens: Titanium Iridium Polarized

Finally got a pair of these even though they've been out for quite some time. The lugged earstems are somewhat similar to Scar, but Valve is a totally different animal. The frame is much more compact, and the lenses get taller toward the outside edges. This gives the lenses a unique shape, although the bottom corners of the frame tend to sit on my cheeks. I don't mind too much as long as I don't wear them for an extended period of time. Larger nosebombs would probably help, but they aren't available.

The long, sculpted, Unobtainium-free earstems are surprisingly comfortable and are screwed onto the thick lugs. This gives the earstems a nice, solid feel. Unlike Scar, the Valve earstems hinge ahead of the lugs, so the folded frame is much more compact. The lens orbitals are also highly sculpted, and there are pronounced "eyebrows" above the lenses. These are really apparent if you ever put them up on your head.

The Bronze frame, Black Chrome lugs, dark silver icons, and Ti Polarized lenses make a really nice combination overall. Titanium Iridium is probably my favorite lens, and polarization makes them even better for high-glare conditions.
O-minous -
Frame: FMJ Platinum
Lens: Gold Iridium

These are nice frames best for smaller faces IMO. The platinum and gold color scheme is a bit loud but it’s probably my favorite option for the Valves. The metal icon accents make it look less plastic and the platinum base has a rich matte finish which is sweet.

The fit is snug though it can tend to sit a little high up and fairly close to the face. You can’t beat the aggressive (frowning) style which is quite unique. It looks a little like a condensed version of the Unknown and coverage is good though it could be better. May not work for all, but definitely a nice addition to the lineup.
Stephen -
Frame: Grey
Lens: Grey

I have had my valves for a little over a year now. I used to think these were great until I got some Splices. I think it is more along the lines of these glasses just dont fit my face right. They sit a little to high on my nose, which makes it to where If I look down there is no lens cover at all. They are also a little tight behind my ears, sometimes seeming like it is "gripping" my face way to hard, other times I forget I am even wearing them. I find myself alot of times constantly pushing them back closer to my face, and are an absolute pain to wear on your head compared to others I have owned. Overall I love the look of them, the design is very aggresive, much improved from the original Eye jackets. They dont offer alot of colors to choice from, even though I am partial to oakleys more basic color schemes. Overall for the price I payed for them I cant complain. They will definatly stay in my Oakley collection.
EastCoast -
Frame: Bronze
Lens: Titanium Iridium Polarized

I was going to wait a while before reviewing this, but I've had it for three days. I'll repost if things go awry.

This gets a five out of five. Fits nicely, though this is a bit on the smaller size for a big head like me. Still, at least as much peripheral vision as the Eye Jacket 2.0, so no complaints.

Pros: The lugs are a nice touch and seem to keep some resistance in the hinges (the O-Matter lugs on other models i.e. Ducati; JP Montoya may not be the same). The frame colour is unique. Lens tint is super (see Ti Polar review). Aesthetically a success, more curves than most jackets; very complex; aggressive without looking like a goofball.

Cons: Not really many. I was a bit disappointed that there was no Unobtainium on the arms but the design doesn't really allow it. It doesn't seem to make much difference anyway. I'm waiting to see if the frame will stretch.
The only ways to improve this model would be
1) an X-Metal cam like the Scar
2) with a FMJ/Polarized combination (Copper, Black Iridium Polarized, if you please)
But both of these would be pretty pricey.
LIEUTENANT -
Frame: Silver
Lens: Fire iridium

I have been searching all over the web for those in years,and finally found them in a store 10 miles away!And boy oh boy are they great.They have already a special place in my collection,since their design with the attractive lugs,initially released on the scar,are an element of attraction themselves already.The orbitals are smooth,but the sharp edges around the lenses are adding a bit of extremity,and the batwing earstems never allow you to frget their origin.This specific valve muust be the best of the line,it's the most attractive for sure,and there's no doubt why they were an OPD series model.The lenses are quite big,and the fit is just great.In fact they appear to be tighter than the half jackets,but the lack of unobtainium doesn't allow them to take the lead from the king of jackets.Still they are the nicest full frame o-matter oakley piece of eyewear.
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