My favorite Oakley models are the various Five series. I haven't had a problem finding older frames in good condition (1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and XS), but most I have found have minimal to horrible damage to lenses. As I begin my sear for replacements, I find VERY few sets of NOS. I have found good prices on new after market lenses made by primarily three different companies; REVANT, FUSE, and INEW. How do thes companies rank in your opinions?

Aftermarket lenses can be a touchy subject as many companies have proven to make their lenses simply for their cosmetic appeal and not for any real form or function. There are collectors who swear off AMLs altogether while others have no such prejudice. That said, some companies do try a bit harder than others to make a quality lens, although none seem to match the overall consistency of the OEM.

1) Stay away from TAC lenses (Triacetate). These are layered acetate lenses that are often fused together with glue and distort clarity. They are never as strong as polycarbonate and can, in some enduring circumstances, warp with heat and salt (read: sweat). Unless you are looking for just a costume lens, you will almost always be disappointed with TAC, so spare yourself the trouble.

Many of the AML companies make TAC lenses, denoted by their consistently lower price. Bottom line is if the company doesnt specifically state their lenses are Polycarbonate, then just assume they are TAC.

2) A few AML companies do make polycarbonate lenses and these are much more preferred as they are closer to the consistency of OEM. Revant, Fuse, Linegear, IKON, all make poly lenses and are worth checking out. Revant & Fuse have a regular and premium lines, so read up on which one is which before you buy. Regular Revant is rated at Z80.3 while Revant HC3 is Z87. Fuse is notable for making some contrast lenses in addition to the standard grey base, but only offers dual lenses; no shields so no M-Frame, no Batwolf, etc. Fuse is Z87 accross all their lines. IKON is new and claims an awful lot, but haven't checked them out yet so I can't say for sure. Probably the AML with the best reputation is Linegear but they only make lenses for X-Metal. There is also a company called Exovista - I recommend avoiding them. Their lenses are supposed to be poly, but the sets I received were pure garbage.

3) No matter the brand, there are some things to look out for with AMLs. Even if you trust the brand, always check the product for defects. Chips, dings & scratches are sometimes present on the surface. Sometimes they send the wrong color or send you non-polarized when you ordered polarized, etc. Check the edging for bad lens cuts because sometimes the manufacturer rushes a set or two through the line. Sometimes they don't fit the frame for the same reason so check for gaps in the orbital.

A big disappointment is that AMLs don't have a consistent base curve. This affects Jackets mostly, frames with a 7.00 or higher. Since you have Five, it might not be a problem.

4) You should be able to send back any product immediately as long as you catch it early. I always buy my AMLs through Amazon as their complaint system seems to move mountains. Just don't expect the iron clad Oakley warranty is my point.

I have used Fuse Optics in the past and liked what I received. I still use them and probably will buy again. They aren't great but they are a reasonable alternative. I am looking into IKON and will probably get one set to see how it goes.

Don't give up on trying to score some OEM lenses, though. Check the website every so often as lens kits do tend to pop up and they are always the better way to go. Hope this helps. Good luck to you.

Great reply Steve. I've had a very similar experience with AMLs. Sometimes you can't avoid them if there's no OEM available.

I tried Revant and they were fine but didn't last long before I saw the coating start to come off even after being very careful with them. I'll have to try the FUSE lenses next time to compare

I personally wouldn't use them, but that's mainly because I would simply pass on a pair if it needed some refurb work done. But the hard truth is that if you want to wear an older model, older OEM lenses are just not out there. I have heard decent things about the premium Revant lenses, and they're even starting to taper the lenses to help with optics (how they got around the patent, I don't know). Figure that Oakley lenses cost $40-60 for standard iridium, so a jump down to $15-20 won't just be due to lack of name branding.

I would suggest you get an oakley lens with a compatible base curve and have them custom cut.. That would be the best option for your older models... For shield lenses, would be tough though...

Great and reasoned reply SK,

1) Stay away from TAC lenses (Triacetate).

I wish I'd learned Rule #1 before I bought an AML set of "Fire iridium Polarized" from Europe.
Though the colour IMHO, was more accurate than the new OEM "fire", the optics were substandard with pronounced image shift.
There are still some pairs that aren't well addressed by the AML market; my Gen.1 Wiretaps may need a great custom cut...

I picked up Fuse Lenses for my wife's frames that OEM Lenses were no longer available... the fit was good, the look was nice, but she experienced headaches after wearing them for 5min.

I should have reached out to someone to cut OEM lenses down to size to fit the frame.

I always forget about custom cut. I need to get around to trying at least once.

I have tested personally, the Fuse+ & Regular(zeiss base), Revant regular and Elite HC3, and a couple others...What I have come to find is that if you want a spot on alternative to an OEM lens that cannot be found, go for the Revant Elite HC3 lens. I have yet to have one not fit, I personally have worn the Fuel Cell and Monster Dog for weeks now with ZERO issues and they are the closest I have seen to OEM. The regular, well, it's a cosmetic lens at best. The Elite is taper corrected, has a clean, smooth rounded bevel and the polar is on point. I am in the process of doing a video review to put out there of my findings and results. If you can get OEM, that's first choice always..If not, these are a damn solid alternative

Sorry everyone, just getting back to checking up on things after being away for training for a couple of weeks.

Thank you all for the great information. I've been looking closely at the Revant and Fuse brands. I'd really love to go with custom cut as I have a few OEM lens sets which would be sufficient. Could someon offer guidance as to who I could contact for this?