Since I'm more sports frame over xmetal, I'd have to agree

Actually, I know some of those Ichiro's made it over here at the Vault stores. I found a Silver with Black Text model here and the sales guy told me I missed out the Blue Frost with Text one's by a week. They had four or five pairs of each.

The silver with black text was part of the same release that year, one for home games, the other for away games, forgot which was which. I bought the silver with black text much later when a good deal popped up on eBay. Whoever got those frosted blue ones from US vaults were very fortunate. But at least I can say I personally bought a Japanese exclusive release from a store in Japan! A rather expensive price to pay for such a claim, but at least an honest one.

The ghost text ichiro radars are the greatest design on a radar. I love the way they look. Great pick up and a journey you will never forget.

Did the vault ones have the lenses. The latter Ichiro Radar got parted out and only had the frame color.

Yes, Dann. They were complete sets and they were $99 each. It was an incredible deal.

Byron, so similar to the recent Ichiro Camo Radars, then.
Those came with Ichiro-etching on the Slate lenses too, just on-Ichiro boxes.
Later, left over frames took on non-Ichiro lenses.
I guess there weren't left over blue ghost text frames to clear stock then.

No these were full on retail Ichiro Radars with everything. I found my receipt and they even rang up with the correct SKU, 24-227. It's not the first time I have found a Japan only release in a US Vault store. I also found a Polarized Stussy Hijinx in a Vault. Although it has been pretty dry these past few years, there was also the Ai Miyazato Fast Jackets that are were just Vault stores and on the 6pm.com.

Came across these by accident, really. According to the database here, these are the Teeth Low, with black leather. Pre-owned, but in excellent shape still, and super comfy. I'm usually skeptical when some product is hyped. Well, this is no hype. The hype is true.

Awesome catch. Love the Teeth.

First purchase of 2014, matte black pit boss.

The original PBs are great. Hinges have remained tight for mine with frequent use. Initially feels tight, but after getting used to it, you'll love them, probably. Congrats, Kyle.

Another surprise eBay find. At first looked like some silly black-framed Frogskins. Turned out to be the allegedly recent-released or to-be-released Soft Touch Frogskins, this one with Skulls. To be honest, I'm not sure why they decided on the Skull for this, coz there simply isn't enough frame space on Frogskins to display the Skull sufficiently. Anyway, here's a snap off my cell phone:

Frame texture does indeed feel like a satin finish. Quite similar to the Paul Smith rubberized frame-feel.

Good to know. I could amost see 'soft touch' meaning the faintness of the graphics, but it seems it's genuinely the physical feel of it. I didn't think they'd invest in a new texture since most of them are just prints these days.

I could amost see 'soft touch' meaning the faintness of the graphics, but it seems it's genuinely the physical feel of it.

Probably both-and, Dann.
But I think more touch than graphics, though that's just me.

The original PBs are great. Hinges have remained tight for mine with frequent use. Initially feels tight, but after getting used to it, you'll love them, probably. Congrats, Kyle. - ichibandidisan

I agree with you. The elite icon is awesome looking and the pit boss has a unique flare to it. Hopefully I can control it and not buy more lol.

I almost want another to wear so I can keep the original mint.

I got a c six. Never thought I will be able to get one! Worth it!

Congrats on achieving your grail!

Thank you very much! It is really a dig. Patience and persistence helped me get this baby...

Congrats!

Thank you sir..

Beyond pumped to share this. Somehow my boyfriend managed to track down an eyewear case that's in great condition and didn't cost an extreme fortune. I still have a few eyewear pieces and goggles to add to it, but I would love some suggestions on how to better display anything! I'm hardly a collector but I'm so happy I can finally properly display the gems that I do have!

Love those grips. That case is an awesome find.

That's the uncommon Gen 1 case too. Later versions (prior to the Spine and v3.0), they traded a slot of storage for display, which is what you see more often. The Countertops also use this design.