Gear is one of those things you can absolutely lose your mind with. Whether that’s coming from a “this thing works” perspective to collecting a series like Pokemon, everyone has their own relationship to gear. I, personally, love trying new things out because I’m never quite satisfied with a piece’s operation and am always looking for an edge at whatever I’m doing.
But there are others who collect gear just because of their history with a brand or the brand’s history. And folks like Oakley know exactly how to cater to that crowd.
As with all companies, they have their start dates they love to celebrate. And Oakley is no different, as the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Given that the company not only makes everyone’s favorite sunglasses, but motocross goggles, too, it’s dropping a limited edition set of Airbrake googles that’ll be all the rage with folks who adore the brand and its offerings.
Doesn’t hurt that they look dope as hell, too.
Photo by: Oakley
Photo by: Oakley
Photo by: Oakley
According to the brand, “Step into Oakley’s legacy with this limited-edition collection that celebrates our 50-year anniversary. The strap features a gold Ellipse and a repeat pattern of our iconic silhouettes and logos from our first 50 years, while the 24K lens and gold fleck paint on the outriggers signal Oakley’s golden anniversary loud and clear. It’s not just a pair of goggles; it’s an opportunity to share a piece of history, to commemorate our remarkable journey as we reach this incredible milestone.”
And the limited edition 50th Anniversary Airbrakes are built atop the standard Airbrakes which folks already know and love, so you’re getting Oakley’s already great goggle.
Included with the Airbrakes is Oakley’s Switchlock lens swapping technology, along with the brand’s Plutonite lens itself. Oakley states that the Plutonite lens uses an injection-molded process and features “100% protection against UVA / UVB / UVC & harmful blue light up to 400nm,” as well as being extremely impact resistant. Likewise, you get an anti-fog coating, and those wishing to have Oakley’s enhanced contrast Prizm lenses can spec those accessories, too.
There’s also a triple-layer foam outer lining which is both washable and replaceable, giving you more longevity, an interchangeable 4mm strap, and meets EN 1938 eyewear protection standards. Furthermore, Oakley will throw in seven laminated tear-offs, a removable nose guard, and a standard outrigger strap attachment so you can convert the regular lens to accept tear-offs. And you get all of this for a pretty darn reasonable $179.
Plus, a piece of Oakley history.
But what do you all think? Are you a gear hoarder or gear tinkerer like me? Sound off in the comments below and tell us whether you’ll be snagging a limited edition set.
