Oakley X-Metal Romeo

Price Paid:  $120.00

Summary:
Oakley Romeo - U have to have them. It's a temptation that u can't resist. They redifine the word cool

Strengths:
out of this world looks. Nothing even comes close

Weaknesses:
a tad heavier than perfect. difficult to get on and off.

Similar Products Used:
Ray Ban. Sorry Ray Ban Oakley is better!

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Ebay

Summary:
These glasses are the coolest I've ever seen. I've had Oakleys before but these just have it all. Looks, great fit and crystal clear optics.

Strengths:
Romeo's make every one look cool! The design of the earstems makes sure the glasses stay were they are supposed to when riding on rough terrain. last but not least these glasses give maximum protection from the sun and the lenses are shatterproof.

Weaknesses:
The price of course. Also I think for this amount of money oakley should pay more attention to small details like the small rubbers of the flex couplers, or the smooth finish of the frames. inspite all that these are the best glasses I've ever worn.

Similar Products Used:
Oakley splice, mag.switch, Romeo

Price Paid:  $209.00 at Spokesman Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
If it involves descending Bonny Doon road, it's good.

Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Roadster with a plethora of goodies.

Summary:
What can I say. I went in to buy a pair of M-Frames (easily more functional than Romeos for riding) and I walked out with these. Why?

Like a previous reviewer said, you buy these with your heart, not your head. I put on a pair of these (fire / plasma combo), and I immediately fell in love with them. They're just so obscenely cool.

Though I bought them only two days ago, I had a chance to test them out today on a base mile ride (~60 miles) and they do perform very well for cycling.

Optics are superb. My Romeos work surprisingly well for a wide variety of lighting conditions, from dark shade to very bright roads. True to Oakley's claims, I could detect no distortion anywhere in the lens.

They block a fair amount of wind, though probably not as much as a pair of M-frames with heater lenses. However, they perform adequately enough to prevent my contact lenses from crapping out in 40+mph descents.

Another style vs. function issue is the frame hindering peripheral vision. Again, the m-frame would perform better here.

As to testaments of the sunglasses being heavy, I don't notice it too much, and I'm somewhat of a weight weenie ;). It's not like your tires are wearing them, for godsake.

Anyhow, I am very satisfied with my purchase, and plan to have these around for years to come. The build quality suggests that I won't be replacing these for awhile :)

Strengths:
Oh so obscenely cool. I mean, just put a pair on yourself--preferably the plasma/fire ones--and watch your cool factor jump through the roof.

Durable. Superb optics. Perform well for cycling.

Weaknesses:
Not as functional as other cycling shades, but you will think you are faster with these on :)

Expensive, yes. But, like fellow reviewers have said: You get what you pay for.

Similar Products Used:
I tried on a variety of Oakleys (including the X-Metal XX 24k) and Smiths

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Sport Chalet

Favorite Ride:
Spunky Canyon

Bike Setup:
2001 S Works Festina, Vector Comps, Full D/A, Speedplay X/3 (hot ass bike)

Summary:
These things are great! I got them for my 6th grade grad. and they still look great and have held up really nicely. They get me all the girls and it is damn cool to say that you have titanium sunglasses.

Strengths:
Design, durability, if you want the best dang sunglasses on the face of the earth, get these, don't screw around with Mars, Juiliettes, etc. or some other brand, just get these.

Weaknesses:
kinda heavy (they cause dents on my nose, but that goes away really fast) and in temps above 100 degrees, they burn the crap out of your face if you smile and your cheeks touch the frames, but that would happen to any metal sunglasses.

Similar Products Used:
Oakley Mars (can't get used to the funky look of the round red lenses, way too expensive for what you get)
Oakley Platinum FMJ 0.4s
Zeal Lazors (my riding glasses, the best for that application)

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Some Rip off store

Favorite Ride:
Quit biking due to serve injury

Bike Setup:
Haro, Schwinn, GT. all BMX.

Summary:
Tough, Cool, Great piece of metal to put on your face! I had these for 5 years! Bought in Late 97. It was a sold out and before it reaches singapore, therefore I paid more for it from a speciality rip off shop. Got it replaced today after so long for a new romeo. All I have to say, this is the best that oakley had ever produced! I tried juliet and penny and alot others... but due to smaller frame size, they don't fit me!

Strengths:
Everything about it, how it fits, how it work and how it protect with excellent clarity!

Weaknesses:
lens scratch easily.

Similar Products Used:
Juliet, XX, Mars, Frog, Minutes, Four, Seconds, Penny, M frame, A wire.