I’ve been a fan and user of Oakley products since the mid ’80s when I was involved in cycling. Back then, they were pioneers of innovation with wrap-around lenses that protected your eyes while greatly improving visibility. While serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment, Oakley products thankfully protected my eyes with their ballistic Plutonite lenses on more than one occasion. I still use their sunglasses daily, as well as several snow goggles while free skiing and racing. My favorite snow goggle for the past few years has been the Oakley Crowbar goggle.
Oakleys Crowbar lens selection is outstanding, so you’re able to match the best lens to your conditions. As always, their lenses feature optically pure Plutonite lens material to achieve impact protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 standards while filtering out 100 percent of UV light. I’ve paired my selection down to the Fire Iridium for sunny days, Persimmon for those overcast days where some added contrast helps, and a Rose Iridium and a clear lens for my Wednesday-night race league.
The lightweight and flexible O-Matter frame makes changing the lenses a “snap.” Literally. Another nice feature are the small openings in the top of the lenses that allow fresh air to circulate between the double lens—preventing fogging up. I can attest that I have never had an issue with these lenses fogging up, which is a major reason for my continued use of this design.
The Oakley Crowbar goggle was the first to feature side struts to mount the strap instead of mounting it directly to the frame. This balances and distributes frame pressure and provides additional clearance while wearing a helmet. In addition, the strap has three rows of silicone embedded on the inside to ensure positive placement on your helmet and prevent the strap from wandering around.
Another great feature in the comfort department is the triple-layered fleece/foam face pad. I’ve had fellow ski racers let me try out whatever goggle they’re raving about and they never come close to what the Oakley Crowbar produces. For all-day comfort, clarity, and protection, you’d be hard pressed to find a superior product.
Oakley has been a major player in supplying our soldiers with well-constructed, functional, protective eyewear. Their dedication to the troops and athletes around the world, and their constant mission to advance the eyewear segment is a great reason to try their products for yourself. A recent Oakley breakthrough is Prizm lens technology, which I would love to try out in the near future.
The Oakley Crowbar can be purchased directly from Oakley’s website for between $110-$170, depending on your frame and lens selections. You also have the option to customize them to your specifications on the website. And for those military guys that are signed up for Oakley Standard Issue, the Oakley Crowbars are available at a nice discount.
Oakley Crowbar specifications:
- Increased lens sizing for greater visual range
- Flexible O Matter chassis
- Rigid O Matter strap connections provide even distribution of goggle pressure
- Triple fleece face foam for maximum moisture wicking and comfort
- Re-designed facial fit contour
- Metal icon accent
- Anti-fog treated ballistic lens
- Patented XYZ Optics
- Plutonite lens material provides 100-percent protection against UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light
- Polarized option available
- Designed for medium faces
Frame:
- Flexible O Matter chassis
- Rigid O Matter strap connections provide even distribution of goggle pressure
- Triple fleece face foam for maximum moisture wicking and comfort
- Re-designed facial fit contour
- Metal icon accent
- Designed for medium faces
Lens:
- Anti-fog treated ballistic lens
- Increased lens sizing for greater visual range
- Patented XYZ Optics
- Plutonite lens material provides 100 percent protection against UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light
- Polarized option available
(Featured Image Courtesy of Oakley)
