Oakley Radar Plate: Sleek race goggles put to the test
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The Radar Plate from Oakley may be a completely new development, but visually the glasses are very reminiscent of the classics from the popular US brand. Streamlined design, narrow, strongly curved mono lens - the design of the Radar Plate radically opposes the current trend towards ever larger lenses.
The only self-tinting option from Oakley
The photochromic filter is also somewhat unusual on Oakley glasses, which otherwise tend to come in strong tints and high-contrast colours. The version shown here, which changes from clear to grey - category 0 to 3 - is the only self-tinting option that Oakley has on offer.
Oakley supplies its classic hard case and a glasses bag with the glasses themselves. The frame does not offer any customisation options. Neither the temples nor the nose bridge are adjustable. But as soon as you put them on for the first time, it becomes clear: the Okley sits really comfortably with its generously rubberised nose pads. The soft rubberised temple tips also rest above the ears without exerting too much pressure. The Radar Plate therefore scores highly in terms of comfort.
Solid wind protection of the Oakley Radar Plate
The sporty look should appeal to racers in particular. However, the Oakley does not have an all-round fit. The strongly curved lens leaves a somewhat large gap to the cheekbones for many face shapes. The voluminous frame and the large nose pads are also always present in the field of vision. We like the large mono lenses with more delicate frames better.
In terms of fit, however, the Oakley is no slouch: it feels as if the glasses are slightly cushioned and rest very comfortably on the nose. The Radar Plate doesn't get rattled by rough impacts either. Wobble? Not a thing.
Despite the comparatively very small windscreen, hardly any wind reaches the wearer's eyes. Here you can see the experience in shaping that the Americans have gained over the years. If anything, there is a slight draught from below the cheekbones through the lens. Oakley could only improve the anti-fog protection - or rather: a more effective anti-fog coating.
In terms of tinting speed, the Radar Plate also delivers very solid values. Both darkening and lightening are surprisingly fast. This puts Oakley in 3rd place overall in the test field.
Info & price of the Oakley Radar Plate
- Price: 254 Euro >> available here
- Made in: k. A.
- Weight: 26,5 g
- Width / temple length: 147 / 125 mm
- Nose bridge width / lens height: 21 / 48 mm
- Adjustability: none
- Filter colour / filter class: clear to grey / 0-3
- Light transmission measured: 68 - 13 %
- Fitnarrow to medium wide, medium to wide nose bridge
- Equipment / special featuresHardcase; microfibre bag / none
- Alternatives: 9 frame and filter colours
Evaluation & conclusion
- Self-tinting (40 %): Grade: 2.2
- Visibility & protection (25 %): Grade: 2.8
- Fit & comfort (25 %): Grade: 2.1
- Equipment (10 %): Grade: 3.5
- Overall grade: 2.4
Fast tinting, high comfort, but the flat lens of the Oakley Radar Plate does not suit every face.
With its flat, curved mono lens, the Oakley Radar Plate looks a little out of date, but fits the face almost perfectly. Despite the lack of adjustability, the Radar is very stable and almost slightly cushioned thanks to the good rubber coating. The brightening process is particularly quick. Depending on the shape of your face, draughts may come from below. Little anti-fog protection, slightly sweaty nose bridge.
