Oakley Aviator Visor, you too can pay extra for the logo!
Written: Jul 24 '04 (Updated Jul 24 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Good distortion free vision, excellent protection
Cons: Overpriced
The Bottom Line: Pay less for the same quality by going with an "Optically Correct" Itech Product.
|
|
|
| puckmugger's Full Review: Oakley Pro Hockey Aviator Visor |
▪ Optically Correct
Only Oakley and Itech make distortion free “Optically Correct” shields for hockey. Just what that means might be a mystery to some. Essentially, the “Optically Correct” terminology applies to the lack of any distortion when looking through any part of the lens. Cheaper models made by Itech and other companies have minor imperfections that create slight impairments to a perfect view. “Optically Correct” lenses do not.
This has given them a practical strangle hold on the market. The remaining heavy weight competitors in the hockey shield industry are from vastly dissimilar backgrounds though. We have Itech, a one time discount hockey brand with rising stock standing toe to toe with Oakley . . . a sunglasses company?
▪ Oakley in Hockey?
Oakley making visors for hockey helmets might seem like a logical jump to some. But they didn’t just decide that they could do it because they knew how to make sunglasses. When was the last time that you had to consider the impact of a six-ounce piece of rock hard rubber traveling at 80 miles per hour when buying sunglasses?
Rather than jumping in feet first, Oakley acquired 1-Excel Sports. 1-Excel was already a leader in hockey visors, gloves and shafts. Oakley dropped the shafts, ramped up the face shield war and doesn’t make a bad glove either.
▪ The Aviator
This is a top shield only design. It covers the eyes and most of the nose as well as the cheeks. However, if you have expensive dental work, the aviator isn’t made to protect your investment there.
The Aviator name comes from the distinct shape of the shield which has a gradual slope in the center creating a little breathing room for the nose. This design maximizes eye protection without increasing the likelihood of the lens fogging up. The top of the lens fits semi-flush on the helmet.
The lens is made from nearly unbreakable Lexan. These type of lenses will scratch somewhat easily, but can take a gunshot without breaking. The Aviator is anti-fog coated on the inside.
▪ Installation
All of the required parts to install the Aviator are included in the package. Generally the only tool required will be a screwdriver. I strongly recommend placing the lens on a tee shirt or soft towel if you are working on a hard surface. It is very easy to scratch the lens during installation.
The actual installation required the removal of the two screws on either side of the helmet at the temples. (That’s four screws if math is not a strong suit). You might also have to remove the J-clips if you previously had a swing close type of mask. You won’t need those. From there simply line up the shield and put the screws back in. In some cases the helmet will be a little smaller than the shield is and you will need to use the four white plastic spacers that Oakley includes.
▪ Caring for the Lens
Never clean the lens with a paper towel. This will scratch it. Use a tee shirt or a lens cleaning cloth that you can buy at any optician’s store or most hockey shops.
Do not us anti-fog solution on the inside of the Oakley Aviator as it will ruin the anti-fog coating that is already in place.
Keep your helmet in a helmet bag after games and put it on the opposite side of your bag from your skates.
While the lens is reportedly bulletproof, testing this theory will put a large dent in the Lexan (although not a hole). For this reason do not shoot firearms at the shield.
▪ Playing with a shield
Whether using a shield or a cage, there are things to get used to. With a cage there is the wire obstructing your view. With a shield there is the fog up factor. This isn’t as bad as it seems. The lens will often fog up when you sit on the bench. As soon as you start moving it will clear up again. As long as there is some air passing over it, you will be fine.
Sweat can be a bigger issue with a shield though. I highly recommend a sweat band inside the helmet or a bandana to keep perspiration from dripping on the lens. Once that happens, you will be looking through a haze all game.
▪ Comparison to Itech
Honestly, my choice is the FX-50 from Itech. It is a slightly different style than the Aviator, offering a half shield/half cage combo. But the real issue with Oakley is the absurdly high prices that they charge. Quality in both brands better lenses is pretty similar. Oakley is a good 20% higher in price though.
For me the little skull and crossbones logo on Oakley gear just isn’t cool enough to waste an extra $10 or more to get.
A few of my other reviews that you might find helpful:
Fitting and Selecting Hockey Protective Gear
Itech FX 50 Facial Protection
Oakley Mace Gloves
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
puckmugger
|
 - Top 50 |
|
Location: wandering the fringes of the goal crease
Reviews written: 488
Trusted by: 247 members
About Me:
My book is now available in major bookstores or by order from my profile page.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.