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Interestingly, Oakley’s approach to over-the-ear hearing protection compatibility uses full length arms. Since we just reviewed the Suppressor, it’s hard not to make comparisons. Compared to the Crossbow Suppressor arms, the 3.0 are a little wider and thicker.
Oakley’s long arm approach contrasts Ess’s which use shorter arms that don’t extend into the back of a Peltor earcup. The Suppressor’s short arms really necessitate the use of a geek strap to keep the shades from falling off when used without earpro. The 3.0’s longer arms may be a slight compromise since they will likely break the rear circumaural seal (wow, that sounds bad) but you might find they work roughly as well without gelding them for use only with earpro. In a 60 second headbanger demo the 3.0 didn’t slip or move at all.
They also gave us a look at their latest photochromic lens technology. Oakley had been using tech licensed from Transitions, but has come up with their own formula that reacts to its environment considerably faster and has a 20% greater swing range.
Lastly, they’re working on a new goggle that reduces NVG standoff and has a new strap attachment system that makes the goggle easier to adapt to different head gear. Sorry, no pics, though. Oakley is still working with their end users to tweak the goggle and didn’t want it photographed just yet. But, check out our video because they let us shoot a passing shot of it.
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