Find out what separates Oakley M Frames from the rest, which M Frame lenses are right for you, and how you can save on your pair!
Table of Contents
M Frame Sunglasses History and Background
Originally released in 1989 as the Oakley “Mumbo”, after legal battles with the clothing company “Mambo”, Oakley agreed to shorten the name to “M Frame”. These sunglasses were designed to provide maximum lens coverage in a lightweight frame that can withstand whatever you throw at them!
The sportier older brother to the already popular Oakley Blades, they’ve become a staple of athletes and service men and women.
Key Features of All M Frame Models
- A large wraparound lens with rounded edges for maximum coverage and protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays
- A rubber nose piece and earstems made of Oakley Unobtanium to grip your face at all times
- “Hammer stem” earstems are designed to bend at the temple and move the stem away from the head to accentuate a 3-Point-Fit
While the initial launch in 1989 featured 3 variations, the V, 67, and Hybrid, it wasn’t until 2 years later that Oakley introduced the Strip, Sweep and Heater, Strike, and Slash M Frame lenses. Variations of these names have stuck around until today, as you’ll read below. But what’s the difference?
Keep reading as we review each Oakley M Frame model and lens so you can find the right sunglasses.
Oakley M Frame vs. M2 Compared
Currently, Oakley offers 2 M Frame sunglasses to the public, the “M Frame” and the “M2 Frame”. We’ll compare both of these models to find the right one for you!
For the purposes of this guide, we’ve separated out the Oakley Standard Issue variations (Alpha, 2.0, and 3.0) – for those, scroll down to the next section.
Oakley M Frame
Oakley continues to sell the original M frame (which was modernized in 1999), despite the launch of the M2. For the most part, Oakley has replaced this model with the M2, but you will still see it on the Oakley website retailing for $153.00 (Product Link). Currently, this model is only sold with Clear or Grey lenses from Oakley and will often come in and out of stock through the website.
M Frame Highlights
- O Matter frame for more durability and flexibility
- Maximum coverage thanks to the visor-shaped Plutonite lens that also offers impact protection
- Lightweight design with a 1.05-ounce total weight
- Interchangeable lenses feature a permanent anti-fog coating
- Thin earstems designed to be compatible with in-ear communication systems
- Meets ANSI Z87.1-2003/2010 standards (Read more about Oakley Safety Glasses here)
- Meets MIL PRF-31013, Clause 3.5.1.1. ballistic fragmentation impact standard
- Compatible with MICH, ACH, CVD, PASGT, and Crye™ Helmets
- Compatible with military-issued night vision goggles
Oakley M2 Frame
In 2014, Oakley introduced the M2 Frame (Product Link) to the public. This was the first redesign of the M Frame model in over 15 years! The M2 design is similar to other visor-lens pairs like the Radarlock, with more modern curves than the original model. As you can see from the features below, Oakley continued to focus these sunglasses on performing in the field!
For more information, check out our M2 Frame Review.
M2 Frame Highlights
- Lightweight O Matter frame that’s flexible and durable
- Interchangeable large shield lens with High Definition Optics (HDO) lens technology for maximum clarity
- Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads that increase grip with perspiration
- Available M Frame XL Lens for even more coverage
- Available with contrast-enhancing Prizm lenses
- Meets ANSI Z87.1-2003/2010 standards
- Meets MIL PRF-31013, Clause 3.5.1.1. ballistic fragmentation impact standard
M Frame vs. M2 – Which Is Right For You?
Oakley M2 sunglasses are the clear winner across these models. While some people may like the original no-frills design of the M-Frame, the M2’s enhanced technology, like Prizm lenses, makes it a no-brainer. Plus, you can easily find M2 sunglasses through Oakley’s website, compared to the limited availability of the original M Frame.
Now let’s talk about Oakley SI M Frame models to see how they compare.
Oakley Standard Issue M Frame Alpha, 2.0 and 3.0 Compared
If you meet the criteria and are a member of Oakley Standard Issue, you’re in luck since Oakley offers several SI and ballistic variations of the M Frame. While these sunglasses are built on the same design as the publicly available models, they feature enhancements specifically designed for military applications.
Now let’s compare each model.
SI Ballistic M Frame 2.0
Oakley released the Ballistic M Frame 2.0 (Product Link) in 2006, nine years before the public release of the M2. Originally a military-specific pair, subtle changes to the M Frame included thicker lenses for increased high-mass and impact protection and a lens clip to pass military requirements for lens retention during impact. These enhancements and the others listed below helped make the Ballistic M Frame 2.0 one of the most popular shooting glasses on any shooting range.
Ballistic M Frame 2.0 Highlights
- Large shield lens with HDO technology and a permanent anti-fogging protection
- Lenses are made of impact-resistant Plutonite polycarbonate material
- Thicker frame for enhanced durability
- Substantially less torsional flex compared to the original model
- Optional clip-on strap
- Thin earstems are designed to enable compatibility with over-ear hearing protection and communication systems
- ANSI Z87.1 stamped, meaning this model qualifies as safety glasses
- Meets high mass and high-velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1-2003/2010
- Meets ballistic fragmentation impact standards per MIL PRF-31013, Clause 3.5.1.1
Standard Issue Ballistic M Frame 3.0
In 2012, Oakley SI released the M Frame 3.0 (Product Link). Similar to the 2.0, this revision enhanced the sunglass’ military performance, including better compatibility with night vision equipment. Along with the highlights below, you can read our full review of the SI Ballistic M Frame here.
Ballistic M Frame 3.0 Highlights
- Slightly slimmer fit compared to the M Frame 2.0 with lenses that hug the face closer
- Venting of lenses to prevent fogging in addition to an anti-fogging coating
- Increased lens size extending to 145mm for maximum coverage
- Thinner ear stems increase compatibility with digital ear equipment
- Large shield lens with HDO technology and a permanent anti-fogging protection
- Lenses are made of impact-resistant Plutonite polycarbonate material
- ANSI Z87.1 stamped, meaning this model qualifies as safety glasses
- Meets high mass and high-velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1-2003/2010
- Meets ballistic fragmentation impact standards per MIL PRF-31013, Clause 3.5.1.1
- Compatible with helmet-mounted night vision devices
- Compatible with MICH, ACH, CVD, PASGT, and Crye™ helmets
Oakley M Frame Alpha
In 2016, Oakley SI released another iteration of the M Frame called the Alpha (Product Link). With an updated design and enhanced features, this is one of the largest design leaps for the M Frame family.
For more information, check out our complete Oakley SI M Frame Alpha Sunglasses Review.
M Frame Alpha Highlights
- Alpha frame is built on a three-part system composed of a frame, gasket, and goggle
- Radarlock technology makes lens swaps easier and quicker than previous models
- Improved venting in the frame and nosepiece for better anti-fogging
- Updated frame design with an even larger lens for more coverage
- Meets high mass and high-velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1
- Includes an anti-fog recharge kit to increase performance over time
- Includes an M Frame Retention Lanyard
- Includes a lightweight and soft rubberized gasket to block wind and dust
Oakley Standard Issue M Frame Models – Which Is Right For You?
While the SI M Frame 2.0 is a great pair of sunglasses, it’s now become defunct compared to the 3.0 and Alpha.
For most military members and first responders, we recommend the SI Ballistic M Frame 3.0. This frame provides enhanced durability and protection, plus compatibility with most modern military systems.
If you’re concerned with dust and debris or are operating in special situations, the Alpha M Frame system may be right for you. For most people, this system is just too complicated. It’s really built for special operations and individuals operating in extreme conditions.
M Frame Strike vs. Sweep vs. XL Lens Shapes Compared
Along with different M Frame models, Oakley also offers a variety of lens shapes designed to provide varying amounts of coverage. We’ll review each lens shape, including pictures and dimensions, so you can find the right size for your face.
Heater Lens
The heater is the largest lens in the M Frame family. This lens has a large wrap around your face to provide maximum coverage with a 173mm width and 56mm height.
Strike Lens
The Strike M frame lens is 51mm high and 155mm wide, providing a large surface area smaller than the Heater lens.
Hybrid Lens
The Oakley M Frame hybrid lens features a curved side design similar to the heater lens, with a straight bottom cut similar to the strike lens. The Hybrid lens is 155mm wide and 48mm high, striking a balance between its sibling lenses.
Sweep Lens
While the M Frame Sweep lens is one of the smallest lenses based on its height of 50mm, it’s also one of the widest at 170mm, providing maximum coverage.
XL Lens
When Oakley released the M2 Frame, they also introduced an XL Lens alongside the standard options.
The M Frame XL is 50mm high at its peak and 31mm at the edges compared to the standard M Frame lens, which is 48mm and 25mm, respectively. Both the standard and XL M Frame are 14mm wide.
Bottom Line
The M Frame is a winner for anyone who needs a tried and tested pair of sunglasses. Military members and other first responders should opt for an Oakley SI pair that offers superior protection (and a heft discount).
For everyone else, including elite athletes, the M Frame continues to be a simple and effective visor-lens pair of sunglasses. While there’s increased competition with the Oakley Kato, Encoder, and Radars, the M frame is perfect if you want a no-frills large pair of sunglasses that can perform!
More Information
Check out our Oakley exchange areas if you’re looking to buy M Frame sunglasses and save! With over 300,000 posts, our exchange is the best place to buy, sell and trade with the largest Oakley community.
A huge shoutout to members @rustpot and @ventruck, as they laid the foundation for this guide in his related threads – Check them out for additional info:
- History of Oakley M Frame
- Oakley M2 Frame Review
- Oakley SI M Frame Alpha Review
OakleyBoss
Created this site because of the lack of a place for the Oakley Community to talk. Feel free to Message me any time with feedback for the site, tips o...
- View all 280 articles
