Oakley Meta Vanguard Review: Sporty to a Fault

Wraparound sunglasses might not suit everyone, but they serve as an impressive companion for trail running and other athletic activities.

Introduction

The Oakley Meta Vanguard sunglasses represent a distinctive departure from Meta’s previous iterations of smart glasses. Priced at $499, these sunglasses feature a customizable action button, advanced audio capabilities, and enhanced integration with fitness applications, marking a new approach in Meta’s approach to smart eyewear.

Features and Setup

Setting up the Oakley Meta Vanguard mirrors my routine with previous Meta glasses: connecting to social apps like Instagram and Spotify, configuring Bluetooth settings, and optimizing video settings. However, the customizable action button adds a new element to the setup, allowing users to define its functionality based on their needs, further catering to athletic users.

Design and Usability

Athletic Appeal

The Vanguard’s design is distinctly sports-oriented, featuring the signature wraparound frames associated with Oakley. They come with vibrant “Prizm 24K” lenses that enhance visibility and contrast in various lighting conditions. The swappable lenses allow for flexibility depending on the user’s activity and environment.

Camera and Action Button

Centralized camera placement, situated just above the nose bridge, aims to minimize interference from hats or helmets. The redesign includes an action button that offers hands-free commands, allowing users to initiate functions without relying solely on voice commands—an essential feature for those engaged in physical activities.

Fitness Integration

With direct integrations for Garmin and Strava, the Vanguard glasses are designed for the fitness enthusiast. Users can capture video clips based on activity metrics, request stats through voice commands, and overlay performance data on recorded footage. However, Strava’s integration remains somewhat limited, highlighting an area for future expansion to include more fitness apps.

Sound and Performance

Audio Enhancements

The sunglasses feature improved audio systems, making them suitable for use in noisy environments, such as busy roads. Despite the outdoor challenges, the speakers deliver clear sound quality, enhancing the listening experience during activities without the need to crank up the volume excessively.

Camera Quality

The Vanguard glasses house a 12MP ultra-wide camera with upgraded stability features, transitioning them into a viable action-cam alternative. Users can capture hyperlapse and slow-motion videos, though some concerns regarding video jitteriness during hyperlapse playback have been noted.

Battery Life

One of the standout improvements is the battery life—up to nine hours on a charge with regular use, and six hours with continuous audio playback. This enhancement ensures that the glasses can support long endurance activities, from marathons to extended outdoor adventures.

Conclusion: Should You Buy Them?

The Oakley Meta Vanguard sunglasses are undeniably niche products, designed mainly for outdoor enthusiasts. At $499, their price may deter some buyers looking for standard sunglasses. However, for serious athletes willing to take advantage of the advanced features, the Vanguard provides unique functionalities that integrate seamlessly with fitness tracking and performance monitoring, making them a worthy investment for those dedicated to their sports.