The Oakley Sutro sunglasses have been one of Oakley’s most popular shield style sunglasses and have been popular among cyclists. As Oakley often does, they’ve introduced yet another variation to the Sutro sunglasses with the new Sutro Lite Sweep Vented sunglasses that we’re reviewing here. The Sutro Lite Sweep Vented adds a retro-inspired swept lens design to the Sutro Lite semi-frameless sunglasses. These are available both as the vented variation we have here with the circular vents along the top brow or as a non-vented version. The Sutro Lite Sweep sunglasses retail for $189 which is the same as the standard Sutro Lite model. The Sutro Lite Sweep and Sweep Vented lenses are also interchangeable between the Sutro Lite variations. In addition to the updated lens shape, the Sutro Lite Sweep Vented also features an integrated earsock for a sleeker appearance and improved fit.
The Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Vented adds some retro styling cues to the popular Sutro Lite sunglasses.
| Retail Price | $189 |
| Rating | Design: B+ Optics: A Comfort: A Value: A |
| Measured weight (in g) | 34 |
| Likes | + Retro silhouette + Oversized lenses offer a wide field of view + Comfortable and flexible temples |
| Dislikes | – Polarizing colors schemes – Circular vents can be distracting while cycling |
| Where to Buy (US) | Oakley |
UNBOXING
The Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Vented sunglasses come in a sleek black cardboard box with Oakley branding printed onto it. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Sutro Lite Sweep Vented sunglasses
- Fabric carrying bag
- Zippered hard case
- Smaller Unobtainium nose pad
- Lens information booklet
As with other Sutro models, the Sweep Vented sunglasses have an interchangeable lens design with only a few tabs holding it on the lens.
FIT & FINISH
Although the model name is a bit of a mouthful, try repeating Sutro Lite Sweep Vented a few times, it’s a fun variation of the Sutro Lite sunglasses. The frame shares the same proprietary O Matter frame construction, a flexible nylon material, with subtle geometric detailing on the temples. Non-slip earsocks are integrated directly into the insides of the temple arms for a sleek appearance. Branding is limited to Oakley on the temples, the full Oakley word, as well as the printed onto the center of the lens. With the Sweep Vented variation, Oakley has stuck to bright retro and loud combinations of Tennis Yellow, Pink and Black frame and temple arm colors. It’s a polarizing design regardless of which of the three available combinations you choose but hits the retro vibes.
The other retro element here is the swept back lens which harkens back to Oakley’s original sunglasses. It’s quite the deviation from the squared off design the Sutro sunglasses are known for and look closer to other Oakley models such as the Radar. The sharp angle is reminiscent of the ROKA Matador Air sunglasses and gives the sunglasses a fresh look. With the Sweep Vented sunglasses there are an additional 10 circular vents cut into the lens along the top brow. It’s a design element borrowed from the original 1980s Factory Pilot sunglasses and looks great. While the sunglasses are oversized it’s more restrained than other sunglasses such as the ski-goggle like Bolle Chronoshields or the massive POC Devour.
The nose pads are Oakley’s Unobtainium rubber pads that are soft and malleable to accommodate different nose shapes with a second nose pad included that can easily be swapped in. As with the standard Sutro Lite sunglasses, the nose pads are attached to the top of the frame using a metal hook. We’re not sure why it is necessary, sunglasses such as the Bolle Lightshifter have nose pads that just clip into the lens, but they are narrow and not visible while being worn. The nose hook adds a little complication to the lens change procedure. We found it easier to remove them first. Once the nose pads and hook are off the frame, removing the lens is as simple as sliding the lens down and off the top brow groove. Then the lens can be flexed inward at both ends to release the tabs on each corner. Unlike the Smith Mag release system, it’s impossible to not get fingerprints on the lens during the process.
ON THE ROAD
While the Sutro Lite Sweet Vented sunglasses visually look like they are from the 1980s, the sunglasses are offered with modern Prizm lenses. That means you get the crisp and clear optics Oakley is known for as well as the impact resistance that’s a necessity for cycling. The Ruby lenses on our sunglasses are a Cat 3 with a Bronze base that was very well suited for road cycling and bright environments. Despite the swept back lens design, the field of view is wide and immersive. While the sunglasses are comfortable and look great visually, we found the circular vents distracting to ride with as they are visible. It’s particularly annoying if you ride in a more aggressive position as you’re looking slightly upwards. We’d recommend sticking with the standard swept lens or using the vented lenses off the bike.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep Vented sunglasses offered the same fit and feel Sutro sunglasses are known for but with a fresh retro design. The combination of the bright color schemes and swept back lens silhouette take the modern Sutro’s back to the 1980s. While the sunglasses look retro, the Prizm lenses offer modern crisp optics and UV protection. Although the Sutro Lite Sweep Vented are more aggressive than the square shape of the Sutro Lite it’s not as polarizing as the Oakley Katos. Our main issue with the sunglasses were the circular vents which look cool from the exterior but can be distracting while cycling in aggressive positions. We’d recommend trying them for yourself or sticking with the non-vented Sutro Lite Sweep sunglasses. That said, if you’re looking for some modern Oakley’s with retro design elements then the Sutro Lite Sweep Vented are worth considering.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Oakley. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.