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American Optical Alden Sunglasses vs Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

Buy the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL for sport, cycling, running or golf, where wide coverage, grip that holds when you sweat and swappable lenses matter. Buy the American Optical Alden for everyday wear and a classic square acetate look, with glass-like nylon lenses and a sturdier hinge. The Oakley has the larger lens and the stronger owner record; the AO is the better-built casual frame.

  • Choose the American Optical Alden if you want a classic square acetate frame for daily wear, with a five-barrel hinge and a choice of brown, green or gray lenses.
  • Choose the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL if you need wide peripheral coverage, a secure sport fit and the option to swap lenses for different light.

Prices

  • American Optical Alden Sunglasses: $230.00 at Designer Optics (checked today)
  • Oakley Flak 2.0 XL: $118.99 at Rock Bottom Golf (checked today)
  • Difference: the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL is $111.01 cheaper than the American Optical Alden Sunglasses today
American Optical
American Optical Alden

American Optical Alden Sunglasses

American Optical Alden

$230.00at Designer OpticsChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Designer Optics

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Classic square acetate frame that suits casual and office wear
  • Five-barrel hinges hold up to daily opening and closing
  • 99% polarized AOLite nylon lenses with full UVA/UVB protection
  • Prescription lenses can be added
  • Three frame and lens colorways
Cons
  • No interchangeable lenses
  • No rubber grip, so it can slide during sweaty activity
  • Narrower lens than the Oakley
  • Limited to a medium frame size
Oakley
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

4.7(4,800 ratings)
$118.99at Rock Bottom GolfChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Rock Bottom Golf

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Wide 59 mm lens with XL peripheral coverage
  • Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads hold the frame when wet
  • Interchangeable lenses for different light conditions
  • Lightweight O Matter frame with 8.75 base lens geometry
  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 from about 4,800 ratings
Cons
  • Half-frame sport styling is not a casual look
  • Plastic frame feels less substantial than acetate
  • Mirrored lenses show smudges and scratches easily
  • Needs the Microclear bag and careful handling to keep lens coatings intact

What separates them

American Optical Alden SunglassesOakley Flak 2.0 XL
Frame shapeSquare, full rim, single bridgeSport wrap, half frame
Frame materialAcetateO Matter plastic
Lens width53 mm59 mm
Lens coverageStandard coverageXL edition with enhanced peripheral coverage
Interchangeable lensesNoYes
HingeFive-barrel metal hingeStandard sport hinge
GripAcetate temples, no rubber gripUnobtainium earsocks and nosepads that grip when wet
Lens optionsCosmetan Brown, True-Tone Green or True-Color GrayPolarized mirrored gray or Prizm options

Price history

$230.00$109.19
Nov 2Nov 12
  • American Optical Alden Sunglasses: lowest $230.00 on Nov 12 at Designer Optics.
  • Oakley Flak 2.0 XL: lowest $109.19 on Nov 10 at Jomashop; $118.99 on Nov 12.

Prices at every store

American Optical Alden Sunglasses

  • Designer OpticsNew

    In stock

    $230.00Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Designer Optics
  • SmartBuyGlassesNew

    In stock

    $253.00Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit SmartBuyGlasses

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 2 stores and price history →

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

  • Rock Bottom GolfNew

    In stock

    $118.99+ $11.99 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Rock Bottom Golf
  • JomashopNew

    In stock

    $139.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Jomashop
  • Designer Frames OutletNew

    Availability unknown

    $156.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Designer Frames Outlet
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $169.80Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • Golf HQCheck price at Golf HQ
  • Surf Shack SouthCheck price at Surf Shack South
  • BadlandsCheck price at Badlands

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 44 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAmerican Optical Alden SunglassesOakley Flak 2.0 XL
Lens width5359 mm
Frame materialAcetatePlastic
Lens typeAOLite™ NylonPolarized, Mirrored
Lens colorCosmetan™ BrownMirror Glass, Gray
GenderUnisexUnisex
Frame sizeM (53-20-145mm)—
Bridge width20—
Temple length145—
Polarization99% polarized—
UV protection100% UVA/UVB protection—
Hinge type5-barrel hinges—
Frame colorsBlack Smoke, Chestnut Fade, Midnight Hazel—
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAmerican Optical Alden SunglassesOakley Flak 2.0 XL
Material—Plastic
With Interchangeable Lenses—Yes
Frame Shape—Sport
Frame Color—Black
Frame Type—Half Frame

What reviewers say

Oakley Flak 2.0 XL

  • 4.7 / 54,800 ratings

Owners rate the Flak 2.0 XL highly, with most praise going to the light fit and the Prizm Golf lens clarity on the course. Complaints tend to center on the specialized tint and on lens care.

What people mention
  • Lens clarityPraisedOwners say the Prizm Golf lenses sharpen contrast between grass, sky and the ball.
  • Fit and comfortPraisedThe light O Matter frame and XL width are described as comfortable for hours of wear.
  • PolarizationCriticisedSome owners wish the lenses were polarized for stronger glare reduction.
  • Lens durabilityMixedA few owners report scratches on the exposed semi-rimless lens edges.

Questions and answers

Which is better for running and cycling?
The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL. Its wider lens covers more of your peripheral view, and the Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads grip when you sweat. The AO Alden is a casual frame with no rubber grip.
Which lasts longer?
The AO Alden's acetate frame and five-barrel hinges are built for years of daily wear. The Oakley's O Matter frame is durable and light but plastic, and its lens coatings wear with rough cleaning. Both hold up well with care.
Is the Oakley worth stepping up to over the AO?
If you wear sunglasses for sport, yes. Interchangeable lenses, wider coverage and a secure fit are things the AO does not offer. For everyday wear, the AO's acetate build and classic shape are the better match.
Can I get prescription lenses in either?
The AO Alden can be ordered with prescription lenses. The Oakley Flak 2.0 XL is sold as a sport sunglass; prescription versions exist through Oakley's Rx program, but not every listing offers them.
Which fits a smaller face?
The AO Alden, at 53 mm lens width and a 145 mm temple. The Oakley's 59 mm lens and XL coverage suit medium to large faces better.
Do both block UV and glare?
Yes. The AO has 99% polarized lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection. The Oakley uses polarized Plutonite lenses with UV protection.

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