Smart Glasses for Athletes: Oakley Meta Vanguard Review

The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses are designed with athletes in mind, offering a unique combination of style and functionality.

Design and Features

• Unique Oakley Sphaera Look: Combines the advanced features of the earlier Oakley Meta HSTNs with a familiar visor design.
• New Action Button: Enhances usability.
• Centered Camera: Improves point-of-view shots.
• Integrations: Works seamlessly with Garmin devices and Strava.
• Price: $499.

Performance

The Vanguard glasses share many specs with the HSTNs, including:

• IP67 Rating: Sweat, dust, and water resistance.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Captures high-quality images.
• 3K Video Recording: Ensures crisp footage.
• Two Open-Ear Speakers: Allows for clear audio without headphones.
• Five-Mic Array: Enhances call and voice quality.

Battery Life

• Claimed Battery Life: Up to nine hours with a single charge.
• Real-World Testing: Shows significant drain, especially when using multiple features simultaneously.

Smart Features for Athletes

• Garmin and Strava Integration: Overlays performance metrics on recorded footage.
• Handy for Tracking: Distance, average pace, elevation, and more.
• Drawback: Integration with Garmin for real-time stats during workouts did not work as expected.

Style and Comfort

• Iridescent Sheen and Vibrant Colors: Stylish for outdoor activities.
• Larger Form Factor: Distributes weight more comfortably, reducing nose pressure.
• Limitation: Lacks prescription lens support.

Comparison with Oakley Meta HSTNs

• HSTNs: More suitable for everyday wear with a more subtle look.
• Vanguard: Better for those who enjoy a sporty style and advanced features.

Final Verdict

The Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses are worth considering if you appreciate their sporty style and advanced features.