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Big headed brethren, rejoice! After years and years of asking for it, the Holbrook XL is FINALLY here. Not to be confused with the Holbrook LX (the premium version of the Holbrook), the XL finally provides enough coverage for those with wider measurements. These glasses are new enough that the product description doesnt offer much, but I can tell you measurements are 59-18-137 I ordered the matte black, which like other plastic frame options from Oakley (including the Sliver XL, the only similar alternative before this release), is an absolute grease magnet. The decorative rivets and the signature O dont feel any different from the regular Holbrook, but Im hoping that with the newest generation, they hold up to some more abuse. In my experience, Holbrooks are plenty durable with the exception of the decorative rivets--and even in cases where they dont break, a scratch or scuff doesnt go unnoticed in the corners, especially with contrasting color schemes. My everyday pair of glasses prior to buying these were some Smith Lowdown XLs in matte black. While the Holbrook gets plenty of style points in my book, it continues to trail behind the Smiths in not having a cushion or grip by the bridge of the glasses. I dont have a prominent nose, so the Holbrooks have a tendency to slide down my face, especially during strenuous activity or exercise. The Smiths have a hydrophobic pad that help keep the glasses in place, while the Holbrook only has more plastic frame. The Holbrook XL doesnt wrap the face as tightly as the Smiths, which is a positive in my book. Rapid temperature changes dont result in fogging as much as they do with the Smith Lowdown XLs just because there is a bit more room to breathe. Fitment behind the temples and ears is great. Be warned, while the lens description for my pair said Warm Gray, they definitely trend heavy on the rose-colored end, more-so than many of the Oakleys Ive had in the past, though that could be perception because of the increased surface area of lens youre getting. Build quality is solid, with no flex in the hinges. Big thanks to Oakley for recognizing the need for this line-- with such an iconic and classic look and feel, Im really looking forward to seeing my collection of Holbrook XLs grow!
