Smart Glasses for Athletes: Oakley Meta Vanguard Review

The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses are designed with athletes in mind, offering a blend of style and functionality. These glasses stand out with their unique Oakley Sphaera look, which combines the advanced features of the earlier Oakley Meta HSTNs with a familiar visor design. The Vanguard includes a new action button, a centered camera for better point-of-view shots, and integrations with Garmin devices and Strava. However, they come with a higher price tag of $499. Performance-wise, the Vanguard glasses share many specs with the HSTNs, such as an IP67 rating for sweat, dust, and water resistance, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, 3K video recording, two open-ear speakers, and a five-mic array. The centered camera position improves video quality, making it easier to capture well-framed shots. The audio quality is also impressive, allowing users to enjoy music and take calls without needing headphones. Battery life is a notable concern. Meta claims up to nine hours of use with a single charge, but real-world testing showed a significant drain, especially when using multiple features simultaneously. This is consistent with other Meta models, which tend to underperform in battery life. The Vanguard glasses offer smart features tailored for athletes. They integrate with Garmin devices and Strava, allowing users to overlay performance metrics on their recorded footage. This feature is handy for tracking distance, average pace, elevation, and more. However, the integration with Garmin for real-time stats during workouts did not work as expected, which is a drawback. Style is another important factor. The Vanguard glasses have an iridescent sheen and vibrant color options, making them stylish for outdoor activities. The larger form factor distributes weight more comfortably, reducing pressure on the nose. However, they lack prescription lens support, which may limit their appeal to some users. For those who prefer a more subtle look, the Oakley Meta HSTNs might be a better choice. They offer similar recording features but are more suitable for everyday wear. Ultimately, the Vanguard glasses are worth considering if you enjoy their sporty style and advanced features.