Apex Replacement Lenses for Oakley Meta HSTN – Second Set Review: Much Improved!
After reaching out to Apex about the issues I had with the first pair of replacement lenses for my Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, they quickly sent over a new set to test. I’ve been wearing these updated lenses for a few days now, and the difference is clear — literally.
Better Performance the Second Time Around
The first pair of lenses had noticeable internal reflections and glare when looking toward bright light or the sun. With the second set, those issues are significantly reduced. The glare problem that made the first set difficult to use outdoors seems to be resolved, and overall optical clarity has improved.
It’s great to see Apex take feedback seriously and respond with a better-quality product.
Build Quality & Design
The Apex lenses are well-built and look clean once installed. They’re slightly thinner than the original Oakley Transition lenses that came with the Meta glasses, but they fit well and feel light. The mirror finish looks great, though I’m curious to see how well it holds up over time.
In the past, I’ve had some Oakley lenses where the mirror coating started to peel after extended use — and Oakley doesn’t typically replace those under warranty — so that’s something I’ll be watching.
Cleaning & Smudge Resistance
One small thing I’ve noticed: smudges are a bit harder to clean on the inside of the lens compared to the outside. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting for those who like to keep their glasses spotless. I’ll continue testing this as I wear them more often.
Optical Performance
I chose the Polarized + Anti-Glare version, which is Apex’s premium option. The polarization works well — reflections are reduced, and the lenses are comfortable in bright sunlight.
However, in a direct comparison with Oakley’s original polarized lenses, Oakley still has a slight edge in overall glare reduction and visual crispness. Still, considering Oakley hasn’t released official replacements for the Meta HSTN, Apex’s offering performs impressively well.
Final Thoughts
After several days of testing, I can confidently say this second set from Apex is a big improvement over the first. They’re clear, comfortable, and stylish, with reduced glare and good visibility outdoors.
While I can’t yet speak to their long-term durability — especially regarding scratches or mirror finish fading — these lenses are currently the best available option for replacing Oakley Meta HSTN lenses.
If you’ve tried Apex lenses or found another manufacturer that makes replacements for the Meta HSTN, share your experience below — I’d love to hear what you think.
