Ask me about Eyewear!

Originally Posted by upnorth

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I recently had to replace my old aviators with another new pair and I took a look at both Randolph Engineering and American Optical. Contrary to the common wisdom, they were totally two different animals. FWIW, I compared AO General model with a pair of RE Concorde. I felt the RE was sturdier and of a better make overall and might want to pull the trigger on that. It cost around $90 for the Concorde model.

However, I just want to know if there are any other aviators out there that might be a better option for me. I am able to get, for about 75 bucks, guaranteed authentic Raybans 3025. Is there anything good out there under say $200 with a 6 base curve as I need RX? I can make do with a size 57mm to 61mm.

Sorry for the late response guys! I have been working on a secret project.

I dont know what your RX looks like, but a 61mm eyesize will make your lenses look thick. In terms of styles, there are tons of companies that make aviators now. Under 200, look into Boss, Armani and so on. $75 for authentic dealer Raybans is a good price. I would say just jump on those, for that price.

Originally Posted by StarterStyle

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Which of these 2 frames would you say look better on me? I'm going to turn them into perscription glasses, and it's been hard to find regular frames to fit my face. They're both the persol 2849, but in 2 different sizes.






Thanks!

Depending on your RX I would say go with the smaller ones just so that your lenses will be thinner. In terms of looks, the smaller ones match a bit better, but the larger ones are the "oversized" look without being too over the top. I would say go for the smaller one and have thinner lenses put in them. Keep in mind that the bigger the frame, the heavier the lenses will be.

Originally Posted by dyzfunctioned

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Okay, apologies in advance for the absolutely terrible pic (store didn't like me taking pics of glasses apparently haha), but here's a pic of me wearing a pair of SALT's I'm considering, let me know what you think CC. Also, if you have any other suggestions to suit my face shape please, please, please, offer them up

Thanks!

I really like those on you. The style and color match quite well. I would say go for it. Most stores will NOT like you taking pictures, not because they dont like you but it is a security issue. People come in and take pictures of frames (read: security cameras) so that they can steal something later OR break in later. Dont take it personally. But the frames are good, go for it. I cant think of any other ones off the top of my head that are similar to them. I really like the clean lines.

Originally Posted by phoenixrecon

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What style of frame would you recommend for someone with a face shaped like mine?

I need a pic from the front. I cant really see your face shape/ jaw structure/eye separation/nose size and so on...

Originally Posted by Curious_George

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Any suggestions for frames similar to these?

http://hotsunglass.co.kr/front/php/p...isplay_group=1 They're listed as Oliver Peoples "Gent" model I believe, but I've never seen them in the US. As far as I can tell they're basically the same shape as the Riley model I currently wear but made of titanium. I love the shape of my Riley's but I'd also really like to get a pair of titanium frames.
I really like those. The only drawback that I see with those frames (without seeing them or holding them), I can also guarantee that they are a very stiff frame. What I mean by that is, they have no flexibility and they are rather rigid. The problem is that they are bit more difficult to adjust and if you ever bend it out of shape for whatever reason, it is very hard to straighten it back out. It doesnt really matter, but just a little info on that frame. If there is a brand that I would say to take a look at it before you get those, I woul say take a look at Artheon. It is a new line from the Kio Yamato Group. They have titanium frames that are actually very light in weight. I cant recall the website but I may hae it on my blog.

Originally Posted by Arethusa

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Would anyone be interested in buying these off me at a discount? I've worn then for a few days at most, and I don't think I'll be able to get them to sit right on my face.

If you like them and selling them only because of it the fit, take a pic of you wearing them. I could probably tell you if someone could fit it to you, or if it is hopeless.

Originally Posted by CityConnection

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I really like those on you. The style and color match quite well. I would say go for it. Most stores will NOT like you taking pictures, not because they dont like you but it is a security issue. People come in and take pictures of frames (read: security cameras) so that they can steal something later OR break in later. Dont take it personally. But the frames are good, go for it. I cant think of any other ones off the top of my head that are similar to them. I really like the clean lines.

Awesome, thanks for the reply CC. What's this secret project you're working on? haha

Originally Posted by CityConnection

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I really like those on you. The style and color match quite well. I would say go for it. Most stores will NOT like you taking pictures, not because they dont like you but it is a security issue. People come in and take pictures of frames (read: security cameras) so that they can steal something later OR break in later. Dont take it personally. But the frames are good, go for it. I cant think of any other ones off the top of my head that are similar to them. I really like the clean lines.

This is somewhat true... however the major cause is becasue they don't want other stores coming in and taking pics... publicly traded companies more so than others. Worked In LP for a while and that's basically why we asked people not to.

also ill get a better picture

Originally Posted by dyzfunctioned

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Awesome, thanks for the reply CC. What's this secret project you're working on? haha

If I told you the secret it wouldnt be a secret. hahaha. I'm just kidding. I just started making my own acetate frames. It is challenging but also very fun. I will post up some pics once I get the ball rolling.

hey city i was gifted a pair of frames i like and i went to an eyeglass store in taipei (taiwan) to get lenses put in to the frames.

my nearsightedness is around -7.25! and i have some astigmatism as well...


well i wanted high index, antireflective coating, uv protection lenses and they only charged me 1500 nt , which is roughly equal to $45 us....

i guess a reference for pricing in taiwan: my cousin was also looking at a pair of frames that cost 799 nt (roughly 24 usd) and to get lenses installed, the frames+lenses would cost 999nt total (roughly 30 usd)

sketchy?

Originally Posted by CityConnection

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If I told you the secret it wouldnt be a secret. hahaha. I'm just kidding. I just started making my own acetate frames. It is challenging but also very fun. I will post up some pics once I get the ball rolling.

Awesome, can't wait to see how they look. Good luck!

I just wanted to recommend a little known shop in covent garden. Its been standing for 30 years and offers the highest quality vintage, bespoke and custom frames all manufactured and designed in England a rarity in this day and age with everything being mass produced in China. You will definitely find yourself a special frame in this shop. http://www.operaopera.net The websites informative but i recommend going into the shop in covent garden, london. It is a site in itself. turned into somewhat of a mini tourist attraction.

Originally Posted by zbip

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hey city i was gifted a pair of frames i like and i went to an eyeglass store in taipei (taiwan) to get lenses put in to the frames.

my nearsightedness is around -7.25! and i have some astigmatism as well...


well i wanted high index, antireflective coating, uv protection lenses and they only charged me 1500 nt , which is roughly equal to $45 us....

i guess a reference for pricing in taiwan: my cousin was also looking at a pair of frames that cost 799 nt (roughly 24 usd) and to get lenses installed, the frames+lenses would cost 999nt total (roughly 30 usd)

sketchy?

Yes and no. Asia is general has better prices on cheaper products. The cheap stuff is cheaper there and the expensive stuff is MORE expensive than in North America. I dont know what kind of lenses they offered you but I could see it being possible. I know in Korea and China you can get a full pair of frame and lenses for $10. Mind you, they will be terrible quality but you'll be able to see.

That said, there are "good" lenses and "bad" lenses. And what I mean by that is that some coatings will have a great anti scratch coating whereas the some will be very cheap and scratch easily. It is actually only the difference of a few coatings and a few minutes of time, but some manufactures cut corners and sell it for cheaper.

Hope that helps

Thanks for your advice earlier, CC. I decided to go for the $75 rayban aviators.

I share the same sentiment about pricing. Even at their most expensive, designer frames sell for much lesser in the States than Asia. On average, I've noticed that places in Asia sell designer frames, especially European models for about 30-50% more than in the US.

In terms of lenses, they are much cheaper in Asia primarily due to proximity and also logistics. I was surprised that many places in the US actually quote prices for lenses without coatings and add on the extra charges from there. In most places in Asia, many of their lenses come default with AR, UV and Scratch resistant coating under the term "multi-coated" lens. Some even come with hydrophobic and antistatic coatings.

In my limited experience, I've noticed that Asian optical shops tend to rely on larger firms for the fitting of RX lenses, Essilor, Hoya, Zeiss being very popular choices, so the reliability of the work is no doubted. Some smaller companies like ILT also do a pretty good job at lower prices. In contrast, some of the smaller optical shops in US seem to prefer their own independent labs and while some are good, I've also had some very bad coatings and edging done.

Originally Posted by upnorth

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Thanks for your advice earlier, CC. I decided to go for the $75 rayban aviators.

I share the same sentiment about pricing. Even at their most expensive, designer frames sell for much lesser in the States than Asia. On average, I've noticed that places in Asia sell designer frames, especially European models for about 30-50% more than in the US.

In terms of lenses, they are much cheaper in Asia primarily due to proximity and also logistics. I was surprised that many places in the US actually quote prices for lenses without coatings and add on the extra charges from there. In most places in Asia, many of their lenses come default with AR, UV and Scratch resistant coating under the term "multi-coated" lens. Some even come with hydrophobic and antistatic coatings.

In my limited experience, I've noticed that Asian optical shops tend to rely on larger firms for the fitting of RX lenses, Essilor, Hoya, Zeiss being very popular choices, so the reliability of the work is no doubted. Some smaller companies like ILT also do a pretty good job at lower prices. In contrast, some of the smaller optical shops in US seem to prefer their own independent labs and while some are good, I've also had some very bad coatings and edging done.

You are correct. Opticals in Asia in general have all the coatings and sell it as a package. Most lenses that have to have coatings put on AFTER being produced generally doesnt withstand abuse all that well. I would suggest to get lenses that are pre-manufactured with all the necessary coatings.

Also, labs are like any other business, there are the good quality ones and good priced ones. Sometimes they will do the both but a lot do only quality or price.

As I say to everyone, be educated and aware and you will never get ripped off.

Good luck!