Online Optical Brand Comparisons!!!

[tgod93]

Hey all!

I am in the market for some optical frames and I've stumbled across a few brands that offer good looking frames for reasonable prices.

The first brand I came across is Warby Parker.
http://www.warbyparker.com/

Supposedly, its the "original" brand for this method of selling optics (reasonable price/stylish) and the following brands are simply "copycats".

http://lookmatic.com/
http://www.mezzmer.com/
http://www.classicspecs.com/
http://www.eyefly.com/
http://www.madeeyewear.com/

If anyone has had any experience with ANY of these brands, your opinion/evaluation would be greatly appreciated!

Main points:
-Quality
-Durability
-Styling
+Bonuses (cool policies, etc)


Thanks ahead of time for any answers.

 

[tgod93]

anyone?

 

[Mr E]

I've used Warby Parker twice so far. I first bought a pair about two years after first hearing about them. What I like about them is as follows:
1) You get to select frames for a home try-on with no obligation to buy. You get 6 frames sent to your house and you get 5 days with them to try on at your leisure. They send you the return shipping label (UPS) that makes sending it back as easy as sticking in a UPS drop box.
2) Their price point is what I would say as quite fair. I believe for $100 you get frames, lenses, a case, and they also throw in a pair to someone in need (supposedly, I can't vouch entirely for this since I don't see it). There are options for upgraded lenses I believe that will bring the cost a tad higher, but still much better than your optometrist office and a basic Lens Crafters store.
3) I like the frame designs for the most part. Many selections and each one with a couple color choices.I am still waring a pair I bought 2 years ago and have had no issues at all.

My GF also tried Warby Parker and didn't make out so well. For some reason they couldn't get her pupilary distance correct. First time was here fault because she measured it herself, second was a direct measurement from her optometrist taken during a routine eye exam. Either way they took both pairs back no questions asked. In my opinion though, her optometrist screwed up the measurement (this same optometrist changed her existing prescription drastically which has also proven to be wrong, needless to say my GF dropped that Dr.)

FYI-I just sent my free try on back yesterday and hope to send my new Rx in next week.

 

[tgod93]

I've used Warby Parker twice so far. I first bought a pair about two years after first hearing about them. What I like about them is as follows:
1) You get to select frames for a home try-on with no obligation to buy. You get 6 frames sent to your house and you get 5 days with them to try on at your leisure. They send you the return shipping label (UPS) that makes sending it back as easy as sticking in a UPS drop box.
2) Their price point is what I would say as quite fair. I believe for $100 you get frames, lenses, a case, and they also throw in a pair to someone in need (supposedly, I can't vouch entirely for this since I don't see it). There are options for upgraded lenses I believe that will bring the cost a tad higher, but still much better than your optometrist office and a basic Lens Crafters store.
3) I like the frame designs for the most part. Many selections and each one with a couple color choices.I am still waring a pair I bought 2 years ago and have had no issues at all.

My GF also tried Warby Parker and didn't make out so well. For some reason they couldn't get her pupilary distance correct. First time was here fault because she measured it herself, second was a direct measurement from her optometrist taken during a routine eye exam. Either way they took both pairs back no questions asked. In my opinion though, her optometrist screwed up the measurement (this same optometrist changed her existing prescription drastically which has also proven to be wrong, needless to say my GF dropped that Dr.)

FYI-I just sent my free try on back yesterday and hope to send my new Rx in next week.

thanks for the feedback! I got my home try-ons from WarbyParker just a day ago.
The ONLY complaint I have so far is that a lot of the frames are rather narrow... and smaller (shorter) than I'd hoped.
Of the 5 pairs I picked for try-on, only 2 of them actually fit my face in terms of width.
I've also ordered home-tryons from classic specs which should arrive some time next week.

 

[knittieguy]

I've used Classic Specs for some prescription specs. The service is fantastic. I happened to break my glasses after about eight months and they replaced them for free, no questions asked. Apparently that is their policy for the first year after purchase. After that, it costs $25 or so to get a replacement for broken ones. The only catch being that you have to get exactly the same pair you originally purchased. Nice glasses, too. Not the most incredible ones I've ever seen, but fairly well made.

 

[tgod93]

I've used Classic Specs for some prescription specs. The service is fantastic. I happened to break my glasses after about eight months and they replaced them for free, no questions asked. Apparently that is their policy for the first year after purchase. After that, it costs $25 or so to get a replacement for broken ones. The only catch being that you have to get exactly the same pair you originally purchased. Nice glasses, too. Not the most incredible ones I've ever seen, but fairly well made.

good to hear! i ordered my home try-ons a couple of days ago. They should get here some time next week.
I really just hope I can find a pair that fit comfortably on my face... and bigger frames