Getting a Sprint and Rapide sample, -5 prescription, clear lenses.
Any thoughts? advice?
I like mine a lot, not sure what model they are. Very comfy, lovely clarity, not too heavy, look OK. My prescription is much lighter than yours though.
I went for photo-senstive lenses, which work really well.
I need to get some new glasses for riding - do you have any links to these frames?
Ta
Si
I've got the Scorch with a photo-sensitive lens. Ace for biking and skiing.
[url= http://www.optilabs.com/site/prods.php?pfid=0,8,11,18 ]linky[/url]
Getting samples sent out free - which is not too bad, but going for the "cheapest" prescription option.
i too have scorch frame with prescription lenses. Very happy with them after 18 month. I did have a problem when the frame broke after 11 months of regular use, however optilabs put my existing lenses into a new frame no questions asked, which counts as top customer service in my view
ive had two pairs now, cos my dog ate the first ones - yummy!
Sadly I cannot be so positive. I bought a pair last winter and the frames do not fit at all well to the extent they are pretty much unwearable. I've been wearing bins for 27 years and don't have a particularly odd shaped head or face but the optilabs are very wide but with arms too short to grab my ears properly. I wore them skiing and the combination of strap and beanie kept them in situ OK but just plonked on my head they loook like some sort of sci fi contraption. Just far too big! Make me look like a bleedin' fly!
I didn't complain but just put it down to experience - somethings you can buy off web no worries but some things really do need to be worn first.
Service was great but overall I can't recommend them.
Phone them up and ask them, otherwise I recommend giving Schuller opticians in Lambs Conduit Street a call as they have quite a bit of expertise in glazing prescription sports eyewear.
I've had some topworld frames with the photochromic lenses for about 2 years. They are ace, have taken lots of abuse and the lenses are still mint. Couldn't recommend them highly enough. I went there and tried on loads of frames. Didn't really like the frames I got visually, but they were the best fit so I'd advise buying on fit rather than looks.
hh45, you're being incredibly unfair. It's not Optilabs fault that your head doesn't fit one particular pair of their frames. It's yours for not bothering to try out the options.
How are you getting free samples sent out? Did you have to phone them?
I have Scorch with photochromic bifocals - they are ace from a comfort and function point of view, but look pretty geeky when the lenses are clear - OK when they are dark. I think I'd have chosen a lighter frame colour if I'd tried them with clear lenses (I visited the shop when I was passing on a business trip).
I've had the Sscorch with photochromic lens for nearly 2 years & I really like them. I've also used them on a snowboarding holiday. However I have 2 complaints:
1) The paint on the inside of the arms has started to bubble.
2) The rubber inserts on the arms look a bit cheap & naff.
Overall I am really pleased with them. The lens quality is very good & I'm glad I went for the photochromic option.
optilabs were ace for me, well recommended. Replaced a set for free when the first ones didn't fit properly. Very helpful and could easily accomodate my bonkers prescription. The pair I have now are very comfy, fit perfectly and I can wear all day with no issues.
And to the chap above who had problems. You should have phoned them up and asked for help, they'll happily take the glasses back for re-adjustment. Mine went back three times (and they paid for the postage), until they were spot on.
I have the Rapides with a -6 prescription and a high astigmatism. They are fine after 2 years, no more scratched than I would expect. I would definitely buy from them again. I may go for some orange lense rapides for the duller days we get in the summer months 😉
Optilabs sent me out sample frames for just about every frame they do suitable for cycling. Each design has a slightly different fit so chose by fit rather than fashion statement. Got the photochromic lenses which a clear enough (as near as noticeable clear) for night riding. I've had them for three years and they have so far survived being stored in camelbaks & jersey pockets with multi tools etc without scratching.
Can't fault the glasses or the service
How are you getting free samples sent out? Did you have to phone them?
Just phone them don't know what they do now but they would only send out three or four different sample frames at a time but their turn around was by return post
How ****ing much?!!!
I had a pair from them- looks like all of them in the pics. The rubber coating started deteriorating and I had to have them remade (first lot were very strong- affected my depth perception). I think it was because they applied a standard eye test result and translated it into a curved lens?
Anyway £150 for some plastic (nice when new) frames isnt good value. Sorry.
The service and communication were very good though. Would need to be though.
"Anyway £150 for some plastic (nice when new) frames isnt good value. Sorry"
Erm.. last time I looked prescription glasses were quite expensive 🙁 ....IMO these are good value.
"Anyway £150 for some plastic (nice when new) frames isnt good value. Sorry"
double it and you can have oakley logos on the side. look great admittedly and usual oakley high quality, but butter in a heatwave would stick to my face better!!!
Have had a couple of pairs of Optilabs, and they were pretty good if a bit gimpy, but have now switched to Dirty Dog as they will prescriptionise any of their sunny frames. Nice people to deal with too. Dirtydog.biz
I use elasticated cloth arms from Blacks as I normally ride wearing my madetomeasure Vision Express glasses (100@ plastic). Work a treat.
Will look up Dirtydog.biz ta for that.
The paint on the inside of the arms has started to bubble.
After I posted that I emailed them & within a few minutes I got a response saying send them back & they would replace the frame. No quibbling about how long I'd had them, proof of purchase etc.
So I sent them off & got them back within 72 hours. Fantastic service.
I have ordered some, they do seem helpful, being a bit of a Wally I messed up the ordering options, all resolved.