PSA Melon Optics, one to avoid.

I’ve always had personal responses from them, found them really good. I don’t agree with it being a “product issue” as such, just an unlucky combination of head, helmet and glasses – but you should absolutely have the right to return regardless, the “custom” argument holds no weight at all.

Wonder if it;s just a time of year thing and the generic replies are because staff are on holiday, etc (which isn’t an excuse they should still be supporting customers)

I’ve just checked my emails and had marketing emails from individuals at certain times. They might just be auto generated email addresses for marketing purposes, or maybe you can reach an actual person?

Ash-Melon@melonoptics.com – signs off as head of marketing

james-melon@melonoptics.com – signs off as founder

ben.matthews@melonoptic.com – signs off as just Ben

My purchase receipt says:
If you have any questions, contact us at hello@melonoptics.com or call us at +44 20 8123 9828.

they also fowl the helmet sides

It no yolk.

It no yolk

I imagine they’re all a-flutter with the negative comments on this post, let’s hope they’re not cooped up inside trying to sort it out, and that the OP gets and eggcellent outcome.

‘maybe try before you buy next time?’ and ‘They’re pretty common tbf’ now come up and ride in the Lake District rather than heavily ridden trail centres or the tweed valley where on my the last three rides I’ve seen zero other riders.

I have the same issue, number of riders i’ve been within earshot of while out on my own in the last year = zero. (It’s probably only half a dozen in the last 2 years…)

I’d reckon on 75% of my rides i’ve seen no one. And the last set of tyre tracks  on the trail are the ones i laid down the last time i rode it…

maybe try before you buy next time?’ and ‘They’re pretty common tbf’ now come up and ride in the Lake District rather than heavily ridden trail centres or the tweed valley where on my the last three rides I’ve seen zero other riders.
I have the same issue, number of riders i’ve been within earshot of while out on my own in the last year = zero. (It’s probably only half a dozen in the last 2 years…)

I’d reckon on 75% of my rides i’ve seen no one. And the last set of tyre tracks  on the trail are the ones i laid down the last time i rode it…

Regardless of the number of riders you see on your own rides, it’s not normal* to have to ask other people to try on their apparel/equipment. We all know that’s the reason for the regulations.

*In fact it’s a genuinely risible suggestion.

Just imagining stopping someone I don’t know to try on their shorts… In the supermarket.

If it’s a custom order, they should say they don’t accept returns.
Also if it’s a custom order how do you ‘try before you buy’ and since when do you see someone even at BPW and firstly recognise what specs they’ve got, then ask to try them.

I bought some bananaoptic’s from a PSA on here. They rattle with one of my lids but a small piece of 3m rubber tape sorted that. Far, far cheaper that the current crop of ‘brand inflation’ riding glasses / sunglasses on the market.

Anyone else remember the Fau’Oakley Vs Oakley’s thread on here 10+ years ago?

If you are ever at an event that Melon are at, they usually have demo glasses. So you can try them for a few hours, see if they work for you.

I had some Kingpins, which i tried and thankfully didnt clash with my helmet or cause pressure points from the arms, so i bought some.

I dont own them anymore, as it turns out i hate wearing riding glasses… i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes 😀

Sold them on ebay for about a third of what i paid 🙁

Interested to hear what they come back with, regarding returning the glasses.

i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes

I used to feel the same. Now I have a blister in my eye

As I understand it, choosing from a list of options and someone then making or building it to your chosen options is not bespoke. As has been mentioned earlier having your name written/printed/engraved on it or asking for a colour scheme or options which they don’t offer is bespoke.
I’d have a chat with citizen’s advice and see what they say about returning them for a refund.

i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes 😀

Even the mud and grit that hits at 40-50kph? (Or more?)

I dont own them anymore, as it turns out i hate wearing riding glasses… i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes 😀

Yeah, I got a badly scratched retina from a splinter once (walking past tree surgeons at work), I’m probably OTT now in terms of wearing eye protection but I’d rather that than have that pain again.

mashrFull Member
i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes
I used to feel the same. Now I have a blister in my eye

I spend four hours in the Eye Infirmary yesterday after my front wheel picked up a small stone in the woods and threw it into my eye, an absolutely perfect shot.  Genuinely thought I was in trouble.  Never wept blood from my eye ball before, that was a bit grim (but short lived).

I’ve been pretty lucky.  Thoroughly checked with a microscope, some debris fished out and damage to the membrane.  I have one very sore eye now that should heal.

I’ve fished so much crap out of my eyes over the years because I don’t like wearing them (find goggles okay, but overkill) but I will be buying more glasses this week before I head back out.

IMO this tactic (and plenty of other companies do it) is a backlash against the folk who order multiples of stuff to try on then return it costing retailers hugely.  I am all for consumer protection but too many folk abuse this

The wife was also planning on buying some goggles from them and didn’t believe what had been posted so emailed them. They confirmed that as they would be ‘custom’ they didn’t offer refunds.

I’m still contemplating them but buying all the individual parts, they come to the same price, you just don’t get a bag for them. Can’t be custom that way.

IMO this tactic (and plenty of other companies do it) is a backlash against the folk who order multiples of stuff to try on then return it costing retailers hugely

Goggles and glasses are not an item that won’t fit a lot of people (unlike shoes or clothes), so I would disagree with you there.

It’s just greed/lazinesss/arrogance – or they can’t afford to refund.

They confirmed that as they would be ‘custom’ they didn’t offer refunds.

Except, as per some of the points on the last page, they can’t do that…

@mert I appreciate that, I’m just repeating what the email said.

chapaking – every return costs them money – and returned items cannot be sold as brand new

and returned items cannot be sold as brand new

Why can’t they? I’ve definitely bought stuff that’s clearly been returned by other people due to the way it’s been packaged, folded etc.

Did you ever get this resolved?

I’m just trying to decide what to buy after a disappointing issue with some Smith glasses.

Bit torn between Alleycats & Kingpins, thought about ordering both and sending one back – but won’t be doing that now…

Don’t think you’ll be able to speak to someone about the matter either it’s just one of those online infuriating chat panels where you get stock replies.

This is a shame, I’ve had multiple pairs of glasses / googles & lenses including a warranty replacement and they’ve always been excellent. That was a couple of years ago though.

I would estimate that dealing with a few returns would have cost them a lot less than this thread…

Well I’m off looking at Oakley’s now…

Bit torn between Alleycats & Kingpins, thought about ordering both and sending one back – but won’t be doing that now…

I took a while deciding and went Alleycats as they were always the ones I originally fancied and wasn’t sure if the Kingpins would suit my face.

I’m not sure I look as good in the Alleycats as other people i.e. suiting ones face, but who cares lol, they are great riding glasses (for me) and definitely the best I’ve had. Currently loving the low light lens.

Will be adding another pair of a different style at some point

If you are undecided between Alleycats and Kingpins, have you considered the Jesters?

I’ve gone for the Oakleys now 🙂

Stopped off at my LBS and they had a pair there, with a low light lens so I’ve bought them and ordered another lens to go with them.

Oakley also offer a customise option on their site, and don’t accept returns but it’s much more obvious before you buy them AND there are multiple non custom options you can buy.

I’ve got a recent product failure which I need to report to Melon this week.

I’ll come back here and let you all know how it goes.

Just ordered some prescription, transitions Oakley Flak 2.0 – definitely custom, and definitely not cheap (though not that expensive considering the prescription and transitions compare to the OP’s MelonOptics – don’t pay list)

And they are replacing a pair I have worn for about 5 years – driving, snowboarding, MTB & road, plus just general pratting about and they have been excellent.

I don’t like Oakley prices, but their product is pretty decent.

I didn’t like my Alleycats (fit wise – the lens is incredible though!) and they offered after the initial custom order response…

50% cash refund or 100% value voucher and in ether case just to keep the glasses.

Dont forget these internet only sales models do away with distribution and retail each needing to pay people, rent and make a profit. If they can’t deal with returns because of size fit etc then they are not a viable business, and if they refuse they are breaking the law.

I bought some SunGod glasses which I really liked lens-wise but which didn’t fit with my helmet, so I had an excuse to buy a nice new Kask helmet. The combo didn’t result in me going as fast as Tom Pidcock, though.

I finally got around to reporting my faulty goggles today. The foam had detached from the frame after very light use.

I emailed them some pictures, they said “Oh no that’s terrible” and put a replacement in the post.

I haven’t received them yet but assuming they arrive and I’m all squared up, my pitchfork will remain unbrandished.

I’ve had Alleycats for a few years.

Lost the soft bag on the first ride, emailed them and they sent a replacement out free but I had to pay maybe £2 postage.

Brand new frame, free of charge and next day delivery. Happy Melon customer here.