Hi to all the regulars in this thread.
Been reading up on this thread since 1-2 days back and would like to seek some input and also advice from you.
A little background about me.
Used to wear Oakley Square Wire 2.0, thought it was one of the best specs I bought. Was really happy with the purchase and enjoyed the warranty and services covered by Larrikin. Changed the frames a couple of times after warranty, from 80 till it was increased to 120.
Then moved to a brandless (I think) wooden looking one with normal lenses. Wore it for about 3-4 yrs till present day. Recently, I told myself I'll 'destroy' my eyes if I continue wearing this specs as the lenses are heavily scratched.
I only have a pair of specs and use it for any and every activity that I do.
Ok so now for the advice seeking part,
1.
Should I get 2 pairs of specs?
1 for work and 1 for others? I remember doing this before and it was very unsuccessful, I gave up and used the new one.
2. Should I go back to Oakleys? The last I know, they have changed management. Luxotica is now managing them. No more changing of nose rubber and sleeves after 3rd yr of purchase. Also the prices are quite steep.
3. I am looking for light frames. I've seen brands like Tag, Swissflex, byWP, IC. Berlin, Oakley and Urband being thrown ard. Any other brands that are worth taking a look?
4. I am most like having 300-400 degrees on each eye with astig as well on both. I believe, 1.6 hi index lens would be good enough for me? On the order of brands (please correct my assumption) it should be
1. Zeiss
2. Nikon
3. Hoya
4. Essilor
In ranking of price, from most expensive to cheapest and can I say the same as well for quality? Please correct my assumptions of they are misguided.
5. I also a few names and shops being brought up on a regular basis such as Kwong Shin, Seng Li, Aldric (who has a shop in Thomson plaza). Are these guys the revered few who provide good service?
6. Lastly, it's all about the budget. My oakleys were bought from capitol optical @ Far east plaza about 7-8 yrs back, heck maybe even longer... And they cost me( my wife actually lol) about 380. And when I wanted to go back and buy them again before I got my current one. The cost is really difficult to swallow, which is why I am stuck with my current one.
I know to get a good pair of specs would not be going for a branded one specifically but having one that fits you. Prices may range from cheap to very expensive so it really depends on me. For mentally preparing myself sake, if I am to get a good quality 1.6 hi index lens with a fair enough quality frame, am I looking at about $500-$600 worth of spending?
Thanks a lot for reading my lengthy post. Appreciate your kind advise.
1) Get 2 pairs if ur prescription is so high that if ever 1 pair broke, u will not be *blind*. (there are alot more reasons why people would get more than 1 pair of glasses but in ur case, i believe this would be a better scenerio for u to think about)
2) Looking are recent Oakley's quality.. i suggest u give up on that brand. It's pretty hard to tell u which brand to go to as there are alot of brands in the market. U could start off going to some big shops, have a look around.
3) Look at:
> Cosmetics
> Quality (how good it welded, how much effort is spent on that design & unique-ness)
> Where it's being made and not where the Brand is from ( similar to Quality aspect)
> Comfort ( i think u gonna wear like more than 12hrs a day right?)
> Price that u willing to pay ( some people only wanna pay $400. Some dont mind $1500. very subjective )
Once u selected remaining few models, u can do an online research or even post some pics.. I agree this way takes alot of time but, u are the one buying something to put on ur face, u also can choose to do everything in 15 mins and forget about it.
4) Zeiss - Lotutec, Nikon - SeeCoat, Hoya - SFT are fine.. 1.6 or 1.67 is the ideal index for ur prescription. (Personally i would get 1st Nikon, 2nd Hoya but thats just me. Most people might not feel the clarity difference, light transmissions all that stuff. but Nikon SeeCoat are retailling as a Premium lens where as Hoya SFT is standing a tat bit behind in market value)
5) Personally i will go Orchard or Town area shops as they will normally have more collection and "newer" designs.. There are people who choose to make their glasses in shops who have that designs and also people who make glasses in shops with good services and get them to order that particular designs.
6) $600 for frame with 1.6 lens can get u quite a good range of glasses already. I would aim for overall comfort for frames within the budget. Nobody likes a uncomfortable frame irritates them the whole day and spoiling moods.
