SelectSpecs Review
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Sciamano72
Jul 16, 2008, 12:39:03 PM7/16/08
to GlassyEyes
Hi everybody,
I would like to share my new experience with this online glasses
retailer.
A few weeks ago, I contacted SelectSpecs for a few questions, and
their Customer Service replied very quickly, within a few minutes, to
all my requests. Very impressive indeed.
After that, I decided to place an order for two glasses. Their catalog
for "cheap" glasses is not huge, but I could find a few frames that I
liked. Even though their prices are a bit higher than other retailers
(Zenni, for example) I thought that, being them based in Europe (I
live in Italy), I would save on shipping times and custom duties, so I
decided to try.
I placed my order on July 1st, and the following day I received an
email that told me the glasses had entered the glazing stage. On July
8, I received an email stating that the glasses had been shipped,
complete with registered mail tracking number. The tracking number
ended with "HK", which betrayed the fact that the glasses are actually
made in Hong Kong (and I thought I would save on custom duties and
shipping times!)
Anyway, I received my glasses today (with no custom delays nor duties
to be paid, Yay!), which makes a total of 15 days from the order to
receiving the products. Not bad.
On to the review of the glasses:
The first pair is simple distance glasses. The frame code number is
ss265.02, which is the same frame I bought from Zenni last year. My
right eye rx is pretty strong (-7.00) but with this kind of frame even
the 1.56 lenses don't look too thick, so I went for this frame again.
This is the link: http://selectspecs.com/detailps.php?item=265.02
Despite being the same frame as my Zenni's (same manufacturer, same
code, same everything... just the color is different) the one from
SelectSpecs is much thinner and lighter than those from Zenni. In
other words, they are flimsier. On one side this is good, since the
glasses are lighter on the nose. On the other side they don't feel
very solid, and I guess I'll have to treat them much better than my
Zennis if I want them to last.
The quality of the lenses looks good (better than those used by Zenni)
and the craftmanship is okay. They beveled the edges of my right lens
in order too make it look thinner than it actually is. This work is
not perfect (it could be definitely made in a more 'regular' way and
shape) but the result is ok.
Optically speaking, I can see very clearly with these glasses, and the
rx looks right.
I paid for AR coating, which has a very faint pink cast, absolutely
invisible while wearing the glasses.
My second pair are prescription sunglasses. The frame I ordered is
number ss260.12, with dark grey tinted lenses.
This is the link: http://selectspecs.com/detailps.php?item=260.12
Unfortunately tinted lenses come only with the 1.49, 1.60, 1.67 and
1.74 indexes, but the thinner ones come with a very expensive
surcharge (>$100 for the 1.60 index option). Since this was some kind
of "test order", I chose to go with the cheap 1.49 index lenses even
though I was worried about the final thickness of the lenses.
Now that I have received them, I see that the same 'beveling' thing
described above has been done to this glasses' lenses too, and the
result is ok: even though the right lens is pretty thick, the
thickness of the frame together with the beveling make a good job in
hiding it.
Prescription is correct with these glasses too, and they have no AR
coating since it's not available for tinted lenses.
The downside with these glasses are mainly two:
1) the frame is not exactly the same as pictured on the website: it's
very similar, but it does not have the clear plastic nor the white
stripe the glasses on the website show at the temple. Also, the arms
are engraved with a horrible logo that resembles the Lacoste
crocodile, with the word "glasses" right beside it. It looks like it
is just printed on the arm, so I will try to erase it (any suggestions
on how to do it?)
2) the frame is not perfectly symmetric, neither when placed on a
table nor when worn: one side sits higher than the other. I will go to
a local optician and ask them if they can straighten it.
Considerations: all things considered I'm satisfied with these
glasses, although I would have been happier if customer service told
me that the glasses would come from Asia (I specifically told them I
was going to try their service because they are based in Europe...).
Packaging needs improving: the glasses are just wrapped in a fake-silk
cleaning cloth, then put in a really horrible plastic case and finally
wrapped in a plastic bag on which they put a sticker with the buyer's
address. The plastic case looks sturdy enough to bear some roughness,
but I've seen more carefully packaged glasses.
Also, thinner tinted lenses don't come cheap. Their prices should be
revised, and/or they should provide for tinted 1.56 index lenses, as
most of the other retailers do.
Final words: For $99.09 I've received two good pair of eyeglasses,
nicely crafted and of fair enough quality. Considering that at local
optical stores I would have spent about $350 as a MINIMUM, I can't
really complain.
I will probably order again in the future. Maybe I'll try their
reglazing service (I would like to reuse Zenni's frame which is
sturdier and more colourful) and/or I'll go for transition lenses,
considering that SelectSpecs is one of the few retailers that allow
this type of lenses even with powers lower than -6.00
Questions and comments welcome.
Luca
I would like to share my new experience with this online glasses
retailer.
A few weeks ago, I contacted SelectSpecs for a few questions, and
their Customer Service replied very quickly, within a few minutes, to
all my requests. Very impressive indeed.
After that, I decided to place an order for two glasses. Their catalog
for "cheap" glasses is not huge, but I could find a few frames that I
liked. Even though their prices are a bit higher than other retailers
(Zenni, for example) I thought that, being them based in Europe (I
live in Italy), I would save on shipping times and custom duties, so I
decided to try.
I placed my order on July 1st, and the following day I received an
email that told me the glasses had entered the glazing stage. On July
8, I received an email stating that the glasses had been shipped,
complete with registered mail tracking number. The tracking number
ended with "HK", which betrayed the fact that the glasses are actually
made in Hong Kong (and I thought I would save on custom duties and
shipping times!)
Anyway, I received my glasses today (with no custom delays nor duties
to be paid, Yay!), which makes a total of 15 days from the order to
receiving the products. Not bad.
On to the review of the glasses:
The first pair is simple distance glasses. The frame code number is
ss265.02, which is the same frame I bought from Zenni last year. My
right eye rx is pretty strong (-7.00) but with this kind of frame even
the 1.56 lenses don't look too thick, so I went for this frame again.
This is the link: http://selectspecs.com/detailps.php?item=265.02
Despite being the same frame as my Zenni's (same manufacturer, same
code, same everything... just the color is different) the one from
SelectSpecs is much thinner and lighter than those from Zenni. In
other words, they are flimsier. On one side this is good, since the
glasses are lighter on the nose. On the other side they don't feel
very solid, and I guess I'll have to treat them much better than my
Zennis if I want them to last.
The quality of the lenses looks good (better than those used by Zenni)
and the craftmanship is okay. They beveled the edges of my right lens
in order too make it look thinner than it actually is. This work is
not perfect (it could be definitely made in a more 'regular' way and
shape) but the result is ok.
Optically speaking, I can see very clearly with these glasses, and the
rx looks right.
I paid for AR coating, which has a very faint pink cast, absolutely
invisible while wearing the glasses.
My second pair are prescription sunglasses. The frame I ordered is
number ss260.12, with dark grey tinted lenses.
This is the link: http://selectspecs.com/detailps.php?item=260.12
Unfortunately tinted lenses come only with the 1.49, 1.60, 1.67 and
1.74 indexes, but the thinner ones come with a very expensive
surcharge (>$100 for the 1.60 index option). Since this was some kind
of "test order", I chose to go with the cheap 1.49 index lenses even
though I was worried about the final thickness of the lenses.
Now that I have received them, I see that the same 'beveling' thing
described above has been done to this glasses' lenses too, and the
result is ok: even though the right lens is pretty thick, the
thickness of the frame together with the beveling make a good job in
hiding it.
Prescription is correct with these glasses too, and they have no AR
coating since it's not available for tinted lenses.
The downside with these glasses are mainly two:
1) the frame is not exactly the same as pictured on the website: it's
very similar, but it does not have the clear plastic nor the white
stripe the glasses on the website show at the temple. Also, the arms
are engraved with a horrible logo that resembles the Lacoste
crocodile, with the word "glasses" right beside it. It looks like it
is just printed on the arm, so I will try to erase it (any suggestions
on how to do it?)
2) the frame is not perfectly symmetric, neither when placed on a
table nor when worn: one side sits higher than the other. I will go to
a local optician and ask them if they can straighten it.
Considerations: all things considered I'm satisfied with these
glasses, although I would have been happier if customer service told
me that the glasses would come from Asia (I specifically told them I
was going to try their service because they are based in Europe...).
Packaging needs improving: the glasses are just wrapped in a fake-silk
cleaning cloth, then put in a really horrible plastic case and finally
wrapped in a plastic bag on which they put a sticker with the buyer's
address. The plastic case looks sturdy enough to bear some roughness,
but I've seen more carefully packaged glasses.
Also, thinner tinted lenses don't come cheap. Their prices should be
revised, and/or they should provide for tinted 1.56 index lenses, as
most of the other retailers do.
Final words: For $99.09 I've received two good pair of eyeglasses,
nicely crafted and of fair enough quality. Considering that at local
optical stores I would have spent about $350 as a MINIMUM, I can't
really complain.
I will probably order again in the future. Maybe I'll try their
reglazing service (I would like to reuse Zenni's frame which is
sturdier and more colourful) and/or I'll go for transition lenses,
considering that SelectSpecs is one of the few retailers that allow
this type of lenses even with powers lower than -6.00
Questions and comments welcome.
Luca
Message has been deleted
Paul
Jul 16, 2008, 1:31:48 PM7/16/08
to GlassyEyes
If the Zenni frame is the same size, you can transfer the lenses
yourself. When I learned that opticians often used hot sand, I
experimented successfully with hot tap water. (This water is about 50°
C or 120° F.) The idea is that the heat will expand the frame more
than the lens, but won't be hot enough to do any damage.
My method is to put one side under hot running water for about 5-10
seconds, and then gently press on the outer edge of the lens while the
frame is still in water.
You could also put the frame in a pan of hot water, though I haven't
actually tried it that way.
* * *
By the way, I bet your frames would have been sturdier if they had
been in the "unisex" category.
yourself. When I learned that opticians often used hot sand, I
experimented successfully with hot tap water. (This water is about 50°
C or 120° F.) The idea is that the heat will expand the frame more
than the lens, but won't be hot enough to do any damage.
My method is to put one side under hot running water for about 5-10
seconds, and then gently press on the outer edge of the lens while the
frame is still in water.
You could also put the frame in a pan of hot water, though I haven't
actually tried it that way.
* * *
By the way, I bet your frames would have been sturdier if they had
been in the "unisex" category.
IMQ
Jul 16, 2008, 3:41:26 PM7/16/08
to GlassyEyes
Suggestion for (1): How about soft ink eraser. If the ink appears to
be on top, it may come off.
Anyway, just a suggestion.
be on top, it may come off.
Anyway, just a suggestion.
Sciamano72
Jul 16, 2008, 4:35:29 PM7/16/08
to GlassyEyes
On Jul 16, 7:31 pm, Paul <pper...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> My method is to put one side under hot running water for about 5-10
> seconds, and then gently press on the outer edge of the lens while the
> frame is still in water.
>
> You could also put the frame in a pan of hot water, though I haven't
> actually tried it that way.
I'm not very comfortable with this, considering that the frame is
> My method is to put one side under hot running water for about 5-10
> seconds, and then gently press on the outer edge of the lens while the
> frame is still in water.
>
> You could also put the frame in a pan of hot water, though I haven't
> actually tried it that way.
plastic... what if it melts? :D
Still, I will try with Zenni's frame and see what happens. If it goes
well, I can proceed with the SelectSpecs frame and transfer the
lenses.
Thanks for the suggestion.
> By the way, I bet your frames would have been sturdier if they had
> been in the "unisex" category.
is as sturdy as Zenni's frame.
I guess the other frame either has changed or this color combination
comes thinner.
Sciamano72
Jul 16, 2008, 4:36:03 PM7/16/08
to GlassyEyes
On Jul 16, 9:41 pm, IMQ <gte...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Suggestion for (1): How about soft ink eraser. If the ink appears to
> be on top, it may come off.
Thanks for the suggestion, but... What do you mean with soft ink
> Suggestion for (1): How about soft ink eraser. If the ink appears to
> be on top, it may come off.
eraser?
IMQ
Jul 17, 2008, 1:04:24 AM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
What I meant was the type of eraser used for pen with erasable ink.
Some erasers are firm and some are soft. You may be able to find one
in office supplies stores.
Since scratching the surface is not desireable because of the rubbing
action, hence the suggestion of soft eraser.
Maybe you could try to use the eraser to rub off the print while
holding the temple in the water with perhaps a few drops dishwashing
detergent.
Again, just a suggestion.
Some erasers are firm and some are soft. You may be able to find one
in office supplies stores.
Since scratching the surface is not desireable because of the rubbing
action, hence the suggestion of soft eraser.
Maybe you could try to use the eraser to rub off the print while
holding the temple in the water with perhaps a few drops dishwashing
detergent.
Again, just a suggestion.
Paul
Jul 17, 2008, 4:31:04 AM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
With water temperature of less than 50° C, I've never damaged a frame.
Opticians probably use more heat than that to remove lenses. I think
the melting point is much higher.
Opticians probably use more heat than that to remove lenses. I think
the melting point is much higher.
Sciamano72
Jul 17, 2008, 8:58:20 AM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
I removed the paint using a normal pencil eraser.
Unfortunately the arms are not only painted with the logo, but this is
also slightly "engraved".
Anyway it's almost unvisible, and I'm pretty much satisfied. The
glasses look much better now.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Unfortunately the arms are not only painted with the logo, but this is
also slightly "engraved".
Anyway it's almost unvisible, and I'm pretty much satisfied. The
glasses look much better now.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Sciamano72
Jul 17, 2008, 8:59:07 AM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
I'll try, although I have no idea about the temperature that my hot
water comes out with :-)
water comes out with :-)
IMQ
Jul 17, 2008, 9:21:19 AM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
I also saw a suggestion of using hair dryer instead of hot water. Be
careful not to heat the plastic too long. Just a few seconds to soften
the plastic so you can make adjustment.
Remember to do adjustment in *small* increments. Otherwise you might
risk cracking the plastic.
careful not to heat the plastic too long. Just a few seconds to soften
the plastic so you can make adjustment.
Remember to do adjustment in *small* increments. Otherwise you might
risk cracking the plastic.
Sciamano72
Jul 17, 2008, 1:58:06 PM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
I've seen my optician use a hair-dryer-like tool to mount lenses on
plastic frames!
plastic frames!
Sciamano72
Jul 17, 2008, 1:58:54 PM7/17/08
to GlassyEyes
For anyone interested: I've posted a lot of pictures of the glasses on
my Flickr account.
Check it out!
http://flickr.com/photos/sciamano/sets/72157606224487625/
my Flickr account.
Check it out!
http://flickr.com/photos/sciamano/sets/72157606224487625/
powrwrap
Jul 18, 2008, 10:59:29 AM7/18/08
to GlassyEyes
resembles the Lacoste
crocodile, with the word "glasses".
Sciamano72
Jul 18, 2008, 1:22:43 PM7/18/08
to GlassyEyes
On Jul 18, 4:59 pm, powrwrap <powrw...@aol.com> wrote:
> Good work! But darn it, I wanted to see the horrible logo that
> resembles the Lacoste crocodile, with the word "glasses".
LOL, too late! It was so ugly I *had* to erase it before shooting the
> Good work! But darn it, I wanted to see the horrible logo that
> resembles the Lacoste crocodile, with the word "glasses".
pictures!!
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