Innovation in eyewear isn’t really a topic that those of us in the tech and gadget field keep track of. Other than changes in frame styles and lens quality, eyeglasses look and perform the same way they have for decades. At least that’s what I thought until I was contacted about Aspire Eyewear, a new brand of next generation eyewear being launched by ClearVision Optical which takes advantage of 3D technology for faster prototyping.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
Eyewear and 3D prototyping aren’t words that usually go together. But the folks at Aspire are now using this technology to create lighter and stronger frames at a lower cost. They sent me a sample from their collection to try out and so far I’m impressed.
This line of frames is made with a proprietary new nylon polymer material called SDN-4 that is lighter weight than typical plastic frames. The material is pliable, strong, and resistant to heat and UV exposure so they will not fade.
Aspire frames are not injection molded but are created with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery to produce unique shapes and color.
The entire Aspire collection was designed using 3D technology, significantly reducing prototype development from 20 weeks to 20 minutes in most cases. Using this innovative technology in its design process will allow the brand to quickly respond to emerging eyewear and experiment with inventive design options.
Aspire Eyewear is:
- 50 percent lighter than a typical plastic frame
- 50 percent thinner than a typical plastic frame
- 22 percent lighter than a typical titanium frame
The frames are noticeably thin and light. Another feature I noticed right away is the hinge mechanism. It doesn’t use those tiny screws that require an equally tiny screwdriver and always get loose and then fall out at the wrong moment.
These frames offer what Aspire calls a “barely there” feel and fit. I agree that they feel significantly lighter than the normal plastic frames that I wear.
Aspire offers a variety of frame styles to choose from, but I was sent the Special in brown with blue temples. The frame around the lenses is transparent with an almost glass-like appearance. The material is a little reflective and I noticed what I can only describe as mirroring along the edges while wearing them. This might bother some people, but I think it’s something that you could quickly get used to like most new glasses.
I think the frames look very stylish and the price isn’t bad either. Aspire has an MSRP of $250 – $280 per frame but I’ve seen them for half that price on various online eyewear stores. They are much cheaper than the glasses I’m wearing now that I paid over $800 for at my local eye Dr. Of course they included my progressive bifocals and high index lenses.
The next time you’re ready for a new pair of glasses, be sure to look for the Aspire collection.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Aspire. Please visit their site for more info.
Product Information
| Price: | $250 - $280 |
| Manufacturer: | Aspire |
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For what it’s worth, I’d bet that most of that cost from your eye doc was the lenses. 😉 When you start adding in stuff like high index and progressive, lens ain’t cheap.
Neat looking frame, though. My current pair is some kind of light polymer, they are noticeably lighter than other glasses I’ve worn. Of course most of my frames in recent years have been metal, because most plastic frames don’t have separate nose pads, and glasses without adjustable nose pads don’t fit my face. Every now and then I’ve come across a plastic from that has adjustable nose pads, which my current pair also does, as well as this Aspire frame.
I don’t remember the online shop I found that had the Aspire frames, but I priced them with my perscription with progressive and high index and they were less than half the price I paid. The only feature they didn’t have that I have is the transitions auto dimming.
Yeah My frames are around the $150 range, but each lens costs me about $300. So I try and keep my glasses as long as possible. Although I’m about ready to pull the trigger on laser surgery.
You can save money by recycling frames. I usually put new lenses into my old frames. Most of the time unless I either break or start to hate them, I usually get new frames every 3d set of lenses.
DON
Check out Warby Parker. They are an online retailer with try ons at home before you set your choice.
The prices are around $95 for frames AND lenses for Single Process vision. No tints though.
I’m lucky that they have a store in NYC which cuts down on the time and makes it easy for me to get adjustments, however.
Hi–just wondering if the price tag includes the cost of lenses! I am currently wearing progressive lenses.
The price in the article is just for the frames.