Quality frames..Do they exist?

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 02:17 PM

The title says it all. Do they exist?

If you had to name the 3 highest quality frame lines, what would they be?

Come on Barry.........I bet even you can name one!

**Johns** · 11-20-2008, 02:20 PM

.;).

**Johns** · 11-20-2008, 02:22 PM

At any price point?

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 02:23 PM

Price is not a concern....just quality.

;):cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::D

**Chris Ryser** · 11-20-2008, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by Fezz

If you had to name the 3 highest quality frame lines, what would they be?

Today they are all mix and match, come from different sources and countries, under different names, same as the lenses.

In the old days you would differentiate by the make................as Marwitz, Metzler, Rodenstock, Nigura, L'Amy, Morez, Luxottica, Safilo, B&L, AO, Shuron and many more.

If you can not recognize quality by the feel and touch you wont know if it is or not.

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 02:41 PM

Chris, I appreciate the nostalgia!

I would also put the old Menrad/Metzler on my list, and I am only 37!

What I am asking though, what quality frames are being made today?

I am assuming that the respondents can *feel* the quality, and will share their opinions!

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 02:45 PM

I think I have seen enough frames to distinguish quality. But, I haven't seen much of it lately!

**Johns** · 11-20-2008, 02:50 PM

I'd put Lux in the top 3.

**ezrich** · 11-20-2008, 03:01 PM

cazal,silhouette.

**DragonLensmanWV** · 11-20-2008, 03:21 PM

Charmant titaniums have always been good, don't know if they've slipped lately though.

Anyone remember the Menrad "Bat" frame?

**EyeFitWell** · 11-20-2008, 03:25 PM

Luxottica, Marchon, and Safilo, of course!

:hammer:NOT:hammer:

Ever seen Toki? Toki is hands-down the best construction I've ever seen but I think they're struggling with limited representation. However, they are *actually* hand-made in Japan by a family that's been doing it for a long time. Beautiful pieces, I don't think I've ever seen one break. Others I like are Tag Heuer, Lafont, Ogi

**For-Life** · 11-20-2008, 05:36 PM

I never get returns with Eschenbach, Channel Cam, or Daschle

so yes

**Jana Lewis** · 11-20-2008, 05:46 PM

Lafont. Traction ( especially their zyles ) and silhouette.

**Catguyphx** · 11-20-2008, 06:43 PM

Tura, Rodenstock and Charmont are great quality for the price.

**Crazy-bout-Optics** · 11-20-2008, 07:25 PM

These two are higher end, but love me some Robert Marc & Lindberg

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 07:32 PM

Good stuff guys/gals! Lets keep them coming!

I really am rather disappointed in the current frame offerings.

I have come to several conclusions:

1.) Almost every frame company is using 2-3 of the same crummy spring hinge varieties. I have seen the same spring hinge on lets say..El Cheapo Producto and BigBoy Optical.

2.) Frame companies are disco'ing styles at an alarming rate....and not keeping sufficient stock on hand to service the needs of the monumental returns that are bound to happen!

3.) Some companies have absolutely ZERO problem charging much more for MUCH LESS!!!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

**obxeyeguy** · 11-20-2008, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by Fezz

Good stuff guys/gals! Lets keep them coming!

I really am rather disappointed in the current frame offerings.

I have come to several conclusions:

1.) Almost every frame company is using 2-3 of the same crummy spring hinge varieties. I have seen the same spring hinge on lets say..El Cheapo Producto and BigBoy Optical.

2.) Frame companies are disco'ing styles at an alarming rate....and not keeping sufficient stock on hand to service the needs of the monumental returns that are bound to happen!

3.) Some companies have absolutely ZERO problem charging much more for MUCH LESS!!!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

I have looked at this question four or five times, and still don't have a good answer. Here in Podunk, I don't see all frame lines that you big city guys/gals do, so I depend on the expo's, when I can go. The last real quality lines I carried were Mitani and Pro Design.

I can't believe that someone can't build a Menrad quality type frame for a fair price today. I know, I know, my age shows, but we never had this problem 25 years ago. All the frames were good quality.

I do go along with whoever said Lux, as you just simply don't see them break very often due to defects. Can't remember when the last time I saw a Klixx hinge break. Oh well, don't buy them, but with all the cr#p out there, maybe I should.

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by obxeyeguy

I do go along with whoever said Lux, as you just simply don't see them break very often due to defects. Can't remember when the last time I saw a Klixx hinge break. Oh well, don't buy them, but with all the cr#p out there, maybe I should.

I would almost agree. But.......how many Klixx frames are in the Lux lineup? I can't remember seeing any.

I am positive that if you took 10 frames from 10 companies, removed any identifying markings, and had to try to name the manufacturer...or better yet-the price point of each frame, the results would speak VOLUMES!!!!

;):cheers::cheers:

:cheers::cheers::D

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Fezz

I would almost agree. But.......how many Klixx frames are in the Lux lineup? I can't remember seeing any.

I am positive that if you took 10 frames from 10 companies, removed any identifying markings, and had to try to name the manufacturer...or better yet-the price point of each frame, the results would speak VOLUMES!!!!

;):cheers::cheers:

:cheers::cheers::D

Which makes me think:

Why do so many pay so much for what really seems....the same?

:hammer: :shiner:

**obxeyeguy** · 11-20-2008, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Fezz

Which makes me think:

Why do so many pay so much for what really seems....the same?

:hammer: :shiner:

I'm getting better. I am just finishing an inventory, and my frame count is up about 25%, with total cost down about 13%. Its a start, and I'll know more when I really finsish and can crunch the numbers.

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by obxeyeguy

I'm getting better. I am just finishing an inventory, and my frame count is up about 25%, with total cost down about 13%. Its a start, and I'll know more when I really finsish and can crunch the numbers.

Awesome.....totally AWESOME!!!!

Welcome to the REVOLUTION General!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

**sharpstick777** · 11-20-2008, 08:25 PM

I have never had a patient break a Lindberg frame (my lab broke one once, but it was 5 years old)...

Pro Design are freakishly good. Patients return after 2 years and I could put the frame back on the shelf (I wouldn't) and the name is still printed on the inside! I have 4 personally... darn, I bought another one today so that makes 5. All look great!

Luxottica suck IMHO... I had Prada here... sold 15 and had 9 come back with warranty problems. The hinges rock back and forth by about 20 deg. even when tight. Its not good when you get better quality out of Altair frames than I do Prada.

I used to love Tura's quality, especially their finishes, but its been years and years since I sold them.

Sihlouttes have given me some grief, the gold TMA's always broke in the corner temples and the SPX temples always would crack after about 18 months. Just had 5 repairs this month.

La Font and Face a Face have also been great.

Sharpstick

**Fezz** · 11-20-2008, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by sharpstick777

I used to love Tura's quality, especially their finishes, but its been years and years since I sold them.

Sharpstick

I use to feel the same way. I do not any longer. If you examine some of their Ted Baker frames, you will be hard pressed to say that the spring hinge, color, coating, etc., is any better than lets say a A&A Jalepeno, or a Silver Dollar frame. Yet..they are at a much different price point.

**chip anderson** · 11-20-2008, 08:56 PM

Well does this mean that we would be better serving our patients if we went to the flea markets, bought discontinued and vintage stuff. Patient's would appearently get more milage out of vintage used stuff than they do out of the new stuff.

Geeze, I can hardly wait 'til the Chinese buy the big three. My old '82 Jeep is lookin' pretty good.

Chip

**Scrumblydumpus** · 11-20-2008, 09:05 PM

At first I was kind of dismayed that prodesign glasses did not have spring hinges. But I have since decided that this is a good thing. Since if I ever (havent had to yet) had to repair one, it would be worlds easier.

Seconded on Prodesign being of sound quality.

And also seconded on Lux frames not being quality, specifically the Prada stuff always seemed to be falling apart.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone found a line with bling (rhinestones) that wont fall out? Personally I hate the little blighters but for some reason people keep buying them...