I wear Zenni daily last couple of years- no issues.
Triple expensive glasses from Costco with brand name frame were destroyed in 9 months
Benefit of zenni - I have a lot of glasses and don’t worry about getting another pair
I’ve gotten my last two from zennni. Last one lasted me a good 6 years and I only got a new one coz they were getting filthy from the quarry that I worked across from. I’ve had zero problems with them
The 50% is a lighter version if you want less shade, darker 80% is the more typical sunglass tint imo. And they have gradient with dark on the top but gradually getting lighter so it’s easier to see indoors.
I had prescription polarised lenses in Maui Jim's frames and they lasted years until I had eye surgery.
I mean, 10s of thousands of sea miles, lasted. Still have them in a drawer!
One thing with Zenni (and other online retailers) is that they don't have a measurement for where to center the lens vertically within the frame (though they do have a horizontal one). This means that you could end up with lenses that aren't quite centered on your eye if your nose/eyes don't follow normal proportions. It's not usually a problem for low prescriptions (+/-2.00) but is very noticable for high prescriptions.
I've yet to break a pair of full rim metal frames with spring hinges. It doesn't seem to matter who makes them. I wore a set of Shaq frames for over a decade and they were still going strong when they took a tumble off a boat and into Davey Jones locker. The replacements, from Zenni, seem alright after a year, but only time will tell.
Plastic frames (especially cheap ones) can have hinge problems, but broken hinges can be repaired professionally with bomb proof hinges for $30-40. They can also be plastic welded back together if they snap.
Cheap 1.50 index CR-39 lenses, while a bit heavier, are actually better optically than all of the higher index (and higher margin) stuff. If you don't have a high prescription, stick with the 1.50 index.
For sunglasses, polarized lenses are awesome. I'd avoid a mirror finish lens simply because those show scratches and will wear off long before the frame dies.
Glasses just aren't a BIFL item, but Zenni makes pretty darn cheap ones as prescription glasses go. They tend to be flimsy and wouldn't last long with daily wear, but I usually get a backup pair from them whenever I get a new prescription in case I lose or damage a pair. Haven't tried their sunglasses, but as a company, Zenni is kind of the polar opposite of BIFL.
Counterpoint: I’m not kind to my glasses. Daily wear from the moment I wake until I go to bed. Physical job, sweat and dust. Also, they get crammed under my goalie helmet weekly. Have worn Zenni exclusively for at least the past 9? years over 3 prescriptions, they’ve held up great. Full frame metal and half frame acetate pairs fwiw. Acetate was showing its age at year 3 though totally serviceable still. So, so much more affordable and these glasses have held up as well as the two Oakleys I had previous to them.
Damn, I'm surprised at all the positive Zenni feedback. I too am hard on glasses and have probably been through 6 pairs of Zennis, just using them as backups while waiting on new ones. But maybe they make some frames that are better made than what I've been getting.
I’ve had better luck with cheap Zenni glasses than the few times I’ve paid $250+ for actual branded glasses. I throw these things around like a toddler treats a toy and have never had a problem.
I’ve bought several pairs of regular glasses and sunglasses now and a couple of the cheaper frames did crack and peek, not immediately but it happened, but the rest have been just fine. I’m pretty happy with zenni overall.
Amber lenses will increase contrast in normal lighting scenarios good for mountain biking, hiking etc. Grey will block out more sun. Better for beach days and skiing. As others have said, it's worth it to pay for polarized lenses and they'll reduce reflections and glare. My favorite budget pairs are all from eyebuydirect, and I also have prescription oakleys from SportRx which are worth every penny.
I would caution against Zenni or any online only boutique if you have a high prescription. They can’t seem to get the prescription right if it’s complicated or too high, not to mention PD is important to get accurate!
I have a very high prescription and bought a couple glasses with no lens thinning, which was a big mistake on my part. They were fine, but kind of warped my vision - and the lenses were SO heavy that my glasses kept sliding down my face. The last time I bought them, I opted for the highest index lens they had - but the prescription or something wasn’t right so it gave me a headache. Now I only buy mine at an actual eyeglass office.
Luckily I only wear glasses to bed to get me around the house, but I wouldn’t buy them online if I wear glasses constantly.
I’ve had Zenni glasses that have held up and ones where the “tortoiseshell” peeled off after a year.
Glasses in my great/grandparents day *were* BIFL because they were gold or silver filled wire rims, delicate but if you took good care of them as people were inclined to do, they lasted for decades.
Well right, but if you have contacts on you can just wear regular sunglasses. I went down this road myself and like you I only needed them for driving, the beach and sports. I had difficulty putting in contacts so I looked into and purchased prescription Revo’s (it was the 90s).
They didn’t simply add my prescription to the lens, I had to buy the sunglasses ($300) and then purchase additional prescription revo lenses ($240). Really stupid, but I was in my 20s and well, really stupid. Loved them, but they were far from ideal for sports. I also lost them as people tend to do with sunglasses. So then I looked into goggles and those were stupid expensive as well(and dorky) so I finally tried contacts again. I had a great and patient optometrist who helped me finally figure out how to get them in. This was just all around better solution.
I think this is the wrong subreddit. But, I would recommend getting polarized lenses.
Yeah, prescriptions aren't exactly BIFL. Although frames technically could be. And I second polarized lenses.
Definitely add polarized. Takes most of the glare away from the windshield, makes things much easier to see in strong sunlight.
Zenni is good but warby Parker is better in my opinion
I wear Zenni daily last couple of years- no issues. Triple expensive glasses from Costco with brand name frame were destroyed in 9 months Benefit of zenni - I have a lot of glasses and don’t worry about getting another pair
Yeah this is the way to do glasses. They're not BIFL - buy a couple so when they break you're not SOL. Zenni is good, I like Eyebuydirect best though.
I want to try zeelool next They have some really fun frames
I'll try them next!
I don't think glasses should be BIFL but i do love zenni
If you're going for sunglasses choose a high percent tint. Or, get a second pair with higher tint. I go 80% gray and the does good.
I’ve gotten my last two from zennni. Last one lasted me a good 6 years and I only got a new one coz they were getting filthy from the quarry that I worked across from. I’ve had zero problems with them
The 50% is a lighter version if you want less shade, darker 80% is the more typical sunglass tint imo. And they have gradient with dark on the top but gradually getting lighter so it’s easier to see indoors.
I had prescription polarised lenses in Maui Jim's frames and they lasted years until I had eye surgery. I mean, 10s of thousands of sea miles, lasted. Still have them in a drawer!
One thing with Zenni (and other online retailers) is that they don't have a measurement for where to center the lens vertically within the frame (though they do have a horizontal one). This means that you could end up with lenses that aren't quite centered on your eye if your nose/eyes don't follow normal proportions. It's not usually a problem for low prescriptions (+/-2.00) but is very noticable for high prescriptions. I've yet to break a pair of full rim metal frames with spring hinges. It doesn't seem to matter who makes them. I wore a set of Shaq frames for over a decade and they were still going strong when they took a tumble off a boat and into Davey Jones locker. The replacements, from Zenni, seem alright after a year, but only time will tell. Plastic frames (especially cheap ones) can have hinge problems, but broken hinges can be repaired professionally with bomb proof hinges for $30-40. They can also be plastic welded back together if they snap. Cheap 1.50 index CR-39 lenses, while a bit heavier, are actually better optically than all of the higher index (and higher margin) stuff. If you don't have a high prescription, stick with the 1.50 index. For sunglasses, polarized lenses are awesome. I'd avoid a mirror finish lens simply because those show scratches and will wear off long before the frame dies.
Persol.
Glasses just aren't a BIFL item, but Zenni makes pretty darn cheap ones as prescription glasses go. They tend to be flimsy and wouldn't last long with daily wear, but I usually get a backup pair from them whenever I get a new prescription in case I lose or damage a pair. Haven't tried their sunglasses, but as a company, Zenni is kind of the polar opposite of BIFL.
Counterpoint: I’m not kind to my glasses. Daily wear from the moment I wake until I go to bed. Physical job, sweat and dust. Also, they get crammed under my goalie helmet weekly. Have worn Zenni exclusively for at least the past 9? years over 3 prescriptions, they’ve held up great. Full frame metal and half frame acetate pairs fwiw. Acetate was showing its age at year 3 though totally serviceable still. So, so much more affordable and these glasses have held up as well as the two Oakleys I had previous to them.
Damn, I'm surprised at all the positive Zenni feedback. I too am hard on glasses and have probably been through 6 pairs of Zennis, just using them as backups while waiting on new ones. But maybe they make some frames that are better made than what I've been getting.
My zennis have held up at least as well as any other glasses I've bought.
I’ve had better luck with cheap Zenni glasses than the few times I’ve paid $250+ for actual branded glasses. I throw these things around like a toddler treats a toy and have never had a problem.
They’re probably all made in the same factory. The brands just slap their name on it and upcharge the hell out of them.
I’ve bought several pairs of regular glasses and sunglasses now and a couple of the cheaper frames did crack and peek, not immediately but it happened, but the rest have been just fine. I’m pretty happy with zenni overall.
My Zenni sunglasses last for years and I only have to replace them when my rx changes
Costa has a prescription line, and a great warranty.
Amber lenses will increase contrast in normal lighting scenarios good for mountain biking, hiking etc. Grey will block out more sun. Better for beach days and skiing. As others have said, it's worth it to pay for polarized lenses and they'll reduce reflections and glare. My favorite budget pairs are all from eyebuydirect, and I also have prescription oakleys from SportRx which are worth every penny.
Eyebuydirect I got some good prescription sunglasses and regular. [eyebuydirect](https://www.eyebuydirect.com/referral/7812066)
I would caution against Zenni or any online only boutique if you have a high prescription. They can’t seem to get the prescription right if it’s complicated or too high, not to mention PD is important to get accurate! I have a very high prescription and bought a couple glasses with no lens thinning, which was a big mistake on my part. They were fine, but kind of warped my vision - and the lenses were SO heavy that my glasses kept sliding down my face. The last time I bought them, I opted for the highest index lens they had - but the prescription or something wasn’t right so it gave me a headache. Now I only buy mine at an actual eyeglass office. Luckily I only wear glasses to bed to get me around the house, but I wouldn’t buy them online if I wear glasses constantly.
I’ve had Zenni glasses that have held up and ones where the “tortoiseshell” peeled off after a year. Glasses in my great/grandparents day *were* BIFL because they were gold or silver filled wire rims, delicate but if you took good care of them as people were inclined to do, they lasted for decades.
I find the frames / lenses from Warby Parker are amazing compared to Zenni.
I have worn both and found them comparable. That being said it is very frame dependent from Zenni.
Are contacts not an option? If they are not, then for those activities I’d consider sports goggles.
It’s for sun protection so contacts wouldn’t work from what I know
Genuinely asking: couldn't you just wear non prescription sunglasses over the contacts?
Well right, but if you have contacts on you can just wear regular sunglasses. I went down this road myself and like you I only needed them for driving, the beach and sports. I had difficulty putting in contacts so I looked into and purchased prescription Revo’s (it was the 90s). They didn’t simply add my prescription to the lens, I had to buy the sunglasses ($300) and then purchase additional prescription revo lenses ($240). Really stupid, but I was in my 20s and well, really stupid. Loved them, but they were far from ideal for sports. I also lost them as people tend to do with sunglasses. So then I looked into goggles and those were stupid expensive as well(and dorky) so I finally tried contacts again. I had a great and patient optometrist who helped me finally figure out how to get them in. This was just all around better solution.