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Carbon Fibre Glasses- What our Experts Want You to Know

We’ve already learned everything there is to know about acetate, plastic, wood, and titanium frames. That leaves us with the new technology material that many popular brands are starting to use- Carbon fibre. In this article, we explore everything there is to know about shopping for carbon fibre glasses online.

What is carbon fibre?

Also known as black gold, carbon fibre is a modern high strength fibre, which is aesthetically pleasing, exceptionally light, anti-allergenic, and highly durable. This material is slowly and steadily gaining popularity as more and more brands are beginning to harness its super strength to create high-quality glasses and sunglasses.

How did carbon fibre come to be?

It all started in 1879 when Thomas Edison filed a patent for carbon filaments to be used in electric lamps. Then, in the early 1960s, military aircrafts were in need of better and lightweight materials. This paved the way for the start of commercial production. Initially, carbon fibre was used in aeronautics, energy-related equipment, sports materials, building & industrial structures, automobiles, and even some musical instruments. Its properties of rigidity, high strength, low weight, and high chemical resistance is what makes carbon fibre a popular material for eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Properties of carbon fibre glasses:

  • Carbon fibre glasses are the lightest of all other materials available in the market. It’s about half the weight of titanium eyewear and has superior resistance to impact.
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  • By choosing carbon fibre eyewear, you are choosing toughness, flexibility, and no risk of deformation. Carbon fibre is composed of carbon, which is also the core element of diamonds. Its strength is 10 times that of iron, its weight is less than a quarter of steel’s, and its tensile strength, ie., the maximum stress that can be applied to it before it breaks, is 7-9 times that of steel.
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  • Carbon fibre frames are more corrosion resistant than titanium and other metal frames. They’re also resistant to high temperatures, radiation and have good elasticity. This makes it a great choice for those who lead a very active lifestyle or are tough on their eyewear. 

Benefits of carbon fibre glasses:

  • Since they’re so lightweight, carbon fibre glasses are the most comfortable choice of eyewear for daily wearers who look for the latest in technology and the highest quality.
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  • Their strength, durability, and high resistance to external aggressors ensure long life.
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  • A non-allergenic material worth considering if you want the look of metal eyeglasses without the allergy trigger.

Points to consider when buying carbon fibre glasses:

  • Being such a resilient material,  carbon fibre is difficult to process. Hence, there’s a limited number of manufacturers who can process and produce high quality and complexly designed carbon fibre eyewear.
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  • Tied in with the advantage of being so lightweight, certain carbon fibre eyeglasses may be irreparable as the frame is too thin. Consider how other frames can be adjusted before you decide to select carbon fibre frames.
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  • Carbon fibre is an expensive material, so glasses featuring it as the primary frame material will cost on the higher side. However, it’s worth considering that a pair of hard-wearing glasses can save you from spending more money on replacements in the long run. So, if your prescription has been steady for the past few years, you might want to consider carbon fibre frames for not worrying about changing up your glasses every few years.

Where to Buy Carbon Fibre Glasses

If you’re looking for the best carbon fibre glasses online,explore the exclusive collection available at Vision Direct. Including great-value, high-quality brands like SmartBuy Collection, this range of glasses is a must for anyone looking to get their hands on some forward-thinking glasses.

Carbon Fibre Glasses We Recommend

Oakley OX8149 Pitchman R Carbon 8149-418554

The Oakley Pitchman Carbon glasses are high-performance carbon fibre glasses, as are all products from the brand. These full-rimmed glasses have a clear frame and are ultra-lightweight. The hinges on these glasses have no screws; instead, the hinges move smoothly as the hinge is riveted to the temples and the hinge itself. In addition, the Unobtainium earsocks function as grips (which were originally meant to function as bike grips) which get better with wet conditions, making it the right pick for active individuals.

As Ray-Ban always has done, the innovation takes a step up with their Tech line of glass and sunglasses featuring carbon fibre and titanium. In this case, 7 layers of Carbon fibre are mixed with resin and water cut to create the different parts of the frame. This is the reason for the lightness of these glasses, whilst being tough and flexible.

Porsche Design is an aspirational lifestyle brand, reminiscent of the brand’s flawless automotive design featuring the same daring nature and sleek finish. These carbon fibre glasses are no different. This is the perfect choice for understated and high street style with incredible lightness.

These SmartBuyCollection glasses are made of carbon fibre. With their rectangular shape, low weight, and high strength, these glasses are best suited for those with oval/round faces and an active lifestyle. The best part- they’re just $39 and available in a variety of colours!

 

At Vision Direct, you’ll also find carbon fibre sunglasses from brands such as Hawkers, Oakley, Polar, and Ray-Ban Tech. Since carbon fibre frames are so lightweight, tough, and impact-resistant, they are perfect if you are into outdoor sports and activities. If you have a prescription, you can filter through on our website and get prescription sunglasses.

If you have a wide face, a low nose bridge, and regular sunglasses don’t fit well, check out Asian Fit sunglasses. These frames are designed to sit on the bridge of your nose, fit securely and not slide around. Learn more about Asian Fit here.

If you’re unsure of which glasses would suit you, read more on choosing the right glassesbuying glasses online, and refer to our size guide.

Virtual Try-On is another service that we provide to streamline the process of buying glasses online. As an online-only retailer, we want to make sure our customers get the best experience possible before buying a great pair of glasses or sunglasses. The first step in doing this is by using our great Virtual Try-On tool. This technology allows you to see what a stylish pair of sunnies will look like before you make the leap to purchasing them. This also saves a LOT of time that you could have spent waiting for multiple pairs to arrive, trying them on, sending them back, and so on.

Boost Your Carbon Fiber Glasses with the Right Add-Ons

 

Be a smart buyer and learn everything there is to know about eyeglasses by scrolling through our other Optical Center articles.

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Carbon Fibre Glasses- What our Experts Want You to Know

What are they? | How did they come to be? | Properties | Benefits | Carbon fibre glasses | Is carbon fibre good for glasses?

By Hannah Tinning
Reviewed by Sharlene McKeeman FBDO
Sharlene is a qualified dispensing optician with over 7 years optical experience, a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians and registered with the General Optical Council.
Carbon fibre glasses are the most durable frames that will last for years thanks to the innovative material.

Carbon fibre is synonymous with lightweight, strong, sturdy and luxurious. Gaining popularity in the eyewear industry, carbon fibre frames are becoming more prominent and a top choice among eyeglass wearers. 

In this article, we explore everything to know about carbon fibre glasses, their benefits and what to consider when buying a pair.

What are carbon fibre glasses?

What are carbon fibre glasses?

Also known as black gold, carbon fibre is a modern high-strength fibre that is aesthetically pleasing, exceptionally light, hypoallergenic and highly durable. Brands and manufacturers are beginning to harness its super strength to create high-quality carbon fibre eyeglass frames.

How did carbon fibre come to be?

How did carbon fibre come to be?

In 1879, Thomas Edison filed a patent for carbon filaments for electric lamps. Then, in the early 1960s, military aircrafts required better and lightweight materials. This paved the way for the start of commercial production. 

Carbon fibre was initially used in aeronautics, energy-related equipment, sports materials, buildings and industrial structures, automobiles and even musical instruments. Its rigidity, high strength, low weight and high chemical resistance make carbon fibre popular for eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Properties of carbon fibre

Properties of carbon fibre

Not only does carbon fibre look good, but it’s also packed with many benefits. With the higher price tag of anything made from this material, you’re not just paying for an aesthetic look but something that will last and withstand nearly all conditions you may face.

  • Carbon fibre is one of the lightest materials available in the market. A pair of carbon fibre glasses are about half the weight of titanium eyewear and have superior resistance to impact.
  • Carbon fibre is composed of carbon, which is also the core element of diamonds. Its strength is ten times that of iron, its weight is less than a quarter of steel’s, and its tensile strength, i.e., the maximum stress that can be applied to it before it breaks, is 7-9 times that of steel. 
  • Carbon fibre is more corrosion-resistant than titanium and other metal frames. It’s also resistant to high temperatures and radiation and has good elasticity. 
DID YOU KNOW?
Carbon fibre is among the strongest materials on earth, due to the chemical reactions and extreme temperate changes in the manufacturing process. Thus, making carbon fibre glasses the most durable choice there is.

Benefits of carbon fibre glasses

Benefits of carbon fibre glasses

Thanks to the materials’ properties, carbon fibre eyeglass frames offer many benefits.

Carbon Fiber Frame Benefits
Carbon fiber frame benefits
  • Since they’re so lightweight, carbon fibre glasses are the most comfortable choice of eyewear for daily wearers looking for the latest technology and the highest quality.
  • Their strength and durability offer eyewear that will last many years and resist usual wear and tear.
  • Metal materials, such as Nicol alloy, typically react badly to water, however, carbon fibre frames are water and rust-resistant and can withstand excessive moisture, sea spray, and submersion. 
  • This material is worth considering for wearers with sensitivity if you want the look of metal eyeglasses but need something hypoallergenic.
  • When paired with epoxy resin, carbon fibre glasses become resistant to chemicals, alcohol and even acids.
  • Thanks to the reinforced fibres, carbon fibre is made to bend while still being one of the strongest materials to tension.
Points to consider when buying carbon fibre glasses

Points to consider when buying carbon fibre glasses

Even with so many benefits, of course, before deciding on a pair of carbon fibre frames, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Carbon fibre is difficult to process as it is such a resilient material. Hence, a few manufacturers can process and produce high-quality and complexly designed carbon fibre eyewear.

As the material is so lightweight, some carbon fibre eyeglasses may be irreparable as the frame is too thin. Consider how other frames can be adjusted before selecting carbon fibre frames. As they can be extremely hard to adjust, it is essential you get the correct size frame you need.

Carbon fibre is expensive, so glasses featuring it as the primary frame material will cost more. However, a pair of hard-wearing glasses can save you from spending more money on replacements in the long run.

What are your choices for carbon fibre glasses?

What are your choices for carbon fibre glasses?

At Vision Direct, you can find carbon fibre prescription glasses and sunglasses from top brands in the eyewear industry. Since carbon fibre frames are so lightweight, tough and impact-resistant, they are perfect for outdoor sports and activities. 

Oakley developed its own line of high-performance carbon fibre glasses that feature ultra-lightweight frames. To further enhance the performance frames, some carbon fibre glasses feature hinges with no screws; instead, they move smoothly as the hinge is riveted to the temples and the hinge itself.

In addition, Oakley developed Unobtainium earsocks that function as grips (initially meant to serve as bike grips) that get better with wet conditions. 

As Ray-Ban has always done, the innovation takes a step up with their Tech line of glasses and sunglasses featuring carbon fibre and titanium. The Tech line frames have seven carbon fibre layers mixed with resin and water cut to create the different parts of the frame.
Polar also saw the benefits of carbon fibre frames and took it a step further to include polarised lenses. Some pairs feature a stainless steel front frame and carbon fibre arms. Combining both materials offers a more affordable price point while still benefiting from the properties of carbon fibre.
Is carbon fibre good for glasses?

Is carbon fibre good for glasses?

Carbon fibre sunglasses and glasses will exceed your expectations if you’re looking for a pair of frames that will withstand the toughest conditions and make it through your everyday wear and tear. 

With the higher price point, it’s always worth considering if they match your lifestyle and needs. If you’re unsure, you can always speak to one of our certified online Opticians, who can answer all of your queries.

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