Mike's Belay Glasses - a quick impression

Borrowed these at the gym the other day. I haven't used them enough to write a full review and probably won't ever use them that much. But since they are the lowest priced prism design glasses, ($39.95 + $8.95 shipping)I thought people might be interested in first impressions.

Unlike the CU or Belay Specs, Mike's glasses use a plastic frame similar to reading glasses. This has advantages and disadvantages.

Mike's glasses seem a little heavier to me, but the nosepiece is wider and more comfortable on my face, which balances out any extra weight. They seem less flimsy, but are likely more brittle. The side pieces won't bend, but could break if mistreated. The sidepieces are attached via a typical sunglass hinge, so the glasses fold up more compactly. The enclosed case is similar to those used for sunglasses, rather than the flat box used by CU and Belay Specs. It is easier to fit in a pack or pocket.

The glasses sit on your face like normal glasses, but because the side pieces are normal glasses length, you cannot slide them down your nose to fit sunglasses underneath. Nor can you slide them down your nose to improve your peripheral vision, they just fall off your face.
This latter point is a significant issue, as the plastic frame construction means a lot more material around the prism itself, which already limits one's peripheral vision. Once the climber is 10-15 feet off the ground, no problem, but until then, I found it impossible to use Mike's glasses. Belay Specs and CU glasses have longer side pieces and less obstructing material, so you can slip them forward on your nose, look around them and still more or less see what's going on. But Mike's need to stay off. I couldn't get away with slipping them back on my head, they fell off when I tipped my head back. If you add a keeper cord, (highly recommended) you could leave them hanging on your neck at the start of the climb and this would work OK.
My bottom line- If money is no object, I still prefer the original CU glasses ($120). For myself, I bought the Belay Specs for $80 and have been very happy. But if you want belay glasses and don't have a lot of extra cash, these seem like a good deal for the price. You give up some functionality, specifically ease of use as the climber starts the pitch. But they will get the job done.

belayglass.blogspot.com/

None for me, as I already wear glasses. I can afford to strain my neck somewhat to actually look directly at my climber every now and then. It isn't that tough a day. If hangdogging the project takes that long, have the leader come down to earth and rest a bit, then yank themselves back up to working position. I can only see the special glasses getting smashed in the pack or sat on accidentally at the belay stance.

BSheriden wrote: Lol is this post serious or a joke? If someone is hang dogging why on earth would you need to be straining your neck to look up to them? They are by definition hanging on a bolt so why are you watching them? Number 2 lowering from 40-50 feet up and yanking yourself back up to get in position would be ridiculously tiring. Also what is the difference between looking at them through a prism and looking at them "directly". Do you not use your rear view mirror either because you prefer to look directly at the car behind you? I guess when you project 5.8 trad all day there is no need for these.

You have a fairly elevated opinion of yourself, are you out establishing new lines all around the world and climbing 13 plus, just wondering because I do and I think belay glasses are a fairly cool idea but I choose to just watch my partner. I looked through your contributions and would not call them contributions at all but rather rambling shit from your high and mighty mockery of a mouth. You're waisting time mocking when you should be out training.

Woodchuck ATC wrote:I can afford to strain my neck somewhat to actually look directly at my climber every now and then. It isn't that tough a day.

I actually got my Belay Specs because I think it lets me give a better, more attentive belay. I don't have neck issues.

All these gadgets come with some kind of box, which keeps them safe in the pack.

Mark E Dixon wrote: I actually got my Belay Specs because I think it lets me give a better, more attentive belay. I don't have neck issues. All these gadgets come with some kind of box, which keeps them safe in the pack.

I just know they won't work over my prescription glasses. Yeah, I'm old school and wear glasses like Pete Cleveland and Royal Robbins..no contacts for me. Have seen them in use at the Red, and most seem to enjoy using them.

Belay Specs work very well with my prescription glasses. When I wear contacts and sunglasses, Belay Specs still work well.

I have since learned that Mike's glasses come with a keeper cord and a cleaning cloth, my friend somehow inadvertently pitched both before lending me the specs!

mike sheridan wrote: You have a fairly elevated opinion of yourself, are you out establishing new lines all around the world and climbing 13 plus, just wondering because I do and I think belay glasses are a fairly cool idea but I choose to just watch my partner. I looked through your contributions and would not call them contributions at all but rather rambling shit from your high and mighty mockery of a mouth. You're waisting time mocking when you should be out training.

haha mad props to mike!