Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 13, 2012 - 09:11am PT
I am in the market for a pair of belay glasses. Everyone I know who has a pair gets the "CU belay glasses" brand, the ones from Germany. http://powernplay.com/pi1/index.html
About 5 years ago, I had a posterior foramenotomy procedure for a herinated disc at c6-c7- the mechanism remains undetermined, but I can't help but think that years and years of climbing (& especially, teaching climbing) was major contributor.
Still, I'm not sure I can bring myself to wear those things. I'd probably have to lose sensation in all my limbs first.
It's the yuppiest thing I own and while I have been shamed for it, I love them for single pitch and overhanging routes. I used them for an entire month in Spain, but now they're exclusively a bedroom item. I watch tv and read books while laying down with my head relaxed and the glasses flipped upside down. You can see your feet while looking up at the ceiling. A+ would buy again.
This thread (below) is a little bittersweet given that some of the posters are no longer with us, but I still get a laugh out of both the original post and the Ouch! animation.
Thanks for all the fast responses. I am definitely already sold on the concept regardless of fashion points. What I am trying to decide is if the cheaper ones are good enough. I will have to look into their return policy.
I've had a pair (CUs) for about two years and I love them. I wear them at the climbing gym, at sport climbing areas and for single pitch crack climbing. I wouldn't think of taking them on multi-pitch routes. Most of my partners with whom I have shared them have loved them too. The few people who don't like them say it's because they find the altered perspective disorienting.
I wear glasses when I climb, and the belay glasses just sit on my nose in front of the Rx glasses when belaying. I don't think this method (double glasses) would work as well is you have a tiny nose, but I have a significant Italian nose so I have no trouble with them sliding off!
I have arthritis in my neck from an old car accident, and these glasses have made a huge difference with pain and muscle tension. I've always been the kind of belayer who tries to watch my leader all the time, and these glasses allow me to do that in complete comfort.
The CUs magnify ever so slightly, the others do not. I guess it depends on how long your typical route is as to which ones you want. I love the CUs, they are well worth $150
I have used the CU glasses and they are awesome. A fellow climber let me try his. Your climber is crystal clear and easy to see. They are very comfortable and if someone walks nearby you or comes up next to your you don't even notice them as your field of vision is completely filled by the reflection of the climber. After using them for a day I will definitely buy a pair. The questionis do I spend $150 on the awesome CU glasses or go budget and hope the cheaper ones are as good. Does anyone have any experience with alternatives?
There are new belay glasses on the market by Vertical Vision. The product is called Belaggles. They have larger lenses and look cool. check out www.belaggles.com
We used to joke about specialty eyewear for the timid and vertigo prone out there. A bolt with quickdraw or big trees hologram would appear when you looked down to soothe the savage beast and keep it to a one-alarm fire!
Prism belay glasses are WAY lame, or in old-school speak, WAY HOMO!
Here's the proper technique:
You point a mini PC camera up the rock, and then Bloo-Toof that into your iPhone in a teeny sub-window, so you can text, twitter and watch Vertical Limit reruns all at the same time you're "belaying" your partner up something hard, desperate and totally run-out.
Use the same system while driving to and from the Valley, of course.
While yer at it you should get one of those backup cameras for yer car!! My buddie has some and they work good aside from looking a little silly. I alawys feel better when my belayer is lookin up at me.
I have no experience with other brands, but these work just fine and will fit in front of your regular glasses... though look twice a dorky when worn that way
I used the CU belay glasses and they were awesome! Convinced me in a few belays to get a pair. Not only are they more comfortable on your neck but they make you a better belayer because it's easy to stay focused on a leader because you're not always stretching your neck.
I bought the belay specs because they looked similar and were $40 or 50 bucks cheaper. Well, the belay specs came and they are great. Very similar to the CU. They are slightly bigger and slightly heavier. A fine tradeoff for me for the money.
If money were truly no object I might go for the CU but the difference in product quality and feel is no biggie for me.
yes, you do look like a dork but take a look around the crag next time you're there. You're in good company.
Up until a month ago, i would have thought they were stupid, but with a freak mtn biking accident with fracturing c4 thru c7 and having the whole section anteriorly plated, i am now wondering which are the best model out there, !( since there are a couple models now)
Let us know!