EyeglassRetailerReviews is currently in archival status.
EyeglassRetailerReviews.com
Online Eyeglass Retailer Information and Reviews

You're visiting the old version of this page. That's okay, but if you wanted the new version, it can be found here!

SelectSpecs

http://selectspecs.com


Introduction

SelectSpecs is based in the UK. Both single-vision and bi-focal lenses are available. One of the features of their site is the ability to select from multiple languages and currencies. Currencies to choose from are GBP, EUR, USD, YEN, AUS$, and CAN$. Language can be changed to English, German, Spanish, or French. They accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Delta, Diner's Club, JCB, Maestro, Paypal, and NoChex. UK residents may also pay by cheque. Credit Card payments are processed by NetBanx.


Impressions

SelectSpecs offers a wide variety of frames, including quite a few designer frames. Budget frames & lenses start at $24.79, which gets you a budget frame, and either Standard (1.49) or Thin&Light (1.56) lenses. SelectSpecs has stated that they are able to supply tints to high index lens materials at the customers request, despite the fact that it is not available on the website. So while an option may be grayed out on the order page, it may still be available upon request. Lenses come with free AR, scratch, and UV coatings.

With a solid website, good pricing, the ability to select your language and currency when browsing, a free AR coating, and low shipping, this site is definitely worth checking out.


Pricing

The base price is in £, and other currencies are calculated based on the current exchange rate. As exchange rates change, these prices will undoubtedly become inaccurate, however they should still serve to give an approximation. Current pricing can of course be found on the SelectSpecs website.

pricing taken from website on May 9, 2006

 
  GBP (£) USD CAN$ EUR (€) YEN (¥) AUS$
Basic Frames (Budget) + Lenses (1.49 or 1.56) 12.95 24.79 27.57 19.50 2768 32.25
Super Thin Lenses (1.60) +19.95 +38.18 +42.47 +30.05 +4264 +49.68
Ultra Super Thin Lenses (1.67) +54.95 +105.17 +116.99 +82.76 +11744 +136.84
UltraX Super Thin Lenses (1.74) +69.95 +133.88 +148.93 +105.35 +14949 +174.20
Bifocals +20.00 +38.28 +42.58 +30.12 +4274 +49.81
 
Transitions®NG Lenses (only available on 1.49 index) (Grey or Brown) +35.00 +66.99 +74.52 +52.71 +7480 +87.16
Tint (only available on 1.49 index) (Blue, Brown, G15, Grey, Pink, Yellow) +3.00 +5.74 +6.39 +4.52 +641 +7.47
Tint (only available on 1.49 index) (Graduated Brown or Pink) +5.00 +9.57 +10.65 +7.53 +1069 +12.45
Polarised (only available on 1.49 index) (Brown, Grey, Green) +35.00 +66.99 +74.52 +52.71 +7480 +87.16
 
Shipping (United Kingdom) +1.00 +1.91 +2.13 +1.51 +214 +2.49
Shipping (International) +2.80 +5.36 +5.96 +4.22 +598 +6.97

A pair of single vision lenses, shipped with free AR is $30.15USD Internationally (only $26.70USD in the UK). Quite the deal. Bifocals come to $68.43USD shipped Internationally.

SelectSpecs is also offering a "Re-Glaze" service into customers own frames. While not yet available on the website, it is available upon request, and I have been provided with the following information with pricing in USD (current as of January 23, 2006).

Standard 1.5 or 1.56 index - Sph +6.00 to -8.00 Cyl ±2.00, inclusive of anti-reflection and Scratch resistance coatings. Super Thin 1.6 index - Sph +6.00 to -8.00 Cyl ±2.00, inclusive of anti-reflection and Scratch Super Thin 1.6 index (Extra) - Sph +8.00 to -8.00 Cyl ±4.00, inclusive of anti-reflection and Scratch resistance coatings. Ultra Super Thin 1.67 index - Sph +9.00 to -12.00 Cyl ±4.00, inclusive of anti-reflection and Scratch resistance coatings. UltraX Super Thin 1.74 index - Sph +10.00 to -15.00 Cyl ±4.00, inclusive of anti-reflection and Scratch resistance coatings.
Full Rim Metal $36.31
Full Rim Plastic $36.31
Semi-Rimless $45.41
Rimless mount $54.51
Full Rim Metal $36.31
Full Rim Plastic $36.31
Semi-Rimless $63.61
Rimless mount $72.71
Full Rim Metal $81.81
Full Rim Plastic $81.81
Semi-Rimless $90.91
Rimless mount $100.00
Full Rim Metal $118.21
Full Rim Plastic $118.21
Semi-Rimless $127.31
Rimless mount $136.41
Full Rim Metal $136.41
Full Rim Plastic $136.41
Semi-Rimless $155.51
Rimless mount $154.61


Website Ratings

Category Rating Details
Website Excellent The website is easy to use. When ordering there are question-marks beside each option, where you can get additional information. The biggest thing the site has going for it though (in my opinion) is the ability to change the displayed currency. This should be very appealing to international buyers.
Selection Great The budget section ($23.83-$36.81) has a fair selection of frames. They also have a wide selection of Premier and Designer frames (which do cost more).
Frame Info Good Dimensions, Color, and material all given.
Lens Options Good A variety of indexes are offered. Transitions, Polarised, and Tinted lenses are available, although unfortunately only on the lowest-indexed lens.
Value Great A pair of frames/lenses with free AR for under $30 shipped is nothing to scoff at. Adding any options (except Tint), will more than double the price, however I would expect that they plan to sell the options mainly on the higher priced Premier and Designer frames anyway. If you just need a cheap pair with all of the coatings but none of the other goodies, this could be the place for you.

Click here to see the SelectSpecs purchase review

Recent updates: Updated some of the pricing. "UltraX Super Thin Lenses" increased in price.


Next >>
(EyeBuyDirect.com)