Seek Optics
Oakley Enthusiast
Hello OakleyForum,
We have been doing a bit of research for our new product line and would like to know your point of view! All our aftermarket lens competitors are manufacturing their top quality line in polycarbonate but we have been considering Nylon for our top line. We would appreciate your view on this topic so we can make the best choice for our customers! If we were to put out a Nylon line it would be more expensive than the polycarbonate but still affordable and much less expensive than an Oakley Prizm lens.
Here is the information we have put together for our decision making:
Some PROS of Polycarbonate
Some CONS of Polycarbonate
Some PROS of Nylon
OPTICAL CLARITY INFO:
Polycarbonate = 30 Abbe Value
Nylon = 52 Abbe Value
Abbe Value describes the amount of chromatic aberration (distortion) of an ophthalmic lens material. Chromatic aberration is when white light is broken up into component colors. A low value means more distortion.
IMPACT RESISTANCE INFO:
Both materials are produced with injections molding and are shatterproof. Both materials are ANSI Z87.1 rated.
Let me know what you think! Any feedback is welcome!
We have been doing a bit of research for our new product line and would like to know your point of view! All our aftermarket lens competitors are manufacturing their top quality line in polycarbonate but we have been considering Nylon for our top line. We would appreciate your view on this topic so we can make the best choice for our customers! If we were to put out a Nylon line it would be more expensive than the polycarbonate but still affordable and much less expensive than an Oakley Prizm lens.
Here is the information we have put together for our decision making:
Some PROS of Polycarbonate
- Super Impact Resistance
- Lightweight
- Built-in UV blocker
Some CONS of Polycarbonate
- Low ABBE Value - 30 (see below)
- Older Technology (from 1970)
- Not the best choice for Metal and acetate frames (can distort frame)
Some PROS of Nylon
- Super UV-Resistant
- Newer Technology that combines the impact resistance of Polycarbonate and the clarify of CR-39
- Super Lightweight
- High Abbe Value – 52 (see below)
- Perfect for all frame materials (will not distort frame)
- Chemical Resistant
- Slightly Less impact resistance than Polycarbonate but still ANSI Z87.1 Rated
- More expensive (x2 or x3) than Polycarbonate
OPTICAL CLARITY INFO:
Polycarbonate = 30 Abbe Value
Nylon = 52 Abbe Value
Abbe Value describes the amount of chromatic aberration (distortion) of an ophthalmic lens material. Chromatic aberration is when white light is broken up into component colors. A low value means more distortion.
IMPACT RESISTANCE INFO:
Both materials are produced with injections molding and are shatterproof. Both materials are ANSI Z87.1 rated.
Let me know what you think! Any feedback is welcome!