Aura Lens or Phillips?

[PyroChixRock]

I thought we could use a current poll on shades now that we've had two companies providing shades for awhile now.

What's your brand?

Have you tried both Aura and Phillips for extended sessions?

Do you feel any eye fatigue after long torching sessions?

If you've tried both and have a good feel for each brand, (based on the lens protection alone) what company would you purchase from today?

[Boozeclues]

I just got a pair of the Phillips Model 208R (Red) Plastic Safety Glasses with the prescription lens in shade-3 and have to say I am extremely happy with them.

They are a little bit on the brighter side and at some point I might need to go darker but for the work I do now they are great. The prescription grinding means the lens is slighty brighter in the center, to me it was like looking through 3-d glasses and took a day or two to adjust to.

They took 10 days to arrive and came in really nice case with a soft pouch and lanyard. I have a astigmatism and these at $265, cost less than my daily glasses

[2wheeler]

Shade 5 for life. Only used Phillips with no fatigue. I'm curious about aura though and what others think.

[menty666]

I have shade 5 aura goggles I use normally, but I have a pair of Phillips ACE I keep on hand for guests.

I prefer my 5's, but the Phillips weren't bad (I have my kids use the darker ones when they want to torch and I wear the Phillips)

[misled youth]

I rock 10-13 year old aura splits. On 3rd set of frames. The nose piece secretes some weird oily shit.
Looking forward to lots of reviews, as I may want some new shades.

[mer]

i have a pair of aura 3's and a pair of 5's. i find the 5's a touch too dark unless the bench is super well lit. are aura lenses available in any dependable fashion? i had thought that they were becoming as elusive as the yeti...

[hashmasta-kut]

i have a pair of aura but the frames had some troubles so i cant use them anymore. i preferred them slightly to my phillips shades, which i have in three shades of darkness. even though they were heavy glass i still liked the way my eyes felt after using them a slight bit better . the light shade three are very close to my aura shade three. in my phillips there is a bit of variance i find in the darkness. i have 2 shade threes and one pair is lighter for sure. my eyes feel fine with phillips too, but the aura just seemed more velvety somehow.

[Icarus]

On a purely customer service level, Phillips all day every day. Mike A's laziness and (is dishonesty too harsh of a word?) almost cost me $500 that I had saved through a flex plan to pay for prescription glasses. Luckily I caught it right before the end of the year (after the 31st of December, any money left in a flex plan is forfeited to the IRS), and was able to cancel the order. Called Phillips later that day, they hooked it up and did it slightly cheaper (this was after they warned me how expensive an Ace/5 split would be for a prescription with astigmatism). Couldn't be happier with the glasses. I've also got a pair of fit over shade 3's and a pair of fit over safety glasses from them. Price is right, service is great. Phillips for this guy.

[PyroChixRock]

Hey Icky, on a lenses level...have you used Aura? Do you feel a difference? Which one do you prefer?

[VertigoGlass]

I have 4 pairs of glasses 2 auras and 2 philips. I have a aura lense 3/5 split that has a gap of diddy showing threw between the 3/5 lense grinds the frames broke within months and are quite heavy due to the laminated lens' mike was of ZERO help when it came to this issue. I picked up a used shade 3 pair of auras and the frames took a shit. I moved to philips and they are cheaper lighter the customer service is better BUT I do feel that the auras let me work longer without getting the tired burning eye syndrome. If mikes bullshit business antics were different i would be AURA all day. Instead I fuck my eyes up to save my sanity.

[Icarus]

Hey Icky, on a lenses level...have you used Aura? Do you feel a difference? Which one do you prefer?

No, like I said, this is purely on a customer service level. Even after all of Mike's craziness on here, I wanted to give him a chance, as I feel like I learned a lot from his safety advice and thought he couldn't be THAT bad. But he had 45 days or so that he sat on the order and gave me various excuses and it was only when I realized that if I didn't get this order charged within the next few days or so that I would have to forfeit the money to the IRS if it wasn't spent that I cancelled the order and called Phillips.

After that, Phillips really took care of me. I wish I could give a side by side comparison of the glasses, but I've never gotten to use Aura's (though not for lack of trying). So yeah, I can't compare them for fit or eye strain or what not. I would consider purchasing a pair of Aura's from a different vendor who already had what I needed in stock, but since I either have to go with prescription or fit over if I want a split, for now, if I need another pair of glasses, I would just go through Phillips.

[Icarus]

If you've tried both and have a good feel for each brand, (based on the lens protection alone) what company would you purchase from today?

Oh shit Meesh, I guess I didn't fully read your post. You can pull my posts if you want, as they don't speak the the lenses, just the experience involved in getting them.

[PyroChixRock]

Oh no it's cool hun. It's good to have any feedback.

But on that note...Aura isn't the only one out there with spotty customer service. Tons of people wait for torches, concentrators, and kilns much longer than we think we should have to wait. Granted not all of them are out there online behaving disgracefully like some do and have in the past, but people still wait either way. I've been staring at a torch daily for so many years, and plan to for so many to come, that the eye fatigue is what I'm mostly worried about. The last time I looked through a pair of Phillips lenses the sodium glare was not filtered sufficiently. That was before they reformulated or whatnot, and it's been quite a few years since they offer satisfactory coverage for glass workers. I wanted to wait long enough that people would really know how they felt about Phillips before I asked. And I never asked before because I had thought I had good communication with Mike, but he seems to have lost interest in communicating with me. I probably would have never asked if not for the lack of communication, I'm more than happy with every pair of Aura lenses I've had.

I need new shades and I have two kids who blow glass as much as some of you out there that also need professional shades. I'm up for dealing with spotty customer service if the protection isn't comparable to Aura, just like I would wait forever for a GTT. Hell, if it takes sending Mike gift baskets of glass goodies, then that's what I'd do to protect my babies eyes. I know some of you don't feel that way, but personally I've never had a problem with him until recently.

However, if the product Phillips is offering now is as protective as Aura, then who wouldn't take the faster, cheaper, easier path!

[VertigoGlass]

Like I said Misha, IF i could get aura lens without the bullshit drama I would rock them instead, this is the same exact reason i will never buy a new gtt again their customer service sucks as well they just do it with a smile. atleast mike let you know upfront he was gonna give it to you long hard and deep with no lube and talk shit to you the whole way along lol

[Emmett's Glass]

I got my pair of Aura's when Bob ran the company, I sent in a set of titanium frames and had them cut the lenses to fit those frames, I really don't want to have to replace them so I care for them. Too much craziness to want to try dealing with stories I've heard.
E

[The Glass Fish]

My wife and I both have used both for extended periods. I loved my Aura Lenses. They felt a little heavier than I wanted, but I got used to that. The clarity of them was great. Not split lenses, though. I like that the Philips (shade 5) are a lot lighter, and are also good quality, I would recommend them. I like Philips frame choices a lot more. My wife was able to get a smaller frame she loved, which was a huge problem with the Aura lenses. My final opinion is this: both pairs of our Aura lenses sit in a drawer with destroyed/worn frames and are unusable because I couldn't get Mike to take my money and replace them. He never responded to my emails or messages. And I was a paying customer who wanted to pay some more. So go with philips, as they are a great product and superior (to Aura) customer service, which matters.


If you've tried both and have a good feel for each brand, (based on the lens protection alone) what company would you purchase from today?

I don't think this is fair, because I don't think it is really possible to talk about a product as crucial as this to people like us and not[/ take into consideration things like wait time, customer service, and overall personal experience. Based solely on that criteria I would be forced to concede that I like Aura lenses better. A little. But I would not[I] recommend them. Ever.

[smolder holder]

I tried to get some auras knowing their history but i figured i'd give them a chance. I was lied to and jerked around so much after i prepaid for the glasses i eventually got my bank to take action and get my funds back. I got Phillips shade 5s and have been happy with my choice. I feel they offer good protection but i'd still like to try some aura's. Who stocks them because i WONT deal with Mike again.

[misled youth]

When I need new frames I just bring my recspecs to one of the glasses places by me and they order me some frames.
Usually takes them a bit to find what is needed but they always come through

Wanted to add that when I talked to mike 2 of the 3 times I needed new frames, he advised me to stop being cheap and just buy new glasses.

[Emmett's Glass]

I will say something good about Mike, I ran into him at the GAS 2003 conference and showed him a pair of glasses I got from him with messed up frames and an old script, He took them tossed them in a box and handed me a new pair with no script which was really cool because now I have a good pair of glasses for guests or watching demos. I really like the split lens for working but it happens to be on the horizon line when I view distance. I guess that was before the transformers constantly blowing caused him to go insane.
I used to tell students & friends to get Auras but with all the horror stories I heard, it became a 'used to.'
I'm sure his dad is pissed about him trashing the company he took yrs to build.
E

[PyroChixRock]

My wife and I both have used both for extended periods. I loved my Aura Lenses. They felt a little heavier than I wanted, but I got used to that. The clarity of them was great. Not split lenses, though. I like that the Philips (shade 5) are a lot lighter, and are also good quality, I would recommend them. I like Philips frame choices a lot more. My wife was able to get a smaller frame she loved, which was a huge problem with the Aura lenses. My final opinion is this: both pairs of our Aura lenses sit in a drawer with destroyed/worn frames and are unusable because I couldn't get Mike to take my money and replace them. He never responded to my emails or messages. And I was a paying customer who wanted to pay some more. So go with philips, as they are a great product and superior (to Aura) customer service, which matters.



I don't think this is fair, because I don't think it is really possible to talk about a product as crucial as this to people like us and not[/ take into consideration things like wait time, customer service, and overall personal experience. Based solely on that criteria I would be forced to concede that I like Aura lenses better. A little. But I would not[I] recommend them. Ever.

You two are a pair I'd love to hear about the clarity of each brand's lenses on and the eye fatigue or strain, if any, you feel with Phillips. is the Aura lens still such a superior lens that your eyes can feel a difference? After how long....6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours? This is my main question, fair or not. When I first tried Phillips, there was such a difference in just the clarity alone that I wouldn't have been caught torching in them.

But that is to each it's own. If Mike were the only one in the game and he would not get back to me for long enough, I would fly out and have lunch. I wouldn't be asking, but I'm really biased. If Phillips has stepped up its lenses and this fatigue people mention over and over about them isn't an issue, count me in! But until then I'm an Aura stalker if need be. :lol

[p.j.]

i used auras daily for 12 years and now i use phillips(2 years). i love how much lighter they are on my nose.

i don't feel there is a difference in protection, but the glass temps read a little different.

you are gonna need more ambient light to see around you better, the auras seem better in low light studios.

i think my eyes are always strained after an 18 hour session behind my delta, no matter what...but i feel no different working 50 hours behind the torch a week with either

[LooseSeal Baller]

to those worried about the different tint between glasses heres my experience. yes you will probably notice a difference when looking through different brands of glasses but after a few minutes of wearing them my eyes adjust to the tint. haven't really noticed any difference in protection tho like pj said after working for 12 plus hours my eyes usually are tired no matter what glasses i've used. when i first started my teacher had me making mushroom marbles, one night when i was trying to sleep, i closed my eyes and all i could see were glowing mushrooms spinning, at first i freaked out a little but then when i recognized what they were i was like oh shit. hasn't happened again, i was told it was some of my cones being burnt out.not sure but anyway peace

[raul24]

I feel the Philips lens doesn't filter enough sodium flare.

[gambitglass]

I like my aura lens goggles. I got lucky and didn't have too much trouble buying them. They are Rx as well split 3/5 lens. I went to repaint my frames yesterday and cracked the frames in the front, which I hope a little epoxy will remedy. They were pricey and are not perfect being the frames were clear and the lenses fog up but I do like the quality of the lens and the prescription is spot on. I actually used them for snowboarding once but when dusk came they were a little too dark. If I needed to replace them I would love to stay Aura but for the already mentioned reasons I would likely avoid this company in the present.

[Master Yoda]

I have 3/5 splits on both and have regularly used them both. The phillips do seem a tad darker but I would put eye fatigue at about the same. Honestly I wish they weren't so damn expensive because I would really like to play around with different shades a little more. I used diddy's for a long time and feel that because of that I have overly sensitive eye. I think as I get older I would like 4/6 splits or something like that but would need to try them out, one big issue I notice with darker shades and why I view splits as a must, is it becomes harder to notice chill marks and other imperfections. This is probably why I would vote for the aura lens because I can see more with what feels like similar protection.

On a side note there was another thread up here about blacking out sports goggle frames which I just recently did, I have to say that is some of the best advice ever, It cuts down on the eye fatigue at the end of the day considerably. It will be interesting to see how the high heat bbq paint holds up over time, especially during the summer when I'm a sweaty pig.


Post 666 :metalhead

[daveabr]

I had the pleasure of being at the IFC in New Jersey last year for Jesse Kohl's safety presentation. The information he had gathered on the differences in the lenses was immense. Far more than I can regurgitate. I wish there were video archives of that sort of thing, as I was also working our booth while his talk was going on. If you're out there man, this would be a great place to divulge that info.

Going purely on my experiences with both companies, and both lenses, here are my thoughts. The archives clearly tell the story of Aura's history with customer service. Phillips has always been good in that area. They are almost always prompt with their replies, and rarely are out of stock on product. I will put that aside to answer the question of the lenses comparison. I wore Auras from the time I started, around 98 or so, until about 4 or 5 years ago. I broke my old Aura's, and replaced them with Phillips. I liked the Phillips, but always noticed a slight orange flare that just wasn't there with the Aura's. Luckily, I was able to try other pairs of Phillips, and that flare actually seemed to vary with different lenses on. I found that interesting.

Eventually, as Aura's weren't available to even distributor's it seemed, I just grew to ignore it. Got to the point I didn't even notice it. Then about 6 months ago, all these Aura Lens biker wraps and goggles started pouring in. We have them set back up, and on the website. Just wraps and goggles though. If the stock dries up, we'll take them down. But, for now, we've had good and consistent contact with Mike. He seems to be stocking us well, and seems to be restoring his production. I will have several pair with me out on the road the next month in Tucson and Vegas. If anyone wants to check them out, please stop by and see me.

Back in November, I was making a bunch of ornaments and gifts for family. I was working with my Phillips shade 5 on. Just for shits and giggles I decided I would throw a pair of the new Auras on. Immediately I noticed a difference. There was no more orange flare, and the color seemed very crisp and clear. I occasionally get headaches and eye strain when I work long sessions, and I felt those two things decreased. I don't have all the technical details that others can maybe get into here. But, I really felt the difference. I think that if Mike can present this product, and match it with good service for our industry, it is a good thing for lampworkers in general. I still think the judgement is out on lenses in general also. Lampworking while ancient, is in a new age so to speak. With all the new color formulas and different materials going into making our glass, there must be new research done to cover the wide range of flares and effects.

If there is one thing everyone can do for themselves, it is LIGHT YOUR SHOP WELL!!! Every time I visit a shop, and I see people working with like a desk lamp in a dark garage, I cringe. Good lighting is important for a ton of reasons. The most of which is your eyes and the strain you are putting them through.

I've always valued my eyes, as I am someone who has had some pretty frightening vision issues over the years. You only get one pair. If you are careless, you can really harm them. Lampworkers especially should take note of that.

I feel Phillips provides great service, and their lenses provide adequate coverage. I am just simply commenting on a recent comparison I was able to make myself. I think everyone has different eyes, and they react differently to different lighting, lenses, etc..... So, everyone will have different results. It's a broad and interesting topic, and one I'd love to see researched heavily.

[somewhere]

Seems odd. Only one company I know of makes lens blanks of ace glass. So I would have to think both glasses use the same base lens.

I know Phillips found a stash of tinted didymium which started off the whole glass war. I think those lenses may have been off or second quality (old stock). This let a lot of subpar lenses into the world. It's possible Phillips failed in the grinding polishing phase which led to the lack of clarity. I really don't know.

Mike seemed to find the same old stock to produce a non laminated shade 3 didy without the distortion. That points to lens finishing more then just bad filters.

We have both in house in my personal opinion Mike's glasses have better workmanship on the lens contours and grinding. Clarity seems about the same now a days. I'm no expert but I prefer Aura glasses and give them the leading edge.

[daveabr]

Yes, only one source for the blanks. It's a process difference, must be.

[nodice]

I'm not a fan of Mike's customer service, but to this day i use a 13 year old pair of auras, because I like the lenses much more than anything I've seen since. They're shade 3, and seem to block more bad light than Phillips shade five, while letting me see more. At least that's the way it seems.......

[nicko0]

i used aura 5 goggles made 7 years ago for a year. bought phillips 5 clipons and have used them since(5 years). the phillips are slightly darker but weigh much less. i do feel like i can see clearer throught aura but im 99% sure its just because they are lighter shade of 5.

with either brand shade 5 i dont get eye fatigue from average* size work.

with either brand shade 5 i will get eye fatigue from staring at work long hours, just as u would a computer screen or anything else.

there is a difference while working large hot glass. without a blast shield the phillips lens itself gets hotter and the metal frame gets very hot. with just a little breeze the lens and frame run much cooler than the aura with a breeze. i believe the aura allows more ir to pass through thus getting less hot than the phillips (while working with either without a breeze.) the plastic frame doesnt absorb heat like the metal frame so it doesnt get as hot but also doesnt help pull heat from the lens. which may be affecting the cooling affect of a breeze.


i like my phillips; they work well. aura isnt a better product to me.

side note: use a blast shield to cut down the heat enormously. i dont think ir absorption tech is the best way to go for near the eye protection.

i have no idea what im talking about, just observation and basic knowledge how some stuff works.

[hashmasta-kut]

i thought i could see clearer through my aura lenses too. interesting.i will do a side by side with my new phillips.

[The Glass Fish]

OK, this is a response to Misha's response: Eye fatigue is one of the things I noticed. With the Aura's, I had much less fatigue. I remember (since the Aura's have been packed for 3 years now) that I always was amazed that when I was done with a long day (10 hours) that me eyes still felt great. The philips just are not the same. After the same long day my eyes feel sore. I like the Philips, and they are serviceable, but are not quite as clear. This is probably why my Auras are still in a drawer, cuz I always felt I could find an op/tech to reframe them, then just kinda forgot. Both have pros and cons, Auras are heavier, so I don't recomend the really large ones with the metal frames (like what I got), but slightly smaller ones with plastic frames. The philips are lighter, but don't seem to block as much heat, and eye strain is slightly greater for long durations.

Mike is a wackadoodle science guy, and that is probably part of what causes his customer service problems. But at least his wackadoodle science is right on.

[big tom]

@ daveABR!!!!

I was under the impression that you guys don't have aura in stock. I thought I had a standing order with you if any came in.. through SKY glass where I currently work. We called numerous times (Zach called 4 mnths ago). I was actually pretty disapointed that they were always listed on your web site but never in stock. Maybe we dropped the ball somewhere? Zach no longer works there. My specs are in rough shape!!

As for the OPs inquiry... I tried some phillips and returned them immediately. I have auras bought in 96 or 97. They are 5 mil thick. No welding shades. The sodium flare looks lavender through mine and with phillips even with #3 shades the flare was bright orange. I then went around my shop trying everyones glasses on. In my opinion there's no comparison. The auras seem to be a better filter. Maybe it's because they were all thicker?(5mil) I could barely tell the difference between Philips and the pair of crumby buddy holly 35 dollar didiums at the bottom of my toolbox.

[Merlin]

I don't have much experience with Phillips. I have aura 4/6 split. I ordered an uneven split so I could have the dark shade on bottom, but still see my bench without dipping my head in the flame. mike sent a 50/50 split. When I called him on it he denied it. Ive been making due with the periodic frustration for about 5 years. Not using phillips Either. pretty stupid that this large community relies on mike, especially considering we have been aware of his issues for at least a decade. Interesting that there isn't more competition in eye protection, but so much in tools/color.

[AlexSchmalex]

Just wanted to say I did a side by side comparison between my Phillips shade5 and some aura 3/didy split.........ill be buying some auras in Vegas if I can get um. Way more clarity, better 'tone' or 'hue' and a visible difference in sodium blockage.

[hashmasta-kut]

i did the same with two pairs of shade three phillips and one pair of #3 auras. i agree with the same comparison statements made by alex, to a T. my aura frames are like frankenstein but i went back to them for now. lol. full length of reinforcement wire across the top and stuff.

[The Glass Fish]

Ok, so here is an update. I tried on a pair of shade 5 Aura goggles in Tucson during the AZ project. I really liked them. In Vegas I bought them. I have this horrible habit of looking over/under my glasses at my tool, at my colors, and at my flame. I bought goggles hoping to cure that habit. It worked, but in a wierd way. Obviously I can't look over/under my goggles, so I don't. As soon as I put on my glasses, I catch myself looking over/under. Didn't break the habit, but still get the benefit as if I did. I realized that not being able to look over/under made it hard to see my colors, tools, etc, so I added a bunch of light to my station. I fucking love it. Good lighting and shade 5 goggles from Aura are my new favorites. There is more clarity and I have less eye fatigue than with my Philips. Also, for disclosure, I use a Blast shield with the ir/uv coating most of the time.

[Lefty]

The only time I've ever flash burned my eyes was with aura lens shade five and I wasn't looking over or under. So i gave the aura another try got anothr pair of 5s and flash burned my eyes again. Ill wear Philips from now on.

[menty666]

I still managed to get the occasional eye singe with my 5's but someone once suggested I'm not blinking enough; it's possible they're right, but I also have a bad habit of working kind of close to my flame. Working on it.

If you're doing something that you *do* need to look over occasionally, you can loosen the strap a little so you can look over them. It doesn't happen much but it did come up at least once for some reason.

[Noggin]

I bought Aura shade 4 about 5 years ago and I love them. I got the sport frames - I think. They ran me $250 or something back then. I had been wearing welding shades (shade 3) for a few weeks when I first started. I put on the darker shade Auras with way more protection and I could see 300% better out of them. They are just a little heavy, but I have never had a problem or really thought anything of it.

I do feel a little delirious after working for a number of hours, but I think that is just a result of staring at a bright light for a long period of time, not because my shades dont offer enough protection.

I love my auras and would never think of switching. They are easy to see out of, comfortable, and my eyes never hurt.

[misticglass]

I tried to order from aura lens recently. Sent him my prescription, and even waited a month and emailed hoping to get a response that they were being started. Nope. Guess its time to Cancel my order and try Phillips!

Thats bad business if he really cared about peoples sight he would take care of his business in a timely fashion. Sick of these backup didyniums!!

[nodice]

It's weird that people are more forgiving of companies like gtt, especially when their vision doesn't rely on them. Or maybe that's why?

[PyroChixRock]

Partially I would say. But also W&W are nice guys and obviously care about our industry and the people in it. I think that goes a long way.

[Icarus]

Building off Misha's point, it's also worth noting how many flame offs have a GTT as a sponsor and a torch as a prize versus how many you see Aura lens doing the same with.

[somewhere]

Mike does free glasses for kids although I'm sure most have not returned them as the kids grow out of them (which was the deal).

Just saying He has styled my kids with free glasses over the years.

[PyroChixRock]

I returned mine and bought my kids Boro glasses. It was great that he sent us loaners, no doubt.

[nodice]

Yeh, a recurring theme in my life is that it's often harder to focus on the positive instead of the negative. Thanks for the glasses mike, and sorry for all the shit you get(from me especially)!

[misticglass]

Just want to say what a pleasure it was to order from Phillips. Got my prescription specs in under 10 days from ordering and the woman was very helpful over the phone. Even recommended these radiation frames that are not usually used for glass but fit my prescription (look cool too). Thanks Phillips!!

http://www.phillips-safety.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=42_71_149&products_id=398

[H1JACK3R]

I've been using Phillips 3's since I started, and have always been curious about the difference. I finally went ahead and ordered a pair of Aura 3's to compare to my old pair.

[S.HY.]

i have been using phillips shade 5 prescription lenses with correction for astigmatism for the past 2.5 years and i could only be happier if they were shade 6. with some t5 fluorescent lights the shop feels like day and with strong ambient lighting i suffer no eye fatigue. i have no issues with flare except when dust or debris are blown into my flame.

i have tried a pair of aura non-prescription lenses. they filter well, but are heavier. i can not attest for their clarity as the world is an impressionist painting without optical correction.

in the shop i work in i use phillips prescription frames, one person uses diddys with shade 5 clip-ons and one uses aura split lens goggles. we all love our glasses but every one is jealous of my super bright work space.

[olddog]

Just ordered a pair of Aura's last week, clip on shade 3, no Rx so I'm hoping there is not a problem!

[samoth890]

I use Philips green ace ir 5.0, never tried auras though. Someone mentioned earlier their like pair didn't filter enough soda flare, and I actually feel mine doesn't either. Compared to the purple didy's that came with the proverbial hothead kit, which show no flare from boro.
I found this a little backwards, since I know didy's are not enough for boro. Anybody else see a noticeable amount of flare from boro through the Philips green ace 5s, or did I maybe get slipped some damn welding shades?
My roommate has some shade 3's I think they are, they look blue, vs purple. But still show soda flare too.
I don't notice spots before my eyes, or squinting, or any of that, either..

[Natedizzle]

I have several pairs of each. I think only 2 aura goggles are left as the lenses fell out of the other 2 pairs and broke. I have maybe 8 pairs of Phillips in both 3 and 5 as well as multiple cheap didy's and an old pair of AO custom didy's. I use my cheap didy's or customs about 80% of the time and Phillips the rest.

That said I prefer the auras as far as full blockage of the sodium flare. The Phillips seems to leak some sodium flare on the "aura" of the piece but not really between me and the piece... Some pairs are worse than others and it doesn't really bother me much, but it is a bit concerning. But I honestly love didy's and unless I'm going big, My eyes are much less strained by not trying to see through the dark tint.

One more point to mention that Phillips wins hands down, is comfort of wear! Not only are they available in frames that are actually designed to be worn, the lenses are so much lighter that there is much less discomfort over long periods of wear compared to the non goggle auras I've had. I like the goggles, but can't wear them long periods as they just are heavy and awkward.

I think that perhaps the aur-92 or whatever the base lens on auras is called is what takes the sodium flare out completely. Without a solid layer of that the Phillips are lacking a bit.

I have never burned my eyes or had any other problems with any brand and personally I feel that the fact the Phillips are cheaper and more readily available gives them the edge since you're supposed to replace any safety lenses regularly. I get a new pair every year even though I don't retire the old ones, just to reduce to wear,scratches, etc.

My biggest problem with any glassblowing eyewear is the fact that I go big a lot and the pressure that holds the glasses on my head combines with the intense heat softens the bridge of the glasses! I had to buy a frame warmer to re-shape my frames to keep fitting me.

[PyroChixRock]

Frame warmer is a good idea. All the frames are so big on me I have to only get customs and have them adjusted a lot.

[Natedizzle]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Digital-Hot-Air-Optical-Eyeglasses-Lens-Frame-glasses-Heater-eyewear-Warmer-/321033419257?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abf1539f9

[LowTideGlass]

http://m.glasscraftinc.com/home2/gla/page_9868_508/phillips_-_ir_3_-_titanium_black_frames.html


These are the ones I ended up with.

I am way happier with these than the goggles I had before. The titanium is so light, and doesn't hold the heat like plastic.

I have kind of small eyes and they work perfect for me. I put them on a pair of croakies so they don't slide down my nose. Just tight enough to keep them in place, but not so tight that it hurts your nose or anything.

[PyroChixRock]

Thanks for the link Nate. Not in my budget now but I'll certainly keep it in mind. It's ridiculous how often I have to adjust mine now because they don't fit properly and almost float above my nose sometimes. I have to tighten them down to keep them on which makes taking them of fast hard and ya know sometimes that has to happen!

[Riley]

Its not for everyone but I use goggles only. I have to wear a headband in order to have a shelf to hang the glasses up and off my face. The knot in the back of the headband/bandana holds the giggle strap from slipping over my head. If I ever forget my headband I don't like it.

I added this tip too before years ago but nobody was too keen on it. I wrap the space where the nose guard used to be with hemp. My hippy buddy uses a little beeswax too. Easy to replace, sweat absorbent, and not made out of strange gel that melts into your skin. Goggles aren't for everyone, nor is the hemp wrap, but take it for what its worth.

[samoth890]

...
That said I prefer the auras as far as full blockage of the sodium flare. The Phillips seems to leak some sodium flare on the "aura" of the piece but not really between me and the piece... Some pairs are worse than others and it doesn't really bother me much, but it is a bit concerning. But I honestly love didy's and unless I'm going big, My eyes are much less strained by not trying to see through the dark tint.
...

Thanks for all the info Nate, that was enlightening, coming from a notably badass glassblower. So in your experience, the plain didy's are okay for boro? I had always heard they were inappropriate, but they do feel easier on the eyes for me. And when you say you see sodium flare off the aura of the piece, you mean just coming off the glowing hot glass? I notice it flaring off behind the glass, pretty much like an extremely dim version of the sodium flare you'd see with no filter.

[Riley]

For me, Phillips shade 3's are not adequate for getting a dark saturated color , white-hot. I have to squint or look away. If you have sensitive eyes I wouldn't go with anything less than 3. When I started I only used diddys and I'd work so long my eyes burned and teared and it was difficult to fall asleep. I even tried stacking two pairs. Don't skimp on eyewear ever.



My eyes are blue and so I'm told they are more sensitive than you brown eyes. I heard your eyes are insensitive and uncaring. Any validity to that?

[samoth890]

For me, Phillips shade 3's are not adequate for getting a dark saturated color , white-hot. I have to squint or look away. If you have sensitive eyes I wouldn't go with anything less than 3. When I started I only used diddys and I'd work so long my eyes burned and teared and it was difficult to fall asleep. I even tried stacking two pairs. Don't skimp on eyewear ever.



My eyes are blue and so I'm told they are more sensitive than you brown eyes. I heard your eyes are insensitive and uncaring. Any validity to that?

I guess I may not understand what light is being filtered out. I thought it was mostly for the orange plume of fire coming off glass in the flame. I don't use the didy's anymore so I can't say if they really tired my eyes out, and the shade 5s I notice no fatigue. But with didy's, the glass itself looks brighter to me, but no flare in the flame. With the shade 5s, the glass doesn't give off as much of a glow, but I definitely can see the orange flare coming off the glass in the flame. I didn't know if this was normal or what, just trying to keep my eyes a-seein'!

My eyes are both blue and sensitive, so I can't attest to the cold, unfeeling brown eyes of others.

[brettodie]

i have 2 pairs of aura 92's in metal aviator frames. <3 .one pair is 17yrs old the other 14 yrs. i buy new flip downs yearly for them. i also generally have a shade 3 plate i work behind so i dont use the flip downs a ton. i also have 2 pair of dydids and a all plastic frame built in shade 5 flip down aura 92's that are pretty nice though a bit heavy. ive used phillips when they first came out and they worked poorly at best. but theyve changed what theyre doing a lot since then.

[Natedizzle]

Thanks for all the info Nate, that was enlightening, coming from a notably badass glassblower. So in your experience, the plain didy's are okay for boro? I had always heard they were inappropriate, but they do feel easier on the eyes for me. And when you say you see sodium flare off the aura of the piece, you mean just coming off the glowing hot glass? I notice it flaring off behind the glass, pretty much like an extremely dim version of the sodium flare you'd see with no filter.

Plain didy's are fine for my eyes (dark brown) for working just clear. As soon as I begin to add color I need to step up to a shade 3 or 5.

I see a bit of sodium flare surrounding my piece but it doesn't seem to be between me and the piece, It's more like the aura of an eclipse...

[PyroChixRock]

Since this thread popped back up (someone voted, but didn't post) I wanted to add my recent experience with Aura.

I never could bring myself to order Phillips. I needed new shades, but as I said before I'm really not a fan of Phillips. I had seen quite a few people ordering glasses from Mike and getting them on time, and also Mike came back to the forums and showed he was trying to regain his footing in the industry. This showed a lot imo.

So I hit Mike up again and got an immediate response. He took the time to answer my questions and help me figure out what I needed. I am a small girl and have a hard time finding frames that fit. He suggested a pair, made them up with the lens configurations I wanted, and mailed them out. I also ordered a pair for Kris.

They were beautifully made, but unfortunately didn't fit. I felt really bad going back to him and telling him they didn't fit, but he said he'd be glad to fix the problem. He said he would find a smaller frame and get back to me.

I sent them off and waited. Not long after, a box came with blank frames for us to try on. They fit! And they were stylish, as well. I sent back the frames and not long after they came back with proper lenses installed. 3/5 splits, also beautifully made.

Mike went above and beyond for me, as he had done in the past. Whatever was keeping him from communicating before seems to have been solved, and he is on it.

Also...as I mentioned before Mike had sent my kids various pairs of glasses over the years as they grew, from toddler sized and up as they grew. His kid program offers Aura 92. I was going to order some boro glasses for my kiddos but ended up having to wait on that as Kris really needed a pair...he was using just regular didids. Mike went above the above and beyond and made my kiddos a pair of proper boro lenses and comped them under his kid program for us. :D

Since that was a customer service review, and this thread started out as a product versus product only question so to address that, I still say...Aura Lens > Phillips.

Thanks again Mike for the awesome glasses and for taking good care of us.

[Deez]

we are glass blowers right? Aura lens are made out of Glass lenses.....phillips are plastic. I think answer to which one to go with is rather obvious.

[Greymatter Glass]

not sure what your experience is, but every pair of Phillips glasses I have seen (hundreds of pairs) have glass lenses - the cheapy $50 ones that they don't actually make might have polycarbonate lenses. I think Aura lens also seels those cheap plastic lens "birth control" frame glasses as well.

that said, I prefer Aura's by a huge margin.

[Rojas]

Auras all the way. Phillips lenses don't seem to filter as well, and cause me headaches. I'll never use anything besides aura lenses.

[Mike_Aurelius]

not sure what your experience is, but every pair of Phillips glasses I have seen (hundreds of pairs) have glass lenses - the cheapy $50 ones that they don't actually make might have polycarbonate lenses. I think Aura lens also seels those cheap plastic lens "birth control" frame glasses as well.

that said, I prefer Aura's by a huge margin.

No, Doug, we don't. We don't sell plastic lenses at all, and we don't sell cheap plastic "birth control" frames. Some of the frames may *look* like birth control glasses lol, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder ;-)

[misled youth]

Love my aura's!
Just wish i could get some new silicon or rubber parts for them.
New elastic band would be nice as well.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Love my aura's!
Just wish i could get some new silicon or rubber parts for them.
New elastic band would be nice as well.

We have an upgrade program for any one using the old Zoom goggle: http://www.auralens.net/upgrade-to-leader-c2-sports-goggle

[notsure]

We have an upgrade program for any one using the old Zoom goggle: http://www.auralens.net/upgrade-to-leader-c2-sports-goggle

Nice! I was just thinking about calling you the other day to see if you can switch out lenses from old goggles to a new frame.:D

[Mr.P0rn]

I agree with Misha...the first glasses I bought were Phillips Shade 5s. I liked them, but I started to feel like they weren't protecting me all the way. My eyes started to get really dry, and some colorwork was bright enough to make me squint a bit. I like the glasses, and they have lasted for a few years. However, Mike has been quite helpful on a couple different projects, and I am excited to try Aura Lens. They will be on the way on Monday, and I'll update when I get them :)

[Hung Low]

what aura lens are is everyone using? 203's 250's? 3's or 5's?

I want to replace my Phillips with some auras. I like the darkness I have now but don't know if they are 3's or 5's. posted is a pic of lens if anyone knows.

Mike, is the c2 frame with no scrip lens a pretty quick ship item? if its the wrong shade can I send them back for exchange?
65712
65713
thanks

[DIMBW]

I've only ever used Phillips 5's and never experienced any eye fatigue so far but I'm pretty new.

[misled youth]

Posting my recent experience with aura.

So in this thread not long ago i commented about my old shades.
They were 286 sport goggles with a 3/5 split from 1998 mikes words "those are ancient"
They were pretty wore out. The lenses were fine but the frames were DEAD!

I followed mikes link that he posted. Chose my frames and clicked buy.
Mike pm'd me and got the specs on the glasses and started making them. I sent my old giant ugly shades
To mikes shop via ups. During the waiting period "1 week start to finish" i sent several pm's to mike and he answered all
Questions in a quick manner.
A week after placing order my new shades showed up via USPS signature required. I signed and brought the box inside.
Opened the box and discovered my lovely new specs. They were half the size of my old ones and probably 1/3rd the weight.
I ordered the head strap with them cause i prefer them to not fall down my face.
With the arms on the glasses were to tight "i have a big head" but once i took them off and replaced with the head band they were great. The nose piece is adjustable which is great.
The fit and finish is flawless and I could not be happier "unless they were delivered via stripogram".

So to anyone that does not want to read this long winded half baked post the bottom line is
Aura's rule! Mike seems to have changed from the old days for the better. So don't waste your money buying Phillips.
Spend the money and get the best.

Mike, thanks again man. Much appreciated. Your upgrade plan is tits and of course your shads are top notch

[Mike_Aurelius]

what aura lens are is everyone using? 203's 250's? 3's or 5's?

I want to replace my Phillips with some auras. I like the darkness I have now but don't know if they are 3's or 5's. posted is a pic of lens if anyone knows.

Mike, is the c2 frame with no scrip lens a pretty quick ship item? if its the wrong shade can I send them back for exchange?
65712
65713
thanks

It is very difficult to tell what those are, but I would *guess* a shade 3. That's only a guess.

I would have to have them in my hand to match to our existing lenses to see exactly what shade it is.

Lead time right now is about 3 weeks because of my upcoming surgery (Monday).

[Hung Low]

thanks for the reply Mike. That's the only pair I have now so I couldn't send them in to match. Do you have any sample pieces shade 3-6?

and again JL tomorrow on the surgery.

[B-Rye-oNeR]

I have a pair of lenses, anyone know if you can send them in to get them put into frames, anywhere?. I've tried emailing haven't gotten a response.

[metalbone]

OK, Ill start. I only have tried the el cheapo plastic safety didy glasses from phillips, and they are ok. Haven't tried the higher quality phillips, so can't say anything about them.

I have 3 pairs of aura's, and like the quality. I've never had any of the business/delay/shipping issues that seem to plague the anti aura posts, but maybe I was just lucky.

[Mike_Aurelius]

I have a pair of lenses, anyone know if you can send them in to get them put into frames, anywhere?. I've tried emailing haven't gotten a response.Trying to fit lenses from an old/broken frame is near to impossible if the frame model is no longer available.

[chillrelaxglass]

Im sure your on 3's bro

[chillrelaxglass]

Hunglow your welcome to come over and melt and try all mine. I have Diddy, Shade 3 didy combo and just shade 3. Somewhere I have 5's but I melt at night so I don't use them bc its to dark.

[Hung Low]

I will do that Kind sir. I'll also bring these new LEDs I got and put then up in your shop. Then you will need some 6's.
I'll even trade ya for one of those shirlys.

Back on topic. I have Phillips there old. Want to get some auras.

[Bent]

I have a pair of Aura 3/5 splits that I have used for many years, and wanted a shade 3 for less color work. I grabbed a pair of Phillips and instantly noticed they didn't block as much sodium flare. Sold them as soon as I got a pair of shade 3 Aura's.
So Aura's all the way. Worth the wait/weight. You can't replace your eyes.

[Mike_Aurelius]

And these days, wait is usually about 1-2 days before we ship them out unless we need to order in a frame, then figure about another week.

[2wheeler]

I ordered a pair of AURA c2 goggle shade 6 on Jan 22. They shipped to me (one state away) on Feb. 11th or 12th.

Does everyone with Auras have a lighter shade ring around the edge of their frames?

[2wheeler]

Is the lighter shade around the edges of the lens just Aura standard?

[LooseSeal Baller]

kinda looks like they dont fit the frame right. I do see the grind on my Auras, but its much less

[Mike_Aurelius]

As I said in my e-mail, it might be that the bevel is located too far back on the lens. Please get them back to me ASAP, and I will take a look at what's going on.

[swillz]

Used so called "dydidiums" as scientific glass worker for years and Phillips shade 5 for my color work never really satisfied always felt like the so called"dydidiums" I bought from the scc school store were better and found myself always wanting to wear em over my shade 5.

Than I got a herbie and a need for a split lens. Was like my eyes are a serious tool and need what's best. Got pair of aura split w shade 5 google and WOW!! Clarity is unbelievable in BOTH portions of the lens with no solar flare or anything of that sort. Which the shade 5 not blocking out solar flare completely was something holding me back from spending the $$ for a split lens. I would recommend aura to anyone, esp if your getting a split lens

[Jason Lindquist]

I've only used Phillips up to now, but Mike informed me that my specs with the new AUR-40 base lens shipped this morning.

<happy dance!!>

Once I've had enough time to really compare them, I'll post a review.

Edit: My current Phillips are planos, the new Auras are 1.25 readers. I'll only be able to comment on the amount of transmitted light/flare and not the eyestrain/fatigue because of obvious reasons.

[JHamilton117]

My dash 40s were should have shipped yesterday, I can't wait till they get here too! :)

[Mike_Aurelius]

Of course I need to inspect it! I've got to figure out why they were shipped with loose lenses and be sure that you get a good and decent pair back to you.

As I recall, I sent you a return shipment label.

Send them in, and I will take care of it, as I told you several times over the phone and via e-mail/PM. I'm not sure why you didn't send them in as I asked you to do. I'm still waiting for them, and I'd like to get this taken care of.

If you need ANOTHER return shipment label, email me tomorrow sales@auralens.net and I will get you one.

There's more I'd like to say, and in fact, I've already written this three times...but I'll let it go with this.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Ya, so you wait until 17 minutes after I post a sale on the forum to sabotage my sale, sounds like a real professional attitude for a supposed forum moderator.

[Icarus]

Ya, so you wait until 17 minutes after I post a sale on the forum to sabotage my sale, sounds like a real professional attitude for a supposed forum moderator.

I can attest that Suzuki is an actual forum moderator, and not just a supposed one. He's pretty good at it too.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Perhaps, but not quite professional.

[Icarus]

Really Mike, you want to bring up unprofessional behaviour? I'm sure some examples could be furnished of unprofessionalism on your part if one were inclined to spend a few seconds looking.

Either way, we can all get in a pissing match here, or perhaps you can try to reset your feeling about Suzuki's professionalism or supposed lack thereof, and simply provide him support in regards to the issue he has been having with your product.

[Mike_Aurelius]

I have.


Send them in, and I will take care of it, as I told you several times over the phone and via e-mail/PM. I'm not sure why you didn't send them in as I asked you to do. I'm still waiting for them, and I'd like to get this taken care of.

If you need ANOTHER return shipment label, email me tomorrow sales@auralens.net and I will get you one.


I just don't believe that forum moderators should be behaving in such a fashion, especially when there are other means of contacting the person/company in question. I called this attempted sabotage and I meant it. 17 minutes between my sale post and his post on this thread. 17 minutes. Since the original sale dates back to February, I think I've got a point with this issue.

Be that as it may, I've just sent him a return postage label, and hopefully this time, he will follow through and send the spectacles back to me for repair/replacement.

[jr23]

I have always wanted some aura's but and have heard good reviews and some bad the bad is never about the product . I am a little guy in this biz . I have always been slightly I don't know worried about ordering. I have had my finger over the button for like 6 years. But I could not deal with that grind issue and Suzuki I am worried for you having to use them like that. I have a pair of 3's I would send you but I have lost a pair and am on my backups.

I have 4 Phillips lens just lens . They have had pop out issues also . I think most glasses do that fit over my fat head.

[Mike_Aurelius]

The frame Ben is using is the C2 Sport Goggle, which has an interlocking bevel. It can be loose, as appears to be the case with Ben's, but unless it is edged way undersize, will not fall out. This is a Nylon frame, and the lenses are edged so that the lens fits the frame without movement when tightened down. The bevel is a square bevel instead of the usual "V" style, and this is what locks into the frame.

Screwups happen. Bad edging jobs do slip through on occasion, but we always try to make sure that the customer is taken care of if they get something unsatisfactory.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Ben, check your e-mail please. Did you get the return label?

[Mike_Aurelius]

It will take about 5 minutes to check the lenses and 15 minutes to edge up and insert a new pair.

[Zukie]

I have to chime in on this. I have done research on new specs for the last 8 months and have read all the reviews here, on BOTH companies. After reading all the good reviews (and the bad ones) about the Aura lenses, I figured id give them a shot. I cant say enough for the customer service I received with my purchase. Mike responded within an hour or less, to the emails that I sent. Hell, he even credited me a refund back, once I saw that he posted an "after the 4th of July sale" on the board, that I didn't see until after I ordered my lenses. He was very helpful and I will definitely deal with him again. Thanks Mike, for a pleasant buying experience, the great customer service, and a great product. Keep up the good work!

[Mike_Aurelius]

You are very welcome, sir!

[istandalone24/7]

I have a very comfortable but old and scratched up pair of Smith "mainline" sunglasses, they no longer make lenses for them, so they're basically junk.
but they fit the best out of any sunglasses i've ever had....is it true that you can fit lenses to almost every frame? i'd love to have these as my glass glasses.

[dustyg]

Keep in mind when picking custom frames, the glass lenses are heavy. They feel 10-20x as heavy as my polycarbonates, though I'm sure Mike's got a better idea of the ratio.

[istandalone24/7]

good to know!!
i do use a neoprene band to keep them on my head should the sweat make them slide.

[Mike_Aurelius]

I have a very comfortable but old and scratched up pair of Smith "mainline" sunglasses, they no longer make lenses for them, so they're basically junk.
but they fit the best out of any sunglasses i've ever had....is it true that you can fit lenses to almost every frame? i'd love to have these as my glass glasses.

To a point, yes. If you have a mm ruler, measure the diagonal from the upper nasal to the lower temporal (cheek side) of the lens opening. If the measurement is less than 62 mm, I can fit the lens. But it has to have a full rim, I can't fit string mounts or drill mounts.

[Mike_Aurelius]

Keep in mind when picking custom frames, the glass lenses are heavy. They feel 10-20x as heavy as my polycarbonates, though I'm sure Mike's got a better idea of the ratio.

Only about twice. Polycarb has a density of 1.2, glass is 2.5 (grams per cubic centimeter)

BUT, the size of the lens that fits into the frame is everything.

[istandalone24/7]

ah....they aren't full rim so i can kiss that idea goodbye.

i'm still going to get a set of your shades when $ allows.

[2wheeler]

Got my glasses back. They are far better than they were. Still could see daylight between the frame and lens but after wiggling them around I got that to go away for now. I guess that either the C2 is a poor frame(IMOP) or the lens will always be slightly floppy. Either way if i don't have to pick the lens off the floor I'm better off than I was.

[Mike_Aurelius]

It's not that its a "poor" frame. It is designed for polycabonate lenses, and putting glass lenses in them requires that the lenses be slightly small in the circumference to allow for the frame to flex without chipping the lens. Instead of a standard "V" bevel that most frames use, this frame uses a square interlocking bevel to hold the lenses inside the frame.

The original lenses that you received were about 1.5 mm smaller in circumference than they should have been. I tracked down when this was shipped and who did the edging and inspection, and that person has since left the company (for reasons similar to this).

Thanks for the follow up to your original comments.