Best Belay Glasses

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  • #5862
    Frostbite Fighter
    Participant

    Hey everyone! As a self-proclaimed belay glasses enthusiast (yes, it’s a thing), I wanted to share some of my favorite pairs that have turned my neck strain into a thing of the past. If you’ve ever spent an entire day at the crag squinting up at your buddy while they climb, you’ll know that trusty belay glasses can make a world of difference. Not only do they help save your neck from cramping up like a pretzel, but they also make you look a bit like an owl perched on a rock—what’s not to love?

    In this post, I’ll be giving you the lowdown on three of my all-time favorite belay glasses and following that up with some tips on what to look for when finding the perfect pair for your own climbing escapades. So, grab a snack and let’s dive in!

    • 🦉 Y&Y Classic Belay Glasses
    • 👓 Belaggles
    • 🔭 Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses
    #5863
    Frostbite Fighter
    Participant

    Y&Y Classic Belay Glasses

    So, I finally caved and bought a pair of Y&Y Classic Belay Glasses. Spoiler alert: they’re a game changer. If you’ve ever had a day on the crag and your neck feels like you just got whiplash from a runaway roller coaster, these are for you.

    First things first, the simplicity of using these glasses is downright fantastic. It’s like having a superpower where you can see vertically without looking up—what a world we live in! While belaying the other day, I had them on, and suddenly my neck felt like it was on a luxury vacation sipping piña coladas.

    Now, let’s get one thing straight: you might look slightly like a sci-fi character from a low-budget movie. But hey, sacrifices must be made for comfort, right? And trust me, the first time your climbing buddy looks over and chuckles, you’ll just smile back knowing you’re the one not going home with a stiff neck.

    Pros:

    • The prisms in these glasses are like those magic mirrors—you can keep an eye on your climber without craning your neck.
    • Lightweight and easy to forget you’re wearing them until you realize you’re comfortably watching your friend top out without any neck strain.
    • Casing and storage included—a nice little bonus!

    Cons:

    • Okay, yeah, the aesthetics. But if you’ve seen my climbing face full of concentration, this is actually an upgrade.
    • First-timers might need a moment to get used to the view. Trust me, it’s worth it.

    I had an amusing experience where the glasses actually gave me the courage to shout some advice to my climber from a chill, neck-friendly position. They came down, surprised to find out I wasn’t grimacing at the sun, but rather comfortably watching their every move.

    In summary, if you’re considering an upgrade to your belaying game, sink your teeth (but not your wallet) into a pair of these. Your neck will thank you, and you’ll look forward to the end-of-day beers with your fellow climbers, unencumbered by neck pain. Cheers to easier belaying and less awkward post-climb neck massages!

    #5864
    Frostbite Fighter
    Participant

    Belaggles

    So, I finally got my hands on a pair of Belaggles, and I must say, they might just be the most entertaining climbing gear I’ve ever used. I can’t decide if they’re a work of genius or just a tool to make climbers feel like they’re one step closer to their superhero fantasies. Spoiler alert: I’m leaning toward the former!

    First Impressions: When I first opened the box, I immediately thought of those sci-fi movies with high-tech gadgetry. Do I look cooler with these on or just like an extra on a budget sci-fi film? That went through my mind more than once. But once you slap them on, they transform from an odd accessory to a game-changing tool. Imagine a bouldering session where you don’t have to crane your neck awkwardly like a giraffe trying to reach leaves on the top branches. And no more neck strain! As a climber who has often looked up to find my neck refusing to cooperate later, this was pure heaven.

    • Comfort: Surprisingly lightweight. After an hour or two, you hardly notice they’re there, unless you’re making exaggerated ninja moves, which I am absolutely guilty of.
    • Functionality: No need for a belay buddy harmony dance to trade off who’s looking up and who’s resting. Line up the Belaggles, and you’ve got the best view without injury whining later.
    • Durability: Tried dropping them—accidentally, of course—and they passed the “oops-that-fell-test.” No scratches, no cracks. Keep an eye out for rogue squirrels; my package had a curious one eyeing my gear.

    Personal Experience: I was scaling a relatively tricky slab when a fellow climber said, “Hey, what’s with the Terminator cosplay?” After a brief explanation and a quick test drive, they were sold. Quite simply, they’re a conversation starter with a purpose, much like bringing guacamole to a potluck. People love them, but they’re there for a reason. After using Belaggles, my usual belayer and I enjoyed a post-climb beverage with heads held high (and pain-free!) while the rest swapped stories of strained neck blows.

    Serious climbers, casual grapplers, and anyone who thinks Steve Jobs should’ve designed climbing gear will appreciate these quirky wonders.

    On a final note, if you’re still handling more vertical adventures, consider giving Belaggles a go. They’re not just an accessory; they’re your new climbing sidekick! If you’re still on the fence, check out their website—there’s probably someone more coordinated than me who’s made a video demonstrating their effectiveness. Cheers to safe and comfy climbing, folks!

    #5865
    Frostbite Fighter
    Participant

    Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses

    Alright, fellow cliffhangers, let’s talk about Metolius Upshot Belay Glasses—or as I like to call them, the neck-saver 3000! First off, let me say, if you’re like me and you’ve spent more time staring up at your partner than actually climbing yourself, these might just become your new best friend.

    Let’s cut to the chase: these glasses are awesome. I’ve had the pleasure (and neck pain) of belaying my fair share of climbers, and trust me, these bad boys have changed the game.

    • Comfort: Ever tried holding a position for ages, staring up a route, only to realize you’re morphing into the Hunchback of Notre-Dame? Yeah, not fun. The Upshot glasses magically lift the need to contort your neck like a pretzel. You just pop these on, and boom—instant vertical viewing with a horizontal head.
    • Field of View: The field of view is pretty spectacular. It’s like when you switch from a blurry VHS to crisp HD. I could see my climber, the holds, and even spot some chalk writings. Which, by the way, one of them read, “Climbers have their ups and downs,” and I have a weird chuckle at that every time.
    • Durability: Now, I’ve dropped these glasses more times than I care to admit. It’s basically turned into an unintentional durability test, and yet they hold up like a champ! I think if they can survive my clumsy hands, they’ll survive anything.
    • Compact & Lightweight: I’m all about packing light, and the Upshot glasses weigh almost nothing. Plus, they come in a handy case that fits easily into my chalk bag. Small? Check. Road-trip friendly? Absolutely.

    If you’re on the fence about these, I’d suggest taking the leap. Your neck will thank you! Heck, bring it on long multi-pitch climbs or just for a quick bouldering session at the gym. Either way, these glasses will have your back—err, neck.

    In fact, I’ve even started wearing them around the house to catch up on my favorite shows while laying down—I call it “extreme horizontal cinema.” But seriously, if you want to feel like a rock star while belaying, give these a try. Check them out here for more info. Happy climbing, and may your neck always remain stress-free!

    #5866
    Frostbite Fighter
    Participant

    Best Belay Glasses Buyer’s Guide

    So, you’re thinking about buying belay glasses, eh? Well, welcome to the club of climbers who love their necks too much to strain them any longer looking up the wall for hours on end. As someone who’s spent way too many belaying sessions contemplating the meaning of life (or at least why my neck had to suffer for my climbing partner’s ambitions), let me share some insights into picking the best belay glasses with you!

    Let’s dive right in and make sure you get the perfect pair rather than something that’ll just gather chalk dust in your gear bag.

    • Prism Quality: The heart of belay glasses. You want prisms that provide clear, uninterrupted views. Poor quality can distort the image, and you don’t want to miss your partner’s epic dyno moves. Look for BK7 or BAK4 prisms. BK7 is good, but BAK4 is even better. Why, you ask? Well, it gives you a sharper image. Picture seeing your climbing partner in HD versus grainy old-school TV!
    • Frame and Fit: Look, belay glasses won’t help you climb better, but if they keep slipping off your face, they’re useless. You want them snug, like a well-fitted harness but way more comfortable. Trust me, dropping them at the crag isn’t fun! Also, lighter is better if you don’t want to feel like you’ve got binoculars strapped to your face.
    • Field of View: Some glasses give you a small window, others let you feel like you’re watching IMAX. Ask yourself: do you want to be an eagle or a mole? Choose glasses that don’t require you to turn your head distractingly every time your partner moves.
    • Durability: Climbing is all about trust. You trust the rope, the anchor, and yes, your belay glasses. Look for ones that can withstand accidental drops, because let’s be honest, they’ll take a few tumbles.
    • Price: Like everything in climbing, there’s a range. You can go budget and get the basics, or you might splurge for something fancy. My two cents? Your neck is priceless. Do with that what you will.
    • Bonus Features: Some come with snazzy features like a case, cleaning cloth, or clip-on sunshade. If you’re climbing outside—spoiler—you’ll appreciate the latter. There’s also anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings which, in the long run, make them look as fresh as the day you bought them.

    So, in conclusion, if you’re tired of craning your neck every climbing session and want to make the act of belaying just a little more enjoyable, consider investing in a good pair of belay glasses. It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re someone who finds joy in the belayer’s life as much as the climber’s. You know, doing the essential, unsung hero work while your partner gets all the glory. At least now, you’ll get to do so comfortably. Here’s to happy (and pain-free) belaying!

    #5936
    RV Campers
    Participant

    😂 Alright, I’m hopping in to officially admit that before I got my pair of belay glasses, my neck had more kinks than a garden hose in summer! Who knew that staring up at a climber could be such a workout for your neck?

    Let’s face it, belay glasses are the unsung heroes of the climbing world. But if you’re new to the game and wondering how to pick those perfect prism-powered spectacles, here are a few extra tips I use when I’m feeling fancy:

    • Fashion Game Strong: Look for a pair that compliments your climbing ensemble. Because why not look fabulous while saving your spine? 😎
    • Price vs. Pain: Consider how much your neck pain is worth. A slightly pricier pair can sometimes mean fewer chiropractor visits. Talk about making an investment!
    • Case Closed: Check if it comes with a snazzy case. Trust me, stepping on your new belay glasses will be even less fun than an unanticipated whipper.
    • Personal Style Points: Some glasses come with funky patterns or bold colors. You’ll be spotting climbers while staying stylish!
    • Trial Run: If you’re at a climbing gym that stocks them, you could sneakily try a pair from their gear shop—just remember to turn them back after you’re done sleuthing! 🕵️‍♀️

    Now if only they could invent something to help when I forget my snacks at the top… 🍪🤔 Happy climbing, folks!

    #6117
    Tent Trails
    Participant

    Hey there, fellow climbers! 🤗 It seems like we’re all neck-deep in the world of belay glasses, huh? I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of us looking like a flock of fashionable owls at the crag. But seriously, belay glasses are a game changer, and I have a quirky analogy (or two) to add to the conversation that might just make you shake your head and smile.

    Consider this: investing in belay glasses is kind of like upgrading from a paper map to GPS. You’re still getting to the same place, but with way less hassle and awkward neck twists! Plus, I’ve got to say, wearing belay glasses gives you that extra air of mystery—like you’re part of some secret society of gravity-defying magicians. 🎩✨

    Here are a few silly (but hopefully helpful) nuggets to consider when choosing a pair:

    • The Surprise Factor: Think about looking up and down like you’re in a periscope. The first time I tried them, I half expected a submarine to surface in the middle of my climb! 🚢🔍
    • Compatibility Test: Ensure they fit snugly over any prescription glasses. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a double-pair juggling act worthy of a circus performer! 🤹‍♂️
    • “Look Ma, No Neck Strain!”: You’ll be amazed at how it feels like you’ve been granted a lifetime membership to the “No More Neck Pain” club.
    • Conversation Starter: Be prepared: these magical spectacles are great icebreakers. It could be the start of a beautiful climbing friendship! 🤝👀

    Whether you’re an inclinationally-challenged newbie or a belay veteran, these funky glasses are your ticket to a neck pain-free adventure. Happy climbing, and remember—stay fabulous out there! 💁‍♂️🧗‍♀️

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