Category: Action Sport Optics Blog

Ever wondered what materials manufacturers are using in their sunglass frames? There are many frame materials in action sport and lifestyle related optics, and many of the brands use similar, if not the same materials in their frames.  Action Sport Optics carries the best brands in the industry of action sport, and lifestyle related optics, and the materials used in the majority of the frames we carry are a combination of Grilamid, Propianate, and Acetate. Other frame materials such as Polycarbonate, Evolve Eco, Metal, and Wood are also used.  Grilamid seems to be the material of choice for a manufacturers such as Electric Visual, Smith Optics, Dragon Alliance, Tifosi Eyewear, and Arnette.  Grilamid is a unique family of amorphous thermoplastics that combine properties of semi crystalline polymides, with benefits of an amorphous material.  This is a popular material in sport and lifestyle frames due to the exceptional characteristics of this material that cater to the active lifestyle.  In other words, Grilamid is a pretty bomb proof material that can take alot of abuse.  Characteristics such as high flex strength, resistance to cracking, high transparency, easily colorable, and low density make this a very popular material. Acetate is another popular material which is a plastic material that is lightweight, cost effective, and available in the colors of the rainbow. Brands like Dragon Alliance, and Ashbury Eyewear both use Acetate as their material of choice.  Propianate is a popular material and the main frame material used in Spy Eyewear. Propianate is a nylon based plastic that is hypoallergenic, strong, lightweight and has more transparency and gloss then other plastics.  Polycarbonate is another popular material in the sunglass industry and is a group of  thermoplastic polymers that are strong, lightweight, easily worked, molded, and thermoformed.  Polycarbonate is very durable material with high impact resistance which makes it popular in the active eyewear market place. Filtrate Eyewear uses injected polycarbonate frames and are making a very nice product at an affordable price.

Visit Action Sport Optics, ASO is your #1 online source for action sport & lifestyle eyewear for the active lifestyle.  We pride ourselves in great products from the best brands, superior customer service, and fast shipping.  Eyewear is our vision!