It seems that most of us have spent years at the crag straining our neck trying to focus on our partner as they work the crux or yelling 'watch me here' down to our belayer, hoping they can see beyond some bulging feature. There is in fact a solution, and that solution is found in a pair of belay glasses. If you’ve had the chance to try out a pair, you might be now searching for the best belay glasses for your needs.
What Are Belay Glasses?
You can always tell when someone is wearing belay glasses as you approach a party and the belayer is staring directly at the wall in front of them with perfect posture, yet somehow knows you are approaching and says “hello” without moving an inch.
Belay Glasses vs Regular Glasses
So how are belay glasses different to regular glasses? Belay glasses are designed to create a safer dynamic between climber and belayer by eliminating neck strain, wandering eyes, and poor belay position. All belay glasses are designed with a prismatic lens that refracts light in a way that allows the observer to view the vertical field of vision from a horizontal eye position.
The lens of the belay glasses creates two fields of vision, one is vertical in which the observer can safely view the climber as they move up the wall, and the second is the peripheral vision which allows the observer to remain aware of their surroundings. Having two fields of vision allows you to change focus between your climber and those next to you without moving your body position. A quick glance between focal points in the rock climbing glasses lets the belayer stay aware without moving around the belay station or glancing down at their feet.
Why Buy Belay Glasses?
Most of us learn to climb and belay without the use of a pair of belay glasses and some of our regular habits when climbing at the gym or crag can be easily adjusted with the use of belay glasses. You might not realize, but your belay position, change in focus, and communication style can be heightened by adding belay glasses to your kit. This is why it's important to look for the best belaying glasses for your needs.
How to Choose the Right Belaying Glasses
When searching for belay glasses for when you are climbing it is important to consider various factors such as size and fit, weight, comfort, field of vision, durability, functionality and lens quality, portability, and special adjustments such as compatibility with prescription glasses.
Size and Fit
Many types of belay glasses are highly adjustable and even stackable to your existing prescription glasses. When considering the fit of the glasses, adjustability is most important. Some of the higher end models come with various nose pieces, adjustable arms, and other accessories such as a neck strap, to ensure that your glasses fit exactly the way you need.
If you are looking for something on a smaller budget, you should make sure to try on a few brands that fit your price point. Less expensive belay glasses are generally less adjustable and require a more precise fit. You’ll need to check if your fields of vision line up with the less adjustable glasses before buying. For example, Y&Y brand is known to be very comfortable, however avoid their lower price point Plasfun models if you have a small head.
Weight
Considering weight in your hunt for belay glasses is important if you’ll be wearing them for a long time, especially while climbing. You don’t want to feel the weight of the glasses resting on your nose and ears while you are in the middle of a long day of climbing. Metal frames such as the Y&Y classic model will be lighter on your face while belaying. There are some plastic models that are more lightweight than others if you are on a budget. The Belaggles glasses tend to be noted as a heavier plastic than comparable brands like Y&Y Plasfun.
Comfort
Comfort is a factor to be considered while testing for size and fit. You’ll be testing for your personal preference and functionality, yet comfort is still a big component. Some accessories that higher end glasses come with will improve the comfort. A neck strap to rest the glasses with, adjustable nose pieces and arms are all elements of the glasses that will aid in fit as well as comfort.
Field of Vision & Prisms
All belay glasses offer two fields of vision; the vertical and the peripheral. Having two fields of vision allows the observer to concentrate on the climber and switch back and forth between the climber and the surrounding without moving around.
Belaying is distracting, especially at a busy crag. When looking for belay glasses, field of vision is an important factor. What differs between models is the space in which the two fields of visions occupy in the lens. You’ll want to quickly shift your eyes to the left or right without moving around physically to see what’s going on.
Prism Size
The sizes of the prisms vary between glasses. A larger prism will allow you to see more of the climber, and a smaller prism gives you more peripheral view. Trying on glasses and testing out the varying prism sizes is helpful in deciding what’s right for you and your style of climbing.
Frame Size & Thickness
Consider the size of the frame itself, the area each field of vision occupies in the lens, and adjustability when finding a field of vision that works for you.
Narrow or wide frames with little adjustability can restrict your field of vision simply based on the size and shape of your head. The thickness of the frame can affect how much you are able to see through the lens. Plastic frames tend to be thicker and can possibly restrict your vision, whereas metal frames are thinner and more flexible allowing for greater field of vision. A thin frame should be considered for best visibility range.
Durability
A huge factor in the search for belay glasses to consider is durability. The durability of the glasses themselves are a key factor to consider, but so is the durability of the carrying case and accessories as well. When you are out climbing, you’ll want something to really last.
If you tend to throw things in your pack and toss your belongings around, look for glasses that include a small screwdriver and extra accessories. Y&Y brand glasses cases can be purchased separately online if you are looking for a more durable case or even for a replacement case.
Plastic belay glasses may be designed to provide great glasses for a lower budget, but they are not as durable as metal glasses. Metal frames are overall more durable, adjustable, and replaceable than plastic frames. If durability is what you're after spend a bit more for metal and avoid the cheapest material options out there.
Functionality & Lens Quality
The functionality of belay glasses is another factor that is actually user determined. Consider the type of climbing you’ll be primarily doing while using the glasses. Are you looking for something all round? Are you concerned with minute details and precision components? It all depends on your preferences.
If you are using belay glasses for longer multi-pitch routes, you may be more concerned with the function and quality of the lens, field of vision, and frame size. If you are looking for something to take to the crag or gym, you might not be as concerned with all the small details belay glasses can offer.
The lens quality can drastically alter the performance of the belay glasses. Some lenses are equipped with scratch resistant layers that prevent dirt and scuffs from distorting the quality of the lens.
Case & Accessories
Another element of functionality is the case and accessories. A functional case clip is important if you want to keep your glasses on the gear loop of your harness. The mini carabiner style works best for quick access on the harness, where the small plastic clips you’ll find on the Belay Specs case tend to break easily and be cumbersome to take on and off. This means you’ll want easy access to your glasses case, so look for a case that has a velcro tab as well as a zipper.
Some climbers are looking for a simple pair of glasses with minimal function, and some are on the hunt for glasses designed to provide many functional attributes. Think about what suits your needs before diving into the unique features belay glasses can offer.
Portability
The portability of the belay glasses you purchase will vary on your interests. Some climbers spend a lot of time climbing at the sport crag and are happy to stow their belay glasses in their pack between uses. Other climbers may require a functional stowing clip to keep the glasses on their harness.
Relevant to functionality, the portability of one pair can make or break the components of the best glasses for you.
Metal frames are more flexible and easier to fold up and stow where plastic frames can be more cumbersome when pulling in and out of a case.
Special Adjustments
If you are someone who already wears glasses with a prescription while you are climbing, you’ll want to consider Y&Y glasses. Some of their models are stackable to other prescription glasses, and one of their models is a clip-on style that hinges up and down for easy use.
Some other adjustments to consider is a lanyard option to allow the glasses to hang off your neck when not in use.
An additional rigid hard case is an option from Y&Y if your chosen glasses are not equipped with one. This will help protect your glasses when stowed.
Top 5 Belay Glasses Reviews
Choosing the best belay glasses for you will depend on what your needs are, however, below are five of the most popular belay glasses on the market and detailed descriptions.
1. Y&Y Classic
A durable, functional, and reliable design, the Y&Y Classic belay glasses seem to be the most intuitive and user-friendly glasses for everyone. These glasses are host to endless adjustment options and come with various accessories to give you the fit and comfort you need.
They are a minimalist design that works well and lasts long. Metal frames make these exceptionally light on your face and stowed on your harness or in your pack. The Y&Y Classic are available in various colours, so you’ll be able to personalize your belay glasses look while observing your climber with safety and comfort. The hard case is zippered and velcro, which is a big plus in this package. Consider purchasing the Y&Y hardcase replacement if you choose to purchase other glasses brands.
2. Y&Y Plasfun
Better adjustability than the Plasfun Basic, this model sits in the middle ground between Plasfun Basic and Classic. A colourful plastic model that has a fair amount of adjustability. A thicker plastic frame can affect field of vision. High transparency prisms allow for excellent peripheral vision.
The reliable Y&Y hard plastic case keeps your glasses protected and accessible when stowed. Nose pads are stable and comfortable with smooth plastic frame. The light and solid arms are flexible and are able to stack on other prescription glasses.
3. Belay Specs
The American made Belay Specs offer a very adjustable metal frame that provides a regular amount of comfort and flexibility. The case on the Belay Specs is a hard-plastic case that opens like a traditional glasses case, making it difficult to open and close when hanging from a harness. This is a brand that might encourage the user to purchase the Y&Y replacement hard case. There seems to be slightly lower quality prisms in the Belay Specs belaying glasses reducing the visibility compared to Y&Y.
4. Belaggles
Belaggles glasses (pronounced be-lay-ggles) are a heavier plastic and tighter fitting pair of belaying glasses. Heavier plastic makes these more durable than some other plastics at the cost of weight. The clip on the Belaggles case can be difficult when attaching to a harness, but easily swapped out for a small carabiner if needed.
These are durable belay glasses that would be great for someone with a smaller head due to their tighter fit. They are more expensive than other plastic models, but for the right fit, the price is worth it for these belay goggles.
5. Metolius Upshot
These belaying glasses feature a sunglasses-like frame different from most other brands. They are a great option if you are looking for a different style. They are an all-round great pair of belay glasses with a tighter fit that feels secure. These do not have as high quality prisms as many of the other glasses, although they do the job.
The case for the Upshot glasses features a zipper and a tab for attaching a small carabiner. They are lacking some of the feature and accessory upgrades we see in other brands such as Y&Y. They are a good price point for something that looks and feels more like a regular pair of sunglasses, but if you are looking for more accessories, features, and high quality field of vision, these might not be your first choice.
So Which are the Best Overall Belay Glasses?
Overall, there are plenty of great, high quality glasses on the market to help you find the rock climbing glasses for your needs. Considering the various factors and features belay glasses offer is an important part of the process in choosing the best!
On a basic level you’ll want something that provides dual field of vision both vertical and peripheral, comfort, durability, and functional features for your needs and climbing style. The best belay glasses are out there, and with the variety of glasses it’s hard to say which ones are in fact the best.
The Y&Y Classic Belay Glasses are the best all-round performers. These glasses offer a great deal of durability and fit with their flexible and adjustable high quality metal frames. They have a very high prism quality providing an excellent field of vision that allows observers to easily shift their focus between vertical and peripheral vision ranges. They host an intuitive design that any climber can navigate easily while adjusting, stowing, and using at the crag.
If you are looking for something on more of a budget with less features but still a high quality, the Y&Y Plasfun is a great option. You’ll get the hardcase that everyone loves, a more affordable yet still comfortable and durable frame, and a pair of belaying glasses that fit your budget.
Over to You
You’ll be standing tall, looking at the wall in your new pair of belaying glasses this upcoming climbing season. Ditch the neck strains, so you can climb hard when it’s your turn to project, multi-pitch, or spend a day at the crag with your friends. It's important to find comfort and safety at the gym or crag by wearing the right belay glasses for you. Whether you are looking for simplicity, clear field of vision, or precise adjustability, this is all you need to know when searching for your new pair of belay glasses.
Any of these top 5 choices should help you get rid of “climber’s neck” and general neck pain, the need to glance around, shift positions, check out your neighbors, or stare at your feet. You won’t feel the need to yell “watch me here”, or “take, take, take” when your partner is wearing a pair of belay glasses. Safety, comfort, and communication all become a simpler part of climbing when you discover and start to wear the best belay glasses.
