In testing the product with friends and family I have to admit that many people were skeptical about the upper location. They were used to having the correction in the lower position and change can be hard sometimes. Eventually, many adapted to the new location and found that the glass would be superior to their existing bi-focals in many situations but not all. All agreed that for driving or reading a book, the lower position was better. Fishermen were split 50/50. Skiers all preferred upper and cyclists preferred lower.
In the final analysis it comes down to personal preference and usage. All parties agreed that the upper bifocal has its place in the world and right now it’s available from HaberVison for only $77.50 in a polarized, fixed +2.50 power. Lens colors are HaberRose and Brown.
Join me in welcoming two new models to our collection, the Kingston and the Belize.
These are two models with a decidedly retro look to them. The Kingston is a classic shape from the 60’s that is a perfect complement to your summer outfits. The Belize is a rectangular shape with wide, smooth flowing temples and a subtle wrap shape.
Both models feature the new “Haber” script logo which is tastefully attached to the temples.
If you are looking for prescription sunglasses then you should consider one of these models as they feature a 6-base lens curvature and will accommodate a wide range of prescriptions.
The photos are up on the site and we anticipate brisk sales so check them out soon.
Eliminator Part Three
The hits just keep on coming.
As you know, I've been extremely excited about the success of the Eliminator No Fog Fan Module since its introduction in November of last year. Skiers and winter enthusiasts of all types have come to appreciate the convenience the Eliminator affords in difficult conditions. The hands off features inherent in the Eliminator are now becoming known to motorcyclists and this has now come to the attention of the motorcycling press.
The Haber Eliminator received strong reviews in both the July issue of Dirt Bike and the August edition of Motocross Action Magazine. You can find these tests under the "News" tab located at the bottom of our home page. Unlike certain winter sport publications which have never met a product they didn't like, motorcycle magazines offer real world opinions based on tests by riders who are tops in their field. If they don't like your product the world is going to know about it. It was against this backdrop that we submitted the Haber Eliminator for their evaluation.
It is always a risk submitting products for testing. You simply don't know if testers will grasp the concept, install it properly, evaluate results correctly or come to reasonable conclusions. Will their experiences mirror those of a novice or beginner? In the end none of this mattered to us because we know our product performs across the board from beginner to expert. Like an air bag in a car, it's nice to know The Haber Eliminator will be there when needed.
If you know someone who is into motorcycles, please suggest the Haber Eliminator to them. Word of mouth is the best form of marketing and we rely heavily on you, our customer�s, to spread the word about HaberVision.
Bill Posted: June 26, 2009
Eliminator Part Two
The Eliminator, Haber’s automated no-fog, fan module, was released last November to rave reviews from winter sport enthusiasts such as skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers.
At the time we knew it had applications in the off-road world of dirt bikes and ATV’s but because of its winter time release our promotional efforts were primarily in the winter market. Now that spring is in full swing the off-road community is now beginning to fully realize the benefits of the Eliminator in preventing fog build up and increasing the enjoyment factor in everyday riding.
While goggle fogging is less of an issue in the summer there are still circumstances where it can become a very real problem and vision can suffer because of it.
This weekend there was a Qualifier here in Colorado for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships. It was an excellent opportunity for us to test the effectiveness of the Eliminator as the weather here was cold with fog, rain and high humidity. These are extreme conditions for any goggle as mud and rain made for some very difficult going. I’m happy to report that the product performed as advertised and in all instances where riders were using the Eliminator, fog was never an issue.
We always knew this was an exceptional, versatile product and this is another instance where for a small investment, a potential problem was eliminated.
If you are an off-road enthusiast you need an Eliminator. If you know someone who is, the Eliminator makes an excellent gift at only $60.00.
Bill Posted: May 10, 2009
MXT
In any company it’s really nice when a collection comes together and is ready for release. This is now the case with the MXT line for HaberVision that will debut later this month.
The MXT line is developed for motor sports and tactical applications. The motor sports collection will rollout first (motocross goggles) and the tactical and snowmobile lines will be released later this year.
MXT differs from our current goggles because they are designed for helmet usage and more specifically, motorcycle type helmets. They can be used with motorcycles, ATV’s and snowmobiles or snow machines. This represents a new market segment for HaberVision and is very exciting for me personally as motorcycles have been my preferred counter seasonal sport since I was a teenager.
The MXT line is the culmination of several years’ worth of work and design revisions. Since we need it to work with our Eliminator fan module this had to be taken into consideration as well. The end result is a product we can be proud of and one we know you will enjoy using. There will be several accessory additions that we will incorporate into the line as the summer progresses so look for this collection to be in a state of continual development.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in this line of products please go to the website and check it out because you can pre-order the goggles now.
Bill Posted: April 2, 2009
It’s Show season!
As I write this we are three shows down and two to go in the show season. Because our product offering spans many different industries, we attend numerous shows. Bike shows, ski shows, motorcycle shows, fishing shows and so on.
In what is without a doubt the most trying economic climate in decades, it is interesting to see how companies and retailers are dealing with the crisis. The first thing I noticed was attendance seems to be on a par with previous years. However, I noticed retailers are turning four day shows into three day shows and three day shows into two day shows. In other words, they are attending but cost cutting comes in the form of shortening your stay and negating all the associated costs like an extra night of lodging, food, time from work etc. Manufacturers I spoke with say they will reduce costs by shrinking their booth footprint for upcoming shows.
The other trend I noticed was the continuing emergence of polarized ski goggles. Where a few years ago you heard quite a few manufacturers arguing against the benefits of polarization for skiing, that has seemed to have quieted somewhat as more and more companies are coming on board with polarized offerings. Their compliance reaffirms what we have known for a long time; polarization enhances your vision and improves the quality of your ski experience.
On the goggle style front, it’s all about multi colored frames, rhinestones and appliqués attached to goggle straps, and new types of systems for changing lenses.
Sunglasses seem to be finding their way back to more common colors such as black, white and browns or combinations of those colors, and some companies are starting to offer some retro type frames with old school type 6-base lenses. To those of you unfamiliar with lens base curves, current fashion favors 8-base lenses which have a high degree of curvature to them as opposed to 6-base lenses which have less curvature. I would not count out a return to the older style lenses, as people are always looking for something different and these retro designs could find their way back into our style preferences.
Bill Posted: February 27, 2009
The Eliminator – Automated No-Fog Fan Technology
Every now and then a product comes along that addresses a need that you didn’t know existed and slowly transforms not only your own thinking but an entire product category. Maybe it wasn’t just the technology but the manner in which it was applied. Such is the case with the Eliminator.
The Eliminator is a module designed to remove fog causing moisture from goggles by the use of a motorized fan activated by a humidity sensor. Certainly there is nothing new or revolutionary about fans, motors, humidity sensors or fan goggles in general for that matter. But when you step back and mate the components in a never before conceived package, the results leave everyone saying, “why hasn’t this been done before”? I remember having the same feeling the first time I used ketchup from a plastic bottle. No more digging ketchup out of the glass bottle with a knife and no more beating on the bottom of the bottle trying to get the product to flow. You simply squeezed the bottle. Yet, the plastic ketchup bottle came decades after the plastic bottle.
Because the Eliminator is a module, it can be mounted in Haber goggles and a host of our competitors goggles. It can be transferred from one goggle to another and you can even loan it to your friend. The beauty of the product is it is fully automatic. You turn it on in the morning and turn it off when you’re finished. In the interim it does its thing only when needed. For us it has been incredibly successful. Check out some of the comments we have received:
My name is Bob, I am a professional snowmobile Guide with 16 years of back country guiding experience. Your Haber Eliminator No Fog is Awesome, I spend a lot of time pulling on snowmobile skis as my guests are stuck a lot. No more removing my goggles because of fogging, the fan kicks on and I don't even start to see the fog. Many of my guests will be ordering the Eliminator as they have seen it in action and now want one for themselves…
Thank You
Bob
I skied Highlands yesterday (just after I got my goggles delivered). Perfect day to test them--you guys rock. They worked great, are much lighter and better looking than the Smiths. The auto (humidistat) worked like a charm--amazing. I'd be in the middle of a Temerity run, or off the backside bowl, and I'd hear it crank up. Other than a little fog at the very bottom of the lens when I got on the lift, there was none. Great. I'm 50 yr old very aggressive expert, skiing since I was 5...sweat a lot and have big troubles on snowy days w/ high humidity. Can't wait to try them up in B.C. where it's usually (used to be) a big problem.
Yeulin
Let me send you an unsolicited testimonial for the Eliminator anti-fog device. I installed the device in a pair of well-used Smith goggles last night. It was relatively easy to install and didn't trash the foam.
Today was a storm day at Alta, where it is snowing sideways (check out the Alta web site and look at the Altacams for today!!!) and with helmet, hood, gator all in place I challenged the Eliminator. Without a doubt, not only did it defeat the fogging from the chair, traverses and hiking but it also was completely out of sight and sound.
This thing is great. You should sell a zillion of them. You should contact the retail shop at Wiegeles where I ski and get them to carry them.
Good Luck.
Paul
No matter how long you’ve been in business, testimonials like this never get old and these types of comments make it all worth while in the long run. I know what you’re saying, “but my goggles never fog”. So maybe it’s not for you, but if you’re one of the many people out there who really stress goggles by hiking in them, working in them or just insist on wrapper your scarf around them, then consider the latest in fan technology, the Eliminator.
For $60.00 it’s possible to upgrade the performance potential of your goggle and banish the prospect of fogging forever. What are you waiting for? Make a New Year’s resolution to buy one today.
Bill Nolan
Posted: January 6, 2009
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The Haber Rx advantage
I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss an often overlooked part of our site, the Rx page.
Because of our direct to consumer business model you’ll find savings on our Rx sunglasses that in many instances will greatly exceed the normal 50% savings you typically enjoy.
For many years I wore glasses and contacts and if you also wear glasses then I know what you go through trying to find eyewear to accommodate your sporting pursuits.
For presbyopes we have the Kenai Bi-focal which is great for tying hooks on or just plain reading a book. It comes with a fixed +2.25 bi-focal and really does negate the need to go around with both fishing sunglasses and reading glasses hanging around your neck.
We have several models of sunglasses in both 6 and 8- base curves to accommodate your plus or minus prescription.
We have goggles like the Ouzo that fit over your glasses and we have goggle inserts for people who prefer to leave their corrective lenses in the goggle.
And last, but not least, we have the Eliminator fan module with Automated No-Fog Fan Technology for our Rx customers who struggle with fogging of their glass lenses. This should offer some real benefits.
As always I encourage you to comparison shop our prices as I’m certain you’ll find no one can match our low prices.
Bill Nolan
Posted: December 12, 2008
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Why HaberVision?
As I travel about the country and I mention HaberVision, I’m inevitably asked a multitude of questions. Some are of the “What am I missing here” variety and these have to do with people who can’t understand how we can offer quality at these prices.
Others want to know how we match up to competitors such as Oakley ® and Smith Sport Optics ®.
Others simply don’t understand why they need polarization if they don’t fish. The perception being that polarization is really just a fishing thing.
Following are my responses to the most common questions. This is the “Cliff Notes” version of how we do it and why choosing HaberVision is always a smart choice.
1. Why Haber?
The answer is value. When you buy Haber products you are paying half as much as a similarly configured product from our competitors. Our direct to consumer, internet only sales model, eliminates distributor and dealer mark-ups. You are in essence paying wholesale for Haber products or again, half as much.
2. How do your products compare to Brand “O”?
Our plastic frames are made of the same base material. The major difference, and it is a big difference, is in the lenses. The “O” brand continues to use Polycarbonate (PC) as their lens material. For 25 years, this has been the lens material of choice for most sport eyewear companies, brand “O” included. At HaberVision our HaberLite lenses are made of polyurethane (PU), the latest, most impact resistant, optically correct lens available in the world today. When comparing the products side by side, most people can see the difference the first time. Brand “O” uses old school polycarbonate lenses. HaberVision represents the future in lens technology at half the price of brand “O”. Why settle for less?
3. How are HaberLite polyurethane (PU) lenses different than polycarbonate (PC)?
The manufacturing process differs. HaberLite PU lenses are cast, PC lenses are injection molded. PU lenses are lighter, more impact resistant, and optically superior to PC lenses.
4. What is better, glass or plastic (polymer) lenses?
That depends on what you are using them for. The main difference between the two is durability and impact resistance. The more you clean glass the cleaner it gets. The more you clean a polymer lens than greater the chance of scratches. Glass is a much harder substrate. Glass wins the durability comparison. When it comes to impact comparisons there really is no comparison, PU and PC lenses win hands down. Whenever there is a chance of impacts PU and PC should be the substrates you choose. While glass is impact resistant, it can break. While no lens can be considered shatterproof, PU and PC lenses are almost unbreakable and in some instances, almost bulletproof. Years ago there was a perceived difference in optics between glass and polymer based lenses. This no longer exists as lens finishing has improved to the point where these differences are almost imperceptible. When it comes to weight, PU and PC lenses are typically a 1/3 of the weight of glass lenses. There are benefits to each lens material and that is why we offer both.
5. Why is polarization better?
Polarized sunglasses enhance visual acuity and contrast by reducing the detrimental effects of reflected glare. This can be complemented by the addition of specific lens colors. They also reduce partially polarized light in the atmosphere making the sky appear somewhat darker and again increasing contrast. Polarization increases your comfort, helps you see better, and makes the world we live in much more vivid. While great for fishing, the benefits of polarization can be realized in other pursuits such as driving, sight-seeing and sports such as skiing and cycling.
6. Are all HaberVision products polarized?
No. The majority of our products are polarized but we recognize that not all instances require polarization, not all consumers want polarization and we try to address those needs. Some of our replacement lenses for both action sport shields and goggles are non-polarized. Some of our fashion glasses are non-polarized.
7. Are HaberVision products sold in stores?
No. HaberVision products are sold primarily through the internet. Occasionally, our reps may do sales at events in support of causes we endorse.
8. How come I can’t read gauges or gas pumps when wearing my Haber sunglasses?
Polarization blocks organized light such as reflected glare or light emitted from LCD’s or Liquid Crystal Displays. If you tilt your head slightly to one side or the other you will be able to read the gauges. This is further proof of the effectiveness of polarization. It is important to note that rarely in nature is light arranged as perfectly as it is in LCD’s.
9. Where are HaberVision sunglasses made?
Our factories are located in France, Italy and Mauritius.
10. How does HaberVision care for the environment?
Our internet only sales model greatly reduces our impact on the environment. We do not have displays, catalogs or point of purchase materials. Our ordering system is paperless. We do not fly reps in for large sales meetings. Our entire staff lives within 8 miles of our facility. We use packaging made of post consumer content material. We financially contribute to a number of non-profit environmental organizations. We like the earth, believing in taking care of it, and think it’s a great place to live.
Bill Nolan
Posted: November 24, 2008
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Conduct your own Special Ops
We have a sunglass model in our collection that is gaining in popularity with a very diverse group; Motorcyclists and members of our Special Ops community. Perhaps your particular needs will be met by this new and useful product.
The model is the Magnum Variant™. It features a Photochromatic HaberLite lens that changes from almost clear to a darkened state in less than a minute. It is offered in the Magnum frame which is designed to float.
Motorcyclists like it because it allows them to see clearly whether they are riding in daylight or at night. The impact resistance is also a plus.
Members in the Special Operations community such as Navy Seals consider it a do-all sunglass allowing them to operate in any environment without having to change eyewear or lenses. The HaberLite lenses provide the impact resistance they need in the world’s most challenging environments.
This lens is truly amazing. You can go inside then outside and never really feel like you have to take your sunglasses off, it changes that fast. Whether it’s police, fire, construction, paramedics or EMT’s, there are so many potential applications for this product, it is really hard to categorize the Variant.
It is currently available in a grey base lens color and like all HaberVision lenses, provides 100% protection from all harmful U.V. radiation.
Bill
Posted: November 17, 2008
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Check out Ouzo and Highline
There are two new goggles for this ski season called the Highline and the Ouzo.
The Ouzo is a large volume goggle made to accommodate consumers who wear glasses. What I really like about this design is the fact that it doesn’t really look like an over the glass (OTG) goggle. It features a patent pending lens design that allows for a much greater peripheral viewing area without looking big and bulky. If you wear glasses, this is your goggle. It works great with the Eliminator as well, so give it a look.
The Highline and the Prima goggles share the same frame. The Highline features a spherical lens instead of the cylindrical lens that the Prima uses. This is not just a cosmetic differentiation. The spherical lens on the Highline creates a slightly tighter fit than the Prima.
The Highline and Prima frames can also be used over glasses but they better be small oval frames. Big Elton John type frames will not fit. Both the Highline and the Prima work great with the Eliminator.
Bill
Posted November 12, 2008
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The Eliminator™ is finally here.
It is hard to convey the excitement we are feeling here at HaberVision with the arrival of the “Eliminator™”. A first of its kind self contained, fully automatic fan module that can be attached to most of the goggles on the market today, the Eliminator is really something special.
I hear from friends of mine that their goggles don’t fog and I can appreciate that for certain individuals this may be true, but for the vast majority of people fogging is still an issue and in certain situations it is a very real and annoying problem. During sample surveys conducted by HV, the number one complaint regarding goggle performance was fogging. It is not brand specific, it affects all goggles.
With advancements made in goggle design as well as lens construction and anti-fog coating performance, goggles today perform so much better than designs of just 10 years ago. The Eliminator addresses the last real bugaboo affecting a goggles performance; fogging.
Fan goggles are not new to the market. They have been around for quite a while now. Unfortunately, they have been mostly targeted towards consumers who wear eyeglasses and as such tend to be larger over-the-glass (OTG) models. In our opinion, they have not evolved. Why is convenience only available in these larger models when the smaller the goggle, the greater the likelihood of fogging? This makes no sense and was the basis for the direction we have taken with the Eliminator.
The Eliminator utilizes “Automated no-fog fan technology” in a module that is self contained, fully automatic and can be installed in HaberVision goggles as well as models from our competitors. It can also be transferred from one goggle to another allowing you to switch from ski to motocross goggles or lend it to your friend to use. Set the switch to auto and forget about it. If it’s needed it will come on and if it isn’t needed it will stay off.
At $60.00 it converts most goggles to a fan goggle in minutes. Check it out now.
Bill
Posted November 11, 2008
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Given the sour economic climate it is easy to see how the HaberVision business model is becoming more and more attractive to consumers. In tough economic times value assumes a prominent position in most buying decisions and because HaberVision is a “direct to consumer” business model, no one in the eyewear industry is more value-based than HaberVision.
On our website we encourage our customer’s to comparison shop because we know that “HaberVision is clearly the smart choice.
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I’ve just returned from the Hong Kong Optical show. Show attendance was down slightly as you would expect given the global economy. To borrow a word from the recent political season, there were no “game-changer” products.
Trends that continue to grow include; a move toward incorporating more “Bling” such as rhinestones and metal inlays on the fashion side and the use of more unitary lens options on the sport side. Large eye sizes continue to be popular with both men’s and women’s frames.
Polarized lenses and color options continue to expand. This is being driven by a growing demand for polarized products in Europe and Asia. Although the use of a polarized lens here in the U.S. has been appreciated for many years, the Euros have been much slower accepting these types of lenses. While polarization has been popular with drivers in the U.S., in Europe the use of polarized windshields in cars made using polarized glasses impossible. Due to cost constraints, car manufacturers are using polarized windshields less and less and as a result, the sale of polarized sunglasses continues to grow.