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Frequently Asked Questions
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Click here for Sport Specific Information
Click here for Specifications and Comparison Chart
General
What is the difference between Silverfish's Standard style and less expensive knock-offs?
You will likely find the following shortcomings in the cheaper sunglasses:The lenses will not be of the same quality - cheaper lenses can cause headaches.
Rubber ear stems are not as strong and will stretch and break much easier.
The glue holding the ear stems and nose piece will not hold.
The fit will not be as good - the lenses will be so close to the eyes that eye lashes will brush against the lenses.
Does Silverfish eyewear stay on in the surf / white water?
Yes, yes, yes! Duck diving is not an issue at all. And, there is an additional leash device (S Rat II, Road Trip and Whistler models), just in case.
(Generally, only when a macking lip drills the back of your head might you need to rely on the leash.)
What about fogging and water droplets?
Proper ventilation is important to combat fogging. Silverfish's Elite series (Whistler and S Rat II)
utilizes our revolutionary removable Snapper nose piece, which displaces the entire frame just enough distance from the face to provide the necessary ventilation to combat fogging. And, the Standard and Whistler frames have strategically placed openings in the frame to allow for air passage. The S Rat's "open air" design allows for easy passage of air. Spotting is often mistaken for water drops and is dealt with by utilizing proper ventilation, as described above. While water droplets can occur (usually in colder climates), the Silverfish Cleaning Solution creates a sheeting property on the lenses to minimize droplets.
What's special about Silverfish eyewear?
Only Silverfish combines the stylish aspects of sunglasses with the revolutionary performance capabilities of Interference Fit™ technology (see below). Silverfish eyewear was designed specifically to perform in pounding surf. Additionally, the prescription ready frames come with an easily detachable strap so that the eyewear can also be worn as casual sunglasses. Other proprietary innovations, including both unmentioned-subtle and listed features, have also been incorporated. The removable Snapper™ nose piece provides for extra ventilation.
What is Interference Fit™ technology?
Interference Fit™ technology is a new technology for which Silverfish holds U.S. Patent 6,629,760; Australia Patent 60/079224; and South Africa Patent 2000/5241. Other sunglass manufacturers are prohibited from using this most important feature of sports eyewear. Always ask for a patent number. Make sure the patent is for a utility patent (function based) and not a design patent (aesthetics). By eliminating elasticity and concentrating on the structure of the human skull, it allows eyewear to be worn securely, comfortably and with maximum ventilation in the most extreme of sports and conditions. (A secure leash is also included as a second line of defense - Whistler, S Rat II, Road Trip)
For which sports can Silverfish eyewear be used?
While we initially designed our eyewear with surfing in mind, we have discovered that Silverfish eyewear works equally well in most other extreme conditions, including those found in snowboarding, biking, wind surfing, kite surfing, sky diving, kayaking and motorcycling.
Why are high quality, distortion-free, polarized lenses important?
Polarized lenses reduce glare caused by water, wet surfaces, snow, etc. Inexpensive polarized lenses compromise quality often resulting in headaches from straining the eyes. Our polarized lenses are specially imported from Japan.
Why are polycarbonate lenses important?
Polycarbonate lenses provide far greater protection against shattering than glass or plastic lenses.
How was the Silverfish eyewear tested?
Since 2002, our eyewear has been tested all over the world, by many top athletes in many sports, in extreme water, wind and snow conditions and our eyewear meets or exceeds all FDA requirements. Our test lab, originally, was Newport Beach, CA's infamous Wedge. The Wedge is known for its sandblasting, body pounding shore breaks. And, since bodysurfers are necessarily in the thick of it, who better to test our gear?
How strong is the frame?
To ensure that the frame exceeds the demands of extreme sports and conditions, we have chosen to use light weight, mold-injected nylon materials
(Silverlite™ for the Whistler, Road Trip and S Rat II frames and TR Nylon for the Standard frame), which create the strongest workable solution available.
Do Silverfish sunglasses protect against ultraviolet light?
Yes, Silverfish sunglasses shield 100% of the harmful UVA and UVB sunlight.
(See Protection)
Is it important to wear sunglasses in the water?
Yes. Sunlight exposure has been linked to cataracts, pterygiums and retinal melanoma - cancer on the eye
(See Dangers). And, because sunlight can be magnified by the reflective ocean surface, it is all the more important to protect your eyes in and around water.
Is a water tight seal created?
No. Creating a water tight seal around the eyes is both futile and unfunctional. Trying to create a water tight seal leads to fogging, squeezing the face, and, after a surfing wipe-out, a half water-filled goggle.
Prescription
How much time will it take to receive my order?
Prescription orders typically arrive within 1.5 weeks if using the Premium Lab and 2.5 weeks if using the Standard Lab. Allow an extra week.
International orders - add 3 to 9 business days for standard shipping. Express shipping is available for international orders. (For Brazil, we strongly recommend using Express shipping, otherwise add an extra 10 business days.)
I want to order prescription but am concerned that the frame won't fit my face, what to do?
You can order the frames non-Rx to see how they are, and if you like them, send them back to us to fill the Rx. (When you call back to order the Rx, we can get started at that point, before we receive the non-Rx frame back from you). If you don't think they will work for you after checking them out, you can return the non-Rx, unused sunglasses for a refund.
I have a very thick prescription, can you fill it without distortion?
Yes, we can fill any prescription in our S Rat II frame without distortion.
Distortion generally occurs in "wrap" (curved) frames. Our S Rat II frame has very little curvature.Users of our Whistler or Road Trip frames may feel distortion on prescriptions with cylinder readings (the middle number on Rx's - a.k.a. astigmatism) beyond -2.00. (Most people are fine up to -3.50.) This is a rule of thumb however, and each person's sensitivity to distortion is different. Sphere + Cylinder should be within +/-6.50 for our Whistler frame and +/-9.00 for our Road Trip frame.
Users of our Standard frame may feel distortion on prescriptions with cylinder readings (the middle number on Rx's - a.k.a. astigmatism) beyond -1.50. (Most people are fine up to -3.00.) This is a rule of thumb however, and each person's sensitivity to distortion is different. Sphere + Cylinder should be within +/-5.50 for our Standard frame.
How much will the prescription cost?
The cost depends on the options (frame, lens, lab, etc.) chosen. The best way to find the cost is to select the options you want in the online store. Make selections in all of the required (bold) fields and you will see the total (before shipping - $6.95 within US and $14.95 International). There is no tax on prescriptions.
I want to purchase a prescription as a gift, but don't know the recipients prescription
I want to purchase a prescription as a gift, but don't know the recipients prescription
What is the P.D. (Pupilary Distance) and is it necessary?
Click Here for P.D. explanation.
Can you help explain my prescription?
Click Here for Prescription Explanation.
Can you make multi-focal lenses (bi-focals, tri-focals, progressives)?
Yes, a bi-focal, tri-focal or progressive lens is possible.The process:
1. Order a non-Rx frame & lens.
2. Take the frame to your optometrist to have the lens marked or have the optometrist write down your seg. height. (The optometrist needs the frame (and you) to do this because it depends on how the frame sits on your face and your personal preference.)
3. Send the frame back to us to complete the prescription. Multi-focal lenses are $99 in addition to the single vision Rx pricing.
Do you accept vision plans or deal with FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts)?
We do not deal directly with vision plans or FSAs. However, you can submit our receipts for reimbursement. We do not keep track of
what is reimburseable or acceptable for the many Vision plans or FSAs (check with your vision plan provider or accountant). We can itemize a receipt that breaks out your frame and lens costs as needed - just send us an email of what you need.
Purchasing
I am concerned that the frame won't fit my face, what to do?
Unless you have had problems with "off-the-rack" sunglasses not fitting, you should be o.k. with any style.
We mention the head sizes only for people who have had problems with sunglasses fitting in the past.
That is, they know that sunglasses usually are too big or too small for their face and they ask us what is better for a small face or a large face.
Do you have any retail locations nearby?
Because it is too hard for us to keep track of 3rd party inventory levels, we don't list retail outlets.
The easiest method, is to just order all the pairs you are interested in (non-Rx) and return the ones you are not interested in for a refund.
Try Buy 2, Get 1 Free Is it safe to purchase on-line?
Yes. We use Chase Paymentech which provides secure and reliable payment solutions, and handles all processing data with strict confidence.
Chase Paymentech, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase, is a global leader in payment processing.
How much time will it take to receive my order?
Eyewear (non-Rx) typically arrives within 1-4 business days.Prescription orders typically arrive within 1.5 weeks if using the Premium Lab and 2.5 weeks if using the Standard Lab. Allow an extra week.
Apparel and spare parts typically arrive within 1-4 business days.
International orders - add 3 to 9 business days for standard shipping. Express shipping is available for international orders. (For Brazil, we strongly recommend using Express shipping, otherwise add an extra 10 business days.)
If you are in a rush, email or call us to let us know when you need them and we will see what we can do to expedite.
What are the shipping charges?
Shipping is never more than $6.95 within the U.S. and as low as $4.95 for parts.Global Shipping
We regularly ship eyewear all over the world, and most likely we can ship it where you want it to go.
We offer flat rate international shipping for $14.95 (no tracking) and express shipping, with tracking, at a higher rate.
Our standard international shipping, where we've had the most success for the best value, is with the U.S. Post Office. For most of the world, the transit time is on the order of 5 to 12 business days.
We don't keep track of what duties or taxes, if any, you have to pay on your end--that varies country to country and is very difficult for us to know accurately. For this it is best to check with your own customs agency.
Please understand that we must follow all the laws and mark accurately the contents and cost of the contents of every parcel according to the requirements of the US Postal Service. Customs duties, local taxes, and any additional local fees are not covered by the flat fee shipping charge and are the sole responsibility of the customer. Silverfish cannot take responsibility for delays, damage, or loss while in the possession of customs agencies. We will, however, do our very best to help you if you ever have any snag. In our experience, problems are very rare.
What is the return policy?
Unworn, undamaged returns are accepted up to two weeks after receipt for a complete refund. December purchases can be returned up to two weeks after Christmas (December 25th).Refunds are not given on custom-made items such as prescriptions. Shipping charges are not refunded on international orders. To return an item: Call or email ahead, with a brief explanation for your return, to get a Return Authorization Number (RAN) at 949-499-1068 or orderdesk@silverfish.com.
Pack the eyewear so that it will not be damaged. It is recommended that you use a shipping method that includes tracking and insurance. Silverfish will not be liable for packages lost in the mail.
Include:
1. Your name, address and daytime telephone number.
2. A brief explanation for your return.
3. A copy of the original sales receipt.
Mail to:
RAN _______
Silverfish, LLC
32392 South Coast Highway, Suite 160
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
How much will it cost in my currency (not $US)?
Link to Currency Converter(Credit card issuers may charge more or less than the rate and may have fees associated with converting currency)
Is there sales tax?
There is sales tax in California only. No tax is charged on Prescriptions.
What is the warranty?
Silverfish eyewear is warranted, to the original purchaser, to be free of defects in material and workmanship, for one year from the purchase date (three years for hinges on S Rat II). Incorrect prescriptions must be returned within 90 days. Silverfish will, at its option, repair, replace or provide a refund for defective eyewear returned with the original receipt when purchased from an authorized dealer.Silverfish's limited warranty does not apply to scratched lenses, damage caused by normal or improper use, or breakage. Alteration of Silverfish products voids warranty. Refunds are not given on custom-made items such as prescriptions. Silverfish reserves the right to modify the warranty, as allowed by law.
Silverfish offers no other warranties, including implied warranties or warranties of fitness for a particular use.
To send in a warranty claim:
Call ahead to get a Return Authorization Number (RAN) at 800-620-8909
Pack the eyewear so that it will not be damaged. It is recommended that you use a shipping method that includes tracking and insurance. Silverfish will not be liable for packages lost in the mail.
Include:
1. Your name, address and daytime telephone number.
2. A brief explanation for your claim.
3. A copy of the original sales receipt.
Mail to:
RAN _______
Silverfish, LLC
32392 South Coast Highway, Suite 160
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Click here for testimonials
Other
How can I get Silverfish stickers and decals?
Send in a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a note requesting stickers to:Silverfish
32392 South Coast Highway, Suite 160
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Tips
A film of suncreen collects on the lenses. How to remove it.
Sunscreen can wash off the face and create a film on the inside of the lens. The film can be quickly removed, from the lens, by wiping it off with a finger - make sure no sunblock is on your finger!Starting off with clean lenses is important, as dirty lenses leave more for water drops to hang on to. Having the Cleaning Kit makes this convenient. Also, a quick dunk in the water usually clears the lenses of any water drops. While a minor drop here and there may initially be bothersome, after a few sessions, most people forget that they are even wearing the sunglasses.
The strap seems to loosen-up quicker than when new.
The ribs on the strap can wear down, causing the strap to loosen-up easier. Replacement parts can be ordered here.Have a tip? Click here to send us your tip.
