Battle of the hinges

ic!berlin : the original

I've assembled ic!berlin frames several times and I always admired them for their design, but I never really wore one myself. From conversations with people who owned a pair, I do know however how these frames function long term. They are ultra light, durable and forgiving and can take serious abuse. I can't think of too many complains about the frames and everyone I talked to gave ic!berlins nothing but praise, but hinge design and specifically its habit to come undone in stressful situations did bring forward several modification suggestions.




MYKITA : the improved


These suggestions were obviously heard.
The hinge in MYKITA frames is quite different. Instead of a 3-prongs type apparatus, we are faced with a temple with a coil-like mechanism which fits into the frame and never leaves its place. Well, almost. Once the temple is inserted, it remains in position no matter how much pressure your typical wearer applies. In fact, to get it out is quite the trick. The pressure must be directed toward the front of the frame and only on a certain angle. It's a bit bulkier but this construction guarantees the frame will stay in tact even in most punishing positions.

Meyer : the new kid






While both ic!berlin and MYKITA deliver frames in Stainless Steel, Meyer frames are produced from pure 98% Titanium.

As a result the frames are ridiculously thin, very springy and durable. The temple is quite different too. There are no "prongs" or "coils". Rather, the end of the temple and the end sides of the front of the frame are rolled into a tubular shape. Once these two parts are aligned, they form one continuous hollow tube like structure into which a notched stainless steel cylinder is inserted creating a secure lock. Once in, the cylinder stays in place and needs virtually no maintenance.