Swarovski NL Pure FRP Forehead Rest 49161

The forehead rest installed on the Swaro NL Pure with a firm/clean snap-in. I quickly found a suitable setting for my facial contours and the result is awesome. Even though the binoc is 10x42 magnification, I can hold it reasonably still at all distances. When I use my monopod, it is even more stable. This little binoc add-on is destined to be copied by other mfgs and, IMHO, it won't be long before it is included on every binoc sold.

I was pretty skeptical that this item would make much difference in use, but after ordering I was surprised how effective this little device actually is. It's also very adjustable. There is a little knob that lets you increase or decrease the length of the shaft holding the forehead pad, and while it doesn't move a huge distance, it does make a big difference for different users to be able to get just the right comfortable position. I was also concerned that the adjustor mechanism might be fragile, but it seems very sturdy and durable in the hand. I've found it's best to adjust it to it's shortest setting, then hold the binoculars in whatever position works best for you. You can then use the fingers of one hand to extend the forehead rest until it's extended and resting against your forehead comfortably. I've found extending it just slightly past the point where it first touched your forehead gives the most consistent comfortable experience as you are repeatedly raising and lowering the binoculars. The only minor downside is that the binoculars don't fit well in the factory carrying case with this item attached. That's a minor issue to me...the item is small enough to fit in the case unattached, and it's trivial to pop it on and off the binoculars. But I do recommend removing it when they are in the case to prevent damaging it or the binos when not in use.

Very comfortable, and helped with stability

This was a terrific idea. When its not broken, it works wonderfully to make it easy to steady binoculars. I also like that I can adjust it so that my eyepieces don't push up against my glasses, making it easier to rapidly get my binoculars in place. But the plastic column on it snaps easily if the flat head rest gets caught, which I found it easily does on a camera strap or when bringing the binos down in a tight space. Ridiculous price for something that breaks so easily.

Item as described. Fast Delivery.

Like many other reviews, I’ve read, my FRP came apart. Mine failed about six months after I purchased it. Fortunately, I was able to call Swarovski, email them a copy of my receipt, and they are sending a replacement. Once my replacement was in route, I decided to take the FRP apart to see if I could fix it. It was actually easy to fix: The piece that rests against your forehead, had had fallen out, but using the same Allen wrench that came with the FRP, I was able to disassemble it. Underneath that piece is a flathead screw that had come unscrewed from the flat piece. I dabbed Loctite on it, reassembled, and I think this will last for quite a while. I recommend doing this as a preventative measure, as it is easy to lose the flat piece if it becomes unscrewed. I am giving this four stars, which I think is generous since Swarovski should have made it more indestructible.

This forehead rest is extremely functional. Especially for someone who has progressive eyeglasses. It positions the binoculars in exactly the same spot every time. HOWEVER, they are not durable. The plastic piece that fits against the forehead cracks and breaks. I have had it replaced under warranty, but they are not honoring the warranty now. I just keep gluing it back together.

I bought this thinking that Swarovski wouldn't sell it if it wasn't useful. But honestly I don't see the need for it. My 12x42 binoculars are perfectly fine and stable without it, and I took it off and stopped using it not long after trying it. Maybe it's valuable if you're spending very long periods using it, but for the casual binocular user, meaning hikers and travelers like me, I would say save your money unless you're having stability issues.

much more stable