Question On Sunglasses For Fishing

[Mud River Matt]

Ok guys, so I would like some of your guys opinions on sunglasses. I am looking for a good, affordable pair of polarized sunglasses that are fishing specific. I am wondering about some of the good brands and what color lens I should get and if the lens color matters. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Matt

[BASSclary]

Affordable is different in everybodies eyes, a specific price range would help alot.

[Teal]

Affordable is different in everybodies eyes, a specific price range would help alot.

Really depends on how much you are trying to spend. You can normally find Berkley fishing sunglasses at your local Walmart for 10 bucks. I have had several pairs of the, over the years. I have a pair of Costas that I wear specifically when I am fishing. They are 179.00. I don't classify that as affordable. But I work for a Lake Managment company and I spend a lot of time on the water at work, working with aquatic vegetation. Since there are chemicals on the work boats, I wear my old Berkleys. They work fine. They effectively take the glare off of the water so i am able to see rocks, stumps, vegetation and anything else. I also keep a spare pair in my personal boat

[Darren.]

I went with XPS sunnies but the polycarb lenses were awful with staining from splashed water, etc. Had to return one pair to BPS but the second fared no better.

So now I own a pair of Costas. Was scared to drop so much $ on them, but it has been best money I've ever spent on sunglasses. They're authentic, bought on ebay for way less than retail.

I still like the XPS for the yellow lens but they don't hold a candle to the Costa quality. Plus, I went with glass this time, the 580g model.

I'd suggest you try on a bunch before you buy.

[flyfisher]

I have used a lot of different pairs of sunglasses over the years and the best I have worn are costas in glass lens. Yeah they are expensive but the difference between the glass lens and the plastic isn't even close.

I would buy a cheap pair because you should never fish without eye protection and save up for costas. You will not be disappointed.

[JustinPlog]

I wear Eye Surrender Sun Glasses... You can find them on tackle warehouse or on Eye Surrenders website . they come in 5 different colors and are $60. they go over what each color is for. like green is for sight fishing for largemouth because it helps bring out their lateral line, amber is for low light like in the morning or heavy overcast, ....and so on. hope this helps  

[JustinPlog]

I would buy a cheap pair because you should never fish without eye protection and save up for costas.

oh man totally agree with that... a year back I dropped my sunglasses in the lake when we were camping and the rest of the week my eyes were like eggs in a frying pan.

[Zoff]

Srike King has several models for less than $20. 

http://www.strikeking.com/press/press_releases/20080715,12/index.php

I had a pair of Camo ones.  Actually two pair... one in dark smoke lenses and the other in yellow..  Now I wear Wiley-X Hydros but that is because I require a prescription.

[Bassun]

Muddy Matt --

In my opinion when it comes to lenses you have to take opinions with a grain of salt.  Some people do more sight fishing in clear water, others in stained, some fish usualy in the bright sun others on those nice overcast days, etc.  So, to say one "affordable" lens for all uses is one thing; but to expect it to excell in them is a huge expectation that will probably not be met.  I personally prefer lightly tented amber or bronze lenses even on bright days; but a buddy of mine wears the darkest gray he can find just about 99% of the time.  

 

Here is a sight that will give you a decent idea of how  the color in your lens will impact what you see (based on Oakley's lens selection).  http://rubensmenswear.com/pages/photographs/oakley/lens%20tints/lens%20tints.htm

 

I highly suggest either picking up a few cheap glasses from wal-mart (etc), a light bronze or amber, light to med gray, then a very dark gray.  IF you want a good range of cheap glasses.  BUT don't expect too much.  If you think you can afford it, and want to see a real difference the 580G (I think g anyway) in Mirrowed Green by Costa is apparetnly one of the absolute best freshwater lenses made.  I have not used them personally; but I think I am going to splurge and pick up a pair this year.  I would love to find a clear lens with that kind of polorazation!

 

Good luck!

[Mud River Matt]

Thanks guys much appreciated.

[gripnrip]

Based on other posts I have seen on other threads, they have been big on the Costas 580G lenses.  I think I will save and buy those before my first tourny this year. 

[MCS]

I have strike kings pro series, they are good, in the vermillion green mirror my only complaint is sometimes the lens would pop out cleaning it. I also just got a pair of the Costa 580G green mirror they are great, top of the line quality. I had also looked at a brand solar bat. It kinda meets in the middle price wise they start at around 80 for their polarized, they offer glass or plastic lens.

[tomustang]

$10 Berkley glasses in Amber.

As with any sunglasses, treat them like an expensive pair and they'll last longer.

Sometimes I really don't care if I have the berkleys or the costa 580s on when I'm out

[Bassun]

MCS - Comparing the Strike King pro with the Vermillion Green Mirror against the Costa 580G Green Mirror, how do they stack up?  I'm assuming the Costa's are a little more clear and probably cut just a tad more glare?  If they are even remotely close then I don't think anyone could go wrong with Strike King Pro's.

[jhoffman]

I have a pair of strike kings and a pair of solar bats(thanks to christmas)

[Felix77]

Anyone try the new Strike King S11 sunglasses?  Reasonably priced at $40 each.

[MCS]

MCS - Comparing the Strike King pro with the Vermillion Green Mirror against the Costa 580G Green Mirror, how do they stack up?  I'm assuming the Costa's are a little more clear and probably cut just a tad more glare?  If they are even remotely close then I don't think anyone could go wrong with Strike King Pro's.

 

Yes, pretty much, the costa cut more glare and I can see into the water farther away/greater distance. I stated in another thread the SK seems to make the images brighter/more defined than the costas do but both are an improvement over non-polarized and grey polarized. I got the costa from my wife as a xmas present would I have spent that much ever, no. It was a gift, she had seen me try them on before and I had mentioned them. I was totally fine with maybe moving up to a 50-80 pair of solar bats or oakley. I could see needing or enjoying a pair of costa more if I had a boat and was sight fishing the flats. lol They do help a little more from the shore, as I can see farther, I really like them but they are what I consider a luxury item(**** I could had a new combo). My only complaint with the SK was the lens popped out ocasionally, but they are really good for the budget minded angler.

[Bassun]

Maybe we should spend a little time and build a list of glasses as a reference.  I'm sure there are plenty of people wondering how different glasses perform and I know theres plenty out there willing to give their opinion.  Something simple, but with enough info to be worthwhile.  We could just keep updating one post with all of the brands, and models, etc.

 

Maybe Something like:

Brand: Fisherman Eyeware
Model:  XPS 19SLK Polarization

Cost: $20
Lens Color: Gray
Comfort: 8
Polorized Rating:  7   [how well they cut the glare]
Overall Rating:  8
Comments:  For the price, not bad.  They are light, and stick to your head well.  Fine for bright daylight, but the gray is too dark for deep shadows or dusk/dawn fishing.

 

I don't know, it's just a thought... maybe add more info, less info or just ditch the idea?

[Jake P]

As long ad the lenses are polarized, anything you like will work great. I wear oakleys personally and find them to be WELL worth the 140 I paid. I also have a pair of berkleys from wal mart I paid 20 for that do the job as well. I wear those more than the oakleys because I'm afraid of losing or breaking them lol.

[tbone1993]

Numa makes some nice sunglasses that cost $100 and can be bent in half. They are pretty d**n tough and also have replaceable lens. Wiley X also has some awesome fishing sunglasses. Costa's seem nice I have no tried them on yet though.

[MarkH024]

I have a relatively cheap pair from Cabelas with polarized amber lenses and they get the job done. They were $20-$25 and have lasted me the last 3 seasons. If I buy a $100+ pair of glasses I'll either sit on them or drop the in the lake some how.  I've never worn or had a really expensive high end pair of shades so I don't know if there is a huge difference or not. I just can't bring myself to spend that much money on glasses.

[Brian Needham]

I have a relatively cheap pair from Cabelas with polarized amber lenses and they get the job done. They were $20-$25 and have lasted me the last 3 seasons. If I buy a $100+ pair of glasses I'll either sit on them or drop the in the lake some how.  I've never worn or had a really expensive high end pair of shades so I don't know if there is a huge difference or not. I just can't bring myself to spend that much money on glasses.

 

 

get some croakies, or "c-wires", and you wont lose or sit on glasses again.....some type of retainer is a must with any fishing glasses IMO.

[Teal]

get some croakies, or "c-wires", and you wont lose or sit on glasses again.....some type of retainer is a must with any fishing glasses IMO.

Every pair I own has a soft strap on it. It doesn't matter whether they were 5 bucks or 180..they all get a strap and they are either on my face or hanging around my neck.

I've had too many nice pair fall off my head while on the water. I imagine there are a few catfish in Kerr Lake sporting Oakleys.

[Fishes in trees]

I wear prescription glasses, so I have to have polarized prescription sun glasses.  So far, the places I've bought glasses (Lenscrafters, Lensmasters) have only offered them in different shades of grey.  I get the darkest one they got.

 

It seems to me that they work OK,  I am more interested in not getting intense headaches when I am outside, the being able to see a little bit into the water is just a bonus.

 

I find that when I'm on the front deck of my boat, I have to pay attention to the angle that I have my bow depth finder set at.  If I have it set at the wrong angle, it is unreadable with the perscription glasses.  I'm pretty sure that has something to do with the polarization, because I don't have any trouble when I'm looking at it straight on.

[Bassun]

I tried some Wiley-X's but could not stand the foam sealing.  I thought I would love them, but it just felt too weird when I had them on.  I did, however, pick up a cheap pair of goggle styles glasses that I use when were running.  It makes life 1000 times better especially in the cold or worse, rain.