Polarized Sunglasses?

[Nick94]

I've seen and heard about these things for quite a while, but I dont really know what they are, except that they reduce glare. Is that about all thats to them?

And even if thats all they do, are there any cheap ones around that are really good, or will at least serve their purpose? Anything helps!

[HuntFishAK]

I think all they do really is reduce glare, which helps see objects underwater.  I've also noticed that reduced glare means less eye fatigue.  I wear Cocoons because I wear prescription glasses.

[Big Tom]

They drastically reduce the reflection of light coming off the water.

http://www.polarization.com/water/water.html

An expensive pair of polarized glasses are well worth the money.  Your eyesight is invaluable and you should not skimp on eye protection.  I have been using cheap glasses for the last few years and while they do offer some protection, they do not compare to quality glasses.

[stew6371]

Big Tom is probably correct, but all i could afford were a pair of $25 glassefrom BPS. They say xps on them. They do a good job but I have wondered about more expensive ones.

[5bass]

[movedhere] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] five.bass.limit.

[tbird]

My experience has been that the one thing I noticed after getting off the water after a day of fishing was that with the higher end glasses you have no eye fatigue like you will have with the lower end glasses... beside the obvious ..better optical quality,construction etc...

   T

[bass or bass ?]

I think all they do really is reduce glare, which helps see objects underwater. I've also noticed that reduced glare means less eye fatigue. I wear Cocoons because I wear prescription glasses.

I too like Cocoons.  I have the aviator frames in tortoise shell with copper lenses.They fit over my prescription glasses. The copper color lenses are great!

[ib_of_the_damned]

Polarized glasses really do help, when I first started fishing I wore regular sunglasses, and when I switched to polarized glasses... WOW! you can see right through the water, they eliminate the surface glare so you can see through the water easier.  As for cheap decent polarized sunglasses, I have found a pair of Berkley sunglasses in the fishing section of Walmart and they were about $5.  They are actually the best pair of cheap sunglasses I own, I wear them everyday.

[KC Bass Fanatic]

Oakley offers all their models with polarized lenses on their website.  I've had a pair of XX's for over 10 years and they are almost like new.  The lenses don't scratch easily, the frames stay tight, and the finish doesn't wear off.  I know it's a lot of $$ to drop but they are a great investment for years to come.

[.dsaavedra.]

polarized sunglasses are a must. i currently wear a $20 pair from walmart and they sure do get the job done, but i would like to upgrade to some oakley half jackets.

[Nebraska Bassin]

Oakley offers all their models with polarized lenses on their website. I've had a pair of XX's for over 10 years and they are almost like new. The lenses don't scratch easily, the frames stay tight, and the finish doesn't wear off. I know it's a lot of $$ to drop but they are a great investment for years to come.

Oakleys are great shades.  I had a pair of M Frames that lasted me about 8 years... unfortunately they got something dropped on them and one of the ear stem retainers broke off, but both the frame and lenses were in perfect condition before that happened.  I stepped up and got a pair of polarized Half Jacket XLJs last year, and they're perfect for fishing.  Having interchangeable lenses is nice too.

[SirSnookalot]

Polycarbonate lenses are the key for polarized sunglasses, the same protection is offered in a $10 pair as a $200 pair, they may scratch a bit easier but so what, get a new pair.  Whether it's regular sunglasses or polarized it becomes an issue of health, the sun will cause cataracts with age so check the uv protection.  I wear mine more for protection, once the surf gets up or the lake gets rippled the polarization has less effect.

The eyewear biz has an incredible mark-up. I have friends in the biz both wholesale and retail, have bought frames for $20 that retail for over $200, many times.  Lenses are a huge mark-up item as well, honestly they are nothing but plastic with some coating, no reason they should cost that much, but they do.

[Eddie Munster]

Those who work for the Federal Government/Military should qualify for a big discount with Oakley. I've yet to order anything with them but I did register and they do give you a really good deal on stuff.

https://secure.usstandardissue.com/Index.cfm

[BassnMan Mike]

Those who work for the Federal Government/Military should qualify for a big discount with Oakley. I've yet to order anything with them but I did register and they do give you a really good deal on stuff.

https://secure.usstandardissue.com/Index.cfm

Great deals there, I've got an account with them also.

For people that dont qualify at Standard Issue keep an eye on the Oakley Factory Outlet store. They have great deals. The catch is you have to be quick when they put new stuff up.

http://oakleyvault.com/

BassnMan Mike

[bigfruits]

i lost a pair of Spy polarized glasses to the depths of lake Moomaw last yr. I bought a new pair of Smiths for roughly the same price and they are alot better. i can see underwater alot clearer and colors "pop" alot more. especially greens.

[bweave09]

i lost a pair of Spy polarized glasses to the depths of lake Moomaw last yr. I bought a new pair of Smiths for roughly the same price and they are alot better. i can see underwater alot clearer and colors "pop" alot more. especially greens.

Which lenses do you have in your new glasses?

[Scorcher214]

Definitely worth getting, i like amber lenses

[bigfruits]

i lost a pair of Spy polarized glasses to the depths of lake Moomaw last yr. I bought a new pair of Smiths for roughly the same price and they are alot better. i can see underwater alot clearer and colors "pop" alot more. especially greens.

Which lenses do you have in your new glasses?

i think its these:

http://www.smithoptics.com/Shelter_31_5.html?fl=flase

the black/polar gray

im not sure if its the polarization or just the lense (Carbonic TLT?) but ive never worn glasses anywhere close to anything like these. keep in mind these are only the 3rd pair of polarized ive tried, this color "pop" might be common with quality shades...

[burleytog]

How important are your eyes?  Do you use them every day?

[basscrusher]

I have amber lenses in my Maui Jim's.  Phenomenal quality.  Inexpensive polarized shades will get the done done in sight fishing, so get them if that's all you can afford, but upgrade if you ever get the chance.  When I let friends try on my shades, they are literally speechless at how colors jump out while glare decreases.  And the clarity...for all the fellow shooters out there, its like the first time you looked through someone's $700 Swaravski scope.

[Nebraska Bassin]

i lost a pair of Spy polarized glasses to the depths of lake Moomaw last yr. I bought a new pair of Smiths for roughly the same price and they are alot better. i can see underwater alot clearer and colors "pop" alot more. especially greens.

Which lenses do you have in your new glasses?

i think its these:

http://www.smithoptics.com/Shelter_31_5.html?fl=flase

the black/polar gray

im not sure if its the polarization or just the lense (Carbonic TLT?) but ive never worn glasses anywhere close to anything like these. keep in mind these are only the 3rd pair of polarized ive tried, this color "pop" might be common with quality shades...

What do they run, price-wise?  I ride motocross so I've looked at their goggles and I know they're good quality and don't cost too much, so I'd imagine their shades are pretty reasonable too.

[gobig]

When I let friends try on my shades, they are literally speechless at how colors jump out while glare decreases.  And the clarity...for all the fellow shooters out there, its like the first time you looked through someone's $700 Swaravski scope.

I couldn't agree more. You can't beat good lenses. I do not know about protection but as far as visual clarity there is no comparison between a $20 pair of glasses and good quality lens. Maui Jims are amazing I just don't like the styles they have to offer. I have been contemplating getting a new pair of Kaenons. I have pretty much worn Oakley and Arnette over the last ten years, both have decent polarized lenses. I can't comment on the smiths. Never owned a pair.

[kbkindle]

I have just seen  a advertisement for  prescription  sun glasses   that had the reading  part  on the top of lens rather than the bottom.  That would be nice   when you are looking down its not in your way  and then when you have to tie a knot   just look at the top of the lens

great idea

[pat_walker_fishing]

I have used both, cheap and expensive.....And the expensive ones have a slight edge. but to me its not enough for me to spend $200.00 ever agian..I was always woried about breaking them or scraching up the lens. So i would go to walmart and get some strike kings for $5-$15 bucks and know that your gonna see the same stumps and bedding bass as the guy in $60,000 boat and $300 glasses.

[bigfruits]

What do they run, price-wise? I ride motocross so I've looked at their goggles and I know they're good quality and don't cost too much, so I'd imagine their shades are pretty reasonable too.

they weren't cheap at $125. but this was REI with jacked up prices. i had a gift certificate so what the hell?

i didnt hesitate because i use smith googles for snowboarding and i like them alot.

id try different brands as im not familiar with many and cannot compare. but i can say that my Smith glasses blow my old similarly priced Spy glasses away meaning not all polarized glasses are created equal even at the same price point.