Polarized Sunglasses

[George DeHaven]

I've been wearing a $18 pair of Berkley Polarized sunglasses that I bought a Walmart almost every time I go out on the water. However, recently I went out and realized that I forgot to switch them and still had my non-polarized Call of Duty promo sunglasses on.

 

To be honest, I really couldn't tell the difference.

 

I know that with most things, you pay for what you get. If I spend a lot of money on a GREAT pair of polarized sunglasses, I know that they will be MADE better and probably be more comfortable but will they WORK better?

 

I'd really like to be able to see through the dark-green water around here and get an eye on the structure that is usually hidden from me.

[JDFishing]

Without a doubt sunglasses are as an important tool as any other piece of equipment out there.

You probably didn't notice a difference because your polarized where extremely inexpensive. Inexpensive doesn't alway mean bad but when you notice any other serious angler wearing high-end shades there may be something to it.

I used to always wear Costa and they are good but they are expensive. I recently found Amphibia, as I started noticing a lot of big name pros rocking them. I looked into them and was surprised by what I found, price was reasonable but thy offered way more technology than even Costa and best yet, THEY FLOAT! Very important when investing over $100 in shades, cause let me tell you, the rest sink like a rock!

If interested Heres a link to check em out - http://www.amphibiasports.com/

[PotomacBassin]

Wait foooorrr iiiiitttt... here comes the Costa vs. Oakley debate.

[George DeHaven]

Thanks JD! Amphibia has a great site!

 

Now, you said that you looked into them but does that mean that you bought a pair?

[JDFishing]

Guilty as charged. I actually have two pair.

 

One I use for running in low-light conditions. At early morning and dusk, it's common for debris to be floating in the water and it helps make everything brighter so I can avoid such hazards.

 

Though when it comes to fishing I use the standard deal and that helps me see into the water. Excellent for seeing laydowns that extend way out, or different types of submerged grass or of course spawning and cruising bass. By far the most important feature though is my added ability to see my line move or twitch ever so slightly. The high-quality polarization helps separate even the most invincible fluorocarbons from blending in with the water background. I see that line move ever so slightly and it's fish on!

 

I called in and asked the important questions before deciding on which lens and frame was best for me, they were extremely helpful and spot on. I'd recommend you do the same.

[Woody60]

I wear Costas with the cheater lens since I can't tie a knot without them.  I do think there is a significant difference between cheap and quality sunglasses, just depends if you want to invesst the dollars to protect your eyes.

[Montanaro]

i wear my oakleys in the rain. makes a massive difference. the only time i dont wear them is at night

[S_Miketa6]

I have some oakleys I use but also have a pair of the Strike King S11's and they are awesome for the price!!!

[JDJ]

If you're talking Oakley and Costa, might as well throw Maui Jim in the mix. About the same price point and a good option -- particularly if you need prescription shades.

[surfer]

 

 

I'd really like to be able to see through the dark-green water around here and get an eye on the structure that is usually hidden from me.

 

Polarization only reduces glair.  it cannot help you see any farther through dark green water.  if you can only see 1 ft into the water under optimal conditions polarization will only give you a significantly wider field of view that will be optimal, but only 1 ft into the water.  If you can only see 1 or 3 ft in to the dark green water under optimal conditions spending money on polarized glasses will not improve much.  When water clarity is 8 to 15 + ft then polarized glasses are worth every penny.

[JT Bagwell]

Polarization only reduces glair.  it cannot help you see any farther through dark green water.  if you can only see 1 ft into the water under optimal conditions polarization will only give you a significantly wider field of view that will be optimal, but only 1 ft into the water.  If you can only see 1 or 3 ft in to the dark green water under optimal conditions spending money on polarized glasses will not improve much.  When water clarity is 8 to 15 + ft then polarized glasses are worth every penny.

 

While most of this is true, another aspect of high quality polarized sunglasses (you definitely get what you pay for) is the elimination of eye fatigue and the resulting headaches that usually go with it.

 

My Wiley X sunglasses have 8 layers of coatings on the lenses (they call it Filter 8) that aid in all aspects of visibility and performance. They are also ANSI Z87.1 impact resistant so if you miss a fish and your 3/4 oz football jig drills you in the lense, they are not going to shatter and destroy your eye.

[AK-Jax86]

Strike King s11 is the way to go. Not expensive and they work great you don't need to spend $100s when you can get close to if not the same quality with the S11s.

[Loop_Dad]

Polarization only reduces glair.  it cannot help you see any farther through dark green water.  if you can only see 1 ft into the water under optimal conditions polarization will only give you a significantly wider field of view that will be optimal, but only 1 ft into the water.  If you can only see 1 or 3 ft in to the dark green water under optimal conditions spending money on polarized glasses will not improve much.  When water clarity is 8 to 15 + ft then polarized glasses are worth every penny.

 

+ 1.

 

I also recently purchased Striking S11. Amazing glasses. I never bought expensive glasses before, so I cannot give you the comparison, but after all day of use, I never felt my eyes are tired.

[surfer]

True about protection and eye fatigue. I just stuck with answering the question though.

[Hi Salenity]

Strike King s11 is the way to go. Not expensive and they work great you don't need to spend $100s when you can get close to if not the same quality with the S11s.

X2 expensive sunglasses are nice but still scratch and wear out

Get a set of Amber s11 and call it a day

[moguy1973]

I bought a couple pair from http://www.fishgillz.com when they were buy one get one free. Nice lightweight glasses and they also float.

[KyakR]

I've never worn sunglasses at all because they mess with the color of things and that drives me crazy for some reason. Now I'll try a pair so thanks all!   Are there any out there that don't obscure color as much?

[Mike L]

The Costa 580's are amazing! [for 200.00 they better be]

I'm sure the Oakley's, Strike King, Wiley's etc are equaling so.

 

I also wear the Berkely's every day while driving in the Fla sun, and I'm afraid to wear them on the water just in case I like them better 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[tomustang]

I have a pair of costa 580's and a couple pairs of the berkley walmart $5 ones. It doesn't bother me if I forget the costas and wear the berkleys. They both work fine

I don't think me having great acuity makes a difference in either brand/price point but who knows.

[Koofy Smacker]

True about protection and eye fatigue. I just stuck with answering the question though.

Man, your upper body could use some sunglasses

[Koofy Smacker]

I've never worn sunglasses at all because they mess with the color of things and that drives me crazy for some reason. Now I'll try a pair so thanks all!   Are there any out there that don't obscure color as much?

If you havent owned a pair I can see how you think this. Wear them for a few minutes and your eyes adjust and you would never know the difference, except that you can see more into the water and the sun doesnt hurt

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I've never worn sunglasses at all because they mess with the color of things and that drives me crazy for some reason. Now I'll try a pair so thanks all!   Are there any out there that don't obscure color as much?

 

This Oakley site has like simulation of their different lens tints and description for neatral color or contrasting color mostly gray based lens will be neutral where look just gets darker without change in color. Contrast lens will change color some say to yellowish or brown. So neutral may fit your preference

It will also give you the "light transmission" how dark or light you see throught them basically, the lower the number 9,10,11 the darker they are for bright sun. So 17,23,30 the lighter the tint for low light cloudy days

http://www.oakley.com/innovation/optical-superiority/lens-tints

[curtis9]

Anyone have recommendations on a good set of glasses with light lenses? I have a pair of Wiley x ambers and costa green mirror. I'd like to pick up a pair to wear early in the morning when it's still too dark for the amber lenses.

[Swampstud]

Ive got a cheapo pair for now, but I have migraines so I really need the darkest lense I can find. I know thats not the best for fishin. I had this one pair of fake oakleys that changed the sunlight and everything blue, it made it extremley comfortable on my eyes. I lost them, haha I forget where I set stuff atIve searched and searched for another pair, anyone know what im talkin about, where can I find these?

[Loop_Dad]

I've never worn sunglasses at all because they mess with the color of things and that drives me crazy for some reason. Now I'll try a pair so thanks all!   Are there any out there that don't obscure color as much?

 

I used to feel the same way and only glasses I would wear were light gray. Not much change in color and just darker.

 

Then I picked up Amber S11 a couple of month ago. The first day it look very wired. I would look up a overcast sky and it look all orangish! It is almost like looking at some miami TV shows where they somehow like to tint the top portion of sky orange. Anyhow, looking at the water was amazing. I forgot about the color and it was very clear.

 

Second trip, I didn't even notice the orange sky any more. I think I just needed one day to get used to it. I now prefer Amber because it does not look as dark as gray in low light condition actually, I can use it with wider range of lighting conditions.