Polarized Sunglasses

[FD.]

I work outside so I'm in the Florida sun 7 days a week.  For years I wore cheap walmart or other off brand polarized glasses.  Headaches and eye fatigue were common until about 7 years ago my girls bought me a pair of Wiley X Jakes for fathers day.  I'm on my 3rd pair and will not go out in the sun without them.  I'm sure that other expensive glasses are equally effective.  The one thing to look for is optical quality lenses.  I think that made the biggest difference for me.

[slonezp]

I'm a fan of Wileys

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

100% UVA & B protection, polarization, distortion free shatter proof lenses can be found at affordable prices if fashion brand names aren't important. There's one big factory I think in France that makes something in the neighborhood of 90% of sunglasses. I did some research on this a while back and will post the details when I can lay my hands on the document.

[PotomacBassin]

Administrators.... Can we pin all the threads on sunglasses into its own separate website. Or just summarize it by saying yes polarizd helps, you get what you pay for and the best brand is what you currently own and your brand is better than what the other guy has.

Thanks.

[coryn h. fishowl]

Lenses come in a few basic colors, each providing different contrasts and advantages depending on the type of day you encounter.  Choosing the right tint can be a tricky decision, especially for those that fish in a wide variety of weather conditions.  The following list will explain what to look for when it comes to tints:

Gray:

This is a general-purpose tint, and will work well in a wide variety of situations.  Colors are transmitted evenly without distortion, ensuring that all colors remain "true" while looking through the lens.  Grey lenses are a good choice for sunny and bright days.

Brown:

Brown lenses provide the best compromise between true color and contrast, meaning that focal points will remain vivid and sharp throughout the spectrum.  These are a perfect choice for medium to bright light conditions.  Anglers with sensitive eyes will enjoy the comfort these lenses provide.

Tan/Copper:

These are another all-purpose tint to choose, performing best on cloudy or overcast days.  They are comfortable for all-day wearing, and work well for sunshine conditions.  For those anglers that sight fish, these are your best bet to buy.

Yellow:

Yellow lenses help in enhancing the available light, making them a good choice for dusk and dawn, and extremely low light level periods throughout the day.  These will be all but useless during bright light conditions. 

If I could choose only one tint, it would have to be a tan or copper lens, with gray very close behind.  Tan or copper will work best in most of the conditions you will face, and since the majority of fishing happens during dawn or dusk, this tint of lens will excel during these time periods.  Having a pair of both would be ideal, although some manufacturers offer glasses with interchangeable lenses, which would work well for adapting to ever-changing conditions. 

A brown, leaning towards green color would be best for you, as it would filter out some of the green color of the water, allowing you to see deeper. 

You's be surprised how well a $30 pair would work. You don't need to strangle your wallet

[MichiganFishing1997]

I tried on a pair of ray bans today just because I liked the frames, how do their polarized lenses compare?

[PotomacBassin]

$30 pair will work better than non polarized glasses and work great for the price but won't last as long as the other, higher investment lenses. The higher price tags are due to lens quality with a little bit of brand inflation. I had a great pair of $30 polarized but they eventually wore out simply by cleaning the. The coat they put on the lenses will eventually wear out and you will get a smudge on your lenses. In addition the cheaper ones scratch easier from personal experience.

[LMB ANGLER]

i wear costas its hand made and is 100 percent real glass, not plastic

[PotomacBassin]

i wear costas its hand made and is 100 percent real glass, not plastic

You must have the 580 lens. I don't think all costa lenses are glass. I have the 400 lens.

[JTMONEY606]

im a oakley guy but under armoer makes a sweet pair too.

[Brian Needham]

Costa's 580 GLASS lens is where its at.

 

I will not wear anything else until proven otherwise.

 

glass is SO SO much better than polycarbon lens. You can really tell the difference.

 

Live life in HD, wear Costa Del Mar!

[LMB ANGLER]

You must have the 580 lens. I don't think all costa lenses are glass. I have the 400 lens.

yes i only use the 580 because no other glasses comes close they are the best. costas are made for fishing.

[PotomacBassin]

yes i only use the 580 because no other glasses comes close they are the best. costas are made for fishing.

Yeah I have costas as well. I was just saying that not all costas are made with glass lenses.

[5fishlimit]

100% UVA & B protection, polarization, distortion free shatter proof lenses can be found at affordable prices if fashion brand names aren't important. There's one big factory I think in France that makes something in the neighborhood of 90% of sunglasses. I did some research on this a while back and will post the details when I can lay my hands on the document.

It's called Luxottica. I saw the 20/20 special on it a few years ago.

[DocBar]

If your day of fishing comes down to what glasses you wearing and you're not a professional, you might have other problems. I caught a thousand bass before I even knew what polarized glasses were.

 

 I've noticed better clarity with polarized, but not anymore depth.

 

The only amateurs I've ever met that blame a bad day of fishing on their choice of glasses were also the guys that blamed their bad golf game on their drivers and putters. They promptly spent hundreds of $$$ on new drivers and putters just to get the same results. Golf and fishing have some things in common. Pro's and amateurs don't need to use the same equipment and trying to do so can ruin an amateur's ability to enjoy the sport.

 

Just my newbie 2 cents worth.....

[JT Bagwell]

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?

 

 

My fiance wears the Wiley X "Lacey" model. She is able to get the protection of high quality polarized lenses and still look like a super model on and off of the water. 

 

lol I better show her this post so I get a few brownie points for that last comment. 

[SPEEDBEAD.]

You can't predict the damage you are doing to your eyes with either ill-fitting, poorly-made or both glasses.

 

I've heard people complain about the price of Costas or any other premium made glasses. You know what they have never complained about after using them? Eye strain and vision problems.

 

You buy insurance for your cars, boats, health, etc. IMO, this is like purchasing insurance for your eyes.

 

"Oh, I'm clumsy and I tend to drop things in the water / sit on them / allow the dog to eat them / have them stolen by the Loch Ness Monster." Obviously being facetious toward the end but you get the point. If you spend money on these things and still treat them with the disregard of a pair of aviator glasses you picked up at the gas station, then I dont know what to tell you.

[Jrob78]

Protect your eyes, they're the only one's you've got.  

[KyakR]

My fiance wears the Wiley X "Lacey" model. She is able to get the protection of high quality polarized lenses and still look like a super model on and off of the water. 

 

lol I better show her this post so I get a few brownie points for that last comment. 

Thanks! You will totally get brownie points!

[BassinLou]

yes i only use the 580 because no other glasses comes close they are the best. costas are made for fishing.

Costas come in 580(P) and 580(G). I have never tried the glass Costa's they are pretty $$ but I have owned the 580(P) for years and they are great. Speedbead hit on an important point. No eye strain or headaches when I spend a day on the water and I am wearing my Costa's.

 

I also realize that there are several brands that are pretty $$, and not everyone is as fortunate to own a pair, but there are other less expensive polarized glasses that will get the job done. I have a pair of Native's that are not that bad at all.  

[Brian Needham]

 

"Oh, I'm clumsy and I tend to drop things in the water / sit on them / allow the dog to eat them / have them stolen by the Loch Ness Monster." Obviously being facetious toward the end but you get the point. If you spend money on these things and still treat them with the disregard of a pair of aviator glasses you picked up at the gas station, then I dont know what to tell you.

great point Speedbead

a good pair of croakies or C-wires solves that too IMO.

 

I have always been tough on sunglasses but I never had an issue with my Costas until I knocked them off my truck bed.

I have noticed I either have them on, or hanging from my neck not to much can go wrong.

[LMB ANGLER]

Costas come in 580(P) and 580(G). I have never tried the glass Costa's they are pretty $$ but I have owned the 580(P) for years and they are great. Speedbead hit on an important point. No eye strain or headaches when I spend a day on the water and I am wearing my Costa's.

 

I also realize that there are several brands that are pretty $$, and not everyone is as fortunate to own a pair, but there are other less expensive polarized glasses that will get the job done. I have a pair of Native's that are not that bad at all.  

cool dude i think even the plastic costas are better then other plastic sunglasses brand. IMO costas make the best sunglasses in the world. plus they have lifetime warranty 

[DocBar]

You can't predict the damage you are doing to your eyes with either ill-fitting, poorly-made or both glasses.

 

I've heard people complain about the price of Costas or any other premium made glasses. You know what they have never complained about after using them? Eye strain and vision problems.

 

You buy insurance for your cars, boats, health, etc. IMO, this is like purchasing insurance for your eyes.

 

"Oh, I'm clumsy and I tend to drop things in the water / sit on them / allow the dog to eat them / have them stolen by the Loch Ness Monster." Obviously being facetious toward the end but you get the point. If you spend money on these things and still treat them with the disregard of a pair of aviator glasses you picked up at the gas station, then I dont know what to tell you.

Really? Eye insurance? Wear some Z 87's and be done with it if you're terrified of a jig putting your eye out. Or maybe use some common sense and say "hey that could put my eye out" and not do that. Kinda like using a knife. Don't pull towards yourself. Much cheaper than a special set of "fishing glasses". Going cheaper also allows you to buy more lures. You might get lucky and buy that special lure that beats all the others.

 

Protect your eyes, they're the only one's you've got.  

Again, wear some Z87 rated glasses if this is a worry. I can't even begin to count the people I've outfished wearing no glasses in regard to those wearing "polarized". Those same people are mad cuz I did it in my 17 foot basstracker with a 40 hp motor and Hummingbird monochrome fishfinder. They also went out and spent $700 on a new driver and putter to out drive and out putt me on the golf course.

 

If you can fish, you'll catch fish. If you can golf, you'll make par or better Or at least shoot in the 80's.

 

Sound fishing techniques seperate the catchers from the fishers more than extranious equipment like glasses, especially in amateurs. Leave the minutae to the pros and fixate more on the technique. There hasn't been the 1st bass that said "hell, he's wearing XXX brand of glasses, might as well quit resisting that bottle cap he's throwing at me".  What ever happened to just having fun while fishing?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I'm more concerned about the sun's effect on my eyes, not a jig.

 

Hey, they are your eyes. I personally couldn't give two craps less. Just speaking from experience. I don't get paid by Costa or any other brand of glasses. All I can do is tell you what works for me.

 

If you've found what works for you, great! You're so desperately grasping for something to support your "no glasses" argument that you fail to see the REAL reason people are suggesting better quality glasses.

 

Have a good one. I'll see you in 20 years. Hopefully, you'll be able to do the same.

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Really? Eye insurance? Wear some Z 87's and be done with it if you're terrified of a jig putting your eye out. Or maybe use some common sense and say "hey that could put my eye out" and not do that. Kinda like using a knife. Don't pull towards yourself. Much cheaper than a special set of "fishing glasses". Going cheaper also allows you to buy more lures. You might get lucky and buy that special lure that beats all the others.

 

Again, wear some Z87 rated glasses if this is a worry. I can't even begin to count the people I've outfished wearing no glasses in regard to those wearing "polarized". Those same people are mad cuz I did it in my 17 foot basstracker with a 40 hp motor and Hummingbird monochrome fishfinder. They also went out and spent $700 on a new driver and putter to out drive and out putt me on the golf course.

 

If you can fish, you'll catch fish. If you can golf, you'll make par or better Or at least shoot in the 80's.

 

Sound fishing techniques seperate the catchers from the fishers more than extranious equipment like glasses, especially in amateurs. Leave the minutae to the pros and fixate more on the technique. There hasn't been the 1st bass that said "hell, he's wearing XXX brand of glasses, might as well quit resisting that bottle cap he's throwing at me".  What ever happened to just having fun while fishing?

That's just stupidity not to wear sunglasses,  if you forget them fine. but most people who wear them have multiple pairs.. you'll be sorry sooner rather than later.  Plus I think it is hard to see if your getting follows behind you lures, while squinting down at them.... you don't know how  precious  eye sight is , which `is sickening.