Are Expensive Polarized Glasses Worth It?

[tcbass]

I lost my cheap $18 Ugly Stick polarized sunglasses today fishing. I use the cheap ones so if I lose them I don't feel bad about it. However, I have been contemplating the merits of more expensive glasses and have read a lot of good things about Costas. I checked them out and there designs seem to be ugly as sin. I'm not Kim Kardashian. Either way, I was wondering if the quality and better polarization would be worth getting more expensive glasses.

 

 

 

What's the consensus?

[Jrob78]

If you're the type of person who constantly loses glasses and generally doesn't take care of them, it probably isn't worth it for you.  If you can keep a pair for several years and keep them relatively scratch free, it probably is worth it.  Sunglasses aren't something I will ever skimp on but they last me years before I replace them.

[Catch and Grease]

I absouletly hate wearing sunglasses, so I have a pair of cheap 15$ glasses I throw on when the sun is bright enough I can't see or if I have a newbie in the boat with wild cast lol

[Montanaro]

I don't know how I did without them.

[smalljaw67]

Yes, good quality lenses are well worth it and you can really tell the difference between a good lens versus and a cheap one. I lost a pair of Maui Jims and after that I was bummed and I tried less expensive ones and some were ok while others were just bad but I found a compromise that work very well for me. I use Eye Surrender ESM sunglasses, they use the TR-90 I-Flexx frames with awesome lenses, they cost $60 with a lifetime replacement warranty. I'm not going to lie, the optical quality on the Costa Del Mar is better but not by a whole lot, and that is what impressed me most with the Eye Surrender, the optical quality is fantastic and the frames are strong and light, in fact they feel so good on I often forget to take them off in the house and I'm not affiliated with them, I'm just impressed with them as I never had a pair of sunglasses with that kind of optical quality under $100.

[WRB]

Check out Solar Bats in moss green or dark grey for general fishing use.

Ask yourself how much is your eye sight worth. Just make sure the sunglasses fit properly and wear them.

Tom

[tcbass]

If you're the type of person who constantly loses glasses and generally doesn't take care of them, it probably isn't worth it for you.  If you can keep a pair for several years and keep them relatively scratch free, it probably is worth it.  Sunglasses aren't something I will ever skimp on but they last me years before I replace them.

I can take care of them. Just forgot this time. lol. First time that's ever happened.

[Jrob78]

I can take care of them. Just forgot this time. lol. First time that's ever happened.

In that case, I would seriously think about upgrading your glasses.  I wear polarized Oakley's, they are one of the most important pieces of fishing equipment I use.  You should be able to get a good pair of glasses for under $100.

[tcbass]

In that case, I would seriously think about upgrading your glasses.  I wear polarized Oakley's, they are one of the most important pieces of fishing equipment I use.  You should be able to get a good pair of glasses for under $100.

Why are they so important?

[Basspro87]

Why are they so important?

They help you see the structures that other anglers miss

[flyfisher]

Totally worth the money to get a good pair for a few reasons.  One the optics are better and even more so if you are bumping up to a glass lens.  Then there is the protection from flying projectiles which is even more important than optics.  You never know when you'll set the hook and have it pop free and come back at you.

[TNBassin']

I have two pair of Oakleys that are polarized, and love them. Well worth the money. My Flak Jackets I use when it's hot out since they are a smaller frame, and use my Batwolf glasses when it's cooler or windy since they shield more of my face and eyes. 

[BassinLou]

Why are they so important?

Just like someone mentioned polarized glasses are important for several reasons. Eye protection, from the sun's rays and projectiles. Also, they help you see through the water significantly better than regular sunglasses or without. A bass can be feet away from you and, you will never see it.  

[Jrob78]

Why are they so important?

For the reasons already mentioned.  Your eyes are too important not to protect them from UV rays and flying projectiles.  Plus, good polarized glasses allow you to see into the water better.

[papajoe222]

Quality sunglasses can be had for a lot less than $100.  I got my Oakley Half Jackets polarized lenzes for $40 and the WileyX pair I wear mostly for driving for just under that.  I had to do a little searching, but the search and the glasses are well worth it just for the eye protection.  If you ever have a bullet weight or jig come flying back at you, you'll be thankful you went with quality eyeware.  The polarization is a plus and when you consider you can have both in a quality pair your outlook (pun intended) on eyewear becomes focused. (sorry, I couldn't help it)

[Jeff H]

No cheapies for me.  Quit wearing the cheapies 20 yrs ago.  I have Costa, Smith, and Hobie.  The clarity of high quality shades is truly amazing.

[tcbass]

No cheapies for me.  Quit wearing the cheapies 20 yrs ago.  I have Costa, Smith, and Hobie.  The clarity of high quality shades is truly amazing.

 

 

What do you think are the best out of those and what are the most bang for the buck?

[Josh Smith]

I use Berkely, Spiderwire, and the like.

 

My vision isn't good enough to take advantage of better lenses. 

 

Josh

[BassinLou]

What do you think are the best out of those and what are the most bang for the buck?

 

Can't speak for Hobie, or Smith, but I can tell you that Coasta's are pretty darn good. Buying the right frame and lense is critical. The way these glasses encapsulate your eyes and with the lense clarity is unbelievable. Another feature I really like and have taken advantage of twice is their warranty program. I wear my glasses 365 days a year. When ever a problem has come up, I mail it to Costa's and I get back a beautiful repaired set of glasses back. They mean it when they say lifetime warranty. 

[Big Swimbait]

I have 2 pairs of the Strike King S11's - 1 amber & one grey. I like them so much that I use them for everyday use. Got them for less than $40 each.

[SirSnookalot]

Polarizing lenses is a fairly simply process, basically it's a film or sheet pressed or injected into the lens. Cheaper glasses just use a coating and are not as effective in reducing glare.  Most upscale eyewear is made or owned by 3 companies, 2 Italian and 1 French, including the most popular sunglasses already mentioned.  A big market controlled by a few using similar technologies.  For example Ray Ban and Oakley are made by the same company (Luxottica), good chance it's the same lens in both brands.

The important factor is fit of the frame, as the top polarized lenses have about the same effectiveness.  A $100 pair can be just as good $200 ones, except the latter may have a more expensive frame to make, a least they tell you that, lol. That said eyewear is fairly cheap to make, the mark up is huge.  

[Bank4Bass]

Bought a pair of costas over 2 years ago and haven't worn my spy's, Von zippers, oakley since..

[Raul]

Are "expensive" polarized glasses worth it ?

 

How much is worth your eyesight ?

[Flywatersmallie]

Yes. They're worth it. I've gone through cheap ones, Ray Ban, Oakley Solar Bat and others. Nothing compares to Costas. I now have 2 pairs of them and the rest sit on the shelf

[SirSnookalot]

Just so you know Costa is not made in the United States any more, it is assembly here.  It's owned by the same company that owns Ray Ban