POLARIZED EYES

[TOXIC]

Lots of variables go into choosing good eyewear.  Prescription or off the shelf?  Glass or poly?  Lense type, progressive, bifocal, reader?  Lense color, because there is no 1 color that is best for all situations, low light, bright light, anti glare, mirror, sight fishing, frame style and type and on and on.  It just so happens I have a fishing friend who works in a lab making lenses.  I took his advice to get my "fishing" sunglasses.  His first comment was if you have cheap eyes, get cheap glasses.  Cheap glasses "can" actually damage your eyes.  Second, although glass lenses do increase optics somewhat, the risk of getting glass in your eye from an impact is still there with every brand that uses glass.  Third, get a frame that fits.  An ill fitting frame can be miserable after a long day on the water.  I chose a wrap around frame because I use them running in my boat and wind is a factor.  As for color he suggested a light grey for "all-around" use which includes off the water wear like driving and mirrored for anti-glare.  As for manufacturer, he said to do a little research and see who makes their own lenses because if you get made to order glasses and it requires them to make new lenses you could be paying big bucks for cheap lab lenses and expensive frames.  Brand?  That's a personal choice.  Get the best you can afford.  

[Topwaterdude]

Calcuttas for years

[LonnieP]

2 hours ago, Topwaterdude said:

Calcuttas for years

I’ve been wearing Calcutta’s too. Comfortable and don’t rub my head behind my ears like a lot of cheap sunglasses do. Plus my feelings aren’t hurt when I lose a pair every 3 months.

[Topwaterdude]

3 minutes ago, LonnieP said:

I’ve been wearing Calcutta’s too. Comfortable and don’t rub my head behind my ears like a lot of cheap sunglasses do. Plus my feelings aren’t hurt when I lose a pair every 3 months.

I've done the expensive route many times over and over.I'm to rough on my sunglasses to keep buying the expensive ones. So I tried the Calcuttas they have good polarization,comfortable and cheap obviously they are not Costa 580G lens quality but good enough for what I'm using them for.

[12poundbass]

After a few pairs of Oakley's over the years and recently Strike King I decided to try KastKing. Best $18 I've ever spent. I would say that if they were $100. They are lightweight and very comfortable. I work outside all day everyday so I need to protect my eyes even on cloudy days and they don't leave my nose or ears sore like other brands from the past. They com with a micro fiber cloth, a semi hard case, and straps so you don't lose them. For $18 I'd suggest anyone try them, you'll be presently surprised!?

[chmeyers]

Well I ordered Natives and the Oakleys. I have to admit the Natives arent bad. They are obviously not top brand quality, but the lenses are great, and the glasses came with additional lenses that were a purplish pink color and they are amazing early in the morning. 

 

Oakleys should be here today

[r3825]

I had the oakley freshwater prizms for a while and they are nice but I switched over to the Costa Blokes with the 580g green lenses,  best glasses I've ever owned,  light, no fog and crystal clear,  I bought a second pair for my daily's I like them so much.  Not cheap but worth it in my opinion.

[thedilettantedad]

Anyone have an over glasses recommendation?

[chmeyers]

Quote

 

Well I have received the Natives and the Oakley Prizms. 

 

I was definitely impressed with the Natives. For the price they are hard to beat. I really like that they come with an additional pair of lenses.

 

The Oakley Prizms, not impressed at all. I shouldnt have to squint when in direct sunlight when wearing glasses.

 

As bad as i thought Costas were they are far superior. I might go get some Smith and Maui Jims to try those. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

On 10/5/2018 at 8:43 AM, WVU-SCPA said:

The big named brands listed are all great,  but a cheap pair of Strike Kings will often accomplish the same goal. 

 

Myself, patiently waiting for the colorblind lens technology to become polarized. 

I'm looking at a budget pair and strike King has a few options in the $20-40 range.  I see the S-11 advertised a lot by guys on the Strike King team, but at this price point I'm curious if there can be much difference between the S-11 and their lower end stuff like the Strike King plus P09.

 

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with either of these glasses?

 

 

 

 

[Revival]

I have several Costas and they are amazing.  WileyX are also great.

 

For those looking for a cheaper option, don’t forget about Nines Optics.  With the discount code they are around $60+.  Their frames are bigger if that is something that you need.

[NorthernBasser]

American Legacy always has some good deals on Native's. 

[dewman90]

what do you guys suggest for bright, mid day sunlight? i would also like to use them when driving (drive into the sun sun up and sundown to/from work)

 

i have a set of costas with amber lens that are awesome in low light/overcast, but not good in direct light.

[J Francho]

I have black chrome mirror dark grey Maui Jims for that.

[The Maestro]

I like Maui Jim.  I have 3 prescription pairs to cover all light conditions.  Couldn't be more satisfied with them. I also have 2 pairs of Numa non-prescription and they're good as well but really don't compare to the Maui Jims.

[Obi_Wan]

Anyone like Solar Bat? Shady Rays?  Grizzly?

[TOXIC]

Solar Bat makes a good product.  It's what I have in my boat as a backup pair of non Rx glasses.  Smith Optics is also good.  Once I went with Rx sunglasses, I realized I wouldn't be going back to non Rx glasses again.  I can't afford the cost of Rx glasses for every situation and that is why I went with the dark grey, mirrored Oakley's with my last pair.  Since my Rx changed a little and my glasses were made in 2015, I updated the Rx and this time went with copper which should increase my water vision and be dark enough to wear while driving. As close to the best of both worlds as I can get.    

[Fishes in trees]

I have to wear glasses anyway, so I have a pair of polarized prescription sunglasses.   Wouldn't go fishing without them.

Well, I probably would if I had to, but wouldn't be as comfortable.

[Dom Hendricks]

I bought a pair of the Smith guides choice with the polarchromic copper mirror lens in them and they are great. I have worn smith ski goggles for years and decided to try the sunglasses last year. A bit pricey but well worth it if you take care of your glasses. 

[Fishingmickey]

On 10/9/2018 at 5:44 PM, thedilettantedad said:

Anyone have an over glasses recommendation?

My sweetie likes the Cocoons.

 

[Bass Junke]

Maui Jim's are no joke. I have owned quality sun glasses my whole life and tried many brands. Vuarnet, Ray Ban, Revo, Oakley (plastic). Maui Jim's best all around lens for life, best all around polarization I have ever experienced. Are they the best lenses for fishing? Not sure, they really aren't made for fishing, Costas are. 

 

I cannot look through plastic, scratches to easily and to much distortion. Today's glass lenses are scratch and shatter resistant and are not that fragile. I have snow skied, mountain biked, used my Vuarnet's for paintball goggles (stupid). Took a paintball right on the lens (dangerous). I have sent many a pair of sunglasses back to Vuarnet through the 80's for repair, meaning I broke my lenses several times doing stupid things. Never once did they shatter or chip. They usually just crack like a wind shield. We were once skiing and my buddy just ahead of me caught an edge and face planted right into the mountain side. When he got up his Vuarnet's were snapped right in half. Nylon frame broke but the lenses were unbroken. 

 

There is no comparison between glass and plastic. IMO glass is far superior and there is nothing I can do on a kayak while fishing where I would worry about shattering a lens and endangering my eyes. I don't think I can swing that hard.

[J Francho]

They actually do make glasses for fishing:

 

https://www.mauijim.com/US/en_US/polarized-sunglasses/fishing

 

[Brett's_daddy]

On 10/9/2018 at 6:44 PM, thedilettantedad said:

Anyone have an over glasses recommendation?

Cocoons! I got a pair last year with green mirrored lenses and they work AWESOME!!! It's very hard to find fitover sunglasses but these are reasonably priced and a lifetime warranty!

[RB 77]

On 10/4/2018 at 6:31 AM, chmeyers said:

I have looked at Maui Jim, I had always sorda written them off. I always thought they were more of gimmicky brand. Had someone suggest them and they look good and functional.

 

Super high quality on par with Costa. I consider these two like the Shimano and Daiwa of the sunglass world. There are these two and everyone else. With that being said, I'm a Costa and Shimano guy myself. Haha

[kayl.]

Smith Chromapop lenses are amazing. I might very some Costas to try this summer though.