Are Polarized Fishing Glasses Just Hype When It Comes To Seeing Through Water?

[RRocket]

On 4/10/2024 at 2:53 PM, J Francho said:

I have to look into those readers. I'm there, lol. 

Same here! 

 

Kastking makes a coupe polarized fishing glasses with readers for under $50.

 

On the other end of the pricing spectrum, Bajio also makes many different readers. 

[tunaman]

On 4/10/2024 at 11:59 AM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

They 100% work.    

 

I couldn't imagine fishing in the spring or fishing big swimbaits without them.   

THIS. Anyone who says otherwise hasn’t used a high quality pair.

 

I first learned of the effects due to being heavily into photography and using a polarizing filter.

 

As noted, the higher off the water the more  pronounced the impact.

[J Francho]

Do you ever wish there were adjustable circular polarizers for your eyes?

[Choporoz]

I have needed readers for 20 years, though thankfully, no prescription lenses yet.  Somehow, the market for polarized readers must not be too great because there really are not as many options as I would expect.  About 9 years ago, I found comfortable polarized bi-focal readers at a tent vendor outside a BX, base exchange, in VA.  They were $40, of moderate quality, but had clear lenses with decent enough magnification.  They came with a lifetime warranty, so each year, when the gal came back in May, I'd get a new pair for the $10 warranty fee.  A number of years ago, that vendor stopped coming back, I started earnestly looking for good replacement option.  @A-Jay's favored choice, Onos, was good...but.... I do not care for my glasses like he does, and the inside lenses got scratched and pitted within a year.  Onos replaced them once on the warranty, but I didn't want to do that annually.   I love a lot about Onos; the magnification portion is perfect size, they are extremely comfortable and the overall coverage is great.   I just don't can't put them in a case whenever they aren't on my face, and the lenses don't hold up more than about 10 months.  Last year, I found Costas on Amazon at a price too good to be true.   Turns out it was true.   Real Costa Finch readers for a little over $100.  They aren't there all the time, but keep checking.  They have shown up repeatedly. For 110-120.  Mine came with the box, case, papers, and lenses properly stamped.  They are, by far the clearest lenses I have ever owned.   Only minus is that the magnification portion is small.  It is fine for tying knots, but for reading, or using phone, I'd like it to be about twice the size.

[TOXIC]

Just don’t confuse polarized with water clarity.  If the water isn’t clear, they will be of minimal use.  Lense color does matter.  Just like most shooting glasses are amber, some colors magnify light, others mute it.  I wear progressive Oakley polycarbonate glasses at the recommendation of a fishing friend who is an Optometrist.  Clarity with glass may be a bit better but in his opinion it is not worth the risk.  

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, Choporoz said:

@A-Jay's favored choice, Onos, was good...but.... I do not care for my glasses like he does, and the inside lenses got scratched and pitted within a year.  Onos replaced them once on the warranty, but I didn't want to do that annually.   I love a lot about Onos; the magnification portion is perfect size, they are extremely comfortable and the overall coverage is great.   I just don't can't put them in a case whenever they aren't on my face, and the lenses don't hold up more than about 10 months.  

I think I'm up to 4 pairs now (put a pair in the truck).

Most are several years old.

Did need to replace one pair under warranty a while back for a nose piece replacement (one fell off) but the lenses have held up well. 

  I always purchase them straight from ONOS so the warranty remains intact. 

I will admit that if they these shades are not on my face, they are in the case; Always.

Yup, I'm that guy.

A-Jay

[Mbirdsley]

yes polarized glasses are the real deal.  that is the one thing i could not fish with out.  If your on a budget get a pair from walmart.  Even the cheap ones make a world of difference.