Do Expensive Polarized Glasses Make a Difference?

[BassFishingMachine]

Hey, I've been using these cheap 20$ pair of polarized glasses and I can see fairly well into the water, but I recently took a look at some of the pairs online, especially the expensive ones 60$+. Just wanted to know if they let you see any better then the cheapos, is there a big difference? Or do the cheapos let you see just as well? Whats your opinion on this?

[fourbizz]

Yes. Absolutely. Definitely. Undoubtedly. Certainly.

A sensitive rod, a reliable reel, great rain gear, and high quality glasses. These are the things I hold most dear.

[BassFishingMachine]

Oh by the way fourbizz, I sent you a pm, hope you got it. And thanks for the advice, maybe I will put in the 60 for a good pair of glasses, even though it'll cut into my bait money  .

[burleytog]

It isn't just about getting a good view into the aquatic universe, but about protecting your eyes.

[Micro]

Sunglasses lenses should be polarized, 100% UVA/UVB resistant, and be optically perfect. The optically perfect thing is an industry lense standard that actually means something - not a marketing phrase. As long as your glasses meet these criteria, they are good glasses. Really expensive glasses will meet this criteria, while cheaper ones usually don't. Although, Cabelas used to sell a house brand for around $45 that met this criteria. They are great glasses but I haven't shopped for any in awhile so I don't know if they have them anymore.

(Editted for typos)

[Gatorbassman]

Sunglasses lenses should be polarized, 100% UVA/UVA resistant, and be optically perfect. The optically perfect thing is an industry lense standard that actually means something - not a marketing phrase. As long as your glasses meet these criteria, they are good glasses. Really expenses glasses will meet this criteria, while cheaper ones usually don't. Although, Cabelas used to sell a house brand for around $45 that met this criteria. They are great glasses but I haven't shopped for any in awhile so I don't know if they have them anymore.

This is the best explination I have seen.

[Guest muddy]

This is what My Buddy Dr.Gil told me: This was a reply I put up to Dave's sun glass question On Sat:Can you put all sunglass on same Board? ;D ;D ;D

Just something to consider; From my optiton INSIGHT OPTICAL in Brooklyn, Dr.Gil: He told me not to go cheap, the better the lens,glass preferablly , the better the refraction. Polarization need not mean you see less but that the lens coating is designed to blook out the frequencies of light that we call glare. Ceaper plastic lens have many distortions in the lens, more expensive plastic and glass lens do not have these distortions and the refraction of light is better on your eyes.

That being said: I am going to get the old fashioned Pair of Ray Bans and rock the Blues Brother Look on the water this year    

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I finally spent some money on glasses for this season and yes, they absolutely do seem to make a big difference. The interchangeable lenses are nice too.

I havent had them on the water yet, but they make my windshield look like it's not even there.

Wayne

[Grey Wolf]

Save your eyes , spend some money! It will be some of the best money you will spend this year.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Yes. Absolutely. Definitely. Undoubtedly. Certainly.

A sensitive rod, a reliable reel, great rain gear, and high quality glasses. These are the things I hold most dear.

Yep I absolutely agree.

[Bronzeback117]

What are some of the good brands you guys use?

[Guest muddy]

RAY BAN

[roadwarrior]

Based on most replies from several other threads, the Costa Del Mar seem to be the overwhelming favorite:

http://www.costadelmar.com/store/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Costa%20-%20Custom%20Sunglasses%20Landing%20Page/Category.aspx?categoryid=606edcb0-0554-414f-a91d-1b5a995d4af1

8-)

[-HAWK-]

This is a good question, something i always wondered but never got around to asking. Now i know i need to invest in some quality shades.

[Guest avid]

The saying "you get what you pay for" can be debated endlessly.

There is however one area where quality REALLY matters, and that is anything optical......It's tough I know because you pay alot for quality optics and the differences can be subtle.

buT sir burlsaolot hit the nail on the head.

The better the optics, the less strain on the eyes......how much is that worth to you?

[Popeye]

And don't forget a lanyard or "Croakie" to keep your expensive eyeware where it belongs: on your face. The Incredible Mr. Limpet already has a new pair of glasses:o)

[surfer]

Sunglasses lenses should be polarized, 100% UVA/UVA resistant, and be optically perfect. The optically perfect thing is an industry lense standard that actually means something - not a marketing phrase. As long as your glasses meet these criteria, they are good glasses. Really expenses glasses will meet this criteria, while cheaper ones usually don't.

This is the best explination I have seen.

x2

Glass lenses are more scratch resistant and usually more optically perfect. Lanyards may not look cool but they work and nobody looks cool when their glasses go in the drink.My Costa Del Mars 580 Wave are the best I have tried. But my Ray Bans work just fine too.

PS. Anytime you see someone wearing Costa Del Mars it is a safe assumption that they fish.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

What are some of the good brands you guys use?

I just got these.  I like the idea of having the interchangeable lenses

[armesjr]

Go with Costa del Mar's you wont regret it.  Rayban and Maui Jim also make really good glasses.  I have owned all three, and personally prefer the Costas.  Its really up to you, what you like.  I currently own the MP2's with the green mirror glass lens.  They are very light and the lenses are top notch.   While they are  a littly pricey, its something your going to wear nearly everyday.  

[Branuss04]

I never thought that they made a difference until the other day when I went out with 4bizz.  I had my cheap $15 wal-mart specials and he had a pair of costa del mars. I compared the two...well actually there was no comparision, I want a pair now. Definately worth it to get a more expensive pair of glasses.  

[senile1]

Last week on "The Bass Pros"  KVD was going over how to fish a new lake one has never fished.  He said the two most important things you need, and should not skimp on, are your electronics and your sunglasses.  These are the tools you use to find fish.  If you don't find the fish, it doesn't matter how well you work the lure.  

I purchased a pair of prescription Maui Jim's last fall and, while they were very expensive, the view into the water is fantastic.  

[Alpster]

Mine are Lens Crafters prescription polarized in Ray Ban frames. I have to agree that when it comes to eye protection and seeing well, don't go the the cheap route. I also noticed when I bought my last pair, I got a much lighter shade of tinting than before and I could see much better into the water.

Ronnie

[BaitMS]

Last week on "The Bass Pros" KVD was going over how to fish a new lake one has never fished. He said the two most important things you need, and should not skimp on, are your electronics and your sunglasses. These are the tools you use to find fish. If you don't find the fish, it doesn't matter how well you work the lure.

Yep the expensive ones are MUCH BETTER than the cheapos!!

You know you've got a good pair of polarized glasses if you can't read your electronics in the boat (fish finder), the gas pump display, and the display in the wife's car . You've gotta tilt your head every which way to read these.

[DoWorkSon]

Hey has anyone tried Oakley?  I know they are around $225....I notice KVD wearin em....

[Matt Fly]

A quick summary to recognize cheap over quality.

Lenses are made of polycarbonate (plastic) or glass, glass is the #1 choice and will carry the higher price.

Glass protects better from flying objects as well.    Glass doe not scratch as fast as plastic.

if they don't say 100% UV protection, move on.   Also, the top of the line models will also have 99% infared protection as well.

Grey is best overall color for bright and sunny days for a variety of waters and conditions to fish.

Brown lenses are for medium to bright colors.   Best lense for sensitive eyes.

Tan/Copper  are great for overcast days and most widely used by sight fishermen.

Yellow lenses enhance light better at dawn and dusk times.   To simplify that, they draw more light.

Each lense does specific things.    

Learn not to use your fishing glasses as your normal sun glasses, this will increase the longivity of them.

I am the worlds worst on polarized glasses.

I have numerous pairs.   I bought cheap copper lenses because sight fishing is short period of the year and I dn't persue alot of bedders.

The grey is the best all round pair, and those are the ones I will wear most of the year, and thats why I'll spend the money on grays.   They are the primary glasses all year.

Hookem

protect those eyes.