Polarized Sunglasses

[FisH_SLaYer24]

I've been researching a couple of sunglasses brands, mainly Oakley and Costas. For those who own either pair, what polarized styles do you like for both fishing and everyday use? What are the major differences between the two brands? Are there any pros to one over the other, or are they pretty similar? I don't mean to start the Chevy vs. Ford debate, I'm just trying to purchase a good pair of polarized sunnies for fishing (both open water and hard water) and also everyday use.

Money isn't too big of an issue, but I'd like to try and spend less than $250.

Thanks guys

[picksbigwagon]

I own a set of oakley flak jackets that I loved, but hated the price especially for polarized lenses.....my brother in law told me about Sundog sunglasses, I ordered a pair of their 22degree with polarized and tranistion lenses, 170 bucks and they are the best sunglasses I have ever owned. I have a large head and kind of deep eye sockets so fit for me has always been a problem. Look in to the sundogs....

you won't find them at the mall's, golf galaxy and the wild's golf course in the metro is the only place I have found them in stores. Yes, I found the best polarized sunglasses through golf.......

[401TE]

I love my Costa's with the 580 Green Mirror lenses for almost every situation. Only situation I go to my darker Maui Jim's is when it's an intense sun all day. Otherwise, I don't think you can go wrong with the 580 Green Mirror for fishing. Also, make sure you're checking E bay. I got mine for $160 shipped, they retail for $250+.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I have Costa Del Mar Man O War in Silver Mirror.. Love them!!!!! The silver mirror is like a light amber which works really good for both bright and lower light situations.. For me at least! I also like the side guards on the man o war frames.

[OnAFly]

The only thing I have against my Costas is that they sit close to my eye and they can sometimes get condensation on the inside. This is probably more of a fit issue for me. Other than that, they've been awesome for sight fishing.

[Lawrence Luoma]

I own both Oakley and Costa. Let's just say my Oakley's are my back up pairs now.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

I was leaning more towards Costas from the beginning

What's the difference between the lenses on the Costas? I see that there are 400G, 480P, 500G, and 580P lenses and they are all in different colors. Are there significance to the numbers and letters?

[Dylan33]

P is Plastic lenses

G is Glass lenses

Glass is a bit heavier, but generally gives you cleaner, more distinct vision.

The numbers, I think, are a clarity rating? higher number is a better lense.

[Dylan33]

I don't think you can go wrong with either brand...but MY opinion is Costas are FISHING glasses first and made to be "cool" second. Where as I think you pay a premium for the Oakley name, which is not worth it to me.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

What do you guys prefer for lenses? I know glass is durable and more scratch resistant, whereas the plastic/polycarbonate lens is a little more impact resistant.

I like blue/green base lenses, anyone have any experience with these types of colors?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to make an informed decision before I drop that kind of money on a pair of sunglasses

Thanks for all of the responses so far!

[OnAFly]

I have the 580P lenses in dark grey. They are clearer than my old H3Os were and when clean, I can see very clearly.

[dfeste]

I also own both Oakleys and Costas. As stated earlier the Oakleys are also my backups. Even with the 580g lenses the Costas are very light and comfortable. Mine are in a green mirror that seems to work pretty good for all around use. I also got a really good deal on mine through the big auction site.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

Dfeste, which models are you running? Do you use them for everyday use?

[NKLCOLT1911]

i wear maui jims year round, for me a good pair of polarized glasses is like putting everything your looking at in HD, but in all seriousness the most important thing is to keep the glare from the ice and water off your eyes, i will also let you know i was an oakley guy to the core till i put on a pair of maui's now i dont think ill ever go back, also invest in a laynard to keep them from falling in a hole or the lake.

[Mr. Sheephead]

I don't fall for oakley's anymore. Costas all the way. My Oakleys are a huge price and scratch easily and the polarization material is crazed on the edges on two pairs.

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

FYI on the Oakleys and the lenses in their glasses...... THEY ARE NOT ALL POLARIZED!!! Oakley offers many versions of sun lenses with the rainbow of mirror colors but you must specify polarized lenses and pay the up charge. So it is safe to say that even the cheapest polarized wally world sunglasses will allow you to see through the water better or more comfortably on the ice than some of the most expensive Oakleys without polarized lenses. Oh yeah and by the way since I am in the business Kaenon and Costa Del Mar are the only two manufacturers that I will wear, with Kaenon being the first choice; every pair comes with the SR91 lenses 100% polarized, light weight Trivex type material and virtually distortion free. The Costa's are second choice due to the fact that they are polarized glass lenses that are very scratch resistant but are also twice as heavy as the Kaenons.

[showpropserv]

Take a watch a this guys from 60 min. you will find you are getting jobbed with the overpriced sunglasses

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7424700n

[bobbymalone]

you guys and your $200 sunglasses... remember to come back here and read these threads when your lady friend drops major change on a purse.

*shaking my head*

[CaptainMusky]

you guys and your $200 sunglasses... remember to come back here and read these threads when your lady friend drops major change on a purse.

*shaking my head*

I used to think that way, until I actually WORE a pair of premium sunglasses.

Costas, BTW.

YOu are born with one pair of eyes, if you want to trust that to a pair of $8 walmart cheapos, so be it, but I would rather spend $200 on an excellent pair of glasses that are trully polarized, and high quality. My eyes feel relaxed when I put them on.

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

Take a watch a this guys from 60 min. you will find you are getting jobbed with the overpriced sunglasses

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7424700n

Not really apples to apples, the above would only apply if you were just looking for a name on the temple. Important to some but not all. The original poster is looking for function and quality; while Oakley is mentioned he doesn't want to just buy Oakley without a little research. On the flip side the link to 60 minutes suggests that the name on the temple is only a name and you pay extra for it. Just putting polarized lenses into no name frames does not always equate to a great pair of glasses. There are tons of refinements that the big time sunglass companies like Oakley, Maui Jim, Costa, Kaenon, Rudy Project, Bolle do before a style of sunglasses hit the market. Your not only shopping for value but also most importantly in my opinion for fit and quality use. Buy a quality pair of sunglasses and you miss them terrably when you don't have them on the water or an the ice.

[bobbymalone]

I used to think that way, until I actually WORE a pair of premium sunglasses.

After about $600 dollars worth of sunglasses broken or at the bottom of the lake... I'll drop $40-50 on a pair. Sunclouds. Lifetime warranty. You are just paying for the word "Costa" on the side, just like my wife pays for the word "Coach" on her purse.

But I've never actually CARRIED a premium purse, so I couldn't tell the difference. That's what she tells me anyway

As far as saving your only set of eyes, pretty sure all you need is UV protection. Polarized is just a nice feature, but isn't saving your eyes nuthin.

[CaptainMusky]

Perhaps you should be more careful with your stuff? LOL

I could be wrong, but I believe most cheap sunglasses offer little or no UV protection and those that do, only protect against UV A, not UV B. Perhaps Calvin knows for sure.

Yeah, I am paying for the name on the side (Costa), but also the lenses are just far superior in every way. The frames are tough as nails, etc.

Polarization reduces glare which would in fact cause eye strain, at least it makes a huge difference for me.

[bobbymalone]

That's probably true for $8 kids sunglasses at Mall Wart.

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

Perhaps you should be more careful with your stuff? LOL

I could be wrong, but I believe most cheap sunglasses offer little or no UV protection and those that do, only protect against UV A, not UV B. Perhaps Calvin knows for sure.

Yeah, I am paying for the name on the side (Costa), but also the lenses are just far superior in every way. The frames are tough as nails, etc.

Polarization reduces glare which would in fact cause eye strain, at least it makes a huge difference for me.

Spot on Captain, UV is only part of the equasion, heck any clear lenses can be treated with a UV inhibator and as a matter of fact ALL polycarbonate lenses (clear or dark) have UV protection as this is a property of the polycarbonate material. (So if any eye doctors office wants to add on UV treatment for X amount of dollars on your new polycarbonate lenses that you just ordered, you can pass on that fee as your lenses are already UV protected.) That said on a sunny day clear UV treated lenses are good, UV treated lenses tinted Grey 3 Lenses are better and Polarized Lenses (which also have UV included) are the absolute best and help the most to; as you say reduce glare and eyestrain.

[dfeste]

I have the Fathoms. I do not wear them for everyday. I probably should since I rarely break or lose sunglasses but I'm a little too anal with this pair.