Polarized sunglasses

[bigtgravez]

Howdy everyone. I'm a long time reader, first time poster and I have an off-the-wall question. I occassionally wear a cheaper pair of polarized sunglasses when I'm on the water and they're "OK" but I'm wondering if there's not something better out there that I could be using. I'm always reading about rods and reels and lures and stuff but rarely hear anyting about sunglasses. I was wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions on brands and styles of polarized glasses that you would suggest (reasonably priced). I don't want to break the bank on a pair but if anyone had any suggestions, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Sorry if this is a stupid question.

[Captain B.R.K]

Welcome to the site and no questions is a stupid question.

I had the same dilema you had a few years ago....bought a pair of $12.99 polarized glasses from Gander Mountain and thought they were great. Had a chance to upgrade and what a difference. You'll find the difference in the style of glasses and the make of the lenses!

Brands to consider at Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim's right off the top of my head.

You mentioned,"I don't want to break the bank on a pair but if anyone had any suggestions..." BUT remember you are protecting your eyes from all the UV rays as well. Spending the money I think is a small price to pay PLUS you be happy on the water!

[Deitz Dittrich]

Wel said capt.. you only get one pair of eyes. People will pay $100 on a rod or a reel in a heart beat.. but not for something that will help them fish easily as much as a rod or reel and a item that will protect them.

Not only do they protect you from UV rays but also flying hooks!

I have 3 pairs of Costa Del mar Phathoms.. and love them alll.. Each has a different lense color to match water and light conditions!

[Chev_trucks501]

There are a lot of good polarized glasses on the market. I have been fortunate enough to try a wide range of them. I will have to say that most of them in the $100-$250 range are excellent. My personal favorites are Raybans. They were about $150. Maui Jims, Costa Del Mar and Oakley Polarized are also good ones too.

Good Luck

Chev

[DTro]

In yesterdays's Star Tribune in the variety section, it was reported that money has NOTHING to do with the protection or polorization quality. I've also used different price glasses. I actually have a pair from walmart that lasted a couple years.

Having said that I am currently using a pair of Maui Jim's that was around $250. I am really liking them. I had a pair a while back (maui jims) that broke three times on me. They always replaced them, but I had to wait and also pay shipping. I finally went back to where I bought them and insisted on a different style frame.

Even though what was stated earlier in my post I would recommend to spend what feels comfortable, you don't need to spend 250 or even 100 to get a good pair.

[bigtgravez]

Excellent info! Thanks guys! I guess I only had the "sight fishing" thing stuck in my head and never considered the "UV protection" part of it. I was checking out a pair of Costa Del Mars' yesterday but will definitely check into the Maui's.

[smallie_hawgin]

Solar bats are my personal favorite. I have been using them for several years at both work and fishing. Some unique lens tints and styles too. I have the cool eyes-r which allows interchangeable lenses. I like mossback green for all around light and cloudy conditions.... what a difference. Good luck.

[Captain B.R.K]

Action Optics is another brand to definately check out. Open up your search to Fly-Fishing websites as SIGHT FISHING is HUGE in their arena. You'll see the same Maui Jim's, Costa Del Mars, etc. BUT you might see other companies with glasses that might fall within your budget.

I've got a pair of Orvis and Redington Polarized glasses that I spent $50 on each and still use to this day!

Good Luck.

[sami0115]

Costa Del Mar Fathoms are the only way to go!

[ndevr]

What lense color do you all prefer with the Costa Del Mars?

[fishinkrop]

I got my pair from gander for $30.00 and I love them I can see the fish in the water I can see weed beds as I comming up on them in the boat. if you go to the gander in lakeville in the back by the guns there are $200.00 pairs behind glass then there are some on a rack. pick a pair off there rack and look at the case there is a little sine ARE YOU GLASSES POLARIZED. if they are you can see that it cool! you will find alot of pairs that say POLARIZED but you can see the sine!

dont spent $200 waste of money

Jeff Krop

[Deitz Dittrich]

Like I said... I have 3 pair.. I would say I use the Vermillion(kinda like a red tint, like blue blocker color) the most.. other wise grey.. i only use the amber in really low light.

[msm1018]

I really like my Polareyes. really good Sun glasses and only for $55. and yes they are polarized.

[RonZych]

Just look for polarized and UV protection. They all block out 99%. The most important issues are lens color/fit. I find grey/smoke color best for most situations. The MOST IMPORTANT is fit. They need to completely surround the eyes snug to the skin. Any light getting in from behind or the sides of the lenses will degrade the visibility in the water. A brimmed hat is just as important as the sunglasses. Sunglasses are not a one size fits all. I have $$$.$$ glasses with interchangeable lenses and a pair of Ron Linder glasses from Gander that I paid less then $20.00 for because I forgot the others. They are all I wear now. Excellent tight fit around the eyes.

Ron