Sunglasses

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'm looking at getting a pair of decent polarized glasses in the near future. To date, I've always bought moderately priced glasses and they've worked out all right, but I'd like something a little better.

I'm looking to spend no more than $150 and was looking for some suggestions. What types of things should I look for. The Costa Del Mar Wave Killers have piqued my interest right now, but I'm open to any advice.

They'll see use mainly for bass fishing, bowfishing, and driving.

Thanks!

[Cheeser]

Excellent thread, Ralph! I've had a set of Maui Jim Voyagers now for about 8-9 years, I absolutely love them and I highly recommend them - I'll tell you why:

About 4 years ago, I had a problem with my first set of Voyagers. Something happen to one of the lens and it started to de-laminate. It was weird, hard to describe...anyway, Maui Jim has a great repair program and they will replace your worn, scratched out-of-warranty lenses for $60. So, I wrote them a nice letter, enclosed two checks - one for $60 and one for $8.95 shipping. A week later I got a box back, and in the box was a really nice letter, a NEW pair of Voyagers (with the updated springy-bows) two cleaning cloths, a new case and my check for $60. Now THAT is customer service! They acknowledged that the lens de-lamination was some sort of manufacturing defect, and although the glasses were well out of warranty, they covered them anyway. Well, they now have me as a customer for life.

However, I'm curious about the Serengetti's and I'm going to take MuskieJunkie's advice and try a pair. I've heard they are phenomenal from several folks, and curiosity is getting the best of me...

Just $.02 from a blind old fisherman...

--Mark

[McGurk]

Are there any others with nicer prescription polarized sunglasses? By coincidence I'm starting to look for some for myself, and was wondering if these name brands are available w/ prescription lenses, or if there are any "grades" of polarization that I can request. It sounds like there are lower quality lenses than others from this thread. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[SteveWilson]

Smith's are available with perscription lenses including bifocals. I chose to go with a single perscription and then use flip down magnifiers for close in work (mainly fly fishing). The easiest way is to go to a Smith's Action Optics dealer and try on various models until you find one that fits and then order the perscription glasses from Smith's directly (there is a place on the form where you mark which dealer helped you). If you can work your way down to one or two frame choices, Smith's will send them to you to try on and then you can make your final decision. I love mine and wear them almost all the time I'm on the water. The photochromatic All Hour Brown lenses are great for our lakes and streams. I would go with something else for ocean fishing

[bassNspear]

Natives Rock

[Bigsmitty]

Another vote here for maui jims. Ive tried almost all the brands ( and either lost them, drove over them with my wheeler or whatever) and Maui's seemed the best. My current pair of Maui's are almost a year old. Thats a record for me!

[cliffy]

I will throw in another vote for Maui Jim sun glasses.

I was never much of a sun glasses wearer growing up...always just spent 25-30 bucks on a pair and usually lost or broke them within a year. Then about four years ago I had lasik and no longer had to wear contacts or glasses. So, I thought I would up grade and buy a high-end pair of shades. I went with the Maui Jim line of glasses after doing some research on the web...and couldn’t be happier. In my opinion, they are worth every penny. I am on my third pair....my first pair is somewhere between Jamestown ND and Moorhead MN....forgot them on the back of my truck...OUCH . I left the second pair on the roof of my car.....realized they were missing just as I was pulling away from the curb...just in time to see the car behind me run them over. OUCH! I have had the third pair for about two years.....and I keep a very close watch on them.

[bassNspear]

how much are they?

[cliffy]

Mauis run anywhere between 150.00-300.00. It all depends on the style..etc. By the way, I broke my third pair today...had them in my coat pocket and fell on the ice. Looks like I will be doing some shopping in the near future.

[bassNspear]

well that happens. Where you all buy them?

[cliffy]

If you go to their web-site, I think they have a retailer locater. If not, I have bought mine at sunglass hut in the local mall....but any place that sells high-end sunglasses should have them. I might just try on the sunglasses at the local store and order on-line this time...try a save a few dollars.

[Try Too Fish]

How About expanding on this thread with lens color and why!

I'm not looking for the cuz they make me look cool! But what color gives the best under water defination If you can only buy one color lens what would it be?

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've got amber glass lens with the green mirror coating (Costa del Mar). Most sunglass companies have a chart on their HSOforum that suggests color depending upon situation. I think amber is a good all-around freshwater lens. It enhances definition well.

[bigdog]

I have both Dark gray and Brown lenses in the same style Nikon glasses. The brown allows me to see fish better while the dark gray cuts glare better. If spotting fish in important, it helps to have some type of side shield on the glasses.

[youngie22]

Maui Jim are top dog!