Do Expensive Polarized Glasses Make a Difference? 2024

BassFishingMachine reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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

Micro reply :

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 reply :

Quote
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 reply :

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. reply :

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 reply :

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

Siebert Outdoors reply :

Quote
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 reply :

What are some of the good brands you guys use?

guest reply :

RAY BAN

roadwarrior reply :

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- reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

Quote

Quote
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.

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. reply :

Quote
What are some of the good brands you guys use?

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

armesjr reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

Quote
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 reply :

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

Matt Fly reply :

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.

llPa1nll reply :

Quote
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.

The man speaks the truth. I agree totally with him..

Fish Man reply :

im in love with my natives.

one question i have is that i looked at the after reading this thread and the box says 100% u.v protection and polarized. it doesnt say anything about optically perfect. can i find out if they are anywere or are the not

thanks

p.s. not trying to hijack the thread

guest reply :

Excellent Matt! What he and Dr.Gil said 8-)

surfer reply :

Quote
im in love with my natives.
one question i have is that i looked at the after reading this thread and the box says 100% u.v protection and polarized. it doesnt say anything about optically perfect. can i find out if they are anywere or are the not

thanks

p.s. not trying to hijack the thread

This is my take on optically perfect. With your naked eye focus on the farthest object you can see clearly. Really focus on the details. Now put the glasses on and look at the same details. If they are distorted or can't be focused on then the glasses are imperfect. That being said no glasses are 100.00% perfect, but many are close enough that I can't see any imperfections. Using this technique has allowed me to rule out most $40 polycarbonate lenses for myself.

PS. I have a pair of Natives and cant find any imperfections with them.

Tpayneful reply :

Bill Dance recommended these clip on polarized glasses that clip on your prescription glasses on his TV show about 18 years ago. They are the only ones I use and I buy everything that he suggests on his show! I just don't know why I don't catch as many fish or as many big fish as he does on his show

BassFishingMachine reply :

Wow, great responses, the Costa seems to be the fav. Anyways, I'll probably go with the grey if I get a pair as that was stated to be the best overall lense color.

Oh, and I took a look on ***, and can't seem to find the costas, they don't sell them?

I was on the site roadwarrior listed taking a look at them, and there are many many different versions, which one do you prefer? Take into consideration im fishing from the bank pretty much 95% of the time.

VA BassHound reply :

I have the Maui Jim Kapalua Titanium sport. The best thing about these glasses are how lightweight they are. Other glasses have given me headaches after extended wear. These do not. You will forget they are even on your face.

armesjr reply :

BASSFishingMachine your going to have to go try them on. Dicks Sporting Goods has a limited selection. Basspro has some i believe. Also try boating stores, they usually have a really good selection Some sunglass shops at the mall carry them. i know sunglass hut doesnt carry Costas though. If i were you i wouldnt purchase a pair before i tried them on. Everyone's face is differently shaped, so what one person likes you may hate. If your gonna drop money on glasses, you might as well look your best in them too. While the frames are different, the lenses are the same. So one pair isnt any better than another pair. Go to www.costadelmar.com Click the "view sunglasses" tab> then click the "our technology" tab> in this section it will cover what lenses color works the best for what conditions you will be fishing the most. I have the MP2's with the Green Mirror Glass Lens, which i really like. The green mirror glass lens (which is essentially an amber lens that looks better) or the amber glass or CR39 lens seems like the best lens colors for the conditions you decribed. Once again your best bet is to go try a bunch on and decide for yourself.

Rob G. reply :

Yes, they do. Any polarized are better than no polarized. Regular sunglasses do not work at all. Just like everything else, you get what you pay for.

Bass XL reply :

What about Solar Bat? What do you guys think of those?

MALTESE FALCON reply :

Last year I got my first pair of prescription sunglasses. I always used the fit-overs and they were a pain. I spent a small fortune for these glasses, but they were worth every penny.

armesjr brought up a good point. Make sure you try on the glasses before you buy them. If they don't fit you properly they are no good to you.

Falcon

ba7ss3in reply :

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

yes, I've worn oakley's for years on the water and I could tell a big difference between the cheaper brands

Munkin reply :

While I am not as technical as some of the previous posts for years I wore the $10 Wal-Mart glasses. I was always squinting and at the end of a long day of fishing my eyes hurt. A buddy of mine talked me into buying some Costa Del Mars at BPS that were about $100 and I can say that I will not be without good glasses again! I would rather leave all my electronics at home than my good glasses that is how important they are.

Allen

Big-O reply :

YES!

mike bat reply :

last season i used the smith action optics ... i loved them ,,, i have a big mug so i have trouble finding shades that fit right .... smith has a pair called the shelter ,,, they fit me great .... now this season i was looking around and saw a pair of oakleys called the oil drums ... i had to buy them .... i love the color tint and they offer great coverage on the sides .... the lenses are called amber black iridium .... they are sweet ///

KevO reply :

It will definately make a difference. I got a pair of oakley polarized sunglasses from x-mas and they were great until my dog ate them last month. There went $150! Luckily my girlfriend replaced them for valentines day. In the mean time though I was using my cheap unpolarized back-ups and it was horrible. The glare off the water was so bad I couldnt even find my lure when I was casting. Take the plunge it is worth it.

KU_Bassmaster. reply :

Quote
Wow, great responses, the Costa seems to be the fav. Anyways, I'll probably go with the grey if I get a pair as that was stated to be the best overall lense color.
Oh, and I took a look on ***, and can't seem to find the costas, they don't sell them?

I was on the site roadwarrior listed taking a look at them, and there are many many different versions, which one do you prefer? Take into consideration im fishing from the bank pretty much 95% of the time.

If your going to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses, be sure to try them on PERSONALLY. Make sure they fit your face right. Costa designs them that way. The different models are different sizes and are designed to fit different size faces. So my favorite model might not be the best for you and vice versa.

IMO sunglasses are the single most important piece of fishing gear!!!!! Invest in your eye sight!!!!!!!!

Loudy reply :

i have the 150 $ oakley monster dog polarized ( the same as kvd wears ) and they are much clearer and duller than the cheap angler eyes i have. The only promblem with the expensive ones is that every time you wear them your paranoid of scratching them so i only where them for a fashion statement anymore. Im scared to use them since i already ruined my other pair of oakley flak jackets.

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Do Expensive Polarized Glasses Make a Difference? 2024

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