Quality Polarized Sunglasses 2025

Needemp reply :

I have heard from several different sources that sunglasses that are polarized are the same when it comes to the polarization. In other words there is no such thing as better quality polarization. Is this true in your opinion. Then is the extreme cost differance in glasses just relate to the plastic/glass and scratch resistance? Do you have to spend $100 for a good pair or will a $30 pair be alright?

earthworm77 reply :

That may be true but the quality of the lenses will vary by company. Some are more resistant to scuffs and scratches as well. So my answer to your question is that they vary greatly depending on brand. I like Solar Bat and Costa Del Mar.

wvubassfan reply :

I do alot of stream fishing. I am climbing all over rocks trying to get to those bronzbacks. For me I just by the cheapos because I am so hard on them. I go through at least two pair a year.

Fishin49er reply :

Correct me if im wrong here, but I think with cheap sunglasses they put the polarization in between in the inside and outside lens, this sometimes makes things cloudy. But I talked to the guy at the Oakley store, and im sure its the same for all high dollar sunglasses, they put the polarization actually into the lenses which makes things clearer.

Bass Smacker reply :

I had a pair of $20.00 one from BPS that lasted me 3 years. just bought a new set for around $40

and can't tell the diffrance. 8-)

the ohh face reply :

I have heard the cheaper sunglasses can be detrimental to your vision if you wear them a lot. That may just be a myth though. Good question for my optomitrist on my next visit. Ill post his response in a couple weeks.

NJBassDevil3254 reply :

I'd like to know if thats true or not. I buy the cheapos at walmart. I lost one pair in the river and I dont know where my other pair went. For 15$ bucks there not bad but if I can acually see REALLY good with other glasses I want a pair of them.

dink reply :

The cheaper shades can cause more eye fatigue over the course of a day. This is caused by lens distortion. The more distortion, the more your eye continually has to refocus thus causing fatigue. To check for distortion, simply wear the shades and focus on an object with your eyes while slowly turning your head. The distortion is how much the object changes shape during this process. Some shades have more distortion than others. I have worked and played outdoors while wearing shades all of my life and there definitely is a difference. There are also differnces in optical quality and weight between glass and polycarbonate lenses, glass being better and poly being lighter. It is also important to find frames that fit your head well to avoid headaches or other pains. I currently have Arnette polarized shades ($100) and find them to be well worth the money. Then again, I am always outside. 8-)

Grey Wolf reply :

Dink summed it up pretty good.

Sam reply :

Oakley's sunglasses are some of the best on the market.

I know some pros like the Cocoons, too.

My optomologist (I go to a real MD for my eye checkups) told me to be sure to get Polarized sunglasses that can protect your eyes from both the A and B rays.

The same is true for sunscreen. Get the type that protects your skin from the A and B rays.

I am thinking of getting Oakley's as I just got my eye exam and I need new glasses.

Thanks for the input on the quality question. I guess the Wal-Mart special just does not cut it.

FillupD reply :

There are lots of glasses out there and to help justify the cost, find a pair that you can wear for everyday activities and not just for fishing. Google search for some reviews and I'm sure you will be busy for awhile.

I bought a pair of Oakley square wires (the newest model just introduced at 240.00) and there definitely is a difference in clarity with higher grade lenses. The square wires are crystal clear and with brown lenses an no line bi-focal they are a great pair of glasses.

Unfortunately I did not do enough homework, and, after wearing them for awhile I found that they are too heavy for fishing activities, although the polarized lenses work very well and they are about indestructible. I now have a very stylish pair of glasses to wear for every day anywhere use, but like you, I am on the lookout for a pair of fishing glasses that I can wear all day without realizing I have them on.

Anyway this is a rambling post and I just wanted to say I won't fall in love with the next pair of glasses I look at with out some intensive research. Remember your eyes are not like baby teeth, when they are gone they don't grow back, take care of them eyeballs.

Maybe there should be a topic about why I like my polarized fishing glasses, what kind are they, and how much did they cost?

cabela10 reply :

I've used polarized Oakley Juliets for the past 3 years while fishing in bass tournaments. I love the things. I bought the orange lens and if I were to get another pair of polarized lenses, I would go with the grey/black lens because it's suppose to work better for on the water activities, but I'll still take my orange lenses with chrome frame.

I think they were around $350 new.

-badhabit- reply :

I have diabetes and my eyes are very sensitive to glare, reflection, or poor quality lenses. There is even a big difference in the expensive polarized glasses. I have given away several pairs of Serengeti, Oakley, etc.... because they are like looking through the "hall of mirrors" at the fair.

Revo makes the best glasses on earth if you don't mind getting off the hip a little. My favorite pair is (Revo 9003) brown looking out of the lenses and blue from the outside looking in.

just my .02

Bluecraw reply :

Yes, there is a difference. My wife used to work for an ophthalmologist and the doctor explained it better than I can but I stay away from the cheap sunglasses. Most of the cheaper sunglasses are just plastic lenses with a tinted coating on them instead of the tint, polarization, anti-reflexion, and UV protection being different lenses. The cheaper ones will block some of the sunlight which makes your pupils dilate (iris open) and lets more of the UV light through causing damage to the retina.

You want sunglasses that block 100% of both types of UV light (A& plus polarization (for glare). Most cheap sunglasses that say they are polarized are not. Some of the trusted brands for quality sunglasses are:

* Bolle'

* Costa Del Mar

* Eyehawk

* Maui Jim

* Native Eyewear

* Oakley

* Ray-Ban

* Revo

* Serengeti

* Sexx Vision

* Shields

* Sun Tiger

* Vuarnet

Hope this helps.

KU_Bassmaster. reply :

Quote
Yes, there is a difference. My wife used to work for an ophthalmologist and the doctor explained it better than I can but I stay away from the cheap sunglasses. Most of the cheaper sunglasses are just plastic lenses with a tinted coating on them instead of the tint, polarization, anti-reflexion, and UV protection being different lenses. The cheaper ones will block some of the sunlight which makes your pupils dilate (iris open) and lets more of the UV light through causing damage to the retina.

EXACTLY what an eye doctor told me one time. Don't skimp on them!!!! Get a good quality pair!!!!! If it's hard to justify the cost ..... think of it this way. 1) You only have one pair of eyes .... PROTECT THEM!!!! 2) I wear mine nearly every day while driving. A couple years go by and all of a sudden those $100, $200, $300 sunglasses aren't that expensive if you think about how much you wear them.

Sunglasses are a MUST for fishing. Not only to block UV light, but also flying hooks.

This happened last year: I was reaching down to lip a descent sized bass and it looked like (and felt like) I had it hooked pretty good and deep. Reached down to lip and the jig came flying out of it's mouth and back at my face. Hit me square in the eye. Luckily I had sunglasses on AS ALWAYS!!! Rain, snow, sun and shine.

I am glad this thread came up. Reminded me I need to send my glasses in ASAP for repairs.

Redlinerobert reply :

Maui Jims rock.

Catt reply :

Comparative Features/Benefits of Lens Materials

Each lens material has a unique set of features and benefits. Here are the basics:

High index plastics

The best choice if you want the thinnest, most attractive lenses possible.

Range from 20% to 65% thinner than plastic lenses (depending on refractive index).

The higher the refractive index, the thinner the lens (and the higher the cost).

Most high index plastic lenses provide 100% protection from the sun's UV rays.

Anti-reflective (AR) coating is essential for the best optical performance and appearance.

High index glass

Over twice the weight of high index plastic lenses of the same thickness.

Some high index glass lenses do not meet the minimum Impact resistance standard required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Excellent scratch resistance.

Less than 2 percent of eyeglass lenses sold in the U.S. are made of high index glass.

Polycarbonate

The best choice if you want the safest and/or lightest lenses possible.

Over ten times more impact resistant than regular plastic lenses.

Used in safety eyewear and sports goggles as well as general purpose eyewear.

Recommended for children's eyewear and whenever eye safety is a primary concern.

Up to 40% thinner and 30% lighter than regular plastic lenses.

Provide 100% protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The second most popular lens material in the United States, accounting for approximately 20 percent of all eyeglass lenses sold.

Plastic

The best choice if you want the most economical lenses possible.

Excellent optical clarity (comparable to glass lenses).

Due to thickness, not recommended for higher prescription powers.

Can be easily tinted to dark sunglass shades.

The most popular lens material in the United States, accounting for over 50 percent of all eyeglass lenses sold.

Glass

The best choice if you want excellent optics and scratch resistance, a relatively low price, and you are willing to tolerate heavier lenses.

Excellent optical performance, providing the widest field of clear vision.

The most scratch resistant lens material available. Glass lenses don't require scratch-resistant coatings for added durability. (All other lens materials do.)

More than twice the weight of other lens materials.

Due to thickness and weight, recommended only for mild prescription powers.

Declining in popularity, accounting for less than 8 percent of eyeglass lenses sold in the United States.

Live.2.Fish reply :

Quote
Posted by: Redlinerobert Posted on: Today at 2:58am
Maui Jims rock.

I second that, got me first pair and they are unbelievable. I bought them after my oakleys finally broke after I had them for 10 years! If sunglasses are gonna last me that long I have no problem shelling out $100+ for quality shades.

kbkindle reply :

kb here thats great for guys that dont need prescription sun glasses. get a eye exam every two years and as you get older your eye's change. so we spend $350.00 every 2 years for sun glasses and then reg glasses kb but like you say better than not seeing at all.

New 2 Bass reply :

I've had my maui jims since 2000. The day I got them I asked if I could walk outside and compare between the 3 choices I had. No comparison. The maui jims made my eyes relax. I can't explain it. Just go to your eyeglass place and ask the very pretty young lady behind the counter to let you try them on outside, in full sun light. She can come with.

I mean it. Try the glass ones. With the sun at a low angle, like it is when you drive home.

hookem12_0 reply :

If you want the best fishing sunglasses you can buy, buy some Natives. They have several different models ranging from about $100-$150. They are stylish like oakleys but designed for outdoor sports. Each pair comes with a case and 4 different sets of lenses(ranging from polarized amber to yellow or orange shooting lenses to clear). They also have an unconditional lifetime warranty. I love mine. Go to your local Sportsmans Wharehouse or get on the Native website and check them out.

Fish Man reply :

native makes a good pair of glasses for the price....works the same as okleys but half the price

cbfishalot reply :

I might need to go out and buy a new pair of sunglasses I've been putting it off for way to long!!

Papa_Tom reply :

If I were only able to buy one nice thing for my fishing and I had a choice between glasses, rods, reels, etc., it would most definitely be the glasses. I may not have always felt this way, but assuredly do now. I also had the experience of taking several pair outside to try on. There is a difference. You can sense some relaxation when you have on really good glasses. Bought the Costa's. No more headaches at the end of the day, no squinting. One of the best things you can do for yourself.

jonnylee82 reply :

I used to use cheap sunglasses. I'd buy a pair or two replacements every year. After buying my Oakleys, I haven't had to buy a replacement for about 4 years now. The quality of the lenses definitely makes a difference. And the overall quality holds up to the abuse I put it through. Natives are okay, but they're not up to the level of Oakley lenses. You do get three extra sets of lenses, but they're not polarized. I recently bought a pair of Smith Optics sunglasses (model: Chamber; photochromic polarized copper lens; ~ $150). These are my new favorites. They have glass lenses that are noticeably clearer than any of my other lenses, and they're not as heavy as I heard glass lenses would be. Their lenses and frames come in different materials, colors, and options.

J._Bricker reply :

The question, in my opinion, is how much are your eyes and vision worth? And good eye protection doesn't come cheap as pointed out by bluecraw. Right now, I'm wearing Oakley's 8-)

bassclown reply :

Quote
I have diabetes and my eyes are very sensitive to glare, reflection, or poor quality lenses. There is even a big difference in the expensive polarized glasses. I have given away several pairs of Serengeti, Oakley, etc.... because they are like looking through the "hall of mirrors" at the fair.
Revo makes the best glasses on earth if you don't mind getting off the hip a little. My favorite pair is (Revo 9003) brown looking out of the lenses and blue from the outside looking in.

just my .02

i'm a revo fan myself...after wearing them my oakleys sit in a drawer

ga_hawghauler reply :

I used the cheaper one from walmart for years till I got a pair of costa del mar. Made a world of difference. IMO they are worth the money.

mike bat reply :

after a few seasons useing the 10-20 dollar pairs i just stepped up to a 100 dollar pair ... the difference is night and day ....i can tell ya in 2 seconeds witch is better ..... i grabbed a pair of smith action optics ... smiths where oraginally made for skiers and snowboarders .... a good lense is needed when on the snow all day .... i geuss fisherman started wearing there glasses and now there is a fishing series ..... also they have the photo chromic lenses ... these photo chromic lenses will adjust to the lite ... the brighter the sun the darker the lense .... early in the morn or in low lite the lenses are almost clear .... they are crazy .... now i dont squint anymore ,,, i found the cheaper pairs to be just to cloudy and never give you a even view .... with my smiths i get a crisp clear view all day .... i went with a copper lense so i could get the photo chromic lense ... but i will also be getting the amber lense ,,, witch isnt photo chromic ..... ;D you guys can see these on there web site www.actionoptics.com i went with the shelter photo copper ..... i have a big head and have trouble finding a frame that fits my head good ,,, the shelter does fit great .... ;D ;D i will also say i dont work for smith nor am i sponcered by smith just a avid fisherman that enjoys action optics ;D ;D

Valascus reply :

Here is thread that was posted not long ago that may help answer some folks questions concerning lens colors for sunglasses.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1169437336

I am still looking for a good pair of sunglasses, but I am not sure if I want to order them online. I would much rather be able to buy them in person so I can test them out and make sure they fit me properly.

Pa Angler reply :

Polarizing isn't the only thing you need to be concerned about. UV protection is more the issue there are levels of protection in UV quality and the cheap glasses don't give you the UV protection that a good pair give. If you like your vision you need to check out on the level of UV protection any particular pair give. The level of UV protection is usually in a numerical rating. If you don't want to go blind best be aware of UV damage to your eyes.

Lard_Bass reply :

For those whose bait monkey needs sunglasses, these guys usually have good deals:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=24504&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226

Bream Master reply :

For those who wear glasses, is there enough room to wear the sunglasses over the eyeglasses? I don't want to have to switch over to contacts just to wear fishing shades, which by the way, I need to start doing.

7975

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