Polarized glasses

Sliderite · 07-12-2001, 02:20 AM

I realize that I could search the past links for glasses but the technology changes. This is bright summer and the sun is relentless as of late.... so what kind and make do most use?
I personally use the Action pescador since it fits right and the side is covered. I grant you that it don't look too cool but does that really matter? When you look in the water you can see the rocks..er fish.. more so than without the sidecovers.
So...What at are your thoughts and does it matter for marine waters??
Also I think Amber is the best lens for most all around conditions.

local_hooker · 07-12-2001, 03:48 AM

I've had alot of cheap pairs that were ok, but I recently bought a pair of "Oakley Strait Jackets" with a polarized lens. They are the best I've owned so far. I always get some glare, not on the water, but from other objects with the cheap ones. With the Oakley's I can't even tell they are polarized till I look in the water. They do run about $155, thats the only draw back.

Master Baiter · 07-12-2001, 06:28 AM

You get what you pay for! you only have one pair of eyes so why not spend a little and get a good pair of glasses. I like mine to have glass lenses not plastic and they need to be full wrap curve style frame. Someone told that you wanted Amber for fresh water and grey for salt, has anyone else ever heard this before? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

Trick · 07-12-2001, 07:01 AM

Grey for sunny and amber for the cloudy days is the way I've always used them. But then again I've never owned a pair over $50, so maybe one good pair would do the job? Hooker what color are the lenses on your $150 pair?

Smily · 07-12-2001, 08:54 AM

Hi Sliderite,
I got some Polarized from Big 5 and they work fantastic. They were the Xoor model or something like that. Big 5 claims they retail for $125.00 and on Sale for only $25.00. Can't understand when things go on sale for 75% off. I have always owned cheep sunglasses before but never again. These glasses not only cut out the glare while driving but also cut glare out on the water. I have had other polarized fishing glasses but never thought they were any good. These are a must to see for both things. They are super clear for all application even on hazy days as well. These are your typical blue color lense as well. I don't know or tried the other color lenses.

[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Smily [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Gizmo Man · 07-12-2001, 09:32 AM

Smily: Got the same ones at Big 5. They are great.

Saw a test on the tube the other night. They tested the UV rating of many sunglasses. Some of the high priced glasses were not as effective in reducing uv and the under $20 glasses.

So now the question, how does someone really know if they are protecting there eyes...??

So, more money does not mean better protection.

Giz... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 07-12-2001: Message edited by: Gizmo Man ]

smilesforu · 07-12-2001, 12:08 PM

For my marine use I don't do sight fishing so basic sunglasses work fine. I have some fancy Maui Jims polarized that I wear on the Marine water and general driving. Glass lenses are nice for using a tee-shirt to clean. The Maui Jims look nice too.

For freshwater sight fishing I have some Action optics with a changeable lenses (yellow, amber, grey). Yellow is awsome in low light conditions, amber for overcast and the grey for the really bright days. These lenses are the polycarbonate so you need to be careful when cleaning. The glasses make you look like a dork but the work great.

I also put a strap on the back of the glasses so I don't set them down and forget them. I recommend a rubber tipped strap with cord and adjustable slide.

Killertraylor · 07-12-2001, 01:47 PM

Maui Jims are definitely the ticket for the best polarization. I've owned 4 pair (still have 3) and use them almost exclusively. They're expensive, but worth it in my opinion. I bought my first pair standing on the beach in Maui on my honeymoon. I was wearing my $75 Ray Ban's and they were selling Maui Jims right on the beach at my hotel. I compared the two and it was like night and day - the Maui Jims cut all the glare off the ocean. Lifeguards in Hawaii have been using them in Hawaii for many years. I've heard that Ocean Waves and Costa Del Mar make similar quality fishing glasses for about $50 less than the Maui Jims but I've never tried them.

HOGTIDE · 07-12-2001, 05:57 PM

I buy embarrassingly cheap sunglasses. Usually $6 - $12 a pair specials. I kinda have an excuse, in that I'm notorious for losing and breaking glasses. Last year in one weeks time on the Rogue I went through 4 different pairs. I swear...all I did was put one pair on and the lens fell out, while another pair split in half while I had them on...HEY...Where's the Quality Control ??? I've spent over $6 here!? OK I lost a couple other pairs while tilting up the trolling motor. My wife doesn't think it's funny. The clerks in Jot's store would start laughing at me every time I passed through.

Anyway....

If I had a choice of good glasses, I would purchase wraparound style, because it eliminates side glare and wind. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Catch 22 · 07-12-2001, 06:20 PM

Ray Ban used to make their own glasses. They eventually sold out to Baush&Lomb. They have since been sold to another company that makes many major brands of sunglasses. They aren't the same quality anymore by any means. Oakleys are OK, but you're paying more for marketing than quality. I know, I have a pair of E-wires. The Maui Jims are great. They can be purchased at Costco for a reasonable price too.

rob allen · 07-12-2001, 06:44 PM

It seems silly after spending 300 dollars for a rod and reel another 100 + on a pair of waders and untold hundreds on other gear and thousands on boats to talk about the importance of good quality sun glasses. But here the old saying is true you get what you pay for. Good glasses not only help you see in the water better but also protect your eyes from the sun and flying hooks.
Last summer I bought a pair Maui Jim Typhoons with copper lenses. They have been the best pair of glasses I have ever worn they are as good if not better than action optics.
Remember a cheap pair of glasses may help you see better in the short term but do nothing for long term protection.

212hjet · 07-12-2001, 07:34 PM

A couple months ago, I lost my polarized sun glasses, so I bought a pair of Costa Del Mar's from www.sierratradingpost.com If you are an outdoorsman, you should know about this place....anyway, they truly have been very good....choices are always limited to the overruns or blems they have. I don't know if these were overruns or not , but I haven't found any flaws in them. I think they were about 55 to 60$. I'd recommend them. I used them while running Hell's Canyon last weekend and they were wonderful all day, everyday.

KrystalFlash · 07-12-2001, 10:25 PM

Ok, Here's my .02!

I've had many pairs of polarized glasses, and the pair of Maui Jims that I presently have are by far the best. They are not cheap, but they are definately the best. Ultra low glare and Full-wrap to block out the glare from the sides.
They are my chioce and my fathers.
(My father is an Optometrist)
Better Lucky Than Good!
KF

sinker · 07-13-2001, 02:14 AM

Ok, I know I'll look like a dork wearing them [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
I wear prescription glasses, do any of these guys make any type of wrap around style glasses that would fit over my presc. ones??
Told ya I'd look like a dork [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] . That's ok, what else is new!!!!
I just bought some cheapy $12 ones, they're nicer than none at all, but not by much. Still lots of glare off of stuff.

HOGTIDE · 07-13-2001, 07:04 AM

Hey! I spend hundreds of dollars on sunglasses....just, 6 bucks at a time! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

local_hooker · 07-13-2001, 07:44 AM

trick-- They are a bluish grey, I've only had them for a month so I've only fished in clear sunny weather with them so far, I don't know how they will do in the overcast?

I agree that with Oakley glasses you pay for alot of marketing, but being well endowed in the cranial department has left me with few choices.

You think it's hard finding good glasses, try doing it with a 7 7/8 hat size. My poor poor mother....ouch!

Hookset · 07-13-2001, 08:17 AM

sinker,

I too wear prescription glasses and use "Fitovers" brand sunglasses. They slide over the prescription glasses, have polarized lenses and are actualy comfortable.
I don't think they look to dorky and really don't care since the sun is what concerns me most.

I've seen these glasses at fairs, but found them less expensive from my local optometrist.

Gregg

LAYthe5 · 07-13-2001, 08:30 AM

MY WIFE WORKS FOR AN OPHTHALMOLOGY GROUP WITH A FULL SERVICE EYEWEAR DEPARTMENT IN THE SAME BUILDING. THEY SELL SEVERAL DIFFERENT BRANDS OF POLARIZED GLASSES. BOLLE MAKES A GREAT PAIR WITH SIDE LENSES ON THEM WHICH ARE GREAT, AND THE OPTICAL CLARITY IS AMAZING. I DO AGREE THOUGH THAT OAKLEY IS ONE OF THE BEST. RIGHT NOW I HAVE 7 DIFFERENT PAIRS OF OAKLEY'S, ONLY BECAUSE MY WIFE PAYS 50% OF REGULAR COST. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]