Sunglass opinions wanted

[smclear]

I will be shopping for a new pair of sunglasses this spring but before I drop $400+/- (they'd be prescription) I thought I'd seek some opinions. I haven't priced any yet so that $400 figure may or may not be realistic. There are some criteria that I absolutely will NOT compromise on.

1. They must be polarized.

2. They must offer 100% U.V (all spectrums) protection.

Surprisingly there are very few manufacturers that offer both. I only know of two, Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim.

I have owned Costa's for the past 20 years and have been more than happy with them. Just thought I'd try to get other opinions.

So, what would you recommend, and just as important, why?

 

[walk-on]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I can't recommend a particular brand of sunglasses, but I can recommend that you put something on them to make them float or keep them on you when you're on the water. I've lost two pair of sunglasses in the water already, but mine were only $20 - $30 sunglasses. I keep a strap on my sunglasses now!

 

[i386]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I get a new pair of Oakleys about once every 4-5 years. I think the ones I get are usually around $100. I wear them every day so I get my money's worth. The polarized lenses may cost a little more. I like the way they look and they have good clarity. They also meet or exceed the specs. for safety glasses too and I use them as such outdoors (hammering, power tools, shooting, etc...). You can also replace any part of them if they get damaged or worn out (Earpieces, nosepieces, lenses, etc...).

I have a cheap pair of polarized (insert name of some famous bass fisherman) sunglasses from Wal-Mart that I wear fishing just to knock the glare off the water a bit.

Having said that, I'll be turning 40 this year and those Oakleys are starting to look a little too "young" for me so I'm not sure if I'll go that route on my next pair or not.

 

[JB]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

My step-mom was an Optometrist.

40 years ago she insisted that we wear only Ray-Ban. They were polarized and banned uva and uvb.

I suppose there are many available today that do both. My own are prescription with the right specs.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

Take a drive out to Brazil to Dr. Gary Nesty's Solar Bat shop. I think Solar Bat offer what you're looking for.

 

[sturdavj]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I got a pair of Oakleys last spring.

The model I picked out was the Half Jacket, outfitted as you described. The reason I choose this particular model is because they are designed for bike riding which is to say they have excellent side shield protection for the purpose of keeping the wind out your eyes. This also equates to limiting the amount of sun glare that comes in around the frames.

The price range is in the same neighborhood as you mentioned.

Oh? did forget to mention they also double as my Harley Davidson ridding glasses, they see their fair share of use. And I do use a strap with them?..

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

bolle' also offer polarized along with uva and uvb. They can be purchased as prescription from the manufacture. Just check their web site. Cilck on customer service, then on prescription lenses.

 

[rtpassini]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

Mine were about 20 bucks shipped.
some uv blocking but more importantly are safety rated. I needed some for when i ride on the bike. Dont need a rock hitting me at 75+ mph.

they also have a nice piece of foam so they dont crush my nose with the helmet on. Ive been happy with them.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

Deals can be had on eBay. I priced a pair of new American Optical aviator glasses at $40.00. Don't think the are polarized but the optics are as fine as you can buy.

 

[cribber]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I'm from the school that ya get what you pay for... Cop for a decent pair that gives ya best bang for your buck and lenses that can be replaced. After a season or two out on the boat you'll get water etching that will deteriorate the clarity of those new shades over time. Knowing that I paid more prompts me to take care of them better than the cheep pair I bought for mowing the property.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

Check out Wiley X...this is what I wear for serious jet skiing!

http://www.wileyx.com/index.aspx

 

[smclear]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I'm from the school that ya get what you pay for... Cop for a decent pair that gives ya best bang for your buck and lenses that can be replaced. After a season or two out on the boat you'll get water etching that will deteriorate the clarity of those new shades over time. Knowing that I paid more prompts me to take care of them better than the cheep pair I bought for mowing the property.

First off, thanks for all the suggestions. Some of you have mentioned brands I hadn't considered but now will.

I fully agree with the 'you get what you pay for' philosophy. These are my only eyes, I want to protect them. I lived in Ft. Liquordale for about 10 years back in the early eighties. I worked at Harbourtown, Bahia Mar, and Pier 66. Spent all my free time on the water as well. It's while there that I discovered the true value of a good set of shades. It's also where I discovered Costa Del Mars. I have never experienced the 'etching' you refer to though. I still have a pair of Costa's that are ~20 - 25 years old and they're still as perfect as new. It's just that my eyesight is no longer 'goog as new'!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I know little about them (except they are expensive), but Maui Jim sunglasses are headquartered here in Peoria, IL. Maybe check them out?

 

[Splat]

Re: Sunglass opinions wanted

I'll throw my .02in here.

I prefer oakley myself. And usually go through a pair every 2-3 years. I typically wear a A Wire style. They provide plenty of wind protection, and the lens quality is out of this world. The Awires with a polarized lens typically costed me about $195 a pop, but i believe they have discontinued that model. I'll have to look at new frames, possiably going with a square wire, or I may splurge and go to a titanium frame, like the whisker.

I wear my glasses a lot, and I'm in and out of my truck, and cruiser all day long, or on the motorcycle, both are unique in that they offer many varying light conditions over a short period of time. I've found that oakleys are dark enough to provide plenty of sun protection, but the lens quality won't degrade your vision when racing into a turn on the bike in a setting like a mountainous road where shade will be present. I'ts hard to describe unless you've ever worn a very high quality lens.

Oakleys are available in prescription lenses, and i'd have to call my buddy but I believe they were very affordable, maybe an additional 15% to the base cost of the glasses.

You can also get them in Transitions lenses now.A side note on transitions lenses, they are pretty useless for driving. The Dimming effect on the lenses is caused from the presence of UV light. Windshields in cars are coated to block out UV rays, so when driving no UV hits the lenses and they won't darken.

Bill