Are expensive Polarized Sunglasses Worth it?

Post by **Thrillhouse** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:42 am

I was wondering what people think. I have had a number of $10-$20 polarized glasses, and they seemed to work fine. Was thinking of buying some Oakleys or Solar Bats, but want to know if they are better then the cheap one.
Thanks

Post by **Jimmy_1** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:45 am

I have some Rapala's and some prescription Nike Polarized sunglasses.

I find that the Nike's are for sure worth it. Lens clarity wise.

That's just my opinion....

But I also wear them riding....I'd NEVER get on a bike with $10-$20 shades.....

With Oakley, Nike etc they stand behind that "shatter-proof/resistant" statement....not sure the $10 ones do....I'd also question the validity of "polarized" on cheap glasses.....

Post by **saskie** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:05 am

Do they make a difference - Yes. I am a bargain bin raider of legend - and when I'm fishing side by side with someone with quality shades they ALWAYS spot the fish/structure first.

That being said if I had an extra $200 to spend on fishing related stuff new shades wouldn't be at the top of that list. The cheap ones (Rapala, Cocoon etc) do work...the brand names just work better.

Post by **Andy_L** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:07 am

I have Bluewater Optics sunglasses and i love them, I think you get the quality and clarity with the higher end units...but the polarization I don't think its actually any different.

btw if you ever want to confirm if a pair is polarized....take 2 pairs (when you know 1 definitely is) and hold them so you can see through BOTH pairs of lenses (one in front of the other). Now turn one pair 90 degrees (vertically)...you should see through the one remaining double lens that it goes almost completely black. if it does...they are polarized...if no change, they aren't

Post by **landshark** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:09 pm

I think the cheaper brands work fine. I will say this, i use to buy them until i bought a coui-ple pair of maui jim's. The one thing about expensive sunglasses is that you are less likely to lose them. I have a tendency to take better care of mine.

Post by **Canmoore** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:25 pm

I have a pair of Rapala Polarized sunglasses. They definately do make a differfence, especially on those sunny days, cuts through the glare and you can see structure, and fish.

Not just this, but nothing is worse than having to spend a day wincing from the glare coming off the water, makes for an unpleasent fishing trip.

As for price?

Heinz Ketchup, and no-name Ketchup taste the same, only difference is $$

up to you if you want/can spend $200 dollars on brand-name glasses. Just remember, they are all made in China!!

Post by **West Lake Willows** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:06 pm

There is definitely a difference, not just in performance but how they protect your eyes. Here is a good read if you are interested http://science.howstuffworks.com/sunglass1.htm

In some cases cheap sunglasses actually do more damage to your eyes then if you didn't wear glasses at all. This is because they stop you from squinting which opens your iris', but the glasses don't block UV so the UV just massacres your eyes.

Obviously you pay for the name with some glasses but there is a big difference in the way lens' are made from cheap to expensive glasses.

Scott

Post by **Dirtus** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:09 pm

i own bluewaters, i also have some cheap one's, i find the bluewaters are a lot clearer and like andy says i am not sure if the polarization is different its hard to tell but i do like my bluewaters, they fit really well as they are fully adjustable.

Andy

Post by **troutbum** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:27 pm

I have prescription polarized sunglasses by Oakley. They,re awesome, I used to wear contacts and would just pick up a pair of cheap sun glasses
(a la ZZ Top) After having these new ones there is no comparison and I find they are really sturdy I use them for Sking, riding and a lot thougher on them then fishing. Got the copper/brown lense I find it cuts the glare just great and it dosn't make everyday look like it's overcast.
And like someone said earlier if they,re expensive you tend to look after them.

Post by **Doeun_k** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:34 pm

If you tend to drop your glasses in the water or miss place them alot go with the cheaper ones

Post by **Dore** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 3:23 pm

I have the oakley Gascans and they are great.... had them for 2 years and managed not to lose them or break them. They are wonderfull to spot the fish and structure !!

dore819

Post by **boogie** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 6:47 pm

The main thing to remember is how well they protect your eyes from the harmful rays, yes they are more expensive, however you only have 1 pair of eyes.

Post by RJ » Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:01 pm

I have Bolle's......I do think they make a big difference.....my issue is two things.....

1. My eyes are so used to having them on I can't go 10 minutes without them on without getting a major headache.

2. Coon eyes. Almost year round.

RJ

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:47 pm

you'll find there are big differences in polarized lense quality.

hell, even when you go to lenscrafters to get prescription polarized glasses, they have 3 different brands of polarizing, with 3 different price ranges....

i went with the Zeiss lenses.

Post by **Astro-Mike** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:00 pm

I have prescription bolle's
love em.. worth every dime in my opinion