Polarized Sunglasses

[Luke]

I'm looking to buy a good pair of polarized sunglasses for fishing. Any suggestions, info or comments on what to look for would be appreciated.

[GetTheNet!!!]

If you've got the $$$ give Maui Jims a try, their polarization 2 process makes for amazing glare reduction. There's lots of good brands though, I'd suggest you try a couple out on the water, most guys you fish with will probably have a pair, I've never found any better then the Jims though.

[jmikail]

These are not expensive but I get by with the Walmart Rapala polarized glasses. I am not a fancy guy when it comes to the polarized shades and I do not compete so it offers me no advantage.

Different colurs/shades are for different conditions, such as water colour and amount of sunlight.

[Joey Rat]

I have to second the Maui Jims. Not only are they great glasses but they have a good variety of styles and sizes. The thing I like most is that they are optically correct or very close to it.

Their web site allows you to make selections based on face type. Having a big fat head many types don't fit me. I bought MJ Kahunas.

Like "get-the-net" said, they are expensive ($200 -$300 ) but buy them at an optician and you can save the tax.

[Wallyboss]

I have H2O optics and I love them,

[steve-hamilton]

i use prescription glasses with polarization added to them.

cost about 300-400 dollars for a quality pair.

cost about 150 for a cheaper pair.

[Crunchy]

I don't know about the brands listed above, but one thing to consider which makes a big difference....get glass lenses.

I have a pair for RayBan, and they are polarized, but what I like most about them is the glass lenses, they make things much more clear than the plastic lenses.

Not more high-tech composite nuclear aged plastic material for me.

[jig head]

I currently have a pair of H2optics and i love them. I will be buying a pair of bluewater optics in the next couple weeks aswell. Remember especially with polarized sunglasses "you get what you pay for". When purchasing a set of Polarized glasses Make sure to take the following into consideration so you will have a comfortable and successful day on the water.

The size of the lens: The larger the lense, the better. It will block out the extra sunlight.

Tint in the glasses lense: Grey, smoke and Blue are better for the sunny days and in deeper water as for Amber and Brown, these do better in shallow water on overcast days in shallowe water.

Composition: Most glasses are maufactured out of polycarbonite, glass, or CR-39. CR-39 (a type of plastic) is more durable, and less prone to scratches, while glass offers more clarity.

Make sure to try on a variety of glasses so that you can find the best fit.


Anthony

[Scum Frog]

i use prescription glasses with polarization added to them.

cost about 300-400 dollars for a quality pair.

cost about 150 for a cheaper pair.

Same here. My Sunglasses cost about twice as much as my regular pair.

[Rex Mundi]

I have prescription as well. It costs about $100 on top to have the polarizing film added. I also have a pair of polarized clip ons as well. They do a great job in cutting windshield glare in the car, just can't see the radio.

[almontefisher]

I have lost two pair in a stream in Port Hope if you want to look for them...That is why I buy semi cheap pairs...Dont feel so bad when they fall off my head and go to Davy Jones Locker...I hate those strings around your neck but I guess they would have saved me some money

[Crunchy]

I have prescription as well. It costs about $100 on top to have the polarizing film added. I also have a pair of polarized clip ons as well. They do a great job in cutting windshield glare in the car, just can't see the radio

Turn your head 90 degrees to see your clock when using polarized glasses.

[misterminnow]

Your question is interesting. You ask for a good pair of polarized sunglasses. You can indeed purchase a good pair of sunglasses; like previously said, glass is clearer than plastic and more expensive. You have optically correct glasses that are also more expensive, and there are a variety of qualities and styles available.

BUT, if your looking for glasses that have good polarization, they're all the same... A polarizing (Plastic film) filter is added to all polarized lenses and if all you're looking for is to see in the water past the glare, the forementioned Rapala glasses do the same job as an expensive pair. I always keep a few handy in my tackle box just in case.

If you're lucky enough to to have good vision, those are great, if you already wear glasses, I'd invest in a good pair of prescription glasses. And if you can afford it, a good pair of glass lenses do make the day clearer... although after a while with the cheap $10 glasses, you tend to forget your wearing them anyway.

Hope this helps,

mm

[mikemicropterus]

I have had bolle liked them but my maui jim's survived the tree crashing. My sunglasses were on the dash and that is where the impact was concentrated and I found them a day later frozen into the floor. Latest ice storm. After picking the ice away I found only a few scratches in the film coating that is being fixed. The glasses are prescription but I get them through a sponsor, local optician if you want the name pm me.

They are the best I have used so far and would recommend despite the price.



Jighead how did you get those H2o sunglasses>???????????

[GetTheNet!!!]

BUT, if your looking for glasses that have good polarization, they're all the same... A polarizing (Plastic film) filter is added to all polarized lenses and if all you're looking for is to see in the water past the glare, the forementioned Rapala glasses do the same job as an expensive pair. I always keep a few handy in my tackle box just in case.

I'm a firm believer that there are differing levels of polarization quality, I've been guiding the last 2 years on ultra-clear canadian shield lakes where a significant amount of the fishing is sight oriented. A higher quality polarized lens (poly-carbonate or glass) helped aquire more fish, and more of the unique pieces of structure that they hold on. When compared side-by-side to my 'Bob Izumi specials' it wasn't even close. In stained or brackish water here on the Ottawa, cheap ones will probably do the trick, letting you pick out break-lines and weed-edges, but if you're looking for better visual accuity for sight-fishing specific targets, go with a higher quality lens.

Best fishes,

Matt