Can we talk Sunglasses?

[LEDagent]

With all my time here I have heard minimal discussion on Sunglasses. With so much of us so interested in light, I’d think that eye protection would be an important issue.

The last conversation i heard about sunglasses was about a year ago when the Surefire boards were still popular and still affiliated with the Surefire website. I think it was Ken J. Good and some other SF members that recommended wearing sunglasses during the day to preserve night vision as much as possible when it is needed, for example, when entering a building during a tactical operation during the day. I'm sure all of us have experienced something like this. For example, when you've been cutting the lawn all morning and you go inside for a drink of water...sometimes you can't find your way around because your eyes have been adjusted to bright light.

I want to open up some topics for discussion, but what I want to avoid are discussions of which brand is best or style as these features are subjective.

1. Polarized Vs. Non-Polarized Sunglasses:
I know what the basic purpose of polarized sunglasses are, they reduce glare. I’ve only owned one pair polarized sunglasses. They were from Arnette and they were rather expensive, but I lost them. I would like my next pair of sunglasses to be polarized because I like the benefits I saw, especially while driving or out on the water.

2. Are all Polarized lenses made equal?
There are cheap polarized sunglasses ($20-$40) and there are name brand, expensive, polarized sunglasses ($60 - $300), like Oakley, Bolle, Maui Jim, Ray Band…etc. Is there anything in the polarization process that set apart the cheap and the expensive? I would generally stick with name brand sunglasses, not so much because of their features, but because they are usually styled better and usually offer more customization.

3. Polycarbonate or Glass lenses…does it matter to you?
I am aware that this feature is just as important as which lens you should put in your flashlight. Of course, glass (depending on what kind) offers better light transmission than polycarbonate, lexan, or plastic lenses. But glass is more likely to break or chip and Polycarbonate lenses are easier to scratch than glass. Some of the best glass lens, polarized sunglasses are from Maui Jimm and Ray Ban, but these cost upwards of 100-200 dollars. Does lens material matter to you?

I think this pretty much covers what I want to know before I make my next sunglass purchase.

 

[avusblue]

Check out this thread.

You'll find many of your questions (and some you hadn't yet thought of /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif) discussed there.

Dave (Still wearing my almost 20 year old Rendolph's /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif)

 

[kinzli]

I agree, once you've worn polarized lenses, you'll never wear non-polarized again. I certainly won't.

As far as "good" versus "average" polarized, I think there is a difference. Not so much in the polarization itself, but in the optical quality of the finished product. Polarized lenses are actually sandwiches of material, so the better the process of sandwiching and polishing the better the finished product will be.

My dad sells Action Optics (for fly fishing) and they're a very nice pair of polarized glasses for about $80-150. Some are glass, some are polycarbonate. I like polycarbonate for the durability and lightweight. In all the years my dad's been selling glasses, he's never seen a broken pair of polycarbonates...

 

[flownosaj]

1--polarized

2--no.

3--polycarbonate if doing any "physical" activities. Glass if I'm driving or just lounging.

For "sports" I've got Wiley X clear and smoked lenses, Rudy project Rydon neutral gray, and a set of dark polarized Dagger machetties (sp?) that I busted just last week. The Rudy's are the most comfortable and I just wish I had picked up the polarized lenses, but Ebay beggars can only occasionaly be choosers /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
The Daggers were great on the motorcycle and I didn't look like an idiot if I wore them around town as they were more traditional looking with a full frame and not so "sporty".

The glass lenses are an older pair of Stussy's an a new pair of Revo's. They're both polarized, but you can tell the difference between the two--but the Revos are uncomfortably heavy at times.

From now on, I would like to get all my glasses polarized and with variable density so they can adapt to the changing light conditions. They are only available with the more expensive models, so it'll be a while for that.

-Jason

 

[iddibhai]

i really want to get a pair of serengeti strata driver's but strata (polarized) is NOT available in Rx from them. so, who makes photochromic, polarized, prescription and what serengeti call spectral control (chop of <400nm and >750 or something)

 

[tylerdurden]

I will second what Jason said about Revos. I've had a pair for almost ten years now. They're built like a tank - I've abused the hell out of them (even ran over them with a heavy rolling office chair (and I weigh almost 300)), and they're still in great shape, but they are HEAVY. I can't wear them for more than a couple of hours without getting a sore nose. Optically, they are excellent for driving, but after the first hundred miles or so I find myself pulling them off to massage my nose every few minutes.

 

[paulr]

Polarization never did much for me. Maybe for sailing or something, it matters more (reflections off water). For outdoor use, watch out for too much light spill around the sides of the glasses. A curved or wraparound style helps with that. For driving, it probably matters less. Use a hard carrying case to keep the glasses from getting squashed. Serengeti's come with hard cases, which is nice.

Also, retail markups are insane. Look for sales. I've gotten two pairs of Serengeti's for over 60% off retail. I think the 2nd pair, I went into Coleman's and looked at some less expensive glasses I didn't like, then some Serengeti's that I liked better but said they were too expensive and asked to see some more cheaper pairs. The sales guy then said he could let me have the Serengeti's at the last price they were on sale at, some months earlier. He typed something into the computer and the price was around 60% off.

 

[iddibhai]

revo's dont do Rx, and they look too "kewl" to fit me, i like classic frames. pol would help in driving since there is a lot of low altitude sun reflecting off the road and cars early morn/evening, and i spend quite some time outdoors walking. you can find serengeti's for dirt cheap at costco's every now and then.

 

[MrThompson]

Try Maui Jim for RX. I have a pile of Revos dating back to 87. I switched to titanium framed polycarbonate polarized Maui Jims a couple of years ago. No other sunglasses I have used come close.

The wife loves her perscription Maui Jims.

 

[this_is_nascar]

Funny this subject came up. The other day I ordered a pair of Serengeti Summit Drivers in the black-matte frames.

 

[tylerdurden]

iddibhai, I agree, the current revos are too "kewl" for my liking. My ten-year-old revos are much more traditional. Those Randolph Engineering glasses mentioned in the thread linked in post #2 look pretty sweet.

 

[Sonic]

I second what MrThompson said about Maui Jims, and not because I'm from Hawaii! Not only for RX though, just awesome sunglasses. May be a bit expensive though.

For everyday use I currently use a pair of Oakley Zeros. Cheap for Oakley(less than $100) and really comfortable and light. I used to swear by Rayban for the glass lenses, but it gets heavy after awhile.

 

[Saaby]

I have a nice pair of Anne et Valentin Titanium frame eyeglasses. My grandmother who sells frames and sunglasses set me up with them a few months ago. I thought I was going to get photocromatic lenses in them but she set me up with a clip from these people instead. It's 2 nice polarized lenses that match the shape of my my (rather unique) held together with a piece of that Flexon metal stuff. It actually works really well,

So if you have eyeglasses already consider visiting your local Eyeworks and getting a clip made. If you don't know of any retailer that sells them, I can direct you to one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Bushman]

Serengeti Hurikanu Vermillion lens. Hard to beat. Very "classic" styling.

 

[bigcozy]

I have owned a little of everything, I lean toward Gargoyles. I will never be convinced some glasses are worth the money, I can't tell any difference in optical quality in anything I have owned. I have new name to throw in here, Uvex. I bought some Uvex Swift wraparound glasses, and I couldn't be more pleased. A whopping $12, and I have worn them on my motorcycle all summer, and all day at work for about 5 months now. They are suprisingly tough, and the most comfortable glasses I have ever worn, I always forget I have them on. It took me awhile to come around to wrap sunglasses, but I am convinced now.

 

[DieselDave]

I am nearly embarrassed to admit I have been wearing Costa's for about 2 months. I like the look and feel of my Randolph's but it was hurting my feelings to see a pair of sunglasses that were 5 times the cost of my Randolph's going unused. The lenses are great, better than the Randolph’s but the look and feel isn’t my style. I am sure to break or lose them soon and then I can go back to my cheapies.

I do love polarized and glass lenses.

 

[Darell]

I like polarized lenses for everything *EXCEPT* driving. The problem? Can't read the LCD displays in my car - and there are lots of them now. I have a Palm device, a GPS mapping devide, my radio controls. They're all blank when I wear polarized glasses!

 

[LEDmodMan]

If money wasn't an object, I would recommend the Maui Jim Sport Titaniums. Awesome glasses, you hardly even notice them. I would love to buy a pair...

However, for a lot of decent sunglasses at good prices, look here:

Campmor Sunglasses

I was EXTREMELY surprised how many different pairs of sunglasses they had, and a lot of their prices can't be beat either (especially the close-outs and "hot deals")!

I have been wearing the black frame / high-contrast sandstone (tan) lens version of these for over a year now. I really like them! Not too expensive either. I actually bought a second pair recently because I want to have a replacement pair when the ones I am currently wearing are worn out. Campmor used to have them, but it looks like that particular model is gone (the temple says Asp 1787201063). They were on close-out for only $25 when I bought them, and I believe Bolle has discontinued this particular model line (the Asp/787). Look here for more details on these glasses.

Just my $0.02 worth on a decent, inexpensive pair of good polarized glasses... As usual, YMMV!

 

[LEDagent]

LEDModMan, It is funny that you have mentioned the Sport Titaiums from Maui Jim...because they are EXACTLY what i will be getting. Model: 503-23. I have found some on ebay for less than $200 when they normally go for $250 at local sunglass shops and online shops.

WHEW! Lots of responses here! I've been away for a while but i have been reading your responses. I just got so busy all of a sudden and i haven't had the time to actually post something.

It sounds like a majority of you are also fans of polarized polycarbonate lenses. However, Darell and paulr bring up an important point about their disadvantages. I too remember the last time i had polarized lenses i couldn't read any of the LCD guages in my car. Luckily the LCD devices are limited to the radio and clock so they are kept to a minumum, but there are some situations when the polarized lenses acutually gave me a headache at times. I think mostly it was because i saw things that i normally wasn't expecting to see, like near zero reflections from water and car windows...it took a little getting use to. It also seems as if gradient lenses are also popular amongst drivers too, but i could never stand the constant tint change everytime i tilted my head, so i'll be avoiding those.

Saaby, those clip on lenses actually look pretty stylish. I don't have a use for them because i don't wear prescription glasses, but my dad does and he is a big fan of clip on lenses. He bought a pair and they were way overpriced...he could have bought another set of frames if he wanted to. Thanks for the link!

Here is what i have been chewing on for the past week.

I have been back and forth to my local sunglass/optical shops looking for the perfect sunglass (same process i take for choosing a flashlight). My first choice were a pair of Rudy Project Keja 63 sunglasses. They are a metal frame with a grey, polarized-polycarbonate lens. They were pretty pricey at $175 but they were really attractive and sporty. I was looking for a pair of sunglasses that i could use for everday and formal occasions, and these looked really nice. What sold me on these glasses was their warranty. Rudy Project has a lifetime replacement warranty on their lenses and frames. If you scratch them or brake them for any reason, you just send them in and pay for postage and they will send you another one. I thought this was really great because i usually end up scratching my lenses after a good year or two.

My next choice was the Bolle Meanstreak. Black metal frame and grey polarized-poly lens. They were sporty and they fit my face well. I liked these because i found some on eBay for about $70. But there was something in the back of my mind that wanted something better. Kind of like trying to chose between Surefire and Streamlight sometimes. They both offer quality lights, but sometimes you sacrifice your wallet for quality and go for the expensive Surefire.

Another pair that i almost fell in love with were the Oakley Polarized Square Frame 2.0 sunglasses with the V28 copper/rose lens. The optical quality from Oakleys are the only sunglasses that i can actually tell a difference with. But i've owned a pair in the past and find that they are WAY overpriced. The pair i was looking at were $250, even online and in eBay. I would have splurged the $250 for these glasses but they just aren't unique enoegh to spend that much money. The sunglass model with the same frame but without the polarized lens goes for about $120-$150 dollars. I didn't think 2 lenses were worth the extra 100 dollars. Also, my last pair of sunglasses from Oakley (metal frame) didn't last a year with me, and i also hear that the Oakley warranty department is hard to deal with if you want your lenses replaced.

The last pair i looked at and finally settled on were the Maui Jim Titanium Sports. I usually skip the Maui Jim display case because i know that i can't get anything under 200 dollars from Maui Jim. But after finding the perfect frame, i went online and found a few pairs on eBay around my alloted budget. I decided to go with the rose colored lens. The wire thin frame was very unique and it was "light as a feather." I really liked them. They weren't too "hip" and they looked as if they can go with any situation.

I have one other question. What is it with the rose colored lenses? I was going to settle on some regular grey tint lenses, but after trying some quality rose colored lenses from Oakley and Maui Jim, i could have sworn that the color made it easier on my eyes to focus on things. I immediately stopped looking through several different models with the grey tinted lenses because it felt easier to see through the rose lenses. Is there any reason behind this, or was looking through a pair of 200 dollar sunglasses "altering my perception" a bit? I've read several different (high end) sunglass webpages that offer rose colored lenses and they all say that they offer higher contrast than grey lenses. The sales people also told me the same thing...but i want to make sure that i'm not just being thrown a sales pitch.

I guess this question can be equivilant to choosing which colored LED flashlight to carry...but this one is expensive. (However not too unusual with how much some of us spend on flashlights.) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[iddibhai]

amber/rose lenses tend to increase contrast for whatever reason, and higher contrast means focusing is easier. i am thinking of getting maui jim prescriptions /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif