Polarized Glasses

[MarkD]

I'm looking for advice on your favorite polarized sunglasses, as well as the most appropriate lens color for flats fishing (or fishing in general).

Before I plunk my $150 - $200 down I'd like a little reassurance that I'm headed in the right direction.

I'm leaning towards Maui Jim.

Thanks in advance, guys.

[CMP]

Mark,

I have 3 pairs of polarized for different uses. For general use, Revo brown lenses are outstanding, but lack penetrating power in hazy or "non-bright" conditions. My Maui's with grey lenses are the best fish spotting and harpooning glasses for all light conditions, but are a bit heavy for all-day use and my H2Optix are a nice light pair, but not quite as good at getting "deep" to hit fish. All around, go with the grey Maui's...

CMP

[mtquigley]

I was always under the impression amber lenses are better for the water. I have always been happy with a relatively cheap pair $30.oo-$40.00 that has good coverage. I also like them for driving.

[fishinimpossible]

The best I've ever used are the Action Optics brand. I've gotten their "Ambush" model twice with the amber lenses. I had one pair for 3 years, lost them, and went right out for the same thing immediately. The glare reduction is amazing, and the lenses sit so close to your eyes that almost no light can get in from the sides. I've tried Maui Jim, but like these better. Action Optics are hard to find...they carry them at Stoddard's in Boston, and at Goosehummock in Orleans. They run about $150.

[jagarland]

Although Maui Jim and Action Optics are very good glasses and well worth the money, if you want to spend a little less, you might be just as well off with some of the non-prescription glasses from Orvis. I bought a pair for about $70 with amber lenses that work well on the flats. In any case, I recommend plastic frames since they are lighter and more comfortable for extended wear and make sure they are polarized lenses which eliminate most of the UV rays. The Sporting Life in Mashpee and Fishing the Cape in Harwich, both Orvis stores, had them in stock last I knew. And, since both stores are sponsors of Reel-Time, we suggest patronizing them and mentioning our name.

Jack
Ad Director
Reel-Time.com

End

[ER]

I also recommend action optics. Bought a pair of MJ's found them too expensive, heavy and let in too much light on the sides. I returned them and bought the Action Optics..and saved about 50 bucks. Kittery trading post has them in Maine.

[fishinimpossible]

I almost forgot...another cool thing or two about Action Optics...they are really comfortable, and wont slip off your face when you sweat (there is rubber where they meet your nose). I've also busted mine about 3 times. I dropped a laptop on them in my car, my dog chewed them and I snapped them while wrasslin' with of my buds. Each time I sent them back, they repaired them for free, and had them back to me in under a week!

[IronMike]

without a doubt... Maui Jim Volcano's.

[saxatilis]

Visit www.oceanwaves.com and see why they are truely the best. They block UVA, UVB, and UVC! I treat my eyes to an unlimited budget and buy generic at the supermarket to save money! To me, you can't be too careful with your eyes!

Best frame style for blocking light: Nassau
Best stylish frame: Stingray
Best lense color: Backwater green (really amber);

my $0.02

[BobD]

I love my Maui Jim's with grey lenses for all around use. I do have a pair of H3O's with the interchangeable lenses, but I find that I only use them with the amber lenses when fishing over lite colored bottom (Monomoy). I am saving up to get another pair of Maui's with an amber lense.




Bob D<BR><img src="http://www.watersedge-charters.com/nebaylogo.gif">

[riptide]

I hate to buck the trend, as I haven't used the above listed brands. But, for day in and day out use on the water, sighting fish for customers, I SWEAR by my Costa del Mars. They have done great by me for 3 years. I don't treat them gently and they don't have a scrath on them. They are light weight, comfy all day, and I've seen them on the net (some .com the Costa recomends) for under $100. In amber they are awsome.

Just my .02

Capt. Terry Nugent<BR>Riptide Charters<BR>www.riptidecharters.com

[JimK]

I have two pairs. One is Ocean Waves with grey lenses and grey side lens panels. I don't like them that much. The fram e is bulky and doesn't fit me that well. They are also only good for very bright conditions.

I also have a pair of Costa Del Mar Blackfin style. They have an amber lens with a green mirror insert. I love these glasses. They fit well, don't let light through the sides and can be worn in most lighting situations. I had them over two years and there still like new.

I bought them off the internet for about $114. Look around on the internet. There were a half dozen sights that sell sunglasses. Many had good deals.

[jamesborghesani]

I bought the Costa Del Mar South Beach style with green mirror lens (glass, amber base) and love them. I checked many sites on the web and found the best price at eyesave.com. Good luck.

[MarkD]

Thanks for all the information guys. I'm still undecided but I feel better informed.

-Mark

[greeny]

MAUI JIMS ARE THE BEST, I HAVE TRIED OTHERS AND I JUST PICKED UP A PAIR AT SUNGLASS HUT FOR ABOUT $165, AND WELL WORTH THE ', YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENT DEPTHS, AND THE FISH. AND THE PROTECTION IS UNBEATABLE

[globalevent]

I love my Maui Jim's but don't get the really dark ones.