Best sunglasses?

I am very particular about my sunglasses and I have owned my share of premium sunglasses over the years including several Vuarnets, several Ray-Bans, two Serengetis and some others that I don't remember. I have pretty much given up on the premium glasses, since I have found you can now get equal performance in a $20 pair of sunglasses if you know what to look for and can avoid the crappy glasses that are abundant in that price range. Besides, they won't last forever no matter how durable they are or what the warranty is because after several years you will either lose them or they will be out of style anyway.

I am a big believer in modern polarized glasses for almost any use (except those stated above). I also prefer a wrap-around frame style and a brown-amber tint. 100% UVA and UVB is also important. My choice in lens material is polycarbonate. You can get glasses meeting those criteria at a reasonable price if you look around and the performance will rival glasses at any price. You can find a pair here:

http://www.bettyscountrygrocery.com/carpshack/detail.aspx?ID=127

If you want expensive sunglasses for whatever reason, I'd look at Maui Jim sunglasses. The name isn't as well known yet as Oakley, etc. but they offer well-desighed top-quality polarized glass double-gradient lenses and premium frame materials including titanium.

If you want the name-brand recognition and radical styling of Oakleys, you should get the Oakleys.
 
Donald, I got a pair of those reading stick-on lenses at REI a while back, but I don't recommend them. They work OK, but there is some distortion. It would be better to get some sunglasses with built-in bifocal reading lenses such as are available at Sunglass Hut.
 
My .02

I've had more sunglasses than I can remember. Oakleys, Ray Ban, Gargoyle, Serengetti, Revo...

Right now I'm rotating 4 pairs of glasses depending on what I'm doing.

I carry a pair of Serengettis all the time. In my car I have a pair of Ray Ban's for driving. In my shop I keep my Oakley's (Mframe). I wear my Revo's when I'm on the motorcycle (old style like the cateye Vuarnets).

I like the Serengetti's lenses a lot but they tend to slide down my nose a lot, the glass lenses are just a little too heavy.

The Ray Ban's also have the glass lenses but they seem lighter and definitly do not slide, that's why they're my main driving glasses.

The Oakley's are what I wear when I need eye protection. I use them for shooting, in the shop, when I ride my bicycle and most active situations because they're light, they stay on and I can change the lenses depending on what I need. Plus I can buy replacement lenses if they get too scratched up.

The Revos I use for motorcycling because they fit under my helmet great, they block the wind from my eyes if I have my visor up and they're glass so I can clean them without having to worry about scratching them up (yes I use a microfiber cloth).

I generally don't use polarized glasses (especially when motorcycling) I find them kind of irritating with the weird reflections I get (just too distracting).

If I had to go with one pair, it'd be the Oakley Mframes, they're good for just about everything and the replaceable lenses are great. I would really prefer the easy care of the glass lenses more but they do get heavy.

One thing about the gargoyles, I like them but I keep breaking mine (the pins that hold the temples on)and they get scratched if I just look at them wrong. That's why I don't use them. Plus, the temples will scratch the inside of the lenses unless you have the case and use it correctly. The original cases were just cloth bags and didn't prevent this so they switched to a new design for a case that separated the temples/earpieces from the lenses.

Later,

Rob
 
I've yet to see anything I really like better than Gargoyle 85s. I've been using Oakley M frames for several years, but will probably go back to Gargoyles, eventually. You can get replacement lenses for the M frames easily, and changing them out takes about ten seconds, but lately I've been yearning for another pair of Gargoyles.
 
I like the Serengeti (gradient) Drivers - had them since the mid-80's.

They seem to enhance color contrast, and make things clearer/sharper.

I've had my current small Aviators (#6782) since the mid 90's, previous to that I had some SSM's which had very thin but strong frames.

People who look through them sometimes ask if they are prescription since things do look clearer, but natural (not too much color shift).

I've also shown people that they can see things in hazy/misty distance that they could not with the naked eye.

Although I do like the looks of the more recent Apogee Drivers (#5497) which are low priced about the same as the Aviators at just under $90:
apogee_blk.jpg


If you need polarized lenses Serengeti do make the Strata (400) lens that is a polarized non-gradient Drivers' lens
here's the Argosy:
argosy_hnatort.jpg


BUT like Lurker said there are probably (much) cheaper suglasses that can perform (almost) as well -

for example I bought some copper-tinted sunglasses from the Dollar Tree store (for obviously $1 a pair) and the color seem almost as good .....
I place these at various places for back-up sunglasses -
eg: by the front door for when I have to step out to the mailbox.

I use Serengetis for driving and when I'm out
(but there is also a $1 pair as back-up in the car).
 
Vincent, good point about the back-up sunglasses. Whenever I misplace my sunglasses, it never fails that the very next place I find myself is in my car driving into blinding glare. I have learned to always keep a back-up in the car.

One more word about polarization: there have definitely been mixed reviews about this feature in this thread, and that may be confusing to some readers. I definitely agree with all of the criticisms of polarization- I have had polarized glasses in the past with all of these problems (wierd reflections, haziness, eye strain, etc.). I think this technology has improved over the years and only within about the last 2 years have I been able to find any good enough to be my regular glasses. The most recent ones I bought are the best yet and I am a big believer now. I think if you try them and you get a good pair, you will like them. I know I wouldn't want to be without them now. In fact, if you gave me a pair of Serengetis or Revos or Rayban or Oakley for free without that feature, I wouldn't wear them. I would go buy some polarized glasses. But maybe that's just me. But the great thing is that for $1 you can get a cheap pair at the dollar store and try them out for yourself before you order that expensive pair.

By the way, a possible cause of "wierd reflections" in polarized sunglasses is a manufacturing defect that leaves the orientation of polarization different in each lens. It should be perfectly vertical and matched to within 5 degrees from lens to lens. I had a pair with one lens off by about 20 or 30 degrees and those created some freaky reflections and depth-perception problems in some cases.
 
I haven't had many pairs as many of the members here but I attribute that to buying right the first time. I bought a pair of A-Wires a good 7+ years ago and have worn it nearly everyday since. I don't have multiple pairs because I don't need to. The amber lenses are effective in blocking out the sun and UV rays but are light enough not to hinder my vision. They also enhance contrast of shapes and objects.

A few months ago one lens strangely develooped dozens of little pits. It was only on one lens and one side. I sent it back to Oakley and they replaced both lenses as well as other misc parts. I gladly paid the $20(?) out of warranty fee since the lenses make up the bulk of the cost of the glasses and buying new lenses would have cost alot more.

I also bought Serengeti Drivers and find them to be excellent driving glasses. You can even use them at night. This is perfect as I usually make long trips at dusk and everytime I round a corner and the sun is setting I have to put on my glasses. Then I have to take them off again when there is shade. Well with Serengeti's, they adjust depending on the amount of sunlight present so it's really light when it's dark out. The con with Serengetti's is that they are noticeably more expensive than Oakley wires. Your face doesn't ache or anything afterward, but it's very noticeable.

I also have a pair of sports glasses from Rudy Project. They are metal and plastic. The great part is that they will replace scratched lenses for free. I haven't used them yet so they still sit in the case on my bookshelf. I think the fit is effective for minimizing fogging and keeping wind out during strenuous activities such as mountain biking.

I think it's silly when people claim that $5 pairs of swapmeet sunglasess can ever be as good as a nice pair of Oakley's or comprable brand. Then there are those who will only buy cheap low quality glases claiming that they are so absentminded that they always end up lose, sit, or step on their glasses. Be more responsible!
 
Well, I don't think I'll go for the glass lenses just yet, since I need more of a lightweight 'sports type' pair of sunglasses for outdoor stuff like boating and rapelling. I tried on a pair of Oakley half jackets today and really liked them, especially the ability to change out the lenses. Also they seemed to stay on my head really well, which is a must.
 
I keep an old pair of Serengeti aviator style Drivers in my center console just in case, but fortunately haven't needed them in some years now. It's good to know they're there just in case.

Hey DrNick, careful with those glasses with the visor up. The hazards pf polarized lenses while motorcycling, I've only read about fortunately. But I have a personal bad experience with glass lenses and the visor up. One Sunday morning I was out riding in the boonies with my buddy, he on his then new R1100RS BMW and me on my old VFR. I'd had my visor up and was wearing my then favorite graffite framed Serengetis. We make a left turn onto a long straight and he whacks it hard bringing the front end up into a beautiful wheelie on a big beemer. I've seen this guy wheelie GL1500 Gold Wings so the wheelie didn't surprise me, but as he suddenly accellerated, I saw something come off his rear tire like a bullet headed straight for me. Then I saw my left lens suddenly shatter, but not implode. It would have been worse if the lense had totally failed but it was still pretty bad. As then the rock hit my glasses, the lens didn't collapse, but small shards from the impact shattering the lens were proppeled into my shocked open left eye. I knew if I blinked I was going to drag these glass shards all over my eyeball and that wouldn't be good. I also knew there wasn't an emergency room for many miles. So I pulled over and stood keeping my eyes open trying to figure out what to do. My buddy finally realized I wasn't following anymore and turned back to find me on the side of the road. We finally came up with a plan that I'd hold my eyes open and he would use some ragweed to try to get teh glasss shards out (there wasn't much else around to use). Lucky for me he had a steady hand and was able to get all the shards out and save me from damaging my eye. From then on out is't Oakleys when riding for me. They don't keep the wind out as well, but I never want to do that again.

jmx
 
I'll second Lurker's recommendation on the Maui Jim brand. Everything he said regarding the construction and lens quality is dead on. Additionally, the lens coatings are more durable than most, and the glasses never seem to slip down your nose (even the glass lensed and metal framed models). I've never had a pair fall off, and I'm very comfortable wearing them while boating without any type of sunglass retention device.
 
I never mentioned Gargoyles as they had been mentioned, but I do have a clear pair that I use for eye protection, e.g. mowing the lawn late, or bicycling (one of their intended purposes), and once at a shooting range. They are tough polycarbonate, slight distortion, block UV, don't recall if they block IR (infrared).

I wanted to mention that Bicycling Magazine used to reviews of the glasses, comfort, scratch resistance of lenses or any coatings, ability to block UV and IR. I don't know if they still do.

I have a few pairs of Gargoyles that I keep around, a pair in each car, one for mowing the lawn, etc. I had on one pair that had a mirrored finish when mowing the lawn, which I usually did not use for that purpose, they are now dedicated, after a rock hit the lens and marred the coating. Very glad I had them on. I got them inexpensively when www.wal-mart.com had them remaindered. [This is not an ad for Wal-Mart, have not been to their site for some time. I think this may be something they did when they were starting to get attention. I do not see such a category now, the first time I have been to their site in months/years.] The frames were designed to be able to seperate and be put back together without damage, but design was less than ideal, so I imagine that is why they were remaineded. Lenses (C39??) are still great though. They look a little like cateyes, family doesn't like there appearance, however, for bargain brand prices, they were a great deal for spares.

Does anyone actually know how much difference there is between less expensive sunglasses and more expensive or very expensive sunglasses. Are we paying for advertising, or are we actually getting something. I have found all the expensive ones to be good, but are there some less known brands out there which are just as protective and clear optically? For instance someone mentioned Flying Fisherman, how do they compare for clarity, polarization, and protection?
 
I understand glass lenses can be made fairly lightweight, but I just have bad feelings and pictures in my mind of rapelling and looking down and then *slip*, there go my $145 sunglasses.

Its still looking like the Oakley half jacket FMJ Fire 5.56's (loving the name) or the Oakley Half Jacket XLJ's in black/fire. I'm going to try on a few more today, so I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks for all the help.
 
I’ve had Serengeti driving glasses in the past and couldn’t recommend them more highly.

Right now, I have Savannah prescription sunglasses by Costa Del Mar. The Rx was done by Costa Del Mar’s Rx department through my optometrist’s office, so the lenses maintained their special Wave Technology; which is simply amazing for driving and just being out in the sun.

Because I suffer from chronic migraines and glare for me is a migraine trigger, they placed an extra coating of polarization on the inside of the lens (in addition to the outside; apparently not typically done) to reduce glare. That works very well!

I’m very pleased with the quality of the frames and lenses, as well as the style. Without hesitation, I give them a rating of a solid “10”!

Picture of the Savannah’s attached (to this post ... and to my body. :)
 

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I have frequently read that liquid crystal displays can be unreadable through polarized glasses. Is there any truth to that?

Our car´s dashboard has only LCDs, so I thought it would be too risky to go for polarized lenses for my last glasses. I might try it with the next pair if that problem has been solved.

Kristofer
 
Good Morning All-

Originally posted by Grey Area
I have frequently read that liquid crystal displays can be unreadable through polarized glasses...Kristofer
Click to expand...

Grey Area/Kristofer-

Absolutely. Polarized lenses will definitely distort LCD. You can try this out in the store with a pair of glasses and a digital watch that you "intend" to purchase. The display can be made readable, but you'll have to crane n' twist until you get the correct angle.

Fiddling with a watch or stereo Walkman is one thing...but putting-up with that hassle while driving your car is another! :)

Good Luck,

~ Blue Jays ~
 
i can't believe that no one has mentioned persol. my friend had some and really liked them so i decided to get a pair and they are amazing. They are light weight, come in many cool designs, use glass lenses, good warenty department. I love mine to death and i do a lot of driving (went to school in tx and live in cali so u can imagine the commute back home) and i was able to wear them for 12 hours no problem. plus james bond wears them, and he only wears the best ;)
trevor
 
Blue Jays,

thanks for the warning/confirmation.

Of course, I could always get a new car to match the polarized glasses, but that seems a bit backwards... :)

Kristofer
 
I do have problems seeing the color LCD display on the Kenwood stereo in my car while wearing my sunglasses (yes...as noted in my post, I have double polarization, both outside and inside).
 
jmx,

Thanks for the heads up on the riding with glass lenses and the visor up. I generally don't keep the visor up at speeds over 40 mph but that's probably fast enough for a rock to do some damage.

Rob
 
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