Explain high end sunglasses to me

[hoxhunbe]

Contrary to what hoxhunbe just wrote, the cheap crap is NOT ok. Cheap sunglasses do not block out UV rays. As a result, you put the glasses on because it is bright out. To compensate for the darkness, your pupils dilate and let in even more UV light than if you were not wearing the sunglasses in the first place. What's the big deal with UV rays? Well, besides causing skin cancer, as far as your eyes go, exposure to UVA and UVB radiation can cause cataracts, muscular degeneration, and ocular cancer.

i simply meant that they're fine as per the parameters of the OP's question, namely durability. And they are. However, your points are absolutely crucial to the advantages checklist when considering high-end eyewear. i myself should wear the better pairs I've got more often, but the cheapos sit in the drop-down sunglass holder in the ceiling of my truck, and I'm just a little too uncomfortable keeping the good ones up there. So, if I'm out driving and it's bright and I've forgotten my Ray-Bans, the dime-store pair does in a pinch.

 

[Jimdo]

All right folks, lets bring up Pilla.... What are your thoughts on Pilla Performance Eyewear?

 

[Apec]

Not sure where you're getting your information, but Oakley is nowhere near the top for optics. You must be reading some skewed tests, or they limited their options to only polycarbonate lenses, or something else is at play here. I don't know what you're referring to with the "biased testing" reference, since Oakley is the only company I know of that uses biased testing as part of their marketing (Notice how they compare their products to Maui Jim glass lenses for impact resistance but not optical clarity, and likewise use brands that are not well known for clarity to compare their optics to? There's a very good reason why they don't compare themselves to Wiley X, Rudy Project, and Kaenon for impact resistance and Maui Jim, Serengeti, and Costa Del Mar for optics). There is a general consensus among opticians and sunglass owners (many of whom, like me, started out as Oakley fans and have nothing against the brand) that there are much better brands out there for optical quality. You might want to try believing less in the advertising and trying things out for yourself; I think you'd be pleasantly surprised at the quality of a really good pair of sunglasses over Oakleys.

This. I like my Oakley's, but honestly think they're not as special as they're made out to be. I own the Juliet (plasma/fire), Ducati Straight Jackets, and a Penny (plasma/blue). Wish they would put in better optics, after all they do command prices at which I'd expect them.

 

[spyderco lover 450]

i only were ray ban and oakley i have worn cheap glasses and all mine break also they feel better and they block sun better do to better lens

 

[smasak]

i used to work in a motorcycle shop that sold oakley's.., and didn't believe the hype either until i got my first pair. I wore them for a couple weeks, and didn't think much of 'em until i tried on my old pair. Now oakley is the only brand of eyeglasses/sunglasses i'll wear. The optics are better, they fit better, last longer, and just plain look better imo. Give 'em a shot, like most other things, you get what you pay for.

this!

 

[Buffalohump]

I have Ray-Bans, Oakleys and Costa Del Mar... major issues with the CDMs, zero issues with the Ray-Bans and Oakleys (Monster Dog). Ray-Bans are great for everyday use, I stick with the classic styles like Wayfarers (RB2151) and Aviators. Superior optics and build quality costs more but to my mind its def worth it. If its sunny out, I never leave home without em. I prefer glass lenses on the beach because they are less likely to get scratched, but polycarb are best for shooting/safety.

 

[Acetylene]

I live in Florida and fish a lot. I wear sunglasses 365 days a year. They have to be comfortable. They need to be clear - optically. They need to reduce glare, visible light, UVA spectrum etc, They need to be durable - scratch resistant, flexible, etc. I have owned a pair of Oakley Straight Jackets with polarized lenses for 5 years and they are excellent. They cost about $185 then, but you can buy them now for about $50 less. When compared to $20 Walmart glasses over a five year period and taking into account that these are still in great shape they are an excellent economical bargain.