The CRKT of sunglasses?

ThinkOfTheChildren

ThinkOfTheChildren

Joined
Jul 7, 2000
Messages
1,556
Ok, so I'm looking to get some new sunglasses. Usually I'm the type to buy the top of the line gear, but sunglasses are an area that I just can't afford to. Fact is, I lose them all the time!

So I'm looking for the CRKT of the sunglasses community. I.E. a company that offers shades that use cheaper materials but in good execution. I've never been pleased with the gas station or tourist shop cheapos.

Style-wise I'm just looking for some basic aviators. Pretty dark or maybe even mirrored. Are there any cheap offerings out there that are polarized or is that strictly for the expensive shades?

Educate me!
 
Ok, this might sound really cheap to some of you, but I think $40 would be my max. Sorry, but like I said, I lose sunglasses all the time.

I would be happy to shop online. In fact, I tend to buy gadgets online more than in person.
 
Try www.dragonoptical.com

Plus, I'd say go to your local mall and check out the pagoda or sunglass hut. You do get what you pay for.

It might be easy to get those $5.96 polarized fishing glasses at Wal Mart. But they do strain your eyes after extended use. If they're going to be for driving or all day use, I'd spend the extra money. I learned that the hard way. I shelled out some bucks for Oakleys and haven't regretted it.
 
Thanks for the link and the info.

Yes, I'm aware that you get what you pay for, but I don't use shades enough to benefit from a top of the line model. I wear sunglasses for brief amounts of time walking around and even briefer amounts of time driving. I'm never in the car more than 2 hours at a time and even that is rare. My usual drive is less than 30 minutes.

I've always used cheapos, and while I'm never really satisfied with their quality (flaking finish, bending or breaking with no effort) I've never experienced eye-strain from them.
 
the Randolphs come in two incarnations. The Commercial ones with "Randolph Engineering" plastered all over itself and a big red, white and blue colored box that goes for about 80 bucks, or the white issue box randolphs that have the name just on the earpieces. This one goes for about 40 bucks... Same stuff, great quality. Get it online or at your local Army-Navy Surplus store. You might also find them by American Optical which is an equally respected manufacturer.

Hit this link for a look-see.

http://www.qmuniforms.com/police/Q8140.html
 
If you bought yourself a pair of good (read - expensive) sunglasses, you would be less likely to lose them. You would find yourself taking WAY better care of them - you know, cleaning every little spec off them, putting them in their case the second they come off your head...

Quality sunglasses really are worth it. They have better optical quality, with less distortions. If you wear cheap sunglasses a lot, you are making your eyes strain too much. There are impuritites in the lens, and unequal distortions from left to right lens.

A good pair will have a matched set of lens so the focal point is exactly the same, and your left eye is not directed off focus by distortions, when compared to your right eye.

I went through 15 sunglasses a year too, until I decided my eyes were worth protecting. I now have had the same pair of $200.00 glasses for 2 years now. Do the math - it's worth buying a good pair.
 
Check out the more-or-less permanent sunglasses sale they have at Campmor All kinds of Bolle' and Nikon, Uvex and Serengeti glasses in your price range.
 
TOTC, boy do I hear ya!
I had a pair of Oakley metal-frame iridium(sp?) lens (I think) anyway the suckers cost $135.00 and I lost them! GRRRR:mad:
At least it took me 3 or 4 yrs to do it.....:rolleyes:

I'll be watching this thread.......I think my 1985 Gargoyles are a bit out of style today!!
 
I too am watching this thread. I need some glass bad but my gigantic head pretty much eliminates most options. I figure I'll buy a cheap pair that has decent optics and just bend them so they fit :p
 
I think ANARCHY eyewear is the CRKT of sunglasses, Just my .02, But I have a pair and love them. Here are some examples. They run from $30-$70 in most cases. But you could find a nice pair for $40.


http://www.ej-sunglasses.com/anarchy/


P.S. This is just some site I found them on rel quick. I am sure you could fins them cheaper somewhere else.
 
Originally posted by texascarl
Check out the more-or-less permanent sunglasses sale they have at Campmor All kinds of Bolle' and Nikon, Uvex and Serengeti glasses in your price range.
Click to expand...

I pretty much live by these sunglass sales at campmor. I've never checked to see if the retail was as high as they say it is, but regardless the glasses seem quite high quality. My last two glasses from Campmor were a very nice pair of Nikons that Campmor claimed retail was $250 and I bought for $50. Latest pair is a European brand whose name escapes me, retail $200, on sale for $50.


Joe
 
Big 5.

They're my secret shopping spot for sneakers and sunglasses. Also .22 rimfire ammo.

Big 5 sporting goods stores are everywhere.

They typically have Serengetti glasses (photo active Corning glass lenses) for 60 % or more off when they have a sale. You have to watch for their sales, but usually I get $135.00/ pair glasses for $39.99. It's such a good deal that I usually buy two pairs and thereby have good glasses for the following couple of years (when you have a back up pair, your main ones seem to last longer).

For shoes, I end up getting cool New Balances or Nike Airs in the $39.99 region as well. Shoes that sell elsewhere for quite a bit more, but Big 5 gets the liquidation deals on old/overstock models.

Sometimes they have 525 rounds of Winchester .22 LR for $10.00 as well! Great deal IMHO.

That's my commentary.

jmx
 
Oakley FIVES. some of the best shades for the $$$. Usually $70, they can be had on ebay for $50. Oakley is hard to beat, and the fives are nothing short of that. groove.. arch
 
My personal favorite has always been Gargoyles. They aren't exactly cheap, but they're great. The Classics are the ones to get if you need a larger pair. The Classic 85's are the same shape, but 85% of the original size. I have 2 originals, and one 85. The 85 are a bit smallish for my taste.
 
Thanks again, everyone.
Just wanted to bump this to the top to say that I ended up getting some Nikons from CampMor at an incredible price and I couldn't be happier with them! The service from CampMor was great.
 
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