Sunglass opinions

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Nov 18, 2006
183
Kirie Elite Elite 37 Moss Point MS
Leaving in a few weeks for a 9 day sailing trip to AL and FL and need to purchase a good pair of sunglasses. I have went the cheap route for years, Wal mart an such. Any opinions on a pair of sunglasses that works well for a sailor for bright days, cost NOT being an issue? Thanks all in advance. Frank
 

Mac

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Jun 7, 2006
436
MacGregor 25 KEUKA lake NY
I just asked this question a few weeks ago

RayBans are my favorite. The darker the lens the better as a guide for bright sunlight. Also Polarized helps with the water glare as well. The names I received were, Maui Jims, Bolle, Seringetti(sp). Good luck. Mac
 
Feb 4, 2005
524
Catalina C-30 Mattituck, NY
Polarized are the best

I am starting to think that price is not the best benchmark with sunglasses....I bought an $18 pair at the boat show last year here in NYC and they are Polarized. They are the best glasses I have owned so far and I have spent alot of money of glasses in the past. I would just make sure you get a pair that say "Polarized". They filter out so much of the glare you get while on the water. Rob
 
Feb 26, 2004
22,985
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
You didn't say if you need prescription glasses

but I bought a pair of polarized prescription glasses, lightweight is also important, because heavy glasses become a real pain in the nose! :)
 
S

Scott

My favorites ...

Native is the brand name and they have several styles to choose from all ranging from about $100 to $140. I've been buying them for my outdoor enthusiast sons as well. The ones that work best for me have a rubberized frame which are very secure for skiing and sailing (even without croakies), and offer very good eye protection from the elements. You'll find them at an outdoors type store. You don't need to find a ski shop or a sailing outlet. They are very good and I've been using them exclusively for about the last 8 years. I have two pairs currently. One pair I use for sailing and skiing. The other pair is a much lighter frame and has 3 different interchangeable lenses that will suit any light condition and is my favorite for mountain biking (a lot of shade and dappled light so I don't use a dark lens) and is a better feel for this type of activity. My point is .... they know what they are doing for an active outdoors enthusiast and they make their sunglasses for that purpose ... not just the casual sun seeker who is just looking for style. Here is the website. http://www.nativeyewear.com/home.php I have a the Silencer model (or something very similar since they are about 3 years old now) for skiing and sailing and the Dash XP for mountain biking. I prefer them over Bolle and I never liked Oakley's all that much either (too expensive and I broke a pair very easily).
 

Mike B

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Apr 15, 2007
1,013
Beneteau 43 Baltimore, MD
Oakleys

I just bought a pair of Oakleys model Bottle Cap and love them. Got the prescriptive lenses and the whole package was $370. That's only $20 more than I paid for my last pair from a major eyewear chain. They took apx 10 days to receive. They're impact and shatter resistant, something I wanted after a near miss impact to the eye while sailing last year. Awesome vision from them and well worth the investment in eye protection. Non scrip pairs are apx $160. Other top brands to consider are Kaenon, Costa Del Mar and Bolle. Mike
 
May 31, 2004
197
Catalina 36 MK II Havre de Grace, MD
Bayz

I have had several pair for a number of years and have been very satisified with them.
 
Jun 16, 2005
476
- - long beach, CA
I use the hardware store industrial

safety glasses. They're wrap-around, 99.9 pc ultraviolet absorbing, plastic, tough, cheap and if they get broke or go overboard, ten bucks buys a new pair. I don't use polarized because plotter and radar screens are hard to see thru them.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,701
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Maui jim...

Can't say enough good things about my Maui Jim's I've been wearing them for over 15 years. Every now and then I tried other brands but the optical clarity did not compare... Once you go Maui Jim you'll never go back..
 
Jan 6, 2007
88
Hunter H36 Stamford, CT
Maui Jims

I think they're the best. Polarized lenses. They're very pricey but worth it. I have been using them for over 10 years. I have found that going with a light lens like an amber or tan works best for sailing as opposed to a dark green or grey lens. If you get too dark, you'll have trouble on overcast days. There is a lot of glare even on an overcast day. Quite frankly, it's all about the glare and less about the darkening power. Get an amber lens and a good shady hat and you'll be good to go in every situation.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Costco

Frank: If you have a Costco near by take a look at what they have to offer. You purchase a set of frames & they give you polorized lens at no charge. Very nice quality and a bargin price.
 

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Costa del Mar

Very pricey but the very best sunglasses Ive ever owned. Polarized, wrap around, optically undistorted and very clear. diamond coated for scratch resistance, rot-proof/inert hinges, good UV protection. Did I say VERY pricey. I use them for skiing at high altitude and sailing.
 
A

Andrew

Maui Jims

It might sounds like a recuring theme, but Maui Jims. I buy a 100+ pair of sunglasses every year. I must own 10 pairs of really good sunglasses. Including oakley, ray ban, Bolle and others. Last year I bought a pair of maui jims and I can not tell you how amazing they are. The lens is extremely clear. They block the sun, and they are durable (I bought the flexons). I like them so much, I am not looking for another pair this year. Good luck, and buy yourself a good pair of glasses. -Andrew Modus Vivendi
 
Jan 4, 2006
262
Catalina 36 MKII Buford, Ga.
Costa del Mar

best sunglasses I've ever owned...really sharp optics. I like the green reflective lens (amber base lens with a green mirror coating)...good in mid light conditions (not too dark) and provides plenty enough glare reduction on the brightest days. Also excellent for sight fishing and skiing. I gave my dad a pair of Maui Jims a couple years back for Father's day...He loves them. Personally, I like my Costa's better, but I feel these are the top 2 brands. I have a friend in the sporting goods business so I got 50% off the Costa's...Maui Jim does not discount.
 
Feb 10, 2008
33
Hunter 33 -
Maui Jim and Revo

I grew up w/ a family in the sunglass and eyewear business and I am a bit over the top with sunglasses. Do not bother with anything that isn't polarized. I have several pairs of Maui Jim's and several pairs of Revo's. They are both great. I prefer the brown lenses over traditional styles, check them out. With a good pair of sunglasses like this you should see much better with them on than without them under most conditions (except dark). I have a lot of friends and family that are too cheap to buy a good pair like this but as soon as they try mine on they want one of their own!
 
Jun 1, 2005
772
Pearson 303 Robinhood, ME
I like...

the Maui Jim Sports. They are polycarbonate... very light... however very susceptible to scratches. I would buy another pair... but might look for another lens option.
 
Dec 11, 2005
74
Pearson 30 Wanderer NA
I hate polarized sunglasses because

they make it very difficult to read LCD displays. Unfortunately, polarized clip-ons are all that I can find.
 
Jun 1, 2005
772
Pearson 303 Robinhood, ME
Very true Ralph.

I want the protection... it is somewhat of a pain in the *ss when reading the plotter. Up... down... up... down...
 
Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
Costa del Mar C-Mates

50 years in the tropics has taken an early toll on my eyes (and skin) so you're right to not skimp on quality eye wear or sunscreen. My tiring eyes needed a magnifier to read the car dash panel and helm display and Costa makes a 1.75 mag bi-focal in an excellent wrap around full cut-off dark lense that I'd never give up. Rubber tabs at the ear keep them firmly in place but a neck strap is a sailors best friend if you don't want to inevitably wave goodbye over the rail some day. My gal is a purchasing agent for a large offshore fishing/clothing store outfitter. She said that currently the charter captains and serious offshore guys are buying the Costas 2-to 1. Here's the link for one source on an excellent quality bi-focal sunglass that I'm using but the whole line is great. http://www.framesdirect.com/framesfp/Costa_Del_Mar_C-Mates_Bifocals-tcqfre/lb.html Good luck, Michael
 
Oct 26, 2005
116
Oday 28 Detroit/Grosse Pointe Park (O'Day 192, O'Day 28)
Dirty Dog, Gill

http://www.dirtydogeyewearusa.com/ Put TEAM in the Coupon Code for half off. I found out about them from Sailing Anarchy. My wife and I both like their glasses. Also, Gill makes some good floating glasses. Kevin
 
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