Posted: 07 October 2004 at 10:56pm | IP Logged

Go with inexpensive polarized sunglasses.  I have been using polarized prescription sunglass lenses for 20 years of boating, so mine are usually expensive.  Finally got custom polarized clip-ons for my regular prescription glasses -- work great.

Couple of things to think about:  1. Polarized lenses can mask out the screens from certain LCD readouts...I almost always have to remove mine to pump gas since I can't read the LCD screens.  I would test reading any important electronic screens on your boat and in your car to be sure all are compatible with polarized lenses.  Also keep this in mind when buying new electronics - test them with polarized lenses.  2.  Polarization does not block UV - you still need UV block rated lenses.  Still available pretty inexpensively.  3.  Get reasonably strong frames -- flimsy frames may allow lense flutter at cruising speeds -- very distracting.

Posted: 08 October 2004 at 7:45am | IP Logged

Mine cost somewhere around 150-190, but they are prescription.  Different story.  They are a very substantial metal frame, with a decently large curved lens (big as I could go and still have them "grind" 'em), and offer all the best UV protection available.  And polarized, LOL.

Point?  Paying $200 for a pair of Maui Jim's off a rack is simply insane.  If I can get a real nice pair from my doctor's Optical Shop for under $200 WITH prescription, then $200 "rack jobs" are BS.

I won't wear Contacts, so that's why I go with prescription, but my wife DOES wear contacts and she bought a $20 pair off the rack and they work great!

Posted: 08 October 2004 at 7:47am | IP Logged

Hi Oldpal, the $8 Walmart polarized sunglasses are great! Buy 2 for the boat, keep one as a spare or loaner.

Regards,

Richard

Posted: 08 October 2004 at 8:50am | IP Logged

I have to agree with the idea of buying cheap glasses.  Mine were a little bit more expensive, $12.00 .  I like wrap-around lenses and frames.  They're great for cruising because the keep the wind out of my eyes, and don't block my peripheral vision.  They work just a good as my friend's $120 Revos, and I was able to put an extra $110 towards my radar fund.

As LEGASEA mentioned, make sure the lenses are at least UVA and UVB rated. 

Posted: 08 October 2004 at 11:26am | IP Logged

A $250.00 pair of Maui Jims may be Ok for your trip to Hawaii, but not for your boat. However, If you'd like a free pair you can look for mine at the bottom of the Hudson in 60 feet of water. A hard lesson learned; somewhere down there is a Striped Bass lookin real cool!

The $250.00 Maui Jims are no better than good quality glasses in the $30.00 to $50.00 range. I have two pairs of Azores glasses neither of which was more than $50.00. One pair is non Polarized for when I am at the helm. Non Polarized lenses allow for clearer vision when looking through the windshield and at electronics. The Polarized pair is for just hanging out. Both pairs wrap around and hug my face closely blocking any wind and are coated for UV protection. For 3 bucks apeice I added floating  straps which allow me to keep my glasses around my neck when I am indoors and give floatation if they do go overboard. Kinda like a PFD for your Shades.

Dont go real cheap. The $8 and $10.00 pairs generally will appear cloudy and may not offer UV protection.

Posted: 08 October 2004 at 2:18pm | IP Logged

OK now.  Raybans were cool long before all this new designer stuff.  AND I LIKE THEM !!!!

Now that I've said this, I'm sure to drop them over the side.  But they'll be there with my cell phone.

Posted: 08 October 2004 at 3:09pm | IP Logged

I agree with Boatbum above...with 20/20 vision, as a pilot with USN, then UAL, (long time ago) wore nice, expensive Ray-Bans.

Now, with nice, expensive Rx tri-focals, (which handle the UV problem), I cover them with the "Flashing Blue Light Special" polarized cover ups...for $8.00 to $12.00...work great...and because the Rx are under them, they're bolted to my head!

Ron

Posted: 18 October 2004 at 3:35pm | IP Logged

I wouldn't trade my Costa Del Mar's for anything.  I use a good nerd strap for insurance, but it's never been required.  They stick to my head like glue while remaining comfortable, all day.

I use them in place of goggles on my JetSki, and they keep spray completely out of my eyes.

Posted: 15 November 2004 at 4:09pm | IP Logged

I use Maui Jim (the titanium ones). I was an avid RayBan use, but I disliked the weight. These Maui Jim's really fit well, weigh nothing and they are "unbreakable". (that ofcourse remains to be seen).

I also agree with the previous poster (Zavoc) that more expensive glasses offer better protection. My eyedoctor advised me (after having lasik done) that I should stick with good sunglasses and he gave some brand names, including RayBan, Maui Jim and Costa Del Mar. I just liked the Maui's the best!

Ronald

Posted: 15 November 2004 at 6:21pm | IP Logged

In answer to msd58,

My Costa Del Mar's are DB-11 "Deep Blue" with blue mirrored lens, and they're by far, the best I've ever used.