Sunglasses

[UsualSuspect]

Looking for a new pair of shades (non prescription), any suggestions? Want them for daily use, not needed for any specific activity. I do not have a real large head so ones that preferably do not make me look like a bug or hang off my face. Thanks! :shades:

[FedRich]

I would go with anything that is polarized. I had a pair of Anarchy polarized that ran about $75. I have since reverted back to the $10 supermarket specials, but will probably buy a pair of polarized Costa del Mar (to blend in with the local sportfishing scene). Polarized definitely reduces glare from windshields, sun on the water, etc.

[nwohsy]

In recent years I have become very fond of Revo's. They are very pricey, but worth it. The Polarized H2O model is good near water or if you need that feature, but the lens tends to be a little lighter than their standard sunglasses. Overall they just make everything clear.

[fmr-army]

I, like everyone else I see around, like Oakleys - I have a pair of their cheapest ones. They work well and hug close to my face so there's not a lot of light coming from around the frames.

I run with mine, and they don't even bounce. Plus, they fit under my helmet and are pretty durable. Don't ask how I know...

[UsualSuspect]

I like Oakley's too -- just so many different ones. Do you happen to know what model/style yours are?

I have a several friends in the military that also swear by Wiley-X glasses. Any thoughts on those?

Stay safe.

[UncleSugar]

I like the Spy Micro-Scoop. I also have some Oakleys, but I don't remember which style. Truth be told though, the Spy glasses are just as nice and a bit less expensive.

Plus, when I was in recon with the USAF and now with OSI, I find the fact that I'm wearing Spy glasses humorous. Then again very few people think I'm funny. :eek:

[CO_TRP]

Oakley's 5 2.0 , cheapest, not fancy looking and definitely worth the 65 bucks. I bought mine three years ago and they are still going strong..

Pat S.

[kenoshacop]

I wear a pair of Oakley A-wires that I absolutely love. I also own a pair of M-frames, but I don't wear them for work much anymore. Go to an Oakley retailer and try on the different pairs until you find a pair that fits and you like the look. I guarantee they'll have something you'll like.

-Kenoshacop

[fmr-army]

I can't recall the exact type I have, but they look pretty similar to the Five 2.0s that are on the Oakley website. I have a buddy who has a pair of half jackets. I like the fact that the Oakleys have the rubber grips on the ear pieces and the nose - they really keep the classes from bouncing around. Plus, they're easier to put on/off with a helmet on.

Some guys have the Wiley-X glasses. They're supposed to be quasi-goggles, but they don't have a seal around the eyes. Therefore, I'm not sure how well they really keep out the dust and such. Plus, I've never seen anyone change out the lenses, which is the other major selling point for them. That's just my personal, unscientific observations. I decided against getting a pair, because my Oakleys do the trick for me.

[Cix8]

I've got a pair of polarized Ray Ban's...I love them. If I wear any other type of non Polarized Sunglasses I get a killer headache.

[universible]

Personally, I'd go with Oakleys...I have an old pair of Fives (think that's the name) and just recently got a pair of Shooting Arrays (M frames, I think - I'm bad with the names) and some milspec E Wire 2.0s...the Oakley's have rated the highest in impact stats (or something like that, gee, I'm full of qualified info tonight :D )...though, the stats are from their own testing, but I still love'm.

Ted

[DeFreesian]

I have yet to pay $10 for sunglasses. I picked up a pair from the mall for that price and use them for driving, fishing, ect. They do just what they need to do. On casual observance, you can't tell if they're Ray Ban, Oakleys or any other name brand. I'm pretty rough with my sunglasses and have yet to get a single scratch. Call me cheapskate, but I'm happy.

[Sandles2Sidearm]

Things to look for:

Optical distortion: presciption lenses are simply glass that is bent and varies in thickness. This effect can also occur in poorly made non-RX sunglasses. Oakley is very good in this respect.

Polarization: lateral filters that cut down a percentage of visual light, the glass lenses don't have to be as dark to work in high light environments, so you can have shades for the shadey days as well.

UV A/B protection: got to be sure you get this, some of the expensive glam types cut costs in this area. Would hate to get a pair of expensive glasses worth nothing.

Coloration: Lenses come in all shades now, avoid major color distortion shades, rosey, yellow, pink, etc. over a period of time can have adverse effects if not worn in the propper lighting example, yellow for night time etc. Stick with grey/tint, or amber if you are in snowy conditions (flat light sometimes requires colored lenses).

Durability and Warranty: Make sure you dont get a hughe glass with a wimpy hinge, too many expensive start up types produce heavy glasses with poor components. See what it costs to replace the various parts of the glasses shoud the inevitable happen.

Glass vs. Polycarobonate: If you can stand the weight glass is the way to go, less scratches, less cleaning, and contrarty to popular belief most poly's will shatter just as glass will, so why not get the clearer lense. Not to mention that poly's have a greater rate of distortion than glass lenses.

Polys are good and light and cheaper as a general rule, they can come with glare reduction coating ( a bluish tint on the eye side of the lense), and did I say cheaper.

But in the end, just don't be cheap with your sunglasses, you get one set of eyes and they are worth protecting, I don't know of a single pair of sunglassses under 40 bucks (discounts excluded of course) that is worth a damn.

Have a nice day!!!

ps

I have had just about everything, and broken all of them atleast once, ray ban, DSO, Hobie, Blackflys, Arnet, Varnet, Bolle, Smith and Wesson, Oakley, Smith, Scot, Gucci, Guess, Dolce & Gabanna, Safeway neon types, and an assortment of others too obscure to mention. I am currently back in a pair of Hobies, but only because we are sponsored and half off is pretty sweet.

[FedRich]

Reid,

It sounds like you got a "sunglasses 101" class during lifeguard training. My shopping for sunglasses will never be the same :D

[Spears]

My boss' husband is an Oakley distributor, so I get them for 1/2 off plus $5 shipping. I need to get a new pair :D

[UsualSuspect]

My boss' husband is an Oakley distributor, so I get them for 1/2 off

You lucky SOB! :D I would get me some X Wire Juliets. ;)

[Spears]

You lucky SOB! :D I would get me some X Wire Juliets. ;)

I think I'm going to pick myself up a pair of the silver framed/black lensed x wire type glasses. Should run me just under $70 all said and done :D

[UsualSuspect]

I think I'm going to pick myself up a pair of the silver framed/black lensed x wire type glasses. Should run me just under $70 all said and done

Thanks for rubbing it in. :mad:

[Celtic Warrior]

I have a couple of pairs of Bolle's and a pair of the Wiley - X's...I use the Wiley - X's on my motorcycle and the Bolle's for everyday wear. I paid very little for the Bolle's (about $25.00 bucks a pair at Wal Mart) and the Wiley - X's are more pricey because I got the complete set up (frames and 4 different lens types in a storage case) (about $160.00 for all).

I would get the best protection that you can afford.

[BigLew72]

I would go with the Gargoyle sunglasses myself. :D Hell, if they will stop a .177 pellet, they are good for everyday wear. As an added bonus, you can talk like Ahhnold. Don't actually listen to this post, as it is only intended for entertainment. They would make great range glasses though.

- BigLew :cool: