Sunglasses

[rockyraider]

I would like to get a new pair of sunglasses. I think I have decided on Wiley Roamer II's. I am having a tough time finding anyone who actually has them so that I can actually try them on, etc... Anyone wear these? Also, curious about opinions on wearing polarized lenses on patrol (in bright TX sunlight)? Any suggestions on glasses that you would recommend for patrol and where to buy them store/online. Thanks.

[FedRich]

I highly recommend polarized glasses, they definitely cut down on glare. They tend to be somewhat more expensive than standard tint, but have gotten a lot cheaper the last couple of years. I personally wear Costa Del Mar polarized glasses (Fathom) with blue lenses, but these are more suited to offshore patrol and are $$$.

[MakeItHappen]

NAIL + HAMMER = FedRich.

Polarized are the way to go. I own a pair (Anarchy) and they reduce glare so much. They are expensive, cost me close to $160 but I went for it because they were an investment for my eyes. They are great for me on the water as well as off. I highly recommend polarized glasses.

[LearninginMN]

I'm gunna throw out Oakley, yes expensive but they will do perscription lenses that are polarized a deffinetly two for one plus i've had the same pair for 4 years and they've held up. A lot of guys buy them for personal use and when they get a little scuffed up they transfer them to LE use cause they don't care as much anymore. I like my oakley polarized a lot though.

[allen9180]

Definitely do the polarized route. They cut down on glare significantly. The only disadvantage I've seen to them is that you have to look at liquid crystal displays just right, or the same effect that cuts glare blacks them out.

Also look into the LE/military sales of Oakley. 50% off, even on some polarized models. My last two pairs came from that program, and it saved me lots of money.

[FPS/SFI]

I wear the NASCAR line of sunglasses from Wal-Mart. I lose/break glasses regularly, so buying more expensive ones doesn't work for me.

[ChrisLe]

I've got a pair of WileyX Romer II's and I love them. I had Rx lenses put in them ...There's no better testament to their durability than to say they survived two tours in Iraq and I'm still wearing them.......

[rockyraider]

How can you access the LE discount for Oakley? Do you just call them and place an order or what? Also, I really like the Wiley's but I am having a hard time finding anyone who actually sells them in a store. I'm not adverse to buying them online, but I'd like to look at them and try them on before buying. Any ideas on what stores may deal in them? Thanks.

PS - I found the Costa Del Mars at Academy, really nice glasses. Ebay has the ones I like (Tripple Tail) for $100 versus $139 at Academy.

[electra1978]

How can you access the LE discount for Oakley? Do you just call them and place an order or what? Also, I really like the Wiley's but I am having a hard time finding anyone who actually sells them in a store. I'm not adverse to buying them online, but I'd like to look at them and try them on before buying. Any ideas on what stores may deal in them? Thanks.

PS - I found the Costa Del Mars at Academy, really nice glasses. Ebay has the ones I like (Tripple Tail) for $100 versus $139 at Academy.

Have you looked for dealers through the Wiley X Eyewear site?

http://wileyx.findlocation.com/

[FedRich]

Wiley has a dealer locator on their website, which should give you the closest dealer that may have them in stock.

EDIT: Electra beat me too it

$100 for Costas is an excellent price. I got mine for about $86 through a state officer but broke them and had to pay an additional $70 to get them fixed ;)

[rockyraider]

FedRich,
I think you convinced me, Costas it is. I looked at the glasses again at another store (Sportsman's Warehouse) and was assisted by an excellent salesman who was very knowlegable and insisted that these were some of the best glasses out there. He was actually wearing a pair of his own when I approached him. I have decided on the Triple Tails with the grey or amber glass lenses. These are really pricey, ($169) in the store. The kicker on the glass lenses versus composite lenses came when he took his personal pair of Costas and smacked the lenses about ten times with a key off of his key ring to demonstrate how the true glass lenses are basically scratch proof, thus making the glasses last much longer for about $30 extra. I found these exact glasses online for $132 plus free shipping. I wish there was some sort of discount program for LE officers, but I don't know of any. I feel sort of bad about ordering online after going to the store to look at the glasses and taking the salesman's time, sort of the Wal-mart syndrome (the lowballers putting the grass roots businesses out to pasture). Oh well, I guess thirty bucks (plus tax) is thirty bucks. Anyway, thanks again for the information and as always, stay safe.

[MikeD]

How can you access the LE discount for Oakley? Do you just call them and place an order or what? .

Oakley Government Sales is a separate outfit from Oakley itself.

Check your PMs.

MD

[FedRich]

FedRich,
The kicker on the glass lenses versus composite lenses came when he took his personal pair of Costas and smacked the lenses about ten times with a key off of his key ring to demonstrate how the true glass lenses are basically scratch proof, thus making the glasses last much longer for about $30 extra.

That and they have an excellent warranty program as well if the glasses get damaged (except if someone steps on them). They don't have an LE discount program, but you might run across a state officer who is a dealer. Maybe ask around some TX Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, especially anyone running a boat.