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Posts: 50
| Hey guys.
Just looking for a little insight on polarized glasses. The only kind I have owned in the past are rapalas. I am looking to get a pair with glass lenses but do not know what brand to go with. From your experience which company makes the best polarized lens? I would like to stay < 150 dollars. I am also in Canada, more specifically Niagara Falls, so if you could recommend a store to get them at, that would be awesome. One last thing, I have a big head so I need a pair that will be comfortable and not tight.
Thanks fellow hunters. |
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Posts: 8842
| I like the Costa Del Mar line myself. They may be a bit more than $150 these days, though. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | smith cayman- green mirror lens- $100-ebay. I see follows that others in the boat can't see. |
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | I've been wearing a polarized pair of Arnettes that I absolutely love. Try some of the snowboard shops as well as fishing specific stores to find a brand or model that is comfortable for you and polarized.
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Location: Contrarian Island | Costa del Mar are some of the best
for low light the H30 with "polar clear" lense can't be beat... |
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Posts: 1220
| I have Costas and Smiths and lean just a bit toward the Smiths as seeing through the water just a bit better and having more hours on the water before you start to feel the Sun's effect. I stick with those two brands because they both offer the diopter for us older guys built in really well and in most of the magnification choices that you would choose. Marty "Forman |
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Posts: 1149
| Polarized lenses on my Oakleys are pretty well scratched up after two seasons. Performance/visibility has been great but don't know if I want to buy another set of plastic lenses or a new pair with glass lenses - as I'd imagine the glass is much tougher to scratch. |
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Posts: 720
| Maybe its me but I love my Costa del mar Fluids. But after I made the switch from plastic to glass lense I can't go back. I think the crispness of a glass lense has helped my eyes a ton. Of coarse I'm getting close to the age of top-soil so maybe my eyes need a little help. But to answer your question I love the products Costa Del Mar puts out. |
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Posts: 1149
| Where have you guys found the best prices on Costas? I've heard Backcountry.com is a good place with good prices. Any other suggestions? |
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Location: Lake Geneva, WI | Costa Del Mar's are sweet. You can get some pretty good deals on ebay I got mine for less than half price. I did go and try on a few different pairs/brands at a local store first though to make sure they fit/looked fine. |
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | Check out Solar Bat. The mossback is a great all day color from low light in the AM to last light in the PM. http://www.solarbat.com/ |
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Posts: 2385
Location: Chisholm, MN | I get the cheapest ones cause I always either break or lose them. |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | When I wear glass lenses, I wear Smith Action Optics. They've got a wide variety of glass lenses, and you can regularly find them regularly and sale priced for less than $150. |
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Posts: 255
| Costa Del Mars all the way! I was fishing with a buddy one day who always wears his "good" polarized sunglasses (I do not know the brand) for fishing. I was telling him about my Costa Del Mars. I hand them to him while we are fishing. He puts them on and says "Holy crap! This is like being able to see into a whole new world! I can see everything. These are ridiculous"
Yes, they are expensive but if you fish a lot and you are careful with them they will pay off in the long run. For me it really helps me see all the fish I don't end up catching! LOL! |
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Posts: 258
Location: Mayville, WI | Costa del mar all the way, no doubt.
Go here: www.steepandcheap.com
Then install a popup reminder from the "alerts" page (I suggest the desktop alert) and wait. They run phenomenal deals (50+% off) on all kinds of new stuff and Costas pop up there regularly. I've gotten three pairs off there so far (2 for me, 1 for a gift) for about the price of 1 at retail.
As a bonus, they also list quality headlamps, gloves, etc. Only one deal at a time, but it's worth it when it comes up.
sc |
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Posts: 496
| SMITH .......................... They are the shiznit |
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Posts: 225
Location: Nordeast Minneapolis | My favorite brand is 'cheap'... every year at the outdoor show, I buy about 4-6 pair. Get the '3 for $20' deal, and I always have them (and extras) on hand. A couple pair in the boat, a couple in the truck, and I'm never stuck saying "dangit! I forgot my polarized glasses!". |
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Posts: 383
| I have had Costas, Nikons, Ocean Waves, and Oakleys. But for some reason I love the Wileys that came with my Revo. I planned on using them as back ups for my glass lens Oakleys, but I'm actually picking up more with the Wileys. They've actually become my go-to glasses. They're light and they fit well too. |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | What are you guys using for prescription glasses now days? I've had a set of Ocean Waves in Back Water Green for around 10 years they have been great. But I suppose like most things there are new and better things on the market now days. I'm about due for a new prescription so what's the newest and greatest in prescription glasses? Doug Johnson |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I'm an old Ocean Waves - Back Water Green guy too. I even found a back up pair used like new for $50. I really feel I can see muskies easier.
I'm suprised not to see much about H30....they have really gotten to be good. I like the almost clear lense option. |
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Posts: 1296
Location: WI | I use Wiley X prescription that I bought at my eye Dr's office. Expensive, but fit under my hat nicely and let me see all the nice fishes swimming around that don't eat. |
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| I wear Costa del mar glasses with green mirrored lenses and amber tint on the inside they have worked great. You can get some good deals on a lot of different websites, but would reccomend trying to find a store to try a few different pairs on. You mentioned you don't want them to tight which is true but also keep in mind that the more light that gets in from behind effects how well you can see into the water. |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | If you fish a lot the compounding effects of the sun can be brutal on your eyes. You only get one set of eyes so I don't go cheap on glasses. I can honestly say that the new Costa 580 lens in copper with the green mirror are the first glasses I've owned that allowed me to go from overcast to bluebird without changing glasses. Its like having two pairs. Not cheap but the visibility through the water is amazing.
Edited by Luke_Chinewalker 12/8/2010 10:17 AM
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| +1 for the Wileys X that came free with a Revo purchase. Not the most top end glasses I have owned but they are some of the best that I've owned. |
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Posts: 258
Location: Mayville, WI | Just a heads up:
steepandcheap.com is running items today that are "stocking stuffers" and shades will be up there a bunch today. Oakley, smith, costa, & others.
sc |
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| Ocean Waves tag line is "THE WORLDS BEST SUNGLASSES" Because they are and millions of people all over the world will agree. They are hard to find but worth looking for and taking the time. Back in the day when all you could find were non polarized or just cheap plastic grey or brown polarized lenses they invented the specialized glass mirrored lenses where the mirrors are in the middle and not on the front of the lens making the mirrors impossible to scratch. They are the people who actually made the specialized lenses for inshore and offshore and now other companies are just doing cheap imitations of their lenses. Now they have 3 other new mirrored lenses that are awesome. Check out their website www.oceanwaves.com |
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Posts: 541
| about a yr ago I posted this same thing and got huge responses as well, I learned alot. I ended up getting costa del mar 580 glass lenses and there everything you have heard about and more. I tried on the other brands and wanted to try ocean waves but could not find them but only online and was'nt gonna do that whole thing. I went with the amber mirror! |
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Posts: 36
| Mauii Jim's are the best on the market (in my opinion). They have lenses that are more advanced than basic polarization. They can be a little pricey but sometimes you can score a good deal |
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Posts: 1149
| Like SCMuskies said, Costas have been popping up on Steepandcheap a lot lately. Also check/set alerts for Tramdock, and WhiskyMilitia. There are basically the same exact site as S&C and I've seen glasses on their as well. Lots of other great gear too.
Caution: After seeing sites like these, you really need to know what you are looking for and buy it when it comes up. Impulse buying is very easy when you see the deals on stuff.
Edited by MartinTD 12/9/2010 9:23 AM
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Posts: 4
| I take it the Costa del Mar 580 is also polarized?
I have owned a pair of StrikePro glasses in yellow and they did fine. Can't say how fine because i havnt owned many others to compare to. Currently looking for a new pair, might get the Costa's.
Serengeti's also seem great. suprised no one mentioned them yet. |
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| I have Costa's as well, great fitting sunglasses I have blue lenses and they work awesome on the water and fairly well in the river, the amber lenses are more suited for the river but I boat fish 80 times per year and only river fish 10. I may spring for another pair eventually. |
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Posts: 617
Location: Clintonville, WI | Key points in original post......1) < $150 2) big head
From someone with the same criteria, H3O fits the bill on both counts, with quality to boot. I've had the same pair for 7 years and they are still great. They have improved their glasses since then as Joe mentioned.
I have not found a pair of Costa, Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray Ban, Arnette, Revo, Ocean Wave, etc. that fit a big melon (actually one Oakley model fit me, but I can't remember which one). |
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| Cosat's Man O' War, Swordfish, Fisch, Hammerhead, and many other fit large noggins very well. I have a larger head & the swordfish fit me fine. Plus, w/ the website I mentioned you can get a pair for well under $150, you just have to be patient.
sc |
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Posts: 51
Location: chisago city,mn. | just wondering if i could get that web site as well scmuskies. |
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| J.W:
http://www.steepandcheap.com" href="http://www.steepandcheap.com/">www.steepandcheap.com
As I said before, they put up one item at a time at 50%+ off & leave it up until it sells out (usually within ten minutes or less), then put up a new item. Costas pop up there daily, sometimes 2-3 times a day. You just have to be patient and wait until the pair (or one similar) is the item then hurry and buy it, they don't last long most of the time.
There's pop-up alerts you can download from the site that alert you anytime a new item is added (I reccomend the desktop alert). It's great if you're at the computer for most of the day w/ your job. They put up tons of good items, just this year I've gotten a headlamp, gore-tex gloves for ice fishing, and some costas.
sc |
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Posts: 243
| I love my H30s with the polar clear lenses. I have not tried some of the higher end glasses listed in other posts, but the H30s are extremely light and comfortable and you forget you have them on even after a 10+ hour day on the water. I also use them for biking and other outdoor activities because they don't shift on your face. I have no trouble seeing fish even under low light conditions with them.
I have also used the Wileys and they're okay, but in my opinion not nearly as comfortable as the H30s (which won't set you back nearly as much either). |
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Posts: 378
Location: On the River | Ocean Waves Backwater Green mine are 11 years old |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | There was a pair of Costas on steepandcheap for 65 bucks....74 total with shipping. |
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Posts: 7
| www.h3opolarized.com
Definately the way to go! gives you a variety of different colors that are easy to snap into place and the things look pretty sharp too!! The clear is the way to go for lowlight periods.. And they are sold for under 150. |
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Posts: 32
| I'm totally new to polarized, been reading around but it's confusing,so many options... mirrors, lens colors, combos......
For Canadian waters (think LOTW) what kind of lenses do you guys recommend?
I heard brown lens is the best "all round".
I just need one pair ($$$).. can't afford for low light, sunny, etc.
I read brown lens with a green mirror is the best for this purpose.....
But like I said, EVERY DAY use for a single application.
just need to see the fishies  |
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| Can't believe no one recommended Maui Jims. Very nice shades and unbelievable customer service |
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Posts: 283
Location: beloit | I have a pair of costas that are really nice and a pair of tifosi optics. the tifosi optics make some nice glasses for around 90$ I have a pair with brown lenses and they work great on stained water like the chip. they also make an open water green lense that gets darker as needed, there glasses are very light and comfortable and don't fog up like my costas do sometimes.
http://www.tifosioptics.com/products/article/t-ip300/search&exact-m...
here is a link with a demo of the lenses
http://www.tifosioptics.com/technology/polarized-fototec/
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| my Ray Bans are 10 yrs old and still scratch free. |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I have been running the same pair of Ocean Waves for about 7 years and love them. They also have great customer service. I forgot the case one evening last summer and set them down on my front casting deck, where my two year old found them and pulled them apart. I sent them back, and they gave me a deal on a brand new pair in a different style, as they no longer supported the Jupitor frame. Unfortunately the new ones(Muskie style, black with the backwater green lens) are a bit wide for my narrower face and I would like to sell them. I might get around to putting them up on the buy sell board here, or drop me an email for photos. I wore them once, and they didn't fit. Come with case.
Edited by Reef Hawg 1/4/2011 11:55 AM
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| DuogJ,I use Wiley X prescription sunglasses,I still use the plastic lenses but with scatch resitant coating on front and non glare coating on the inside.They wrap around well and keep the sun out on the sides.They are also near 100% pure polarization fpr best look down in the water.Ravigne, My wife is an Optician at Michael L. Vilardo,MD Optical at North French Rd & Transit Rd in Swormsville,NY,close drive from Niagara Falls, NY,you can try on different styles of Wiley X ,both with out prescription or to be fitted with prescription.
Capt. Larry D. Jones |
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Posts: 146
Location: where the fish are... | For cheap glasses, calcutta makes a very good product for $20. I go to NC about 3 times a year by my parents who live right by the beach and the local shops always have them. I break a pair a year but they work pretty good and have been impressed over the glasses you can get at bass pro for $20. |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | Costas. I have the blue glass lenses so they aren't optimal for low light, but work wonders otherwise. For the low light I usually wear Smiths w/ a grey lense. Im still searching for the best lenses for low light. I have a pair of Rapalas that sit in the boat that are decent. Definately on the cheaper end....think $30? |
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Posts: 35
Location: Ohio | Oakley prescription are readily available and have great optics, plus are very highly rated safety lenses.. they are pricey but its hard to track down some other brands in prescription lenses. |
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Posts: 86
Location: north metro, MN | I have always loved my pair of costa's I see fish coming from way out and they are very comfortable as well as very protective for your eyes. the price is a bit up there but they will be the last pair you buy for a long time |
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Posts: 32
| adamsnez - 12/16/2010 1:02 PM
I'm totally new to polarized, been reading around but it's confusing,so many options... mirrors, lens colors, combos......
For Canadian waters (think LOTW) what kind of lenses do you guys recommend?
I heard brown lens is the best "all round".
I just need one pair ($$$).. can't afford for low light, sunny, etc.
I read brown lens with a green mirror is the best for this purpose.....
But like I said, EVERY DAY use for a single application.
just need to see the fishies :) just throwing this quote up again, see if it gets a reply.  |
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Posts: 35
Location: Ohio | I went with a bronze lens that allows a moderate level of light in, I picked them because they are an all around good lens, and I can wear them into the twilight and all day on different brightness and water colors. |
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| Now that I've sold my Ocean Waves, and couldn't find another pair of that make to fit, I have found a pair of Costas(Jose frame) that fit very well. I would like to get a similar lens that i used in my OW(green mirror) and was just wondering what people here with Costas, recomend for all around use. I fish alot of stained rivers, lakes and some clear water, but find myself on shallower darker stained water more often than not. I also see that the 580 glass lens style Costas run about $250, with the plastic 580 lenses right around the 179 mark. I am hard on my glasses, and am used to glass, but would consider plastic if they are very scratch resistant. Also, my OW were always a bit heavier than other glasses I've owned, but a willing sacrafice I made for having glass at the time. Is the Costa glass really that much lighter than the competition? Thanks for answers to any and all questions above. |
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Posts: 1247
Location: On the Niagara River in Buffalo, NY | Larry Jones - 1/4/2011 2:40 PM
DuogJ,I use Wiley X prescription sunglasses,I still use the plastic lenses but with scatch resitant coating on front and non glare coating on the inside.They wrap around well and keep the sun out on the sides.They are also near 100% pure polarization fpr best look down in the water.Ravigne, My wife is an Optician at Michael L. Vilardo,MD Optical at North French Rd & Transit Rd in Swormsville,NY,close drive from Niagara Falls, NY,you can try on different styles of Wiley X ,both with out prescription or to be fitted with prescription.
Capt. Larry D. Jones
My wife told me the other day that my Wiley X Sunglasses are only the Wiley X Frame,the lenses she put in are in dark brown with 100% Polarization,scratch resistant with non glare coating.The Wiley X Wrap Around Frames allow for lenses with prescriptions that you can not get in many other lense surfaces because once you get some perscriptions ground in,the lense will no longer fit some frames.
Capt. Larry |
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Posts: 897
| Reef Hawg - 2/20/2011 9:21 AM
Now that I've sold my Ocean Waves, and couldn't find another pair of that make to fit, I have found a pair of Costas(Jose frame) that fit very well. I would like to get a similar lens that i used in my OW(green mirror) and was just wondering what people here with Costas, recomend for all around use. I fish alot of stained rivers, lakes and some clear water, but find myself on shallower darker stained water more often than not. I also see that the 580 glass lens style Costas run about $250, with the plastic 580 lenses right around the 179 mark. I am hard on my glasses, and am used to glass, but would consider plastic if they are very scratch resistant. Also, my OW were always a bit heavier than other glasses I've owned, but a willing sacrafice I made for having glass at the time. Is the Costa glass really that much lighter than the competition? Thanks for answers to any and all questions above.
I just got my first set of Costas with the 580 green mirror glass lenses and so far I am impressed. I was running a pair of Natives for a few years and the difference is amazing. Make sure to check Ebay for deals on Costas, I got mine for $149 shipped, retail is $239 plus tax. |
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Posts: 8842
| Reef Hawg - 2/20/2011 9:21 AM
Now that I've sold my Ocean Waves, and couldn't find another pair of that make to fit, I have found a pair of Costas(Jose frame) that fit very well. I would like to get a similar lens that i used in my OW(green mirror) and was just wondering what people here with Costas, recomend for all around use. I fish alot of stained rivers, lakes and some clear water, but find myself on shallower darker stained water more often than not. I also see that the 580 glass lens style Costas run about $250, with the plastic 580 lenses right around the 179 mark. I am hard on my glasses, and am used to glass, but would consider plastic if they are very scratch resistant. Also, my OW were always a bit heavier than other glasses I've owned, but a willing sacrafice I made for having glass at the time. Is the Costa glass really that much lighter than the competition? Thanks for answers to any and all questions above.
I've got the wave 400 (glass) lenses in both pairs of Costas. The blue mirror/gray base lens is great for saltwater, and/or bright sunny days. On darker days, early mornings, sunset, etc. I've found the green mirror/amber base lens to be much better, as the gray base/blue mirror lens is quite a bit darker. I use the green/amber base lens now for 95% of my fishing. My girlfriend has the 580 lenses (green mirror/amber base) in hers, and she loves them. I've tried comparing the 400 and 580 lens, and the only difference I've noticed is that the 580 lens seems to be clearer if you're looking off to the side and not through the center of the lens. Polarization and visibility seems to be about the same.
I can wear mine for 12 hours with no discomfort. They're not what I'd consider heavy at all. I've only ever used glass lenses, so I can't really comment on plastic, but both pairs of Costas are scratch free after over 5 years, aside from one chip from being dropped on my driveway.
I still haven't found a lens that's any good for the first hour of daylight and the last hour of daylight, or on those really dark days.
Not much help I suppose, since I've only ever used one brand... |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Thanks for the detailed response guys. I see that the 580 green mirrored lens is a copper base, while the 400 is amber. Not a big difference it appears. Have settled on the 580 green. Now need to go somewhere I haven't been in over 15 years, the eye doctor, to see if I need a prescription in the things.. |
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