Polarized glasses...do they work?

[Tay690]

Hi there,
I've been very interested in Polarized glasses for fishing since they came out...at first I thought they were another one of those "Wonder products" but they're still kicking around and they've come down in price A LOT!

I'm thinking of getting a couple pairs and I was wondering a few things:
1. Has anyone used them? Are they as good as they claim to be?
2. Glass or plastic lenses?
3. Which shades are best for which conditions? (I'm thinking of getting a pair that can be used in most conditions)
4. Which companies do you recommend?

Thanks in advance,
Taylor

[Amphiprion]

That's all I use. Whether it is on the water or driving after a summer rain, it takes out any glare substantially. Of course, many mirrored sun glasses amplify the effect. My personal favorites are Costa del Mar (blue mirrored seems to be the best) and Kaenon. Both of those brands are top notch, IME.

[shanefee]

If you are going to use them for fishing then you want the amber ones they do work they take the glare of the water and you can see most things under the water .

[MChambers]

Hi there,
I've been very interested in Polarized glasses for fishing since they came out...at first I thought they were another one of those "Wonder products" but they're still kicking around and they've come down in price A LOT!


You certainly have been waiting a long time, because I have been wearing polarized sunglasses for fishing for at least thirty years. I will not wear any other kind of sunglasses, for fishing or for anything else.
You don't need to spend a lot. You can find good glasses for twenty dollars or less. Plastic lenses are fine. Just find some that feel comfortable.

[gotglock]

Yes


I enjoy fishing in my Revo's. Not only do I look BA, but I can see.

[Rallysman]

I got some prescription Oakleys with polarized lenses and I wear them more than I wear my normal glasses. They're awesome (and comfortable).

My suggestion for fishing is to get some that don't let light in from the sides. I had some clip on sun glasses but the light from the top/bottom/sides gave me a headache.

[Tay690]

Excellent

I knew I would find some fisherman with experience using them to get a good and honest review before I go buying a couple of pairs

So the tan colour (Copper / Tan I'll call it) and the grey colour lenses work in most conditions?

Most of my freshwater fishing starts as early as 6:30am and as late as 4am sometimes...will there be any issues around dawn or dusk with these colour choices?

Edit: I forgot to say Thank you to everyone for their opinions and views...much better than taking the word of a salesman in BPS

And i'm only 26 lol
the first time I saw polarized glasses being advertised on a fishing show for the purpose of fishing exclusively ... hmm let me think

I think it was Bob Izumi maybe 12-15 years ago on his fishing show saying how "You can actually see the fish in the water...the structures and submerged weed beds"

and at the stunning price of $200+ I would have been saving my paper route money for a good 6-8 months lol

although I did save my paper route money for 6 months to buy my first bait casting reel which cost me $150 and tbh I still use the same reel to this day lol and I love it

[Rallysman]

If you're going to go, go for the good ones. I spent $450 on mine and it's one of the best investments I've made. (The lenses were a LOT of that price since they're prescription)

[Dr. Awkward]

My polarized lenses are brown. I can wear them until it's completely dark outside. Grey is fine for daytime but I don't think they're as good as brown in lower light. Also, brown makes certain colors like red really pop, so you are more likely to see small flashes of color, like little fish. When my husband and I go to the mountains in Colorado he's constantly asking to borrow my glasses, even though they're my prescription, because you can see so much more color with them.

I LOVE them for rain driving. I used them once at the crack of dawn in pouring rain on a four-lane highway full of idiot morning drivers. I felt stupid at first because it was so dark outside but they cut right through the rain like it wasn't even there. Now I wear them whenever it rains and I feel much safer behind the wheel.

Do yourself a favor and get some wrap around glasses that block as much outside light as possible. It really helps. The only downside I can think of is that polarized lenses make tinted car windows and some reflections look like big rainbow filters. You get used to it after awhile but it's distracting at first.

[mel_20_20]

I agree with the color choice of a shade of brown, or amber for fishing. I'm a licensed optician, actually. I love polarized lenses.

Gray can be the most comfortable for someone sensitive to light and is good for deep water fishing, but lake fishing would probably be better with a shade of brown.

Here's some info on color choices in polarized lenses:

Smoke (Dark Grey) - Reduces the maximum amount of visible light and allows for true color recognition. Good for bright sunny days and heavy glare situations. This polarized lens has its best use in driving, deep-water fishing, boating, and other everyday activities.

Caramel (Light Brown) - A lighter shade of Chocolate, Caramel improves contrast and depth perception. This polarized lens is good for partly sunny to very sunny days.


Copper (Copper) - A reddish brown color, this color maximizes contrast making items brighter. Ideal for any application where good visual acuity is crucial. This polarized lens is great for fishing, golfing, and driving in varying conditions.

Chocolate (Dark Brown) - Provides excellent contrast and improves visual acuity and depth perception. This Chocolate colored Polarized lenses reduces blue light and is good for highly sunny and varying conditions. This lens is the best Polarized lens for driving, golfing, and shallow water fishing.


Sunflower (Yellow) - Provides maximum light transmission of any polarized lens. Increases contrast and filters out some blue light. Polarized lenses are used in low light conditions such as overcast or cloudy days. Popular among shooters, hunters, skiers, and good for driving in low light situations.


Sorry for going off on the subject.:)

[snoopy65]

Mel you always have the best info. I use polarized wrap around sun glasses when out on Lake Erie in a light brown color. I guess you would call it amber. I also have a pair of Yellow ones that I use for hunting and driving - at night. I have an astigmatism and the headlight glare is terrible without them.

[mel_20_20]

Aw shucks, Snoop. You're a sweetie.

Btw, wrap arounds are the best! Another thing, be sure to get lenses with an anti-reflective coating; both clear Rx lenses and sunglasses, whether tints or polarized.

An AR coating can dramatically reduce the effects of glare. Your sunglasses may have an AR coating, usually on the back side, but if not, be sure to consider having an AR coating on your next pair.

I have problems with glare, too, and AR coatings really help.

[Riiz]

Thx for the info Mel, I was going to chime in that I use yellow or amber lenses depending on the light when I shoot outdoors without good shade. Its amazing how much sharper objects and targets become through a piece a yellow plastic.

[kj5kb]

I'd go with an inexpensive ~$20 pair to start with.

As Mel and Riiz suggested: yellow/amber/copper depending on how dark you want it. You'll be surprised how well even yellow polarized ones work

[saganco]

Can you get wrap arounds that go OVER prescription glasses so I don't have to have several pair of prescription polarized glasses? I am glare sensitive, but want them for on the boat fishing - so maybe the grey and a pair of amber? But only if there's a wrap around that will go over the prescription peepers that wouldn't be too uncomfortable (otherwise there'll be a headache for a different reason!). If that's not possible, then I'll have to choose one or the other and have a prescription pair made (way too costly, but probably necessary if I can't get "over shades" - I made that up by the way).

Mostly it will be used for our high altitude lakes and reservoirs here in the mountains of Colorado. LOTS of UV here! But we will be spending the entire day out when we go - so daylight till dusk, cloudy and sunny... Too many variables to get one good pair??

[froglover007]

I agree with the color choice of a shade of brown, or amber for fishing. I'm a licensed optician, actually. I love polarized lenses.

Gray can be the most comfortable for someone sensitive to light and is good for deep water fishing, but lake fishing would probably be better with a shade of brown.

Here's some info on color choices in polarized lenses:

Smoke (Dark Grey) - Reduces the maximum amount of visible light and allows for true color recognition. Good for bright sunny days and heavy glare situations. This polarized lens has its best use in driving, deep-water fishing, boating, and other everyday activities.

Caramel (Light Brown) - A lighter shade of Chocolate, Caramel improves contrast and depth perception. This polarized lens is good for partly sunny to very sunny days.


Copper (Copper) - A reddish brown color, this color maximizes contrast making items brighter. Ideal for any application where good visual acuity is crucial. This polarized lens is great for fishing, golfing, and driving in varying conditions.

Chocolate (Dark Brown) - Provides excellent contrast and improves visual acuity and depth perception. This Chocolate colored Polarized lenses reduces blue light and is good for highly sunny and varying conditions. This lens is the best Polarized lens for driving, golfing, and shallow water fishing.


Sunflower (Yellow) - Provides maximum light transmission of any polarized lens. Increases contrast and filters out some blue light. Polarized lenses are used in low light conditions such as overcast or cloudy days. Popular among shooters, hunters, skiers, and good for driving in low light situations.


Sorry for going off on the subject.:)
Mel you always have the longest and most informative answer, unlike the rest of us ;) .

[Riiz]

Can you get wrap arounds that go OVER prescription glasses so I don't have to have several pair of prescription polarized glasses? I am glare sensitive, but want them for on the boat fishing - so maybe the grey and a pair of amber? But only if there's a wrap around that will go over the prescription peepers that wouldn't be too uncomfortable (otherwise there'll be a headache for a different reason!). If that's not possible, then I'll have to choose one or the other and have a prescription pair made (way too costly, but probably necessary if I can't get "over shades" - I made that up by the way).

Mostly it will be used for our high altitude lakes and reservoirs here in the mountains of Colorado. LOTS of UV here! But we will be spending the entire day out when we go - so daylight till dusk, cloudy and sunny... Too many variables to get one good pair??

I've seen clip-ons at Bass Pro shops.

[gratleop]

yes there amazing i dont use anything else i always use my bros oakleys there so amazing!!

[mel_20_20]

Can you get wrap arounds that go OVER prescription glasses so I don't have to have several pair of prescription polarized glasses? I am glare sensitive, but want them for on the boat fishing - so maybe the grey and a pair of amber? But only if there's a wrap around that will go over the prescription peepers that wouldn't be too uncomfortable (otherwise there'll be a headache for a different reason!). If that's not possible, then I'll have to choose one or the other and have a prescription pair made (way too costly, but probably necessary if I can't get "over shades" - I made that up by the way).

Mostly it will be used for our high altitude lakes and reservoirs here in the mountains of Colorado. LOTS of UV here! But we will be spending the entire day out when we go - so daylight till dusk, cloudy and sunny... Too many variables to get one good pair??

There are wrap arounds that go over your own glasses. It used to be that the only thing available like that was those ugly "old folks" fit-overs that where huge and you would see being worn by elderly post cataract patients.

Now, you can find fit-overs that are sleek and trim wrap arounds that look like slightly bulkier wraps, but they look much more sporty and youthful than the old style. You could try your local optical shops or even WalMart. They are available in polarized lenses, brown or gray, and I think I'd go with a gray if you are very sensitive, but if you can take a bit more light the brown will be more versatile.

[mel_20_20]

Aw, thanks, froggie.

[saganco]

There are wrap arounds that go over your own glasses. It used to be that the only thing available like that was those ugly "old folks" fit-overs that where huge and you would see being worn by elderly post cataract patients.

Now, you can find fit-overs that are sleek and trim wrap arounds that look like slightly bulkier wraps, but they look much more sporty and youthful than the old style. You could try your local optical shops or even WalMart. They are available in polarized lenses, brown or gray, and I think I'd go with a gray if you are very sensitive, but if you can take a bit more light the brown will be more versatile.

You're DA BEST!! You just saved me a bunch of money and I really appreciate the advice. :bowing: I know one can spend A LOT of money on polarized shades, but would the walmart ones be good enough? Need a pair for hubby too so we can actually see those pesky trout as they try to avoid us, or see what is really on the line... Thanks again for your help Mel! :clap:

[mel_20_20]

I've tried them on, myself, over my glasses. I thought they were fine. I didn't see any distortions or aberrations, so I think they would be good. There are several companies that make these, but I think the ones I tried that are sold at Walmart were a good price and good quality.

The best way is to check several locations, Walmart and other optical dispensaries. I'd do some phoning for availability and prices and then go try them out. Ask them to walk outside with you so you can try them in the sunlight. Make sure they are polarized and if you find some that have back-side anti-reflective coating you've hit the jackpot, lol.

[saganco]

Excellent - thanks again Mel. I'll be shopping for them this week! Blessings :D

[Flaringshutter]

If you're using waders at all, buy dedicated polarized glasses and put them on one of those fabric around-the-neck holders. In strong wind or while landing a fish, it's easy for them to slip off - especially the ones that fit over regular glasses - and they'll be far downriver before you can grab them.

I just buy cheap drugstore polarized glasses. Rite-aid is my favorite, they have $15 ones and the holders too. Easy and if I lose them, I'm not devastated. Plastic lenses are fine. And I don't like any color in my glasses, just plain grey/black lenses. If you're wading it can be important to distinguish a green, slippery, mossy rock from a dark brown boulder from a deep blue hole, so I go with uncolored ones.

But I wouldn't dream of going fishing without polarized glasses. They're a lifesaver, literally.

[Bottomfeeder2]

I've never used polarized sunglasses for fishing. I have perscription glasses with transition lenses. That's it. IMO, polarized sunglasses are not nescisarry, although most fishing guides I know use them.

[Wet Coaster]

I know of two brands of good quality polarized sunglasses that fit over prescription glasses: "Fitovers", and "Coccoons". Both are available in different sizes and lens colours. They are excellent for high glare situations, such as fishing from a boat, or wading in open water, because they stop the glare from below, above, and the sides of your eyes.

If you've never tried polarized glasses while fishing, you don't know what you're missing. For example, on a stream, you can see the bottom structure, and fish, 10 times clearer.

[Star_Rider]

there is a test you can do with polarized lenses.
take two pair of sunglasses (or lenses) place one in front of the other as you look thru them (think telephoto here)
slowly rotate one lense(clock wise) if you have 2 polarized lenses you will see them block out the light.

polarization is really fine (very fine) lines etched in the glass. they knock down light waxes(which are directional) filters out 1 direction of light.

[saganco]

While at a sporting goods store this last weekend, we discovered these amazing glasses: http://www.glpolarized.com/Guideline/Bifocal

They can put my own distance vision prescription in them so now I'd be protected, could SEE the fish, and find my way around! I'm seriously into these glasses! Now I will be able to SEE the hook! :bowing:

[beatsland]

Polarized glasses are a most have on the water, check out Flying Fisherman sunglasses they are the best value on the market.

http://www.flyingfisherman.com/

Capt Juan Garcia
beatslandcharters.com

[halfmoonplakat]

I agree with the color choice of a shade of brown, or amber for fishing. I'm a licensed optician, actually. I love polarized lenses.

Gray can be the most comfortable for someone sensitive to light and is good for deep water fishing, but lake fishing would probably be better with a shade of brown.

Here's some info on color choices in polarized lenses:

Smoke (Dark Grey) - Reduces the maximum amount of visible light and allows for true color recognition. Good for bright sunny days and heavy glare situations. This polarized lens has its best use in driving, deep-water fishing, boating, and other everyday activities.

Caramel (Light Brown) - A lighter shade of Chocolate, Caramel improves contrast and depth perception. This polarized lens is good for partly sunny to very sunny days.


Copper (Copper) - A reddish brown color, this color maximizes contrast making items brighter. Ideal for any application where good visual acuity is crucial. This polarized lens is great for fishing, golfing, and driving in varying conditions.

Chocolate (Dark Brown) - Provides excellent contrast and improves visual acuity and depth perception. This Chocolate colored Polarized lenses reduces blue light and is good for highly sunny and varying conditions. This lens is the best Polarized lens for driving, golfing, and shallow water fishing.


Sunflower (Yellow) - Provides maximum light transmission of any polarized lens. Increases contrast and filters out some blue light. Polarized lenses are used in low light conditions such as overcast or cloudy days. Popular among shooters, hunters, skiers, and good for driving in low light situations.


Sorry for going off on the subject.:)

lol whoah this is rlly useful
i didnt even kno polarized lenses existed, they sound pretty cool

[excuzzzeme]

I have been using them for years. I use the kind that will fit over regular prescription glasses and actually got the VA to make me a pair as well.

The clarity when fishing is awesome! You can actually see the fish in the water! They reduce a significant amount of eye-strain from the light and as mentioned before, you need to block the light that comes in from the sides to be most effective.

Clip-ons (clips to regular glasses) do work, but not as well as a full glass lens. Cost doesn't always equate to a better sunglass. I try out the ones offered in sporting good stores and then see if I can find the same brand in a discount store for less.

My prescription lenses are over $500 so it's not like I can afford to replace them each season!

[saganco]

Woo Hoo! I got my RX polarized glasses! Now to get the darn boat for some winter trolling out on Pueblo reservoir... My eye doc said that the best one for eye protection coupled with water visability are the dark brown lenses. I love them and can't wait to see how wonderful they are on the water now...

[Tay690]

just thought I'd update this question

I bought a couple pairs from BPS last fall...cheap $20 pair

The ones I got were so-so I'll say...I got another pair a week later made by Rapala for 19.99 and WOW what a difference in quality

Needless to say I will never fish a single day without polarized glasses

they work so well it actually hurts your eyes to take them off after you've been fishing for a few hours...and the visibility in the water is astounding!

All those times you've tossed a lure close to a downed tree thinking you can outmanuever the tree and end up getting snagged...pull your boat in and scare off all the fish

NEVER AGAIN!

Some places I can see a good 15-20 feet straight down into the water...it's unreal

[excuzzzeme]

I realize this is an older thread but wanted to say I opt for the glass lenses over plastic due to being much more scratch resistant, especially when fishing around overgrown banks.

Yes, polarized lenses are all they are touted to be.

[Star_Rider]

+1

my fav pair are prescription
polarized photo grey

[deeleywoman]

i actually talked my husband into letting me get a pair of prescription sunglasses for the sole reason that i wanted to have them for fishing... my eye doc's glasses shop polarizes all their prescription shades automatically, so i didn't even have to pay extra for it. and they're designer, too, so i look hawt while i'm pretending to be an awesome fisherwoman. my doc also sells prescription/polarized shades designed for sporting activites, with stretchy nylon bands to hold them on. so i'm betting most people should be able to find them with a phone call or two.

i friggin' love my shades; i don't go outside without them on, and the only time i don't see perfectly well with them is when i'm driving through the tunnel- i've gotten very adept at switching from shades to normal glasses as i enter the tunnel, and back to shades as i come out lol... on the water, there's just nothing like them. i can see under the water's surface even if i'm just driving past a lake or river. worth every friggin' penny.

[saganco]

Hi - I'm the OP on this thread, and I LOVE my new rx glass photo browns (the eye doc said that they protect my eyes better than the grays, and look almost as good as the grays). Nothing beats it - in fact hubby couldn't wait to go the eye doc and get rx glasses like I did, so he got a pair of fit overs today and he's so excited about our next fishing excursion to the lake!

This thread can of course continue with the praises of the polarized glasses, but if others are posting to help answer my original question, it's well past being answered - I'm SOLD! Thank you all!!

[deeleywoman]

oh, i know who you are, and i know you got your answer.... i actually read the whole thread, cuz i have no life >.> i was just chipping in my two coppers. :D mine are dark brown, too, btw...

also, hi! haven't seen ya in awhile ^_^ (well, mostly cuz i ain't been around in awhile...)

[saganco]

Well, I wasn't trying to hush anyone up! I was just stating that I'm happy, my question has been answered perfectly, and that I will gracefully (or not so, since I'm pretty clutzy) bow out of the thread... You guys and gals enjoy your shades!!

[deeleywoman]

:D