Sunglasses

[woodburnermatt]

Hi All,

What do members think are the best quality polarized sunglasses for stalking and general fishing? I want something that Ideally I don't look like a Special Forces soldier in!!

Kind Regards
Matt

 

[jacksharp]

I used to really like the Optix Cormorant range, but I think they are now defunct. I would think a fairly light tint is best for those duller days and probably amber/light brown lenses, since these enhance contrasts and preserve natural colours better than grey.

I am in the market for a new pair myself and will look at the wraparound type since they keep out most of the light that can leak in around the edges and sides.

I don't mind if I look a bit 'Bravo Two Zero'

 

[MarkTheSpark]

Go for TF Gear's range or the EyeLevel range, making sure you pick polarising lenses (EyeLevel do others). At the price, worth investing in one pair with grey lenses, one with yellow for low light conditions.

 

[sam vimes]

Not in any way cheap, but my preference is for Drivewear lenses from a proper optician (they don't have to be prescription lenses). No need to carry different pairs for differing light conditions.

 

[jacksharp]

Just Googled it and TF Gear do wraparound ones with three interchangeable, polarised lenses for differing light condition, much like cycling glasses. £29 and you don't need to carry 2 pairs!

 

[nicepix]

I used to really like the Optix Cormorant range, but I think they are now defunct. I would think a fairly light tint is best for those duller days and probably amber/light brown lenses, since these enhance contrasts and preserve natural colours better than grey.

I am in the market for a new pair myself and will look at the wraparound type since they keep out most of the light that can leak in around the edges and sides.

I don't mind if I look a bit 'Bravo Two Zero'

Or even Juliet Bravo

 

[jacksharp]

Or even Juliet Bravo

I resemble that remark!

 

[Paul Boote]

Always been a great fish-spotter, having been given a good set of eyes that still don't need glasses, but fishing-wise polaroids do help. Must have at least six pairs of things in various pockets and bags, none of them expensive, most from good old Rusty Fish (and, do you know, the fish appear not to mind being spotted and sometimes caught by a man not wearing big-bucks brand Costa del Mars etc - amazing).

Polarized: Polarised Sunglasses.

 

[jacksharp]

Always been a great fish-spotter, having been given a good set of eyes that still don't need glasses, but fishing-wise polaroids do help. Must have at least six pairs of things in various pockets and bags, none of them expensive, most from good old Rusty Fish (and, do you know, the fish appear not to mind being spotted and sometimes caught by a man not wearing big-bucks brand Costa del Mars etc - amazing).

Polarized: Polarised Sunglasses.

Good link, very reasonably priced sunnies, might just indulge myself and buy a lighter pair.

 

[Ray Roberts]

Not in any way cheap, but my preference is for Drivewear lenses from a proper optician (they don't have to be prescription lenses). No need to carry different pairs for differing light conditions.

I have a pair that I bought from Optilabs, they are the dog's do dahs but very expensive.

 

[binka]

I have a pair that I bought from Optilabs, they are the dog's do dahs but very expensive.

I was thinking about having a look at these, I remember Bob Roberts recommending them in one of the Barbel Days & Ways dvd's and I don't know one end of a polarised lens from the other as I've never tried any and thought they might be a safe bet.

Are the Optilabs a single lense for all light conditions too?

 

[sam vimes]

I was thinking about having a look at these, I remember Bob Roberts recommending them in one of the Barbel Days & Ways dvd's and I don't know one end of a polarised lens from the other as I've never tried any and thought they might be a safe bet.

Are the Optilabs a single lense for all light conditions too?

The special bit is the Drivewear lens. Optilabs will fit them to their frames but these lenses aren't unique to them. AFAIK the Drivewear lenses are the only photochromatic (change tint with light) polarized lenses available. You can have them fitted to any suitable frame you want. Mine are in Ray-Ban frames. Specsavers used to do the Drivewear lenses, though I had to tell the sales assistant that they existed.mg:

 

[binka]

Cheers Sam :thumbs:

 

[nicepix]

I have a pair of Optilabs polarising specs and they are excellent. I'm ready for a new pair and will have no hesitation in getting another pair from this company. Their customer service is superb.

As an aside I used to do quite a bit of photography and used quite a few different polarising lenses on various cameras and lenses. There is a big difference between some of them and like most things in life, the more expensive are usually the best. It was the same with sunglasses. Before I needed prescription lenses I had some Serengeti and Bolle glasses for fishing, I still have the Bolle ones and if you compare them against twenty or thirty quid sunglasses you will realise just how much better the expensive ones are. If you have not tried top end polarising lenses you might never know just how much more they allow you to see.

 

[barbelboi]

Flying Fisherman, great value for the price.
Jerry
SFF Review - Flying Fisherman Sunglasses

 

[terry m]

I use a pair of named Polaroids they are pretty good but not fantastic, but to be fair they were less than £30.

I have a fiend who swears by the yellow lens glasses for all conditions, he claims that fish spotting is much better in deeper (i.e. lower light ) water. Is this manufacturer blurb, or is this the experience of the sages on here also?

 

[Paul Boote]

I carry brown, grey, amber, yellow and rose.

Brown and mid- and dark-grey for bright conditions.

Amber and rose for low light, little to no direct sun.

Yellow, much less frequently, for conditions so dim that it's almost dark.

None of them cost a gazillion pounds, but they find you fish, if you have the eyes for fish.

 

[The bad one]

Optix Cormorants would be my choice but if they've gone bump them's out of the question now.
Did buy two pairs of ESP last year for the price of Optixs, they ain't that bad.

 

[Ray Roberts]

I was thinking about having a look at these, I remember Bob Roberts recommending them in one of the Barbel Days & Ways dvd's and I don't know one end of a polarised lens from the other as I've never tried any and thought they might be a safe bet.

Are the Optilabs a single lense for all light conditions too?

As Sam said they not only darken they also change tint, I need prescription glasses and these are the best I have used.

I don't think I would go to the expense of buying these as plain lenses though, as you can buy some seriously good sunglasses far cheaper. I drive for a living and that is my justification for buying them and also the excuse I give my missus.

Optilabsrescription sports glasses & sunglasses specialists

 

[Jim Crosskey 2]

I'm short sighted so I wear specs anyway. I got a pair of sunglasses with my usual glasses from specsavers, and paid extra to have Polaroid lenses in the sunnies. Cost an extra £60 or so... have to say its been money very wel spent, I tend to wear them when fishing on all but the dullest of winter days - watching a float or a tip (even in relatively low light conditions) just seems to be easier on the eyes with the sunnies on. Fish spotting is very much improved.... Driving too seems a lot better with them on.