10 Best Polarized Sunglasses for Fishermen
Craig Ritchie 09.08.17
There’s no faster way to a headache than to spend a long day on the water without sunglasses. Good polarized sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. They’ve become as essential as sunscreen. That’s especially true out on the water, where you don’t only have to deal with light streaming down from above, but bouncing up from the water’s surface as well.
Leading sunglass manufacturers have made huge strides in creating comfortable, effective sunglasses that don’t just protect your eyes and help you see more clearly, they let you look great doing it. Many of the newest products for the coming year are unveiled at the annual ICAST fishing tackle trade show. We were there, and here’s a look at some of the hottest new sunglass designs coming your way for 2018.
BluWater Alumination 1 CF GR
The new Alumination 1 CF GR from BluWater Polarized combine fashion and function in anodized aluminum, a lightweight, strong material that will not be affected by salt water. The lenses are polarized gray with UV 400 protection, while silicone nose pieces and spring hinged temples provide all-day comfort. MSRP is $59.99.
Maui Jim Kanaio Coast Style 799
Designed as a durable mid-sized wrap, the Kanaio Coast from Maui Jim provides extended eye coverage along with the protection of Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lens technology. Offering enough versatility to be worn for either boating, fishing and casual wear, the Kanaio Coast has broad appeal with its unique color options. MSRP is $249.00.
Nines Optics Powell
The new Powell from Nines Optics is designed for fishing, with a wide temple design, wrap-around frame and the company’s new patented Nirtech optics. Nirtech polarized lenses absorb harmful Near Infrared Radiation (NIR) and blue light, providing greater eye protection and enhanced visibility. Nine layers of lens protection provide 100% UVA + UVB protection. MSRP is $89.00 in polycarbonate, or $159.00 with glass lenses.
Pelagic Fish Hook LTD – Dorado
Produced in state-of-the-art European optical laboratories, the Pelagic Polarized Mineral Glass lenses were specifically developed for life on the water, where harsh conditions can persist for days on end. Featuring Zero Glare polarization, Tuff Lens scratch protection and Hydro and Oleophobic coatings, the Fish Hook LTS – Dorado offers an optimal blend of comfort and performance. MSRP is $269.99.
Rheos Gear Floating Sunglasses
Rheos is the Greek word for river current – the last thing you want to dump your expensive sunglasses into. Fortunately for you, Rheos Gear sunglasses float, so you can retrieve them and get back into action. Six different frame styles and 34 color combinations let you select just the perfect look. MSRP is $49.95.
Bimini Bay Outfitters Salt Life Tribeca
Salt Life Tribeca sunglasses offer timeless fashion and performance with their acetate frame and Zeiss lenses with five-layer anti-reflective coating. Made in Italy, the Tribeca is said to provide crisper, clearer images with superior resolution and color fidelity. MSRP is $199.99.
Torch Eyewear DNA
The DNA frame from Torch Eyewear is lightweight and super strong, with flexible temples tipped with rubber socks that create a comfortable, secure fit without cranial pressure points. DNA also features a deep cut eight base interchangeable lens system with five different tints on lenses that meet or exceed industry standards for impact resistance and optical quality. MSRP is $210.00.
Torch Eyewear HoleShot
The HoleShot offers a slick, no-hinge, one-piece injection molded frame design with removable, interchangeable temples for a unique look and unprecedented comfort. Designed to eliminate temple pinch, the lightweight frame design also eliminates nose bridge stress. Five different lens tint options allow optimization for any light conditions, including deep and shallow water polarized fishing lenses. The HoleShot’s quick-fit interchangeable lens system allows on-the-fly changes to suit any need. MSRP is $210.00.
Ugly Stik Scout Sunglasses
From Pure Fishing comes the Ugly Stik Scout sunglasses, which use a sturdy semi rimless wrap frame that provides all-day comfort. Their 1.1 mm polarized lenses provide effective glare reduction while soft-grip temple pads and vented soft grip nose pads enhance wearability. They’re available in black with gray lenses, black with copper lenses or camo with gray lenses. MSRP is $19.99.
Wiley X has partnered with Kryptek to create what the company calls the ultimate in polarized fishing glasses. Filter 8 polarized lenses provide premium protection while meeting or exceeding ANSI Z87.1-2010 and EN.166 safety standards for optical clarity as well as high velocity impact protection. Offered in sizes medium and large, each comes with a case strap, cleaning cloth and a limited lifetime warranty. MSRP is $140.00.
