Sunglasses - what is important to you?

[Crazy Eyes]

I know all the different brand loyalties will apply and not everyone will agree on those but what specifically are you looking for in a sunglass lens or sunglass frame? Do you only shop brand or look for what is comfortable or stylish? What color lenses do you prefer and when? I have told many of you through the years what I recommend for certain conditions but to each his own, what do you prefer? Any other comments appreciated as well without brand bashing please.

[Robja]

I have the Costas with the blue mirror lense. First sunglasses I have had that i felt like i could see good out of. Others I had including Raybans I felt I couldn't see out of them as well with contacts in.

[Tenacious]

Coastas Fathoms, blue mirror. First pair of glasses that fit my face.

[La Gringa]

first... are they polarized? second, how do they feel are they a comfortable fit.... snug but without leaving marks..... cost.... i lose too many sunglasses to buy expensive ones.... and then if they have reading lens on them (check out Fish Eyes) that's a bonus....

i don't like anything with a coating because it scratches off... nothing mirrored... i don't want sunglasses that have to be treated with kid gloves.... they need to be durable...

that's it... lol

[ice cream man]

Being able to see without switching eyeglasses......

Ono, polarized, amber lens with reading glasses built into the bottom third........ICM

[Reelscreamer]

I use military accepted Half Jackets with black polarized lenses because they are comfortable for the day and near darkness I use Oakley Bottle Caps with brown polarized lenses because they make everything brighter.

[Scooper]

Polarized, snug - comfortable fit, light weight, with a slight wrap that prevents light coming from the side and affecting my peripheral vision.

I have had the Costa Fathom w/ 580 Blue Glass that I liked. They were little heavy but had a nice fit and finish. I lost them in April so I moved on to the Maui Jim Makaha, that I find works well for me... light weight (polycarbonate lens), comfortable rubber nose piece and insert on arms keeps 'em place in all conditions. The frames are very flexible, my kids are living proof... I was a little unsure about the MJ's because they didn't have the glass lenses like the Costas and seemed much less durable, I was afraid that I would break them in a week but I loved the feel. Well, 6 months later they are still going strong with no scratches, even after 2 weeks lost in a toy box ( I wonder how they got there ? ) thankfully we were moving and everything was getting cleaned out otherwise they'd still be there... all in all I love the MJ's but I'd buy any product that fulfilled the needs listed above.

I know I just cursed myself and I'll lose/break them within a week.

[Foul Hooked]

I have 3 or 4 pairs of Maui Jim's now and love them. Also have the Oakley Square wire with the Deep Blue Lenses which I loved more than any other set of bluewater glasses until I dropped them on the driveway and scratched them. (Mark can you order a set of replacement lenses?). I really do love the oakley lenses and I think they really hit it out of the park with this set of glasses.

If I were to design a set of glasses, I would design a set where the lenses were easily replaceable since scratches are going to happen. I don't want to have to send them back to the manufacturer. Also, as cool as I think the mirror lenses are, I think I would be better off without the mirror as I do think they contribute to the 'racoon' look that so many of us get after watching the spread for 9 or 10 hours. That sun reflecting off the lenses and hitting the cheeks is really doing a number on us. I prefer glass over the plastic for the lenses, but that's not that important to me.

As far as frames, what ever works. I do however, hate those springy type frames. My MJ Blades have been a real disappointment because the frames want to make the glasses jump off of your face. Anyway, produce a good set of sunglasses and I'll try them. Period.


Also, thanks again for the recommendation on the rec specs for my daughter. We got her a set and she loves them.

[hunt4fish]

I've had a chit pot load of all different brands of expensive sunglasses,and by far the best sunglasses are Costa's.IMO I now have 3 pairs of Costas 2pairs of Rincons,and a pair of MP-2's.All are mirrored 2 blue and one grn. The blues are by far my favs,but in certain light condition the grns. rule(low light/very overcast) And my lastest pair are the 580 lense and they are the shit hands down. But my requirements for sunglasses are as follows,Polarized is first,must be mirrored,fit and eye coverage.I'm wierd when it comes to fit,I have spent hours shopping for sunglasses before trying on everything the store has to offer,before I find one I really like,and for me the styles mentioned above are great for me,and don't plan on deviating from those anytime soon.

[clt_capt]

I've got a pair of Costa Catalinas with Blue 580s - Best "seeing" shades I've had. I like the catalina style -I think I get less side glare. If a few of the other manufacturers made a style like that, I'd take a serious look