Sun Glasses

[Fishin Medic]

I am looking for suggestions on polarized sun glasses. I am finally getting rid of my glasses and having Lasik. I have looked at the H3Os and would like any pros and cons on them and any other brands. I like the idea of having "three" sets of glasses with one frame.

[Steve White]

Medic,

Fishing, and hunting as much as 300+ days a year I have tried many different brands. I gave up being cheap many years ago.

I bought my first pair of Costa Del Mar's 8 years ago. I have yet to find anything that comes anywhere near the clarity of these babies. Night and day difference to anything I have tried. About 5 yrs ago I bought 2 pairs in in my prescription. One blue mirror grey lens(really dark), and one green mirror/amber lens. A pair for both sunny and cloudy days. These also had the same 8 layer technology. These became my binoculars at that point. Seeing clearly below the water and into the woods at 20/20 was taken to new heights. Only draw back was the weight of the glass in the large frame I chose.

Due to how rough I am on all gear I had to retire the blue mirror pair 2 years ago. Seems they dont like to be thrown around the boat and truck.(literally). Recently I stepped on the green pair cracking a lens. Although still usable, it's time for a new pair.

I will tell you this. I can't wait to try the newest lens with the first open water. Will have a new pair in my script, with smaller frame for lighter lens.

Yes, cost will be much higher. Then there is no price for sight!!!!!!!

Tight lines,

Steve White
White's Woods & Waters

[BigMusky]

I have H3O's for probably 8 years and really like them. They are cheaper then Costas and come with three lenses for different conditions. They are very rugged as well and lightweight. I have never used Costas, so i can not say how they compare, but I find it hard to believe they are twice as good since they cost twice as much if not more.

[Steve White]

I agree that H3O has some decent glasses. Although they are still your standard single layer of polarized film sandwhiched between 2 outer layers. Costa's on the other hand now have 8 layers!! I have yet to try the extra layer, as mine are older with 7 layers. With these extra layers cost does go up. Most are priced close to the highest priced H3O's.

Costa has a huge assortment of lenses and styles. Both in glass and CR239 plastic. They do have quite a few with the interchangable lenses up to a least 5 or more.

Then there are also many other companies out there that handle them. Guess it's best to find what is most comfortable to your wallet and face. You could spend from $10-$500+ for your glasses.

No matter what you get, get something. Glasses are a must have on the water!!

Tight lines,

Steve White
White's Woods & Waters

[BigMusky]

I wish i knew someone that had a pair so I could try them out...it is hard to see the difference when in a store.

[BigMusky]

I think the additional lenses cost 40 dollar each though? I am confused what the 8 layers actually give you? There are not 8 dimensions of refracted light.

[Steve White]

Guess, I'm not sure exactly what the 8 layers give you. Don't think it has to do with the spectrum of light we can see. From what I recall no where in ROY G. BIV is ultra violet mentioned.

I will look into this more and post my finding in next few days. Heck, then at least we would all know a little more.

Sammy, will be sportin a pair of standard Costa's this summer. We get on the water somewhere close by, I'm sure she will let you try them out. Mine would make you cross-eyed with them being scripts.

Tight lines,

Steve

[Steve White]

Tried to find some info on the 8 layers in Costa's glasses. Not a whole lot of specific info on it.

It just says 8 layers of reflecting zircon, titanium, and magnesium oxides. Did find out that the new lenses (580's (8 layers)) are not available in scripts. major bummer. Might almost have to get contacts. In long run probaly cheaper than all the script glasses.

Will be talking to Costa in next week. Will try to get more info on the mattter.

Tight lines,

Steve

[BigMusky]

I looked pretty hard myself and could not find anything, just from experience that usually means one of two things.

1. They dont want to tell you on a website so competitors can copy it or....
2. Marketing ploy!

Thanks in advance for the info you collect....

[Big_D]

BM,

I spent a nice chunk of my bonus last year to treat myself to a pair of Costa Del Mar's with the Copper Wave 580 glass. I gotta tell ya, looking through these glasses just makes the whole world look nicer, on or off the water. :)

Pull me over some Saturday on the OC this summer and I'd be happy to let you try 'em out for a while. They're pricey but I'm a believer now... they ARE worth it.

My only wish was that I could have found someplace in the area that had some of the different types of frames in stock... I think I might have been able to get a little better fit to my odd misshapen gord, I mean head, had I had a chance to try a few on... but what I got was not bad by any means, so I guess I shouldn't complain. :)