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Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/14/2004 : 10:48:54

After doing all my research and shopping, I still come back to this board for the final say. When I got my glider rating back in 1970, my Rayban Aviators worked great. Infact, I still use them for sailing, but as my eyes get older I feel like I could use a more specialized sunglass. I like the idea of "glacier glasses" because the side shields block out peripheral light. However the terminology associated with the numerous lenses is allot like Pennzoil with Z7 or food products with riboflavin. I would be interested in specific types of sunglasses that work for you. Polarized? Polycarbonate lens vs. glass. Blue vs. smoked? Photograys? U.V. filtration. ABC %%% Expensive vs. cheap. I’m sure the list goes on...I am overwhelmed with options. Your endorsements please. Thank you. Todd Frye

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 10:55:36

RayBan Wayfarer II, polarized, prescription, extra dark. Classic, and they last forever.

Brooke

Edited by - on

sdaly66
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 11:20:26

And get a tether. I have lost no fewer than 3 pairs overboard in the past year

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 11:32:20

After a few mishaps with more pricier sunglasses, for the last few years I've been using inexpensive Foster-Grant IronMan sunglasses (around $20.00 at Walmart). They have a wrap around design that shields light from all angles and they are quite comfortable.

The only issue I have with these glasses is that with the face hugging fit the result is that I have a serious case of "raccoon eyes".

Edited by - on

cclark
Navigator

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USA
104 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 16:49:07

Finally a topic I actually know something about!
Todd, you will be best suited with a polarized sunglass lens. These are generally not as dark as the darkest tinted sunglasses (although you can have them tinted somewhat darker) The advantage of the polarized lens is that it blocks our only the half of the light that is reflected off of the water, deck, sails, or other boats.
Polarized lenses are available in prescription or non prescription and you can spend from $20 to $200 for them. The cheaper ones may have some distortion but not necessarily. Also, the wrap style of frame is better than a glacier glasses because you don't lose peripheral vision. One final thing to remember with the more extreme wrap styles is that the manufacture must put prism in the lens to counteract the prism induced by the wrap. If they don't, it can cause headaches and eyestrain.
Hope this helps.
Chris

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 16:52:31

I have a friend whose favorite saying is "nothing sinks faster than expensive sunglasses".

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 18:08:40

"Nothing goes down faster than Steinlager... Except Australia II"

Kiwi jibe after the Australian boat broke in half and sank during the AC trials...

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 18:26:12

Polarized helps you "see" the wind better too.

CVick
PanaceaII '81 C25 #2439 SRSK

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
542 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 19:04:57

And, don't forget the aerodynamic value of wrap-arounds when you reach hull speed!

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 20:08:17

Hey Brooke,
Do you know if those RayBan Wayfarer are available in progressive lenses? Old farts like me (age 53) gotta have their reading glasses if they want to look at charts while sailing.
I currently have progressive lenses inserted into some Ray Ban Frames, but the frames broke, and Ray Ban sold out to Lenscrafters and don't manufacture those frames anymore so I'm SOL and in the market for new sailing glasses.
I do want polarized next time.
This topic came up just in time. OH BOY I get to spend more money on useless things like eyeglasses when I could be spending it on boats.

Edited by - on

roberoo
Navigator

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USA
182 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2004 : 23:47:56

Hi Frank,

I can answer your question also. I have the xact glasses as Brooke with the progessive tri focals. Yes tri focals. I screwed the eyes up with computer work. But they work great. I just went on a Large ship cruise to mexico and was on deck at the pool reading everyday. When I drive there is a little degradation using the progressive but it still works great. Also they are pricy, I paid 285.00 with a Insurance discount just for the lenses also these are some type poly carbon to lighten the load on the old snozz.

Also I checked on the internet for parts as my frames are 6 years old and found quite a few places selling parts you might want to check it out.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2004 : 07:47:46

Frank, I got mine at Lenscrafters. I used to have a progressive/blended pair, but when I had them remade, I had them done with just the distance prescription. My eyes are such that if I want to read a chart, I flip the glasses up on my head.

I checked online -- Wayfarers are still being made. The II model is for people like me with fat heads.

And yes, I recommend something to keep them attached to your head. I use Croakies.

Brooke

Edited by - Brooke Willson on 07/15/2004 07:52:44

RoofRoof
Navigator

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USA
186 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2004 : 11:26:02

Buy the best!

I have a few pair of REVOs. They have been documented to be the very best lenses. NO color change from the lens.What you see is actual color.

I use polarized when on the water or snow skiing.

I just read that polarized is not recommended for flying an airplane.

And I just happened to have matching pairs of REVOs, one polarized and one not.

If you like the old "Cat Eye" style. I have a few pairs of those in absolutely perfect condition. I have every pair of sunglasses I have ever owned, and not even 1 scratch on any of them.

You pay a few hundred dollars for a pair, and you'll keep up with them. That's my motto.

You can have the old Cat Eye style for $25 + $5 shipping.

I also have old Bolle and Varnet.

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2004 : 13:54:30

Frank,

Many of us need lenses for seeing close up. For me, looking at a chart then the horizon or a hand held compass requires enhancement. Therefore, bifocals.

But, with all due respect to RoofRoof ("You pay a few hundred dollars for a pair, and you'll keep up with them."), old Murphy has cursed me about sunglasses all my life. My best efforts to keep them pristine have not kept me from sitting on them, dropping them in the drink, dropping them on the pavement, banging into the mast or boom, having the mainsheet rip them off or misplacing and losing them. Bifocal sunglasses are really expensive, too. My wife, Kirsten, just bought a pair of sunglasses that retail for $250, she got a deal. When she misplaced them last week I was afraid she was going to have a heart attack. I don't need that kind of stress. (She did find them.)

My solution is to buy moderately priced ($25), dark tinted, polarized, plastic sunglasses and apply stick-on plastic mini-lenses that you can buy at a drug store for close-up vision. If you have not seen these things, they are a neat idea. You clean your glasses very well, wet the interior surface, wet the lens, position it and squeeze out the water. Once dry, they really stick. The stick-on lenses come in many strengths (1.5, 1.75. 2.0, 2.25, etc.) and are relatively inexpensive, about $20. You can even use scissors to trim them to size. You can take them up and reposition them.

The sun glasses I now use on Hey Jude I bought at West Marine, then applied the mini-lenses. They cover my orbital sockets such that wind does not keep blowing in and irritate my eyes, but there is enough room that they do not fog. The side pieces are narrow enough that I have fair peripheral vision, but are curved to tension in tight enough so that I don't lose them. The glasses have broken twice on the bottom of the lens holder as a result of my over enthusiastic cleaning. But glue works wonders. The effect of sun-screen has been to encourage the shiny surface of the plastic to shed in some places.

But they work, and I like'em, and if I sit on them I'm only out $40 bucks, even if I can't salvage the mini-lenses.

I sail on a budget, if you can afford $200 boat glasses, my hat is off to you. Any discards you care to send me? Uh, used 135 jib for roller furler , not too soft? How about a rusty 10Kg Bruce with 20 feet of chain and 200ft of 5/8 rode? I'm installing a newer mainsail I bought for $100. Fairly stiff, its better than mine. New numbers cost me $30.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
SF Bay

Edited by - on

cclark
Navigator

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USA
104 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2004 : 15:39:52

A couple of responses to posts since my last one:
Polarized prescription lenses are pricey. Especially if you add in progressive bifocals and or antireflective coating (I highly recommend this one)
As an inexpensive alternative, using plano or distance only sunglasses, with the stick on bifocals is a great idea. The optics aren't as good, and they can come off, but are a reasonable alternative. Also, they were developed here in the Puget Sound area.

Another alternative is when looking for new glasses, look for a frame that comes with a magnetic clip-on sunglass. These are very easy to take on and off, and many of them are polarized. One of the best manufactures of these is Revolution eyewear.

Polarized lenses are not recommended for pilots because of the material the windshield is made out of. The polarized lenses produce visual swirls in the windshield much the same as they do when looking through them at the back window of car.
Chris

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2004 : 18:05:00

When you get up in the morning and the light is hurt your head,
The first thing you do when you get up out of bed,
Is hit that streets a-runnin' and try to beat the masses,
And go get yourself some cheap sunglasses,
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah.

Edited by - on

jheard
1st Mate

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USA
49 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2004 : 18:46:35

I have been told Revo makes the best sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses should filter sunlight without darkening. The key is how it reduces glare. Sunglass makers put layers of filters on the glass to filter out specific wavelengths of light. The number and wavelength band determine the quality and color of the lens. Revo uses the most number of layers of any manufacturer. Polarized glasses can reduce glare, but you get strange optical effects, for instance looking at car windows. For sailing and skiing, I use wraparound glasses or else the wind gets in my eyes and they can water and burn at the end of the day. Oakley makes a great polycarbonate pair of sunglasses, really light and strong. I also have Maui Jims that I use on the boat, and they are pretty good.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2004 : 12:40:40

Squint.....(the Clint Eastwood look

). Sunglasses actually trick your pupil into dialating and letting in more harmfull UV raditation...(so I've been told...) If it really gets bad I have coutnless pairs of UV-3 (2 for $20 at the airport) for I always leave home without them.....

Oscar, at Grandma's house.....

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2004 : 21:14:14

Oscar, to be polite . . . . balderdash. Yes, pupils dialate because of the diminished light, but good sunglasses filter out the UV. Squinting doesn't.

Years ago I burned my eyes really badly by sailing for a week without any sunglasses. Ever since I've been extremely sensitive to bright light and glare. My Wayfarers are literally sightsavers.

Brooke

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2004 : 21:23:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Oscar, to be polite . . . . balderdash.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I sit corrected.....(don't tell the Admiral...)

Oscar
Catalina 42 # 76, Lady Kay
Catalina 250WB#618 Currently FOR SALE:
http:www.woodenshoemusic.com/C250WB

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2004 : 09:05:59

Cheap sunglasses actually do more harm to your eyes. They dilate the pupils and have innefective filtering, as well as chromatic abberations and distortions.

How much are your peepers worth to you?

You gotta be able to see the babes.

Case closed

Edited by - on

jmorrical
1st Mate

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USA
87 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2004 : 16:37:51

I love my Costa Del Mar Fathom's.

http://www.costadelmar.com/

They are polarized wrap around sunglasses and the perfect combination of performance and comfort for sailing. My problem with them is that they are not RXed and I can not read the fine print on the radio, GPS or charts, etc. I have been looking for a pair of polarized sunglasses to RX with my progressive perscription for some time from the top of the line Maui Jim's and all the others.

http://www.mauijim.com/mjweb/public/index.jsp

I have found what looks like a good quality middle of the road price and value at SAMS. You might look there for a line called "Pacific Beach". They have 3-4 styles including glass or plastic lenses for under $60. They are stylish and have the layerd technology including UV protection (very, very important!) that all the makers promote in their lines these days. In my opinion they are a great buy. I am waiting on an updated perscription and then I will let you know. Their optical department said they could RX the glass lenses version including the glasses for less than $190. You can pay that for good quality sunglasses alone. I would not wear cheep sunglasses as some have suggested.

Edited by - jmorrical on 07/18/2004 16:54:37

jmorrical
1st Mate

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USA
87 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2004 : 17:12:47

Here is a little technical information about UV that I pulled from one of the sunglass maker's websites

• UV is divided into 3 segments based primarily on their photobiological action.
- UVA (320-400nm) is of particular concern to eyecare professionals, because it can easily damage the retina of the human eye.

- UVB (286-320nm) is of the greatest concern, because it is associated with the production of cataracts.

- UVC (below 286nm) is effectively filtered by the earth's ozone layer and does not reach the earth's surface.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2004 : 17:42:14

The inexpensive Foster-Grant sunglasses that I use are advertised as "100% UVA/UVB Ray Protection".

Edited by - on

jmorrical
1st Mate

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USA
87 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2004 : 22:08:14

Inexpensive/expensive that's a personal choice I guess. It is good to make an informed decision about protecting our eyes. Most of us would not be able to function in our chosen profession if we did not have healthy vision. I have really enjoyed this thread as it came at a time I was looking for my next new pair. Here is a summary on the subject that is a good read. It includes about 8 pages with several good links at the end. Perhaps you all will enjoy it too.

http://travel.howstuffworks.com/sunglass.htm

Edited by - jmorrical on 07/18/2004 22:13:02

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2004 : 22:32:01

I bought my fiancee a pair of Revos which set me back around 300 bucks and she has had nothing but trouble with them. They're currently back at Revo to be repaired yet again. The leneses have a habit of jumping out of the frames falling on the ground and chipping. This problem has occurred since the glasses were new and she has hardly worn them at all. This time around she's holding out for a new pair from the factory. Before the Revos, she had a pair of Maui Jims which where excellent until they were stolen.

I wear bi-focal prescription glasses made with Transition lenses and an anti glare coating which I bought at Cohen's Fashion Optical. The lenses darken in seconds when outdoors, lose their tint almost immediately indoors and the anti glare coating really works very well. They're pricy, but I'm very happy with them and they're great for sailing. Their weakness is when used for driving since the windshield blocks the UV necessary for them to darken sufficiently but it still beats carrying two pairs of glasses.

I believe I read an article in Consumer Reports that stated that all sunglasses sold in the U.S. need to provide adequate protection against both UVa and UVb butI imagine that distortion can be a problem with some of them.

An optometrist's joke:

When a customer askes how much a pair of glasses are, the optometrist says two hundred fifty dollars.

If the customer doesn't blink, he says that's only for the frames, the lenses are 100 bucks.

If the custmomer still doesn't blink he says each.

Edited by - on

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