Quality sunglass suggestions?

[deadken]

A long time ago, it was explained to me that when you buy cheap sunglasses your pupils dilate and even more harmful rays get into your eyes. I always used to buy Ray Bans, but stopped buying them after they stopped being made in the US. Now that I'm planning to go to Aruba, I figured it would be a good time to buy another quality pair of sunglasses.

I don't know if with all of the improvements that come over time means that inexpensive sunglasses offer the same UV protections. I don't know at what price point I stop paying for quality and start paying for marketing. So, I figured I'd ask here (or in OT).

Any suggestions? I'm sure I can find a style I like, but I don't know where to even start. One good pair or 3 less expensive pair? I'm figuring a budget of $100 - $200. But, since I'm going out of the country, any money I save would be better spent on my trip!

 

[ControlD]

The best pair of sunglasses I have owned are from Maui Jim (I got the Hoku). Yeah, they were expensive ($180 maybe? Seems like I got them on sale) but they have lasted me at least five years now and the lenses are still like the day I bought them. I went with the standard lens color, but my wife has a pair of those amber lenses that sort of intensify everything and they are pretty awesome for driving.

 

[Zivic]

I have a few pairs of Oakley's I like, pair of ray bans from way back when, but the pair I generally seem to wear most are my Rudy project sunglasses. Maybe not as well known as some, but they are decent shades

 

[smackababy]

I have quite a few pairs of sunglasses and rarely leave the house without them on (eyes are light in color and sensitive to light). I would say in the $100-200 rage, Ray Ban is probably your best bet. I think Maui Jim's run a bit over than and then you start to get into more designer stuff. While some of it is quality (my Persol pair is great quality), the price goes up and up.

I never like Oakley or the more sport type of sunglasses, because I don't wear them for sports. If you are into that sort of thing and are active or reserve military or police, there is a site that offers deep discounts on them. You just have to provide proof (picture of your ID works) and you're good to go for a year.

 

[Zivic]

I have quite a few pairs of sunglasses and rarely leave the house without them on (eyes are light in color and sensitive to light). I would say in the $100-200 rage, Ray Ban is probably your best bet. I think Maui Jim's run a bit over than and then you start to get into more designer stuff. While some of it is quality (my Persol pair is great quality), the price goes up and up.

I never like Oakley or the more sport type of sunglasses, because I don't wear them for sports. If you are into that sort of thing and are active or reserve military or police, there is a site that offers deep discounts on them. You just have to provide proof (picture of your ID works) and you're good to go for a year.

oakleys have great optics IMO, but their lenses scratch like crazy.

 

[z1ggy]

Not sure if quality, but I got a pair of decent polarized ones from a little company called Knockaround. $20 and seem to be decent so far.

 

[The Stigenator]

remember all sunglasses like raybans, oakley's, revo's, arenette, maui jim's etc are made by Luxottica, they are comparable.

Ultimately choose wisely, not by brand, but style. Protection should be the same.

http://www.luxottica.com/en

 

[FleshLight]

UV protection on most sport sunglasses should be 99 to 99.9% especially the polarized ones.

Wiley-X is my favorite brand and they make mil spec impact and dust resistant glasses at a fairly reasonable price.

 

[deadken]

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked at a few glasses online and in stores. I had a store order two pair of Maui Jims that I looked good in the brochure. With any luck I'll be buying at least one of those sets on Wednesday. If worse comes to worse, I can always pick up a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses at the Sunglass Hut inside Macy's if I don't like either of those glasses in person. Macy's had a much better selection in stock, but I'd rather give my local retailer the business since they were much more knowledgeable. Either way, I'm sure to have something for my trip.

 

[Koing]

I've always liked Oakleys.

Koing

 

[finglobes]

I always lose glasses - but I bike on roads a lot and need something. I also dislike the way most irritate the nose.

So - I buy tinted safety glasses from Sherwin Williams for $4. They are light as a feather and I forget they are on. They are a great color (no piss yellow or pea green etc). I love when people compliment me on my $4 glasses thinking they are special bike glasses from Performance Bike or something


http://www.sherwin-williams.com/hom...ction_protective_eyewear_grayframe_gray_lens/


From Manufacturer

3M TEKK Protection Safety Eyewear, worn to help protect eyes against particles and airborne debris, offers quality eye protection with a lightweight frame design. The contemporary black frame with tinted lenses provides full eye coverage and ideal for working on projects outdoors. The polycarbonate lenses are the strongest, most impact-resistant eyewear lens material available. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, impact resistant and provide 99.9-Percent UV protection. 3M TEKK Protection Safety Eyewear meets the requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003 and are a great choice in eye protection for both the pro and DIYer.

Slightly more stylish version:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Protection-Holmes-Workwear-Glasses/dp/B0081UG5FK