The 12 Best Polarized Sunglasses
Ray Ban Wayfarers Polarized Sunglasses
Gamma Ray Polarized Wraparound Sunglasses
Ray Ban Clubmaster Polarized Sunglasses
When you’re out on the water you need to remember to take care of your eyes. Most of us these days remember to wear sunscreen. You probably remember to wear a hat as well. But a lot of people neglect their eyes. The sun’s rays can damage them as much as anything else. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is what you need to overcome those harmful rays. You may find a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses that look good. That said, they may not offer the protection of good quality polarized sunglasses. You want to look for sunglasses that offer protection from harmful UV radiation. In specific UVA and UVB rays.
You also want high quality, durable frames. And impact resistant, scratch resistant lenses as well. Just remember, some sunglasses claim to be polarized when they are not. Polarized means more than just mirror or colored. It’s a process of treating the lenses for UV protection. A pair of sunglasses that is not polarized may look exactly like one that is polarized. You can’t really tell at a glance. For that reason, it’s best to choose a manufacturer you can trust.
The best polarized sunglasses will look good, feel good, and be a good price. What that means for you is, of course, up to you.
Ray Ban Wayfarers Polarized Sunglasses
Ray Ban Wayfarers are the benchmark for polarized sunglasses. For most shoppers, these are the best polarized sunglasses money can buy. These are stylish enough for everyday use. No one who sees you wearing these will think you just came in off your boat. They have lightweight frames that are also strong and durable. The frames themselves are made from acetate. The lens styles are clean and classy. They offer 100% UV protection. They are also scratch resistant. With moderate color contrast, there’s a lot to like about Wayfarers. Many people consider Ray Ban the best polarized sunglasses and will not consider another brand.
You can buy these with both polarized and non-polarized lenses. For that reason, it’s best to make sure you know what you’re buying. If you like a classic look for your polarized sunglasses, then Ray-Ban is the way to go. These are the sunglasses that celebrities wear. And they’ve been around since 1956. That’s a long time to be making any product. That is why they’re considered the best polarized sunglasses on the market.
Aside from all the bells and whistles, Ray-Ban makes quality sunglasses. Even if the reputation means nothing, the craftsmanship is top-notch. A pair of Ray-Ban polarized sunglasses could last you a lifetime.
Pros
Timeless look
High-quality
Very durable frame
Cons
Can be expensive
Frame can block your peripheral view
No rubber nose pads
Gamma Ray Polarized Wraparound Sunglasses
Gamma Ray’s Polarized Wrap Around sunglasses are a great, low price option. Compared to Ray Bans, these are dirt cheap. One of the problems with Ray Bans is that fear of losing or breaking. If something bad happens to your Gamma Rays, you can easily get a new pair. These are ideal if you just want an effective pair of shades for boating or fishing.
The wraparound frames are often overlooked in higher-priced glasses. These offer superior protection at the sides from harmful UV rays. They have durable and shatterproof nylon frames. Is also extremely lightweight which allows you to use them for some higher Impact Sports. The lenses are polarized to protect your eyes. You can either get mirrored lenses or standard lenses as well.
If you are bad for breaking sunglasses, these may be the best polarized sunglasses for you. Buy several pairs for the price of many similar glasses, and there’s no need to worry if one goes missing.
Pros
Extremely affordable
Wraparound frames eliminate light at the sides
Lifetime warranty against scratching or shattering
Cons
Not as durable as higher-priced options
No case
Ray Ban Clubmaster Polarized Sunglasses
As we have seen, Ray Bans are the gold standard for sunglasses. Ray-Ban Clubmasters are sturdy and stylish. The Wayfarers are a more popular design, however. For that reason, you might want the Clubmasters just to have a little style difference. They are incredibly tough, yet have a cool and classic design. The lenses are impact resistant and scratch resistant. They have a Ray Ban polarization coating to protect from harmful UV rays. They also bounce back from bends in the frame very easily. If you drop these by accident, you don’t have to be paranoid about a break. If you’re looking for a high quality pair of sunglasses, Ray-Ban has your back.
Pros
Super strong
Timeless style
Quality name brand
Cons
Very expensive
Open at the sides to allow light in
Mira Breeze R Polarized Sunglasses
Mira Breeze R polarized sunglasses are some of the cheapest on the market. That’s why it’s surprising to find out the company backs then with a lifetime warranty as well. The UV 400 lenses protect from UVA and UVB rays. The frames are made from something called tr90. That’s a durable thermoplastic that’s both flexible but resistant to damage. They’re also incredibly lightweight. That means they won’t become too annoying or cumbersome. The non-slip nose pads are comfortable and keep the glasses securely in place.
Pros
Very affordable
Lightweight
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Feel fragile
Flimsy case
Warby Parker Durand Polarized Sunglasses
Warby Parker offers some low price prescription options for their polarized sunglasses. That makes them an attractive option for people who normally wear glasses. You won’t need to have your normal glasses plus a pair of these on hand. These classes are also pretty affordable, and they look good too. Frames are hand-polished cellulose acetate. Prescription lenses are polycarbonate. This is extremely impact-resistant. Unlike many one-size-fits-all glasses, you can size these to fit your face.
Pros
Much cheaper than other prescription options
Still very durable
Cons
No warranty
Thin frames
4est Shades Wood Polarized Sunglasses
Hand made from 100% maple wood, these glasses sport a great fit. They feature heavy duty, double spring stainless steel hinges. The lenses are uv400 for extreme UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays. They are anti-reflective and also help to reduce glare. As an added bonus, because they are made of wood, they float. The company also provides a bamboo carrying case. And another bonus, two trees will be planted for every pair of shades that you buy. These polarized sunglasses also come with a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros
Environmentally friendly
Stylish
Cons
Frames may warp
Some complaints that they are too fragile
Reks Optics Polarized Sling Blade Sunglasses
With a strong and durable composite frame, the Reks Optics Sling blade sunglasses can stand up to a lot. The composite frame is close to unbreakable. You can also wear these under a helmet if you’re biking, and they’re fine for indoor use as well. Not only are they useful on the water, they’re good on sand, snow, and the highway. There’s even a hydrophobic coating to eliminate water quickly. Polarized lenses are polycarbonate. That means they are incredibly durable and impact-resistant. They’re great at reducing glare.
The strong polarization on these lenses is worth checking out. They’re great at reducing reflections. That makes them superior for a lot of outdoor sports. If you’re on the water fishing, you won’t miss a beat with these polarized lenses. When normal fishing sunglasses won’t do, give these a try.
Pros
Affordable
Several color options
Very durable
Cons
Not always the best fit
Not the best for everyday wear
Costa Del Mar Saltbreak Polarized Sunglasses
Costa Del Mar Saltbreak glasses are some of the best for anything you want to do on the water. Whether you’re boating, just sitting on the beach, or doing some fishing, these are a good choice. Lenses in green or blue mirrors help when you’re on the water. These are able to filter blue light off the water and improve your vision. They also reduce eye strain. Pads at the temple and nose pads make for a more comfortable fit on these sunglasses. Other colors of lenses are available as well. Just remember, if you’re fishing, the Costa Del Mar blue lenses will filter out blue light. That’s key for seeing the surface with more clarity. That also makes them great for things like learning to kayak. Your field of vision will be greatly improved on open water.
Costa Del Mar also offers you lens options. You can choose plastic or glass polarized lenses. The glass will cost more, but is more durable as well. They can handle impact and are scratch resistant. If you’re serious about your glasses, this may be a better choice. Either way, it’s nice to have the option and both offer UV protection. Costa Del Mar really goes the extra mile.
Pros
Lifetime warranty
Numerous color options
Filters blue light to make fishing easier
Cons
Designed specifically for anglers so maybe not appropriate for every occasion
ATTCL Polarized Driving Sunglasses
ATTCL Polarized sunglasses are multi-functional. These are great for any job on or off the water. They reduce glare from roads, water, snow, and more. They also come in a wide selection of colors. The frames are a magnesium aluminum alloy that is extremely durable but also stylish. They are lightweight but don’t feel flimsy. The company offers a lifetime warranty to back the glasses up as well.
The mirrored lenses are some of the best at reducing glare and eye strain. They also are able to restore true colour. That means they’re not just filtering blue light or red light from your field of vision.
Pros
Great color selection
Stylish
Affordable
Cons
Lenses are hard to clean
Lens quality isn’t the highest
Oakley Mainlink Polarized Sunglasses
Next to Ray Bans, Oakleys are probably one of the first brands you think of when it comes to sunglasses. Oakley Mainlink come in a wide variety of colors. You can also get these with prescription lenses. These glasses come with a storage case which many brands overlook. These are good for either casual wear or for sporting. They work as a good bridge between formal and casual.
Pros
Good for a variety of occasions
Prescription ready lenses
Cons
Pricey
Not the most modern look
Sungait Ultra Lightweight Polarized Sunglasses
The Sungait Ultra Lightweight polarized sunglasses are one Amazon’s top sellers. They are incredibly affordable and also stylish. They also come in a variety of lens and frame colors. The aluminum magnesium alloy frames are durable and lightweight. They come with a cleaning cloth, a carrying bag, and even a small screwdriver for repairs. The nose pads are comfortable and adjustable. The frame doesn’t feel tight. The lenses offer UV400 protection to resist harmful UV rays that can cause eye strain and pain. When it comes to the budget options, these are a great choice for some of the best polarized sunglasses.
Pros
Great value
Stylish
Lots of variety for frames and lenses
Cons
Lenses tend to scratch easily
Some owners have complained of pin holes in the UV coating
Merry’s Unisex Polarized Aluminum Sunglasses
If you don’t want to break the bank on a pair of polarized sunglasses, Merry’s unisex sunglasses might be for you. They feature Metal Frames and composite lenses. Lenses that reduce glare from water, snow and so on. The manufacturer states that they are polarized lenses. However, they do not provide a UV rating. For that reason we can’t claim with certainty what sort of harmful UV radiation they may protect from. Whether they eliminate UVA and UVB or not isn’t clear. That said, for the price, there’s a reason these are the top rated glasses on Amazon. Over 16,000 reviews, most of which are very positive.
Pros
Most affordable glasses you’re likely to find
Great color selection
Cons
Not super durable
Unspecific UV protection
Things to Remember
You never want to pick up just the first pair of polarized sunglasses you find on a shelf. There are some things you should consider before investing money in sunglasses. That means either a few dollars or a few hundred. The best polarized sunglasses need to work on a few levels.
Coverage
While many glasses offer UV protection, you need to consider style as well. Front facing lenses may leave your eyes exposed at the sides. A pair of wrap around glasses may offer better protection. That may not be the fashion statement you’re looking to make. You’ll need to decide if form or function is more important to you. If UV protection is your main concern, the best polarized sunglasses need side coverage.
Materials
If you wear your glasses for things like boating, driving, skiing, and more, you want durable frames. Metal alloys can be very strong. But there are things like durable nylon frames as well. Even wood may be an option. You want frames that are going to be able to stand up to a bit of abuse. Accidents happen, and durable frames and impact resistant lenses are critical.
Frames
A strong but flexible frame is important. You want something lightweight but durable. It should be stylish, but also practical. Nylon frames are popular, but so are metal alloys. Consider that the frames may react to the oils in your skin. Corrosion and wear can appear over time.
Lenses
Polarized lenses have a coating on them to filter out light. Some lower-quality glasses may claim to have polarized lenses when they in fact do not. Just because you have mirrored lenses doesn’t necessarily mean they are polarized lenses. When in doubt, go with a manufacturer you trust. Companies like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Costa Del Mar have good reputations. They are known for making high-quality sunglasses. When they say their lenses are polarized you can believe it. You will definitely pay more for a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, but it can often be worth it. These are the kind of glasses you buy to keep for a lifetime. They come with high-quality, impact-resistant, polarized lenses. If you want the best polarized sunglasses, sometimes you need to pay extra.
There are cheaper options you may find on Amazon. These can be a risk. If the lenses don’t specify that they are polarized lenses you may not want to risk it.
Accessories and Extras
Many glasses come with extras like a case or cleaning cloth. This isn’t something that necessarily improves your polarized sunglasses, but it’s a nice touch. Having a case for protection is always good. Some sunglasses offer interchangeable lenses. Other sunglasses feature a cord to hang them from around your neck. Some sunglasses even offer repair kits. If you need some bonus features with a pair of sunglasses, these are not hard to find. Just remember, many people buy these things separately as well. You need to decide how much you want to invest in a pair of sunglasses and the extras.
Cost
A good pair of polarized sunglasses doesn’t have to be super expensive. You do need to be smart about how you shop for them, though. Polarized sunglasses can range in price from as little as $10 to as much as $300 to $400. It really depends on what you want to get out of here Fuller eye sunglasses. Obviously you want protection from harmful UV rays. And you likely want something stylish as well. Whether a name brand like Ray Ban is important to you is another matter. The name does cost a little more money. But the craftsmanship is often there to back it up as well.
If you just want the cheapest pair of polarized sunglasses, that may serve you well. It’s possible a $10 pair of polarized sunglasses could last you for years. And many of them are very stylish as well. Just to be sure that the UV coating is the real deal. Ensure you have a good field of vision. Check to see if they are polarized for real or non-polarized. If the glasses don’t protect your eyes, they’re not very good.
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