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Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: Paul de Bruijn on July 12, 2011, 02:39:26 AM
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Hi guys, not really fishing tackle, but still important...
I'm looking for suitable sunglasses for a trip in April next year. This will be a 6 day trip, so we will be on the water the entire day. Only time to rest the eyes will be in the evening and night.
I was wondering which glasses you might recommend.
I currently have Oakley polarised glasses and they take out the glare of the surfacewater for the most part, but that's about it...
I'm looking for glasses that obviously protect the eyes, but also enable me to see some detail/colour etc
Thanks for your tips and advice.
Paul
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Hey Paul - I picked up some Costa Del Mar's after seeing the difference over my Oakley polarized on a flats trip last year - the guys could see a bit further and as a result I am convinced they could get a shot in early = more fish for them ...
I have the Blackfins with 580 green mirrors but the Permit's look good with side vents ...
http://www.costadelmar.com/store/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Costa%20-%20Product%20Layout/Product.aspx?productid=fcd48761-4af8-4ffc-9faa-240b1c2c5d8e (http://www.costadelmar.com/store/BVModules/ProductTemplates/Costa%20-%20Product%20Layout/Product.aspx?productid=fcd48761-4af8-4ffc-9faa-240b1c2c5d8e)
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I second the costa's. I have Blackfins also but with the 580 blue mirror.
Pro's- excellent for vision, very hard to scratch the glass lenses, very comfy to wear and the soft rubber stuff hangs onto your face so you wont be worried about them falling off while hanging over the side :)
Con's- weight, with the glass lenses they are heavy compared to say oakleys with poly carb lenses etc. Customer service due to having to send glasses back to the states for warranty/repair, however I believe they are being sold in aus now so it might have improved.
Overall they are excellent. Worth the high price tag? Not sure, I haven't compared them to other high price specs.
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Never used the Costas but the styling of them is awesome, what ever the ones Warwick has are anyway.
I have Spotters with the brown photochromatic lenses - they are ok but i wouldn't buy them again. The lenses are too light on bright days, fine for darker days I suppose. Also with their strap it pushes on the side of my head and gives me a headache. I also don't think much of the styling, i certainly wouldn't grab them to head down the shops, which for the money, you should be fine with - the Costas i would for sure. But then maybe i'm just a snob - with a big head ;D
PS relevant polarised sunnies lesson...i didn't have mine on when we were casting at a mackeral bustup the other day. My mate did and says, woah, look at that shark! I was like, shark, what shark? Put my sunnies on and about 15m away there's a 10-12ft whaler cruising the surface coming straight at the boat - granted we weren't swimming bu i still like to know where those suckers are!
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Maui Jims all the way
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I had a pair of the Spotters Thunders (http://www.spotters.com.au/view/295) in the Penetrator (http://www.spotters.com.au/Spotters_Signature_Penetrator_Lens.html) photochromatic lens. No real problem with them, certainly happy to buy another pair sometime. They lasted for three years, which is decent enough. In that time one arm did snap and it was replaced fro the princely sum of $26inc post, so the back-up service is good too.
Incidentally, I got a pair of these Cablz (http://www.cablz.com/) in with my last semi-disposable sunnies from the US. They're pretty good too!
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Paul, definately go with the polarised glasses as other have recommended.
Go for glass over polycarb, harder to scratch and have better optical correctness - this makes a difference when you are moving your head around a lot to reduce eyestrain, such as repetitive casting and getting thrown around in a boat!
Of all the lens colours, I've found the brown / amber lenses to give much better glare reduction and surface penetration (ability to see below the water). Admitedly, they are not always as dark as some of the green / grey lenses, but I have never found myself wanting more sun shade protection with them.
With regard to styles, open sided glases can let in some unwanted light which can bounce of the back of the lens (normally at sinrise or sunset), however blinkered glasses (with a solid sideflap) can impede peripheral vision. This can be an issue in spotting action in the side of your vision, particular on a boat with a few people casting in close quarters. I like to see when the guy beside me is winding up for a back cast out the corner of my eye...if you know what I mean. Generally, glass lenses dont come in wrap around designs unless they are faceted...so you will look like a knob down at the local shops, if this is an issue to you!
Iv'e been using the amber lense Mako's for a few years now (in a regular style) and can't fault them. Teamed up with a hat and buff, I manage to keep most unwanted light out from behind as well. Cheers.
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Oakley have some Fishing Specific Sunglasses in their range these days.
http://www.oakley.com/products/4869 (http://www.oakley.com/products/4869)
http://au.oakley.com/products/6726/25080 (http://au.oakley.com/products/6726/25080)
http://www.oakley.com/products/5717/19856 (http://www.oakley.com/products/5717/19856)
Im ordering a pair of the Pitballs - I need a new pair of Oakleys.
Ben
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I have got a couple of Revo H2O sunglasses which I use occasionally when wearing contact lenses but nowaday I prefer to use prescription polarized sunglasses . Revo H2O sunglasses were among the best in late 90's / early 00's , check this : http://www.revo.com/#/technologies/8-polarized-lab (http://www.revo.com/#/technologies/8-polarized-lab)
Jon .
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Another vote for Costas.... and I agree with Peter on the Amber lenses... they are so much "gentler" and relaxing on the eyes in my opinion... I know most recommend the Blue/Gray lenses for offshore work, and amber for inshore, but I still prefer the Ambers whether inshore or offshore.... and as most Popping is done in "inshore" type waters, you will appreciate the Amber and the way it boosts the colour and contrast and cuts out the glare...
The Costas and others like Maui Jims ( which I've had and loved as well ) have superb polarization, make sure you get the 580 lenses if you go with the Costas..... and I vote glass lenses for sure... the plastic/polycarb lenses aren't worth sh*t in my opinion, they scratch so easily its a joke, and the difference in weight is negligable in my opinion....
I wear the Hammerheads from Costa del Mar, which fit my fat head, but they have so many size/style options I'm sure you'll find ones that fit and suit your style needs..... same with Maui
Another option would be KAENON glasses which have been getting amazing reviews from fishos round the world, but I've not had any experience with them..
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To me I don't care about the brand as long as it has the prescription in it!
Maui are brilliant and kaenon are very sharp!
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Hi guys, thanks a lot for the replies.
I will take a look at the brands and options mentioned!
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I have the Oakley Straight w/deep blue lens... and absolutely cannot tell the difference between them my Arnette regular polarized glasses.
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Take a look at Habervison IMHO best glasses on the market I got the copper/rose tint awesome could see things under water I never saw with my Action Optics and with the exchange rate between the USA$ and the AU$ it's a no brainer.
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Got a pair of Spotters for my bday and can not fault them. Great range and good for fishing, driving and general outdoors - in my case rock climbing.
Carlos
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I was gifted some recently, their tip top! =]
Maui Jims all the way
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I wear and have worn Mako's and Spotters and Maui Jim's over the years. The original Mako's I bought lasted over 4 years working outdoors, yacht racing and on gameboats, currently I wear Maui Jim's for driving, Mako's for fishing. However if I had to buy a new set I would be looking at Spotters or Maui's.
I am currently working in a tackle shop and the service/ repair service of both these companies is excellent in oz.
The other thing I do is drill a small hole and splice 130lb dacron on as my strap. I find there are no knots etc to cause headaches.. ( I have never lost a set wiring marlin etc or working 80ft up a mast yet with this simple strap..)
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I was gifted some recently, their tip top! =]
Maui Jims all the way
Swear by them! Had 4 pairs in as many months at one point;
1. Lost at pub
2. Destroyed in Mountain bike crash
3. 13 month old son disposed of in bin (with 2 remote controls)
Wife very cranky....back pocket even crankier!
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Aloha. Over the years I have used Costas, Raybans, Oakley, and Maui Jims. For fishing I currently use Oakley Polarized Black Iridium Half Jackets, Maui Jim Sandbar in Bronze, Maui Jim Longboard in Grey, and Maui Jim Kapalua in Bronze for driving/everyday use. The Oakleys are the best for my face shape in keeping the light out of the top and sides so they get the most use on the water. The Maui Jims are really light, especially the Kapalua.
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hey guys, can anybody recommend a shop in sydney that has costa del mar sunnies for sale?
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Hi Paul ,
Glad to see someone bring this subject up, as for me, I feel it is a very important one as a fisherman to protect your eyes, as your eyes are your life. Not only protection but glasses are what I think are the number one tool for success on the water. I too like all the comments above have gone through all the same brands as listed above over the years and can now say that i have found a brand of glasses that I have 100% confidence in. The Australian based brand 'OTIS'. I found this brand after doing alot of online and in store research. As I spend more than 50% of my week on the water i'm pretty confident in putting this out there as these are buy far one of the best glasses you will find on the market. These glasses are quoted as having a high quality, optically correct mineral glass lens, I now own three pairs of these glasses, two in the 'Big Deal' style (Polarised Photochromic lens, the lens contrast changes according to the ambient sunlight intensity) in the black and amber lens which i find ideal for my different fishing scenarios and a pair of '7Seventy's' (just a straight polarised lens) just for my general day use. Since buying these glasses, alot of my mates have made the switch from the the likes of Spotters and Costa Del Mar in which 'we' all rated highly. These glasses are backed buy a 12month no questioned asked replacement warranty, and as i recently just found out after backing over a pair in the car, for a small cost, they gladly replaced a set after the warranty period for me. I sent them to head office and they replaced them and returned them within that same week. Pretty good customer service i think. I don't think OTIS quote the lens as being 100% scratch proof, but i am yet to put a mark on a pair. However they do come with a price tag, I think i payed just over $300 for my last pair of Big Deal's and that was on sale. Here's a link to their website. Be interested to hear if anyone else is using them? I have no affiliations with this company and this is my on own honest opinion.
http://otiseyewear.com/lenses/polarised-photochromic (http://otiseyewear.com/lenses/polarised-photochromic)
(http://s4.postimage.org/218q0mbvo/Big_Deal_1.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/)
Big Deal, Amber lens
(http://s4.postimage.org/218ro5odg/Big_Deal_2.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/)
Big Deal, Black lens
(http://s4.postimage.org/218tbp0v8/Seventy7_5_0.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/218tbp0v8/)
7Seventies
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Looks the goods Dale, saw them here for $169.95 http://www.justsunnies.com.au/m_otis_sunglasses/big_deal.php (http://www.justsunnies.com.au/m_otis_sunglasses/big_deal.php) seems a lot cheaper than what you paid?
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Hey Jay,
Shit that's ridiculously cheap, I did pay that for my 7seventies but definitely not my big deals. Nearly worth buying another pair.
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Hey Jay,
Just rechecked those glasses and the pair at $169 are just polarised, not the polarised photochromic. I sent them an email and the photochromic which i own are still $300. If you check the product code on the otis website and match it up with the ones advertised at the end of the code there is 45-1001 (just straight glass ), 45-1008p(1 P, just polarised ) and the 45-1008pp (two PP, polarised photochromic). That makes the pair of my big deal's both copper polarised photochromic,(just checked the boxes) one of which pair was the pair i broke and they replaced for me for $80.
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Has anybody tried RayBan polarised glasses? reasonably priced and haha 'super stylish'.
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hey guys, can anybody recommend a shop in sydney that has costa del mar sunnies for sale?
Hi David,
Fish Outta Water on George St has a few on sale, or at least they did last week when i was in there. They just dont have the ones i am after.
Im looking for a pair also (Blackfin frame in Matte Black or Gunmetal with Amber 580P lens). If you see a pair, please let me know where they are.
Cheers,
Chris
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Hey Chris, did you try Gara Pro Shop? I note they have blackfins on their website!
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Hey Jay,
Just rechecked those glasses and the pair at $169 are just polarised, not the polarised photochromic. I sent them an email and the photochromic which i own are still $300. If you check the product code on the otis website and match it up with the ones advertised at the end of the code there is 45-1001 (just straight glass ), 45-1008p(1 P, just polarised ) and the 45-1008pp (two PP, polarised photochromic). That makes the pair of my big deal's both copper polarised photochromic,(just checked the boxes) one of which pair was the pair i broke and they replaced for me for $80.
Thanks for clearing that up Dale, I thought something wasn't quite right!
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Got the spotters coyote, which are great, but find them a bit too tight fitting and have to maneuver them around every 30 mins or so, or I have a big head :'(
Definitely will check out the others mentioned here
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I have fished with oakleys, maui and costa and have settled on the costas.My vote to the costa in 580 lense. Mine is blue mirror. Contrast and clarity is very superb. Only downside is both mirror finishes are only available in glass which tends to be heavier. Trendier and more selection in design too compared to Maui.
Another good alternative is Maui.
Cheers,
Kai
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Oakley & Costa 8)
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I've used Costas on numerous trips - bought through Basspro shops in the US. Dark amber/brown lenses are the best for flats / shallow water fishing. I think the amber/brown lens colour is one of the primary features for making a choice. Stick a strap on the arms and away you go. I use Ray-bans as well - their new graphite framed shades are VERY comfortable.