View Full Version : New polarized glasses.
Last fall I cracked the lens on my Otis Action Optics polarized fishing glasses. Now I'm trying to decide if I should replace them under the life time warranty for $60.00 or if I should purchase a different brand. They do not offer my glasses anymore so I have no idea which ones I should replace them with if any.
Any suggestions on what Smith/Action Optics I should concider or if I should try another brand.
When it comes to lens color I have always used the amber lens. Is this the best for overall fishing? I have not tried the grey lenses or any others.
Herb Patterson
cardiac
09-10-2008, 03:28 AM
Herb, I took the liberty of photoshopping a picture of you, with some sunglasses I think would be the Ultimate Sin. Blue would go good with your toon color.
I think if you only have one lense, amber is probably the best. But that is just my opinion. I have never tried the blue, but have heard they are pretty sick. I've had yellow, brown, amber, gray, orange, etc.....all have their time I guess. But amber is my favorite that I've tried if you only have one color of lens to choose from. Others may disagree with their preference.
chris
09-10-2008, 04:48 AM
Maui Jim........
coreyk
09-10-2008, 04:59 AM
The interlocks look pretty sweet .. interchangeable lenses. If I had to choose one overall lens I'd also go for the amber, but I use my yellow lenses alot more than I thought I would.
Grizz
09-10-2008, 05:02 AM
all superior eye glasses decipher 3 things:
Earth, wind & firewater.
choose accordingly.
peace
UtahFlyGuy
09-10-2008, 05:02 AM
I enjoy wearing dark lenses while holding my glass of JD.
Native Eyewear. You can get the interchangeable lenses. I had a pair that were sacrificed to the provo river gods, but they were the best sunglasses I have ever had.
Native Eyewear. You can get the interchangeable lenses. I had a pair that were sacrificed to the provo river gods, but they were the best sunglasses I have ever had.
Got a pair of Native's off www.steepandcheap.com for $35. Best glasses I've ever had. That is a good website to keep an eye on if you want good glasses for cheap. They aren't on there often, but when they come on they are usually a killer deal.
Grizz
09-10-2008, 05:30 AM
Rocky Racoon?
Got a pair of Native's off www.steepandcheap.com for $35. Best glasses I've ever had. That is a good website to keep an eye on if you want good glasses for cheap. They aren't on there often, but when they come on they are usually a killer deal.
Bought my Natives on the SAC. I spend a lot of money on that site.
Grizz
09-10-2008, 05:34 AM
any inter-neet discount store will sell you a pair of gargoyles. Punk.
peace
F/V Gulf Ventur
09-10-2008, 05:36 AM
Maui Jim........
......ditto
Phlyfisher
09-10-2008, 05:46 AM
......ditto
Make that 3. Going from the $1 "polarized" ebay glasses to maui jims was a shocker to say the least. Awesome glasses. The downside of being so pricey is I actually have to take care of them.
nightfish
09-10-2008, 05:49 AM
Look into the 7eye brand...best optics I have ever peeped through. Better even than Maui Jim.
http://www.7eye.com/why-you-need/fishing.php
Plus, you can be as bad ass as Flip Pallot.
Sladewagon
09-10-2008, 07:23 AM
I got some sweet Costa Del Mars off SAC for around $79. Not bad for regular price over $200. They were the lightest and most comfy glasses I have ever had. Very good vision too, though the best I have seen through are Keanons. Unfortunately, things got a little intense at a fam reunion and the Costas were broken in the process. I am going to send them in soon to get fixed. Not sure what my bill will look like.
MuseJr
09-10-2008, 03:58 PM
Maui Jim's are sweet.
I was able to use them along with the Oakley Radar polarized amber lens on my trip to the gulf this summer. I think the new Oakley lens is the best I've tried. It doesn't have a visible distortion like most poly lens' and when water hits the lens it beads up and drips off the bottom. No more cleaning the water off after the fish splashes you on the way out.
I have a pair of Smith Passage yellow photochromic glasses you are welcome to test drive. I use them in the canyon but not on the lake. Not dark enough for me. If you like the fit then you know what to get from AO/Smith.
Good luck in your search.
I had a pair of Smith Action optics and they sucked really bad and didn't even make it a year before the finish on the lens and the flame started pealing off. Two thumbs down for that glasses goggles on the other hand.... I get a pair of Oakleys this year and couldn't be happier! Plus they have a huge line up of glasses to fit any style and have a good amount of interchangeable.
F/V Gulf Ventur
09-10-2008, 05:42 PM
I get a pair of Oakleys this year and couldn't be happier! Plus they have a huge line up of glasses to fit any style and have a good amount of interchangeable.
Do those plastic glasses match your car and boat ; )
UtahFlyGuy
09-10-2008, 05:44 PM
Do those plastic glasses match your car and boat ; )
Oh nice stab Bry!!!! LOL
F/V Gulf Ventur
09-10-2008, 05:47 PM
Oh nice stab Bry!!!! LOL
He he he.. I saw the opening and took it ; )
Do those plastic glasses match your car and boat ; )
One pair does and it also matches my soul, BLACK!
F/V Gulf Ventur
09-10-2008, 05:58 PM
One pair does and it also matches my soul, BLACK!
LMOA... nice.
chris
09-10-2008, 06:11 PM
You listen to Depeche Mode don't you Nichie.
You listen to Depeche Mode don't you Nichie.
Nope just "the man in black"!
Nice choice! Can't beat Cash.
mvtoro
09-10-2008, 08:06 PM
Maui Jim's are nice. Stole mine from my brother who got two pairs for $45 at Last Chance in Arizona.
I like copper for the lens.
For smiths I'd check out the interlock ones, mainly because I love the idea of switching to very light colored lenses late when the glare is low in that prime hour, but not tons of total light.
Find out what Smith will upgrade you to on your replacement.
jstew
09-10-2008, 08:56 PM
I am a Smith guy all the way. I have had my AO with interchangeable lenses for 7 years now and still going strong. I only use the amber and yellow lenses, the gray still look new, but I would have to go with amber if I was getting fixed lens glasses. The only downside to them is they were around $150. You can get Smiths at www.sierratradingpost.com all the time for around $60. As a side note, they also have a good selection of Simms closeouts on there right now. Herb, I will call you later today about this weekend. I am heading up the mountain tomorrow for a birthday getaway.
Sladewagon
09-10-2008, 09:03 PM
Just so you guys know, if you buy anything on SAC, you are supporting a local business as they are located in Salt Lake somewhere. It's the same place as backcountry.com.
Yes, I was more than mildly surprised when I picked ground shipping and it arrived at my door the next day.
styan
09-10-2008, 09:50 PM
I recommend the green lenses......
cheech
09-11-2008, 01:15 AM
I recommend the green lenses......
Welcome welcome... lol.
7eyes are awesome. They change with the light levels so you don't need to mess around with multiple lenses.
Tarpon
09-11-2008, 04:47 AM
Herb,
I have had a pair of Maui Jims for a year now in October. I love everything about them so far. They are incredibly clear with little distortion. The polarized lenses really cut through the water quite well. The glass lenses are great because they dont scratch. The only downside if there is one is that they are a bit on the heavy side. My two cents.
Tarpon
Sladewagon
09-11-2008, 07:36 AM
Aren't all glass lensed sunglasses heavy?
MuseJr
09-11-2008, 03:44 PM
Aren't all glass lensed sunglasses heavy?
Glass is heavier but the distortion is a lot less. That is part of the trade off.
Thanks for all the suggestions on what I should consider and what you have preferred while fishing and which ones are the most comfortable. I'm going to see what Smith will upgrade me to and then determine if I should just consider a different brand.
Herb
JoeDaddy
09-11-2008, 09:36 PM
Herb,
I have had a pair of Maui Jims for a year now in October. I love everything about them so far. They are incredibly clear with little distortion. The polarized lenses really cut through the water quite well. The glass lenses are great because they dont scratch. The only downside if there is one is that they are a bit on the heavy side. My two cents.
Tarpon
I have had a pair for over 8 years now and not a scratch on them (wait til this weekend now that I jinxed myself). I keep thinking I am going to have to give in and buy a new pair just cause they are so outdated.
Sladewagon
09-12-2008, 12:32 AM
If anyone is looking for some excellent blue colored polarized for a great price, check out SAC right now. These are the same as the ones I have, except mine are amber. Great deal IMO, as comfy as I have ever had, just not as sturdy as some bombers.
Just got my new Smith Guide's Choice sun glasses this week. All I can say is that I'm very impressed with them. Smith let me upgrade for a flat fee of $70.00 plus shipping and tax.
Once I selected the model I wanted they arrived the next morning. I ended up going with the Tortoise Copper Polarchromic lenses and I like them so much I wear them to bed. I can not believe the differnce glass lenses make. I hope these will last me another ten years like my last pair!
Herb
brookieguy1
09-25-2008, 04:45 AM
I like the Bill Dance Birth Control glasses at Wal-Mart. Only $9
ChucknDuck
09-25-2008, 10:18 PM
Just got my new Smith Guide's Choice sun glasses this week. All I can say is that I'm very impressed with them. Smith let me upgrade for a flat fee of $70.00 plus shipping and tax.
Once I selected the model I wanted they arrived the next morning. I ended up going with the Tortoise Copper Polarchromic lenses and I like them so much I wear them to bed. I can not believe the differnce glass lenses make. I hope these will last me another ten years like my last pair!
Herb
Crud! If I would have know I could have gotten the pro code for you. I trade a buddy at Smith seafood and Jazz tix every year for deals!!! Herb, next time hit me up. I usually do a pro deal once a year. However, some of the shades have been popping up on SAC for about the same price.
Looks like the camping is out this weekend. But I will be taking the drift boat to Scofield...see you there bright and early on Sat.
FlyDOC
09-25-2008, 10:36 PM
Have a pair of action optic pirscription glasses that I got 7 years ago. A few weeks ago they got smashed and the frames busted. I ran them out to the Smith optic place in freeport and they took care of me. Got them in the mail yesterday with upgraided frame at no cost. So I guess I got my moneys worth.
For those of you looking for good deals on Smith shades, check out this link.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Category___48223__246
I used to get Campmor's black/white catalog 15 years, and somehow they tracked me down again and I started getting it two weeks ago. Great deals on their website.
colbyatepaste
09-29-2008, 05:53 PM
i just picked up those Factor D Max off of chain love. They may be ugly but were fifty bucks with three lens' one of them the changing color ones.
UtahFlyGuy
09-29-2008, 06:03 PM
For those of you looking for good deals on Smith shades, check out this link.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Category___48223__246
I used to get Campmor's black/white catalog 15 years, and somehow they tracked me down again and I started getting it two weeks ago. Great deals on their website.
This site is good in addition to this one...
http://www.altrec.com/smith-sunglasses/search.htm
Just got my new Smith Guide's Choice sun glasses this week. All I can say is that I'm very impressed with them. Smith let me upgrade for a flat fee of $70.00 plus shipping and tax.
Once I selected the model I wanted they arrived the next morning. I ended up going with the Tortoise Copper Polarchromic lenses and I like them so much I wear them to bed. I can not believe the differnce glass lenses make. I hope these will last me another ten years like my last pair!
Herb
I have had the exact same Guide's choice as noted above for a number of years, great glasses. I broke them a few weeks ago. I just need a new arm and they would be good as new. Called AO to see if I can just buy a new arm and install it myself. They said no way, I have to send them back + $70 (ouch). I am not happy about this policy, I guess they have me over the proverbial barrel.
Sladewagon
10-01-2008, 07:11 PM
Another great deal on Costa Del Mars on SAC right now. These are GREAT sunglasses.
Just got my new Smith Guide's Choice sun glasses this week. All I can say is that I'm very impressed with them. Smith let me upgrade for a flat fee of $70.00 plus shipping and tax.
Once I selected the model I wanted they arrived the next morning. I ended up going with the Tortoise Copper Polarchromic lenses and I like them so much I wear them to bed. I can not believe the differnce glass lenses make. I hope these will last me another ten years like my last pair!
Herb
Well it is time to purchase another pair of glasses! I lost mine on the trip in NY on the second day. Man do glasses make a difference. My glasses are either on a state road near Rochester New York or someone is styling a brand new pair of Smith Sunglasses they found at the motel or at the parking lot. Ouch!!!! I guess if this was the only bad thing that happened to me while on my trip I'm dang lucky. Now I need to convince my wife that I NEED another pair. I do not think this is going to go over very well. I might need to sell some gear or sell some flies before I can purchase another pair.
Herb
Scudslug
11-15-2008, 11:52 PM
I have used the same pair of Maui Jims for the last 20 months and they broke two weeks ago. I was unsure of the warranty, but to my suprise they have a two year warranty with only $8.95 for return shipping. If they need repair after two years they state that they could add additional charges if necessary. I just got them back in the mail yesterday good as new.
On a seperate note, has anyone tried yellow polarized lenses for evening to dusk fishing? I'm afraid I'm going to put my eye out when it gets too dark for my Smiths or Maui Jim, brown or copper lenses.
Borntoflyfish
11-17-2008, 12:34 AM
thats all I use is yellow lens glasses, I think you can look deeper in the water with a yellow lens, Try them some time you'll see what I'm talking about.
Anthony
11-17-2008, 01:31 AM
You cant go wrong with Kaenon or Smith. Check out the "haven" model. Sick glass
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