Blue Lenses

The Clear: These are best for bright, sunny days offshore. They are ideal for offshore boaters who spend a lot of time roaming far outside the inlet, especially for long days in glaring sunlight. Designed, in Bajio’s words, to “spot fish in 50-plus feet of water,” they’re also great for helping to spot other boats, hazards and offshore markers in the distance.

The Glare: They block more light than other choices, so they’re not ideal at dawn and dusk, or in overcast situations where you still need eye protection.

Price: $259 (for glass lenses); bajiosunglasses.com

Green Lenses

The Clear: Green is a more all-around lens that works in a variety of boating situations, but it is ideally suited for the coastal boater running in “greener” inshore waters. It has an amber base to help make out changing water depths and partially submerged hazards that you can encounter. They work well in various light conditions and can offer more contrast in low-light situations.

The Glare: They still reduce glare and protect against eyestrain, but they don’t block as much light as the blue lenses.

Price: $259 (for glass lenses); bajiosunglasses.com

Read Next: 10 Great Boating Sunglasses

Copper Lenses

The Clear: Copper is often the choice of long-haulers for road driving because they offer a lot of high-contrast polarization. These work the best in low-light situations at dusk and dawn, and are preferred by many freshwater anglers in small river and lake situations. So they’d be well-suited for freshwater boaters. Anglers like them because they help in spotting fish in less-than-clear water. They’re also good on cloudy days.

The Glare: Copper doesn’t create the same “HD pop” as some of the other lens colors.

Price: $259 (for glass lenses); bajiosunglasses.com

Bajio Sunglasses for Boaters

The post Sunglass Lens Color Comparison appeared first on Boating Mag.

Costa has long been a leader in sunglasses’ design and performance. One of their recent releases harkens back to vintage designs, while adding a slew of new high-tech capabilities. The Grand Catalina frames bring back a classic Costa design from the 80s, while adding the capabilities of polarized 580 G (glass) lenses and a whole lot more.

Aside from the retro aviator design, the calling card of the Grand Catalina frames has to be the removable side shields. The pieces are easy to pop in and out, and add a lot of protection from the periphery – a big plus for those spending long days on the water, in the sun, or both. The side shields integrate seamlessly with the arms, and the rounded form at the top offers protection from above, as well. So not only do the side shields look good, but they add serious functionality, making the Grand Catalinas an extremely versatile pair of sunglasses.

Of course, you can’t ignore the styling. The classic aviator look never gets old because, like a good pair of jeans or an Eames chair, it just works. The Grand Catalinas don’t just look good, though, they fit beautifully. The frames are lightweight, thanks to Costa’s advanced construction, and soft pads in the bridge prevent slippage and fatigue if you have to keep them on all day. The nose pads are also adjustable, for total customization. Spring hinges in the arms keep the Grand Catalinas locked to your head, while eliminating the stretched-out, loose feeling that can occur in sunglasses after lots of use.

I spent multiple days on the water in a variety of environments wearing a pair of Grand Catalinas equipped with 580 G “blue mirror” lenses. Simply put, they’re awesome, and work best in bright conditions. They are ultra-clear, while the polarization adds a little “boost” to the view, and makes looking into the water very easy. The design of Costa’s 580 G lenses is also scratch resistant – a big bonus for those of us prone to putting our glasses down where they can end up getting scuffed.

Read Next: More About Costa

The only downside for me with the Grand Catalinas has more to do with my giant head than the design or performance of the sunglasses themselves. Because my head is on the wider side (I wear a 7-5/8 size hat), the side shields press against my temples when installed. It’s not uncomfortable at all, but definitely noticeable. It hasn’t detracted from me using the Grand Catalinas on a regular basis, both out on the boat and around town, but I’m not installing the side shields every time I wear them.

Overall, with the Grand Catalinas, Costa has created another winner. As boaters, anglers and watermen of all types continue to seek out eyewear options that offer high-end performance and a great, classic look, many different brands have strived to bridge that gap. Costa’s Grand Catalina frames may just be the Golden Gate.

Costa Grand Catalina (as tested): $292, costadelmar.com

The post We Test: Costa Grand Catalina Sunglasses appeared first on Boating Mag.

A pair of quality sunglasses can be as important to a boater as almost any other piece of equipment. Ever headed out for a day on the water, done all the prep work and gotten everything and everybody lined up, only to realize once you’re underway that you forgot your sunglasses? It’s never fun, and if it’s a bright day with a lot of glare, it can actually be dangerous for your eyes. Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause eye fatigue or even photokeratitis–sunburn of the cornea. When shopping, be sure to look for polarized lenses that also offer full UV protection. Of course, there are countless options available these days, and it can be hard to decide not only what looks and feels best, but what will suit your needs on and off the water. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a new pair of shades.

Fit

Do you get the coverage you want and need across your face? Are the frames too wide or too narrow? Do you feel the arms pinching your temples or by your ears? A poor fit is one of the main causes of sunglass dissatisfaction. Learn how to find the right fit.

Lenses

Lenses: In terms of high-quality sunglasses these days, lenses come in three general varieties – polycarbonate, glass or a blend of the two. Glass is considered optically clearer and higher quality, and it is also much more resistant to scratches. But glass is also heavier, usually more expensive and more difficult to replace. Polycarbonate lenses are a plastic material that is lightweight and highly impact resistant – you’ll hear more than a few manufacturers use the term “impact-proof.” Polycarbonate lenses are also inherently UV resistant, so they don’t require a special coating like glass lenses to offer that protection. While they are impact resistant, polycarbonate lenses are more susceptible to scratches, but because they are lighter and more flexible, they are also easier to replace.

Lens Colors

In general, blue and green shade lenses are considered best for sunny, on-water activities. Blue lenses block the most glare while enhancing vision in bright conditions, making them great for most days on the boat, especially fishing offshore. Green lenses will filter some blue light and reduce glare, helping reduce eyestrain in bright light, and can be ideal for flats and shallow water fishing. Lighter colors like amber and rose will generally let more light in, which can be beneficial in low-light situations.

Functionality

More glasses now offer more functionality, allowing them to be worn in a variety of scenarios. These include features such as anti-slip pads on the nose and/or arms, clip areas on the arms for keepers/ties, and more. If you tend to sweat and don’t like it when your sunglasses slide down the bridge of your nose, look for pairs that feature soft, grip pads to help hold them in place.

Bajío Chelem

• Frame size: Medium
• Frame color: Light blue
• Lens: Glass – polarized
• Lens color: Gray
• MSRP: $259

Bajío sunglasses have quickly made a name for themselves as a premier manufacturer in the boating/on-water markets. With high performance lenses–both glass and polycarbonate–along with stylish frames, Bajío have a lot to offer. The Chelem shades are a classic shape and style that still offer tons of practicality for boaters and anglers. The lightweight frames not only add a fun pop of color, but come equipped with ventilated nose and temple pads. If you want to make a statement, whether reeling in your next big catch or just cruising the marina, the Chelems do it with ease.

Bajío Stiltsville

• Frame size: XL
• Frame color: Tortoise
• Lens: Glass – polarized
• Lens color: Green mirror
• MSRP: $259

The Stiltsville is a new offering, and one you should try out if you’re shopping. With an oversized frame and a semi-wrapped shape, the Stiltsvilles offer tons of protection without sacrificing style. Even with heavier glass lenses, the Stiltsvilles still sit easily and comfortably on the face, so anglers can quickly go from a dawn-patrol mission in the flats to a lunchtime hangout at the sandbar without skipping a beat.

Costa Mainsail

• Frame size: Large
• Frame color: Matte black
• Lens: Glass
• Lens color: Blue mirror polarized
• MSRP: $262

Costa has long been known as one of the best in the business, from both style to optical quality, and with the new Mainsail frames, that continues. The classic shape is updated for performance, with mini side shields and hooding to help block excess light. Improved grips on the temples and bridge help sweat to drain while keeping the Mainsails in place.

Costa Pescador

• Frame size: Large
• Frame color: Net grey
• Lens: Glass – polarized
• Lens color: Blue mirror
• MSRP: $229

Part of Costa’s signature Untangled Collection, the Pescadors are made from 100% recycled fishing nets. The wide frame offers ample coverage, while the unique styling around the lenses and down the arms gives them a look that’s all their own. The blue rubber grips add a cool accent, while keeping the Pescador’s in place, even in the biggest of fishing missions, while the blue 580G Costa lenses block UV rays and enhance on-water visibility.

Electric 12

• Frame size: Medium
• Frame color: Matte black
• Lens: Polycarbonate w/ built-in polarization
• Lens color: Bronze
• MSRP: $225

Electric have long been a staple in the action and watersports worlds, known for their fusion of forward-leaning style with high-end performance. That mantra has moved the California-based brand into the worlds of fishing and on-water performance. Designed with the help of world champion surfer John John Florence, the 12 sunglasses feature a stylish look with removable side shields. Whether you’re hanging at the local break, fishing offshore, or enjoying a drink at the mid-mountain lodge, the 12s have you covered. The bronze polycarbonate lenses block harmful blue light, while aiding in visibility. Not to mention they are impact resistant, as are the bio-plastic frames. Grip pads and keeper holes on the arms ensure the 12s aren’t going anywhere.

Electric Bristol

• Frame size: Large
• Frame color: Matte black
• Lens: Polycarbonate w/ built-in polarization
• Lens color: Blue
• MSRP: $225

Electric’s Bristols feature a wide frame and large lenses, ensuring significant coverage for long days on the water. Built-in top and side flanges add to protection from both light and wind. The subtle contour of the shape, along with the linear designs of the shields, add to the Bristol’s solid looks. Minimal nose and ear pads lock them in place, and the lightweight bio-resin frames ensure all-day comfort.

Roka Kona

• Frame size: Large
• Frame color: Matte black
• Lens: Polycarbonate w/ built-in polarization
• Lens color: Dark carbon
• MSRP: $225

Roka entered the performance eyewear market with one goal in mind: deliver cutting edge design and technology in a non-gimmicky way. Designed, built and shipped directly to you from Austin, TX, Roka can quickly bring its new concepts and designs to market. The Kona shades, featuring a stylish, square shape, not only offer plenty of coverage, but are also extremely lightweight (24 grams, to be exact). This makes the Konas a pleasure to wear, as you barely feel them, while the patented grip designs comfortably lock them in place. Bonus: each pair of Rokas comes with multiple nose pad sizes, so you can customize the fit.

Roka Rory 2.0

• Frame size: Small
• Frame color: Crystale slate
• Lens: Polycarbonate w/ built-in polarization
• Lens color: Dark carbon
• MSRP: $220

The Rory 2.0 from Roka may look like a pure lifestyle pair of sunglasses, but don’t let looks fool you. These slick-looking sunnies are packed with performance features like TR-90 nylon frames that make them ultra-lightweight, as well as custom spring hinges for a more locked-in feel. Combined with polarized, blue-light blocking lenses and non-slip pads on the bridge and temples, the Rory 2.0’s are built to go anywhere and do anything.

Read Next: Prescription Polarized Sunglasses Can Improve Your Boating Experience

Smith Embark

• Frame size: Medium
• Frame color: Matte black
• Lens: Polycarbonate blend w/ built-in polarization
• Lens color: Blue mirror
• MSRP: $219

Smith have long been a staple in the outdoor industry, from ski goggles to classic sunglasses. The Embark shades, featuring removable side shields, offer all of Smith’s years of R&D in a style perfect for active on-water pursuits. The Chroma-Pop lenses are lightweight and high-performing, helping increase visibility by reducing glare from the water, while still protecting your pupils from the sun’s harsh rays. For when you don’t want as much coverage, simply pop out the side shields and go to town. Keeper holes in the arms allow the included band to quickly clip into place.

Smith Lineup

• Frame size: Large
• Frame color: Tortoise
• Lens: Polycarbonate blend w/ built-in polarization
• Lens color: Brown
• MSRP: $150

The Lineups from Smith feature a classic, chunky look that offer plenty of coverage with a 58mm lens width. Combined with the soft grip pads on the bridge, the Lineups are designed to stay up on your nose, even on the sweatiest of days. The brown ChromaPop lenses enhance color and contrast, making them ideal for a long day of fishing or a quick stroll around town. The chunky arms also have the added benefit of blocking some extra sun rays and wind.

The post 10 Great Boating Sunglasses 2023 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Wake Foamies Mini-Mal 5’4″ Wakesurf Board

Wakesurfing is a ton of fun, but for some it can be intimidating or often too expensive. Why buy an EPS foam board with carbon wrap for close to $1,000 if it can be easily damaged? Enter the Wake Foamies. Constructed with a polycarbonate deck that is durable and strong, then topped with a soft EVA grip, the Mini-Mal is both easy to ride and can take a beating. Best yet, it won’t break the bank. $419.99; amazon.com

ACR Bivy Stick

Extra safety is never a bad thing, especially when boating offshore and out of cell phone range. Combined with the Bivy App on your cell phone, the Bivy Stick allows for connection with a global satellite network so you communicate via two-way text messaging, SOS, location sharing, one-touch check-in, and detailed weather reports. $299.95 (not including data plan); westmarine.com

Nomadix Towels

Towels are essential on boats of any kind, but often they’re bulky and take up too much storage—and once those bulky ones are wet, good luck using them a second time. Nomadix towels are absorbent, quick-drying, odor-resistant, ultralight and easy to pack. A variety of sizes makes it easy to use some for drying off, others for clean up, and hooded, poncho versions for changing clothes in privacy. $25 to $70; Cabela’s

Liquid Force Wakesurf Edge Mega Folding Wake Shaper

For watersports enthusiasts with boats not equipped with automated wave-shaping technology, the easiest and most efficient way to riding large, fun endless waves is a removable shaping device. The Mega Folding Wake Shaper from Liquid Force is easy to mount and adjust, offers a large face for displacing a sizable amount of water, and it collapses, to make storage that much easier and convenient. $355 – 450; Wholesalemarine.com

Mission Boat Hammock

Most hammocks are too big for many boats on the water these days, which is why Mission designed one specifically for use with boats equipped with towers or hardtops. Simply attach straps to the appropriate points and take your lounging to the next level. $49.99; Amazon.com

Smith Boomtown Sunglasses

While you might not be ready for the ’80s-driven nostalgia of the Boomtown shades, you should definitely consider the benefits. The large, single-piece lens offers full coverage and protection from both the sun and the wind. With Smith’s patented “ChromaPop” technology on polarized lenses, performance is top-notch. $169 to $209; Amazon.com

Magma Cabo Gas Grill

Don’t have a grill onboard your vessel, but want to fire up some meats and veggies? Check out the portable gas grills from Magma, starting with the easy-to-use Cabo Gas Grill. If your boat is equipped with rod holders, be sure to purchase the available mount that allows easy setup for the grill. Now you can take that fresh catch and turn your boat into a dine-in restaurant. $229.99 for Cabo Gas Grill; $99.99 for LeveLock All-Angle Rod Holder Mount; Check out West Marine

Mission Titan Fender

We all love getting together for a good boat tie-up, but they can be stressful. Wind, wave action and the occasional “qualified captain” can wreak havoc on our precious boats’ gelcoats, oftentimes pushing standard fenders past their limits. The 10-foot, inflatable Titan fender from Mission solves many of those problems in one fell swoop. Simply blow it up, attach it to the sides of your boat via included ties and hangout with much less worries. The Titan also works great as a large fender for your boat dock. $299.99; amazon.com

Kemimoto Dash Pads

Do you have a fiberglass console area where you’d love to place items like a phone or wallet, but everything just slides off? With an adhesive base and molded compartments, the Kemi Moto Dash Pad will store multiple items conveniently and securely. $23.99; Amazon.com

Siren Marine Siren 3 Pro

Technology has allowed for a slew of advancements in the marine and boating industries, including remote monitoring of your boat’s systems. Siren Marine offers a comprehensive service where you can check everything from battery voltage and bilge activity, to engine performance and temperature, to the boat’s GPS location and movement, and more—all from the convenience of the Siren app on your phone. $796.86 (main monitoring device); Westmarine.com – Plans start at $180 per year; sirenmarine.com

Garmin quatix 7 Series

Garmin’s quatix series of watches have been a hit with boaters for years, and the new 7 Series is the best yet. All your boat’s functions and controls, not to mention charts, navigation, personal health monitoring and more —all on your wrist and at the touch of your fingertips. $699.99 to $1,199.99; garmin.com

Lakes Are for Lovers T-Shirts

The Lake Lovers Club was created to inspire the next generation of lake lovers and empower them with the knowledge and tools to extend the longevity of the lake sports and activities we all know and love. Much of the funding for the Lake Lovers Club’s initiatives, including lake cleanups, educational materials and more, comes through the sale of its easy-going, fun-loving soft goods, such as the Lakes are for Lovers t-shirt. Check out the entire line for something you’re sure to love and wear proudly. $30; lakeloversclub.com

The post 12 Gadgets to Improve Your Time on the Water appeared first on Boating Mag.

In more recent years, popular thinking says blue-mirror and gray-base lenses are best for offshore, and copper or amber-base lenses with green, gold or copper mirror are best inshore in brackish, brown or green water.

Lens density is a critical choice if you can only own one pair. And for as much as $300 a pair, the trick is selecting the right one for most situations.

Frame style plays a big role in glare reduction. Light leaking in around the sides can cause lens flare, making glasses a liability in some cases. You’ll need to choose frames that wrap closely around your face, leaving as few gaps for light as possible.

We tested three pairs from each brand represented: one for offshore blue water, one for inshore, and one for low-light conditions. In each brand, we brought our two faves to you in this report. The frames we chose might not work for you, but the lens colors served us well, and we think you’ll appreciate them too.

WileyX

wileyx.com

WileyX says its sunglasses are built for protection, durability and performance. Its offerings span from fashion to ballistic impact protection and are sought by anglers, boaters, motorcyclists, shooters and military personnel. The lenses are ANSI-tested and approved for clarity and, if you choose models with ballistic qualities, they can take a high-speed impact from a small-caliber projectile. We proved they would deflect a BB at 400 feet per second with only a dimple in the lens.

Our Twisted glasses ($180) came with a gray matte frame and blue-mirror and gray-base polymer lenses. This color combo is most sought after by bluewater boaters and anglers because it transmits neutral colors while cutting glare, making fish and underwater obstacles easier to spot. For offshore anglers, the wide temples combat side glare and enhance clarity when trying to spot gamefish. In clear, blue water, they provided a definite contrast advantage over the copper lenses.

For boaters and inshore anglers, an alternative might be the Peak style ($190), with narrower temples that don’t block peripheral vision, and copper lenses that transmit more light but cut blue light to enhance greens, yellows and reds without an uncomfortable color shift. These lenses are curved to wrap around the eye without distorting image transmission. They also bring more light to the eye, giving the benefit of polarizing contrast in overcast days.

Costa

costadelmar.com

Costa (previously known as Costa del Mar) has a long and exemplary history of providing quality performance eyewear for fishermen, hunters and boaters. Its 580 lenses are designed to block low blue light that diffuses clarity over distance. Available in many colors to suit water conditions, the 580s come in 580P for polycarbonate and 580G for glass. 

The Santiago is part of the Untangled Collection, which features frames made from recycled discarded fishing nets collected before they can be lost in the ocean, which helps remove the lethality of ghost nets from the water. Santiago sunglasses ($226) sport a large-frame, face-hugging style useful in any region. We tested 580G blue-mirror, gray-base lenses that are the choice of boaters and anglers in clear blue water. In our test, they provided a high-contrast, true-color view in blue water and did surprisingly well in inshore water. The Untangled series uses glass for its sustainability and recyclability, and even the frames and hinges of this stylish series are recyclable.

Costa’s Rincondo glasses ($267) in gloss-black frames boast 580P green-mirror lenses with a copper base. They definitely beat out the blue-mirror-and-gray glass combo in green and brown water. Naturally, they took a back seat to blue mirror and gray in blue water, but still assisted in scoping out detail in clear blue water. The included hard case and microfiber cleaner cloth keep them looking good and help maintain a clear view.

Bajio

bajiosunglasses.com

Bajio is a fledgling brand in a tough, competitive market of fashion eyewear, with stringent technical standards for performance. Blocking blue light below 445 nanometers and filtering the harshest yellow light at 580 nanometers is the specialty of Bajio’s line. The company reaches across generations with an eye for the millennial, so that’s important. You won’t find the brand talking technology much, but its customers demand that industries today work sustainably to clean up a damaged world. So, Bajio chooses low-impact, durable, and fully recyclable or biodegradable materials at every turn.

Nippers ($249) are available in black or tortoise frames, and ours had a violet-mirror and red base. Bajio’s Lapis lens technology is designed to reduce the bad blue wavelength below 445 nanometers and the hottest yellow at 580. This reduces haze over long distances and increases clarity. The red lens base is responsible for clarity, and Bajio’s engineers’ profound accomplishment in lens technology is the polarizing film. We found it effective in both backwaters and blue water, but with an edge in backwaters.

Bajio’s Bales Beach sunglasses ($249) employ glass lens technology—the choice of most anglers due to scratch resistance—and their blue-mirror, gray base also blocks bad blue light, important for protecting the eyes of the younger crowd from screen time. Glare-killing polarizing technology eases eyestrain and makes obstacles visible below the water. These will be the choice of coastal boaters in blue water. The eight-base curved frame hugs the face, enhancing peripheral vision while sealing out stray light. The roughly 1/2-inch-wide temples shield side glare without inhibiting peripheral vision.

Hobie Eyewear

hobieeyewear.com

Hobie glasses are a “started in a garage” success story by a water-loving boater and surfer who wanted something better for his sport. The polycarbonate lenses have five coatings: a hardness coating inside and out to combat scratching, a coating to prevent water spotting, a mirror layer, and a polarization filter to reduce side glare and confine light transmission to horizontal beams. Frames are made of Ultem and TR-90 materials. Spring-loaded hinges open precisely, and co-molded temples and nose pads are bonded to the frames for durability and to secure a friction fit.

The Huntington frames we tested in the blue-mirror polar lenses ($109) were ideal for a larger face. They provided good side-glare protection from the face-hugging curve of the lens without peripheral-blocking wide temples. The twist to our Huntington style is it offers the owner seven different interchangeable clip-lens options ($40 to $50 each). Blue-mirror polar lenses were great for blue water and seemed to transmit more light, which is helpful in lower light. The green-mirror copper lens worked best in brown water.

The Bells frames ($120) came with magnetic clip lenses and are available in five different flavors. We liked the green-mirror copper for inshore, and found the magnetic clips far easier to change than the standard clips of the Huntington. The smaller frame and more rounded lenses are an ideal fashion statement, but still effective for most boaters with a narrower face. Both frames boasted narrow temples, allowing better peripheral views.

Flying Fisherman

flyingfisherman.com 

Flying Fisherman—founded in the Florida Keys, one of the greatest fishing destinations in the world—launched as a value-based brand and was often the quick replacement for forgotten or lost premium sunglasses. Its low-price niche of $20 to $30 provided clear, polarized vision in angler-style lenses and became popular. Recently, the brand expanded into fashion and higher-end models (from $70), incorporating high-tech lenses and mirrored lenses (from $80).

Rip Current Matte ($80) is an excellent example. The nylon frames boast large lenses, and simple but reliable molded hinges with stainless-steel hinge screws. We tested them in Smoke Blue Mirror, a green-base lens that proves most effective in blue water, but filters colors to provide good contrast in green and brown waters. Even at that price point, they provided good clarity and eye comfort.

Mojarra Matte frames ($80) are gray with green-mirror and amber-base lenses. Recessed nose pads and temple pads are co-injected in Grilamid TR-90 that’s heat- and impact-resistant. The lenses provided the best contrast and clarity in brown water, but were surprisingly strong in blue water too. With both glasses hitting the wallet at $70 (suggested retail), these warrant consideration as either primary or backup eye protection.

Maui Jim

mauijim.com

Maui Jim is one of the last independent sunglass manufacturers in the world and at the top of its game. The company uses proprietary polymers for its nonglass lenses. In glass, its manufacturing process renders extra-thin, extra-durable, optically correct lenses. PolarizedPlus2 lenses stop 99.9 percent of glare and 100 percent of harmful UV light. They are guaranteed for life against defects, and friends who accessed customer service have reported pleasing results.

The Akau ($189) came with olive-matte temples and is available in six more colors. It weighs less than 1/3 ounce, and features minimal, hollow nose pads for ventilation and comfort. The high-transmission (HT) lenses are the thinnest, lightest material available and offer great contrast and polarizing clarity that relaxed the eye in bright sunlight in spite of the higher light transmission. These would be the ideal lenses for fishing backwaters, and we thought the lenses provided a better look beneath brown water than copper lenses.

Another Maui Jim choice is the Huelo 449 ($229), which uses Maui’s proprietary Maui Pure polymer lens for clarity that rivals glass. The bronze base starts with red mirror at the top and shades to orange at the bottom. The PolarizedPlus2 lenses block more light from above and allow in more light from below for added clarity. The matte-black frames offer a face-hugging, durable fit, and the thin temples preserve peripheral vision. They are a great option for inshore and offshore boaters.

Ocean Waves

oceanwaves.com

Ocean Waves offers handmade glass lenses in various densities and colors that cover the light spectrum, from low-light fishing and boating with its Luminator lens to fishing in high sun with gold-mirror and gray-base glass. Surfers and fishermen founded the company 40 years ago in Atlantic Beach, Florida, near Jacksonville. Frames and lenses are handmade in Atlantic Beach and can be custom-fit to hug the face. They offer the optimal durability and optical clarity you can only get with glass polarized lenses.

Ricochet frames ($259) arrived in light, stylish tortoise with Luminator glass lenses in purple mirror and amber. Ocean Waves says they are enhanced to gather light, making them ideal for cloudy days, sunrise and sunset. We found them great for driving, as well as fishing or navigating. Amber lenses are often favored for high contrast in brown or murky water. Thin temples allowed optimal peripheral vision. Their underwater contrast was excellent. Even in full sun, light-blocking density was just about right—you won’t have to remove them to tie knots or read a GPS chart.

Pablo Beach frames ($259) are definitely an offshore boater’s go-to. Blue mirror over dark amber lenses provided high contrast in blue water and soothing coolness in the blazing sun. The frames are definitely for anglers; navigators might find that the glare-blocking wide temples block too much peripheral vision.

Read Next: Three Types of Sun Protection for Boaters

Redfin

redfinpolarized.com

Redfin is one of a few new brands we’ll see in 2022. As the marketplace changes due to acquisitions, personnel move to new opportunities. Redfin is an example of that. The company might be new, but its engineering is strong. Stylish Italian frames, stainless-steel hinges and Zeiss lenses will put these sunglasses on the top shelf with competitors you know and trust. We didn’t expect this upstart brand to test so well.

Sanibel frames ($229) are made of black-matte material with molded-in nose pads. Green-mirror and amber-base lenses provided peel-back-the-water clarity to shallow bottom structure, and delivered glare and light protection above water. Neutral gray lenses might shift the colors a little less, but these clearly distinguished between all shades in our test view. Redfin says coatings protect lenses from water spotting, and make wiping off oily residue and fingerprints easy.

Redfin’s Tybee frames ($229) in tortoise make an eye-catching fashion statement, but still provide polarizing protection and filter blue and yellow light for clarity. Narrower temples preserve peripheral vision and are ideal for a smaller face. Molded-in nose pads add comfort, resting easy on the face and minimizing pressure points after a full day on the water. Oil, sweat and water-spot protection coatings help make them easy to clean.

The post Top Sunglasses for Boating and Fishing appeared first on Boating Mag.

I am an outdoor enthusiast. I ride quads. I boat. I camp. And I run…constantly. I work outdoors, and I play outdoors. I really enjoyed trying these Prospect Sunglasses by Glade, but I’m a tough critic. I earn a living as a videographer, who shoots outside a lot. I shoot with a Canon because I love the look of the footage.

I face a couple challenges in my work. First, I need sunglasses that don’t have extreme color on the lens in order to correctly color balance what I’m seeing in my camera. A colored lens could definitely mess up my shots. That’s why I really like the Forest lenses. They’re a nice neutral gray color that still works well when I put them on between shots. I put them to the test on a recent Lake Tahoe boat shoot.

Next, I need the lenses to be sharp, and these definitely were. There were no points during my shoots that I felt distracted by them. Their razor-sharp focus made it easy to go back and forth between looking through my viewfinder and the natural surroundings. It was an easy transition for my eyes.

Read Next: Polarized Sunglasses Comparison

The last challenge I have, and I’m going to be honest, is that I’m pretty rough on glasses. Sometimes, I shoot video out on salt water, where it’s pelting me in the face. Other times, I’m in the extreme heat of the sun. And sometimes I’m shooting in heavy dust and mud. These glasses performed well in all areas and passed my many tests. After a month of wearing them, they’re still scratch free. They clean-up easily and come with a quality hardcase that I can throw in my backpack and go. They’ve traveled across the country with me and still look brand new.

When I’m not shooting, I wear the Tortoise Rose Prospects. I love the way they feel on my face, and I’ve had problems in the past with glasses that fall off while running. Not the case with the Prospects. They fit snuggly and don’t allow for any movement, even while running on the beach. Perspiration and watermarks wipe off easily.

I will definitely continue packing these in my travel cases for upcoming shoots and running with them daily. I’m glad I finally found a pair that don’t distract me from what I am doing and compliment my work and personal activities.

$74.99, shopglade.com

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If there’s one item of gear boaters use the most, and also lose the most, it’s polarized sunglasses. On the theory that there’s always some boater somewhere who needs a pair, here are three brands to consider.

Maui Jim – Chee Hoo!
Stormy Grey Frame with Polarized Blue Hawaii Lens

The Clear: First word: luxury. Second word: comfort. These sunglasses are everything you’d expect from a brand like Maui Jim. Quality-built for a symmetrical, secure and sturdy fit, the Chee Hoo! frames rest on the face perfectly. And because of the lightweight materials used in both the frames and lenses, sunrise-to-sunset comfort will be yours.

The Cloudy: Designed as a medium-to-large fit, these frames may feel oversize (particularly the long arms) on a smaller-headed individual.

mauijim.com

Serengeti – Carlo Large
Tortoise Frame with Polarized Drivers Lens

The Clear: Function meets fashion with these Serengeti sunglasses. The handcrafted, tortoise-style acetate frames with metal details will have you feeling like a million bucks. But the Carlo Large is not all about looks. The high-end lenses keep the eyes relaxed and unstrained for all-day protection even in the brightest sun.

The Cloudy: These shades have a tighter, more secure fit, which obviously has its advantages but may cause some head tension after long wear.

serengeti-eyewear.com

Bollé – Boxton
Rubber Black Frame with Polarized TNS Oleo AR Lens

The Clear: Grimy fingers? Not a problem for these lenses, which are equipped with an oleo­phobic treatment. Sweaty face? These glasses aren’t going anywhere thanks to the grippy nosepiece and all-around rubber frame. These are the ultimate no-fuss sunnies, and all the better, they look really good on almost anyone with their neo-classic, super-hip style.

The Cloudy: The lenses sit close to the face, so if you’re blessed with long eyelashes, these might not be the shades for you.

bolle.com

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Wiley X P-17

Wiley X P-17
The Clear: Polycarbonate polarized lenses are shatterproof and impact-resistant, making them highly suited for performance activities. Lenses provide wraparound coverage. The rubberized temple tips provide comfort when wearing for long stretches of time. They also have slits in the temple tips for adding the included strap that keeps them on your head.

The Smudge: Lenses not as vibrant as glass options.

Price: $130; wileyx.com

Maui Jim Baby Beach Aviators

Maui Jim Baby Beach Aviators
The Clear: These provide the classic cool of the aviator look without overwhelming your face. The lightweight titanium frames help make these glasses feel like they’re barely there. The SuperThin polarized glass lenses provide protection while viewing the water in vivid detail.

The Smudge: Plastic nose pads can leave impressions on the bridge of your nose. No slits on the temple tips for a strap.

Price: $299; mauijim.com

Costa Del Mar Trevally

Costa Del Mar Trevally
The Clear: These frames provide ample lens coverage without overwhelming your face or leaving a gap on the sides. The rubberized pieces keep the glasses secure without pinching the bridge of your nose. Slits in the temple tips allow for securing with a strap. Costa’s polarized 580 glass lenses are among the best I’ve used for fishing.

The Smudge: The rubberized temple tips came loose on our test pair but were easily repaired.

Price: $239; costadelmar.com

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Costa’s Cortez offers a large fit with a bold wrap shape, meant to block glare from entering from the sides. The linear venting system alleviates lens fogging, and the temple tips feature open slots for a retainer cord.

The frames are built of nearly indestructible co-injected molded nylon, with sturdy integral hinge technology. The hypoallergenic rubberized interior lining and nose pads keep the sunglasses comfortably in place all day, providing a “forget-they’re-on” fit.

Cortez frame color options include blackout, tortoise, shiny black, Realtree® Xtra® camo, crystal bronze, and white with a blue Costa logo.

Scroll through the gallery of styles below!

Cortez starts in retail at $169.

Contact: Costa

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Nautique Optix was conceived by boaters from Ohio who drew inspiration from classic wooden boats. They come in five different styles that can be crafted from seven different types of wood: mahogany, cherry, maple, oak, zebrawood, bubinga and wenge. Carl Zeiss Vision supplies the grey polarized lenses.

I tested the mahogany Cruiser style, which has a curved sporty look reminiscent of the original Oakley Jackets. I was surprised by how light and comfortable they felt while wearing them, and the polarized lenses met my expectations on the water. I doused them with a little salt water with no signs of wear—the wood frames are protected with a clear-coat for durability.

The frames are thicker than found on plastic contemporaries, but they have a nautical style all their own. The frames cannot be fit with prescription lenses at this time.

$225, nautiqueoptix.com

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