Smith optic are by far some of best optics on the market. They are far better than Costa, Natives, etc. Go to there website click on the guide tab- select face size- lens material-lens coverage. This is very helpful in narrowing down the styles and lens materials. They have awesome optics, you will be able to see fish your buddies can’t see. i have the Guides Choice and the Undertow. By far the best on the market.
I used to think that costas were the best just like the majority of people on this site. about 2 years ago I was fishing with a buddy and struggled to see fish that were right in front of me. after missing 4-5 solid shots at fish I couldnt see he told me to try his smiths and see if they help. Words cannot describe the difference. I went and purchased a pair of smiths that afternooon and havent touched the costas since.
Have been using REDSTAR - new to the optic line I believe — both POLARIZED AND POLYCARBONITE…A lot less than my Costa’s and WileyX…seem to be working just fine…my Costa’s a bit clearer but for the difference in $$$$$ RERDSTAR in my opinion, is well worth it as far as I am concerned and virtually distortion free…I believe that they are only available currently for ONLINE purchase…Company Info: REDSTAR OUTFITTERS.COM I’m happy with mine…
According to the optician I spoke with last week (I’m purchasing replacement lenses for my Rx RayBans and my regular glasses), there is definitely a law of diminishing returns for polarized sunglasses. You definitely need polarized lenses on the water, but beyond that here is how she explained it: Let’s say that on a 1 to 10 scale, 1 is a cheapo lens and 10 is a top-of-the-line lens. A 7 or 8 is more than adequate and is 95% as effective as a 10. A 10 will cost $200 or more. A 7 or 8 will cost $60 to $80. Bottom line: Find a frame you like with decent quality polarized lenses and save your money for bait, gas, lures, a new rod, etc.
Also…I didn’t know this until a few months ago. Most insurance won’t pay for a vision exam from an optometrist. Most insurance will pay for a vision exam and office visit with an opthalmologist.
Have been using REDSTAR - new to the optic line I believe — both POLARIZED AND POLYCARBONITE…A lot less than my Costa’s and WileyX…seem to be working just fine…my Costa’s a bit clearer but for the difference in $$$$$ RERDSTAR in my opinion, is well worth it as far as I am concerned and virtually distortion free…I believe that they are only available currently for ONLINE purchase…Company Info: REDSTAR OUTFITTERS.COM I’m happy with mine…
As mentioned above, the key is polarized. A cheap polarized is better than a high quality non-polarized. I was on a fishing trip in Canada and it was very overcast one day and I had on a pair of $20 polarized shades since they were a lighter shade (amber) than my expensive glasses and I was spotting a lot more pike than others - they just happened to be the right tint for that particular day/condition. It varies by day and individual. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on decent polarized sunglasses but you’re typically sacrificing on durability, scratch resistance, warranty and possibly optic quality - it’s disposable versus long-term. LET’S STOP LOOKING AT SUNGLASSES AND START LOOKING AT FISH!
If you haven’t tried out Smith Optics, give them a shot! I have been extremely happy with Smith over the years (i have had Costa, Oakley, Arnette, RayBan,and others in the past as well), and their warranty is second to none. For Inshore, I am a big fan of Smith’s Photochromic Polarized amber glass lenses.
If anyone wants to try some Smith, come see me at Time Out in Mt. P. Mention this thread, and we will give you 20% off any in stock Smiths. </font id=“size2”>
Also, for what it is worth, Suncloud is a division of Smith. All polarized (plastic lenses) with a Lifetime warranty as well. Most frames are retired Smith Models or retired models from Smith’s parent Company, Safilo USA. All plastic frame Sunclouds Retail for $49.99. Not a bad choice if you are prone to losing or breaking shades!
I am biased on this, but check out www.7eye.com. 7 eye makes some quality sunglasses for the motorcycle/outdoor life industry. Flip Pallot just designed his frame (the FLIP), my personal favorite.
Had em all and Costas are the best.best customer service and best WARRANTY in the biz…not worth any other warranty.they all are 1 year.Costas are for life and never more than 70 bucks to repair… Big Beast Fishing
Had em all and Costas are the best.best customer service and best WARRANTY in the biz…not worth any other warranty.they all are 1 year.Costas are for life and never more than 70 bucks to repair… Big Beast Fishing
Smith is a lifetime, the most I ever had to pay was $35 for lenses that I stepped on and cracked. Any other issues have always been replaced for free, including the shipping back to me!
Had em all and Costas are the best.best customer service and best WARRANTY in the biz…not worth any other warranty.they all are 1 year.Costas are for life and never more than 70 bucks to repair… Big Beast Fishing
Had em all and Costas are the best.best customer service and best WARRANTY in the biz…not worth any other warranty.they all are 1 year.Costas are for life and never more than 70 bucks to repair… Big Beast Fishing
sent in a pair last week and just spoke with them on the phone today… one of my lenses was cracked, they do not cover, nor did i expect them to. The rubber was worn off the temples, which they are covering for free. however, they want to charge me $80 plus the $12 handling fee for 2 new lenses (they won’t replace just one mind you).
keep in mind i have had these for about 6 years and i am pretty sure i paid right around a hundred dollars for them brand new.
told them to just replace the temples and i would pay the $12 processing fee and not to worry about the lenses… i have been wearing them cracked for a year now… it does not cause me $80 worth of annoyance.
If you have vision insurance and s prescription, check the coverage level on glasses. I just picked up new Costas with prescription lenses for 50 bucks in copay.
they must replace both lenses because they are made as a pair and every lens has a very slight difference.
GO TO JACKSON DAVENPORT downtown on king st if you need ANY costa repairs done. he will hook you up and it will be done Very fast. he is a licensed dealer that can do repairs
i have to call BS on the idea that they have to replace both lenses because of slight variances form lens to lens (i am aware this is the reason given on their website).
“replace both lenses” just just means they give you a new pair of glasses because the lenses and frame are molded together in the manufacturing process in china (or wherever they’re made).
they do not separate without destroying the lens and/or the frame.
i have to call BS on the idea that they have to replace both lenses because of slight variances form lens to lens (i am aware this is the reason given on their website).
“replace both lenses” just just means they give you a new pair of glasses because the lenses and frame are molded together in the manufacturing process in china (or wherever they’re made).
they do not separate without destroying the lens and/or the frame.
my theory at least.
They pop right out of the frames on the triple tails that I have.