I’m thinking about buying some quality polarized glasses for fishing on Lake Murray.
I’ve pretty much always just went with the $5.99 Wal Mart gray or blue polarized plastic shades, but truth is they leave a lot to be desired. I’m not necessarily trying to be trendy, but instead wondering if there is a big step up in performance going with Costas and the like, purely for lake fishing. There is tons of reviews on these things from the clearwater guys but very little from river or lake fisherman.
Anyone have a suggestion or real world experience to share on the best lens color AND type (glass/plastic) to see fish on my favorite fishing lake? Is it even worth it considering the water clarity?
I have wore both costas and glasses from wally world. I actually have wore my costas out to where they really need to be sent back. So I have had the we ones for going on about 2 yrs. I never really noticed a difference between the 2 to be honest. At least get the 20$ pair in the fishing section. They seem to be a little more durable and comfortable. I will say though I like an amber lense over ALL other colors. Planer boards and floats seem to glow with that color. Also It almost feels like you get an extra 30min of daylight with an amber color. They seem to pick up light that last hr of dusk.
“All fisherman lie. And if they say otherwise, then they’re lying”
I use the green mirror which is actually just the amber lens with a green mirror exterior. They are great for Murray. I can’t see crap without them. Like Murraymaker said, they make everything pop, give you more water depth clarity, and I also wear them when it is hazy and raining and the Amber actually helps on the road for this dark stormy days. I bought the 400 glass and never feel like I need more. My wife has the 520 gray, and while she loves that color, I find the Amber much better for fishing. I used to use $20 calcuttas but I went through 2 pair a year. I have had my Costas for 3 years now and they still look new. Can’t beat their warranty either. Just don’t lose them.
Thanks fellas. I’ll look at those amber lenses.
I was also wondering if the glass lenses were a better investment if I do decide to go high end.
I do a pretty good job of keeping sunglasses in good shape as long as I don’t put them up on the bill of my cap.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped them before I stopped doing that.
I have the glass, and the wife got the plastic because she had prescription and wanted the lighter weight. She dropped hers after 3 weeks, but they replaced them free under a special Px warranty program.
I have dropped mine a lot, and many times thought they would come up shattered. Only a few minor scratches in all these years and they don’t even affect seeing out. I think the glass is a little heavier, but a lot more durable. I believe you get better clarity with the glass as well. My choice was spending the money on 400 glass over 520 plastic.
Never heard of Smith before now. Those look pretty sweet, but definitely spendy- even online. It’s nice to hear they are apparently worth the high price.
After purchasing driving glasses last year, I found out how important it is to find the right frame for your face. Nothing wrong with buying online if you know what fits, first.
With the lenses, however, without advice like you guys are providing, one has no way of knowing if the lens color really works for the intended purpose- in this case fishing at Lake Murray.
That’s why it’s nice to have the first hand knowledge from you guys. Appreciate it.
If you take care of the glasses, you shouldn’t have a problem with the lenses. I had glass lenses in my Costa harpoons and they lasted 3 years until I stepped on them and now i have plastic lense and really dont see the difference as far as visibilty. The plastic is a bit lighter and has a lighter frame than the glass. I would say try both on and see which one is more comfortable to you.
Never heard of Smith before now. Those look pretty sweet, but definitely spendy- even online. It’s nice to hear they are apparently worth the high price.
Got my “spare” pair 5 years ago on another forum’s classified section for $40. Sent in for warranty fix and got the green mirror lenses. Both frames are the Backdrop frames.
“I may be going to hell in a bucket. But at least I’m enjoying the ride”
Copper or gray in the summer. Smith makes suncloud which are good glasses but around 50 dollars a pair instead of around 200 like costas. My only complaint is they seem to cater to women as in most of there frames look like they were made for women. Clothing world on Percival road has a pretty good selection of suncloud and costas.