A pair of quality sunglasses can be as important to a boater as almost any other piece of equipment. There’s nothing worse than loading up the cooler, every piece of gear and all of your friends for a day on the boat, only to get on the water and realize you left your shades behind. Not only does it suck to squint all day, but overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause eye fatigue or even photokeratitis–sunburn of the cornea. When shopping for new shades, 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
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. Get some guidance on selecting the right lens color.
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 behind the wheel for the day or just chilling at the sandbar, 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 from Bajio, and one you should try out if you’re in the market. 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 you can quickly go from a sunny morning on the lake to lunch at the local eatery 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. Fashion and function; check. Improved grips on the temples and bridge help sweat to drain while keeping the Mainsails in place, so you don’t have to keep pushing them up while you’re driving the boat.
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 while out on the boat all day. Top them off with the blue 580G Costa lenses that 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 sports worlds, known for their fusion of forward-leaning style with high-end performance. These days, Electric is back, and with a series of sunglasses that lean toward those of us who love to be on and around the water. Designed with the help of world champion surfer John John Florence, the 12 sunglasses feature a stylish look with removable side shields, offering optimum protection from harmful rays bouncing off the water. Whether you’re hanging at the local break like John John, or cruising across the lake for a day of endless waves, 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 are big on style and performance. They 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. Put that all together and the Konas may just be your new, go-to, everyday shades.
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, whether it’s an all day adventure around Lake Powell or just a grill-and-chill session in the backyard.
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 a day of wakeboarding, wakesurfing or whatever else you’re getting into. 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 is both current but also with a twinge of nostalgia for yesteryear in the action sports heyday of the 90s. That size doesn’t just offer unique looks though, with 58mm-wide lenses, the Lineups also have plenty of coverage. 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 wake action or a quick stroll around town. The chunky arms also have the added benefit of blocking some extra sun rays and wind.
