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Everyone says that “you shouldn’t skimp on sunglasses”. After all, you only get one set of eyes. Not all sunglasses are made the same. In fact, a pair of cheap sunglasses is not necessarily better than not wearing sunglasses at all. Proper lenses filter out harmful UVA and UVB sunlight, protecting your eyes from damage while improving your ability to see through glare without squinting.
Cheap sunglasses will keep you from squinting, but they don’t always properly block UV light. That’s a big problem, especially if you are going to be out on the water fishing all day. Without the urge to squint, your eyes have absolutely no protection from UVA and UVB rays. This is one of the ways inexpensive sunglasses can damage your eyes.
You’ll need to spend some money to get a quality pair of sunglasses. More expensive sunglasses are the product of dedicated research, development, and technology. That raises the price. As you’ll see in our review of the best fishing sunglasses, we still found some options that are affordable.
First note that all of these brands are polarized. This is an important feature when it comes to fishing. Often times, sunlight will bounce off the water and into your eyes. This glare can disrupt your vision and concentration. So if you’re serious about fishing, then you will need a polarized pair of glasses.
| Brand | Price | Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|
| Smith Optics Guides Choice | $$$$ | 5 |
| Wiley X Saint | $$ | 4.5 |
| Duduma | $ | 4 |
Best Overall
The clarity from the Smith Optics Guides Choice lenses far surpasses anything else on the market. They are also the best polarized fishing sunglasses for sale. The full-frame design offers a larger coverage area than most other brands. Lens space is wide without affecting style or comfort. Additionally, the lenses feature Techlite Polarchromic Glass that reacts to changing light conditions. It doesn’t matter what the lighting conditions are, the Smith Optics Guides Choice provides optimum protection and lens clarity.
They are also amazingly durable. While less expensive sunglasses use plastic or nylon hinges, these use stainless steel. The lenses are also glass, a feature that makes them much more scratch resistant than polycarbonate lenses.
You do have to pay for the advanced design and technology that go into the Smith Optics Guides Choice glasses. The advantage is a product that you know will protect your eyes and remain functional for years to come. Less expensive glasses can be effective, but there are always trade-offs to be made with lower prices.
Best Value
These polarized glasses are a great value. With Military-grade shatter-proof lenses and durable construction, you won’t have to worry about catching a lure or weight in your eye. The Wiley X Saint sunglasses feature straight earpieces so you can easily take them on and off. The half-frame design keeps weight low and provides a stylish modern look for men.
For the money, it’s tough to beat this brand. There is no better model for the price conscious shopper. They are especially good for fly fishing. You can find more expensive glasses, but there aren’t many in this price range that offer shatter-proof lenses, lens customization, low weight, and comfort.
Least Expensive
These are the cheapest fishing sunglasses you can find that are still effective. The lenses are polarized and thus are able to block dangerous light. The plastic frames have a good shape to them which make them more comfortable than other low-cost options. They are also more stylish than some of the more expensive brands.
The Duduma glasses aren’t as durable as the Wiley X Saint. Wiley is also a more reputable company with a long history and terrific reviews. Still, these fishing sunglasses are a decent option to buy if you are looking for affordability and value. The company also offers a 30 day money back guarantee.
Conclusion
These three options are the best sunglasses for fishing. They all offer top rated eye protection, style, comfort and quality lens performance. The Smith Optics Guides Choice glasses are the absolute best while Duduma offers the least expensive and effective option.
Remember that in general, you get what you pay for and the investment you make in sunglasses is priceless. You only get one set of eyes. You don’t want a cheap pair of sunglasses to ruin them.
