I know polarized glasses are an absolute essential in any fisherman's arsenal. But do we really need to drop 100-200 bucks on this expensive fishing staple? To date I've been using the Berkley 1.0 Polarized glasses found at Walmart fot 15 bucks. These are their middle of the road version in between a 10 dollar and 20 dollar pair. I really like them a lot, and can definitely seem more fish/structure vs. Regular shades. I'm just wondering if there's different levels of polarized and if the more expensive ones are any better? Also, can the cheaper ones I'm using have any negative effect on my eyes? Thanks for your help!

Costa 580's worth every penny, have tried them all and once you try a pair of costa's you will be in awe

I like me Oakley monster dogs. There light, durable and they look good. Ive herd good things about costa's too.

I like the Ono's cuz I'm old and blind and they have readers in them. They are still very good glasses. I always wore Costa Del Mar prior to that.

anyone else care to weigh in on this topic? Specific recommendations with reasoning why? Polycarbonate vs. Glass lens? Amber vs. Dark vs. Other? What's the difference between a Berkley 15 buck pair and say an Oakley for 120 or Costas for 200 etc.? Besides the fish finding ability, what about the eye protection factor? Are any better at putting less strain and wear and tear on your eyes? Are polarized all not created equal? What makes a pair better? Please advise!! Thank you for your insight.

Costas 580 glass...no comparison

Look at NUMA Sport Optics, Highest quality lenses and they are interchangeable, you get 3 sets of lenses when you purchase them. They are also impact, shatter, and scratxh resistant. Look them up on their web site and they have models to fit just about anyones needs with styles of frames. They are also very competative in price around 100 dollars, super light weight and very comfortable. Let me know if you are interested and have any further questions

Since you're talking off the shelf, whatever makes you happy is best, color and price. Prescription is expensive and another story. I've had Costa's and Oakley's in prescription and been happy with both. Watch out for mirror coatings and over-spray from fish attractants though. Nothing like screwing up a $400 pair of prescription sunglasses when somebody else in the boat sprays that stuff in the wind and it gets on your glasses and the mirror coating gets all messed up.

I had a nice pair of costas for about a year, lost them in home depot and have used the walmart glasses since. There are days few and far between where I miss them, but that $100-200 will buy a lot of other stuff and it doesn't hurt as bad if you loose or break them.

I have oakleys and I do like the polarization on them but they do teas to be uncomfortable after a long day of fishing. I have been thinkin about trying out the costas...

I have had oakly polycarbonates in the past and was appy with them untill i tried the costas glass lenses. I truly recommend the costas with glass amber lenses.

I've tried the Wal Mart Berkleys and they are ok, but I have 2 pair of the Wiley Xs, (different styles) and the quality is much better as well as the way they fit.
My water vision is better too with the Wiley's. I also have several pair of Nike glasses that you can switch the lenses out, and they are nice too, but the Wiley's get my vote. I would like to try the Costas though, just to see the difference. I've never read anything bad about them....other than the $$.

I bought my first pair of "high end" polarized sunglasses last year. Decided to go with the Wiley-X Jake with the emerald mirror lens. I Chose Wiley-X mainly because they provide a lot of eye wear to our military. Can't see myself wearing any other glasses at this point. These things are nearly indestructible, the lenses and frames far exceed the ANSI safety standards. I'm really enjoying the foam cavity seal as well not just for blocking out that peripheral light, but also for its comfortableness. Highly recommend at least checking them out.

Are there different levels of polarization? What is the difference between a 20 dollar pair and a 200 dollar pair? Is it that it 'reduces more glare'? Is it a comfort thing? Is it scratch resistance or durability? Quite honestly the only thing I'm concerned about is being able to see more fish and not hurt my eyes with the sun. All other things- style, scratch resistance, fit, etc. are not that important to me. Please advise.

I have nothing but Oaks.