I currently just use my regular sunglasses. Oakley 5's. Is there a difference between regular sunglasses that are polarized and glasses that are designed for fishing?
Also I noticed there are different lens colors. Orange, blue, gray...and so on. What lense is best and why.
Last question. Is there really a difference between a pair of $100 polarized glasses and a pair costing say $12? I mean will your $100 pair of glasses allow you to see farther into the water than a cheaper pair?
Thanks.

Different lens colors for the different light conditions. I'm not going to comment on brands. I will say that I have no complaints with my Amphibias or Oakleys.

Fishing specific for most brands is related to lens color selection and possibly frame selection related to assisting with blocking side light. Some colors are better than others when sight fishing, etc.

Yes there's a difference in optical quality between a $12 pair and a more expensive pair of glasses. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misinformed. Makes me cringe when someone says they get the same protection and results from a cheap pair of glasses. That comment is normally paired with the fact that they're going to lose them so it makes them feel better if they're cheap. LOL

Protecting your most valuable assets with crappy optics doesn't make a lot of sense. Choose whatever brand you prefer but make sure their optics are superior. Your eyes will thank you for it.

Got a $12 pair and have caught plenty of fish wihout paying more for different glasses! That being said, if ya like or feel more confident or just like the style of he name brand glasses then nothing wrong with that either.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info. My regular sunglasses offer good protection. I just have a real hard time seeing fish when its overcast so I was looking to get a new pair that'll help with this problem.

I use the $5 Berkley sun glasses from wal-mart, and they work pretty well. I'm not saying that they're better than the high dollar ones because I have compared the two, but these glasses will do for now. Still trying to save money for a pair of costas, it sucks being a broke college student lol.

I've got a pair of $20 Strike King glasses from academy and I was really pleased after a long day on the lake and have been in everyday use as well. Expensive glasses may be nice, but there are cheaper alternatives if that type of money isnt realistic to spend for you.

A $200 pair will not be better than a $20 pair if it doesn't have the right type of lenses for the conditions, unfortunately.

Your Oakley 5 glasses are probably not polarized. That means that light can enter at all angles. Polarization only allows light from one angle to enter, which takes the glare off the water to allow you to see under. to test your glasses hold them perpendicular to a polarized pair and it should be almost impossible to see even the sun through them. if they are not polarized you will be able to see through both pair just fine. Yes some polarized are better than others. Amber type lens tend to be better for seeing under water. Also lens quality is a big deal. Costa are one of the best out there. The new Strike King S11 are also very nice and at an even better price point.

I have some high dollar ones and some inexpensive ones. All now a days are pretty good. And, Yes, different shades are for different light conditions.

Lets clarify that a bit. They might not be better for sight fishing than certain lens colors but they'll definitely be better for glare protection and clarity. There are many different types of polarization processes and to assume that they all provide the same level of protection is false. Most guys on here don't skimp when it comes to rods, reels, bait, boats etc. The last thing to skimp on is the protection of your eyes.

As a 26yr optician and vision ctr Mgr. I can tell you that with optics you will get what you pay for. I also know what kind of markup glasses have. I am one of the older guys and require a bifocal lens now and vanity will not allow me to buy the lined bifocals so no-line it is. The expensive part comes in when you get optical quality lenses. Sun-glass lenses are formed in a few ways the cheap way is called slumping lenses that is where a lens is heated and allowed to form to a mold ( not good ). Another way is to mold the lens to shape by an injection process. Polarized lenses (all of them) are laminated. There is a lens,film,lens,film,lens. How well the lamination is will be up to the manufacturer. Don't leave polarized glasses in your car or truck on the dash it will cause the lenses to separate. You can get some good quality polarized sun-glasses at any Vision center or optical shop that wont drain your bank account. Some things you may want in a pair of fishing glasses is interchangeable lenses (more options on colors), backside anti-reflective coatings (reduces glare from the back of the lens), and a strap to hold them on your head and one that will float them if you drop them in the lake.

The high end glasses are clearer will cut more glare enhance your ability to see under water. But saying that it is basically a personal preference. I have really sensitive eyes and have always worn Oakley or Costa Del Mar and i cannot stand to wear the cheap pairs. But i do say the new strike king ones are great for the money

All Oakley polarized lenses with have the word "polarized" etched on the outside usually at the bottom of lens.

I pretty sure they are polarized. The lens is embossed as polarized and they are not knock offs. With them on car paint does prizm stuff and computer screens black out if you turn your head right. Thanks for all the advice.