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granite_grrl
Mar 6, 2011, 5:56 PM
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So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock).
I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head.
So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95).
Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside.
What do you Think
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macherry
Mar 6, 2011, 6:20 PM
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i don't think it's worth it. that's just my personal prefernce
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jt512
Mar 6, 2011, 6:44 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you Think
For driving I think polarization is essential. It really reduces the glare, improving visibility.
Jay
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Gmburns2000
Mar 6, 2011, 6:59 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you Think
I can't stand sunglasses that aren't polarized. The difference in clarity is significant because of the glare.
However, I don't wear sunglasses while climbing, so I can't say anything about that.
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granite_grrl
Mar 6, 2011, 7:16 PM
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Gmburns2000 wrote: granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you ThinkI can't stand sunglasses that aren't polarized. The difference in clarity is significant because of the glare. However, I don't wear sunglasses while climbing, so I can't say anything about that.
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dr_feelgood
Mar 6, 2011, 7:28 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you ThinkI can't stand sunglasses that aren't polarized. The difference in clarity is significant because of the glare. However, I don't wear sunglasses while climbing, so I can't say anything about that. Glare from what?
I wear sunglasses almost constantly whenever I am outside in the sun. Polarization makes a pretty big difference.
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Gmburns2000
Mar 6, 2011, 7:39 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you ThinkI can't stand sunglasses that aren't polarized. The difference in clarity is significant because of the glare. However, I don't wear sunglasses while climbing, so I can't say anything about that. Glare from what?
the sun off everything that it can glare off of. to be clear, too, I am sensitive to grey skies (moreso than sunny days), and polarized really helps to smooth out that uneven light.
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granite_grrl
Mar 6, 2011, 7:42 PM
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macherry wrote: i don't think it's worth it. that's just my personal prefernce
You wear them when you're out skiing too? You tend to wear dark lenses or lighter?
I really like brown lenses, I find they're useful in a lot more conditions than a darker lens.
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hafilax
Mar 6, 2011, 8:53 PM
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Most reflections off of dielectric surfaces are polarized to some degree with the maximum polarization being at Brewster's angle. For highly reflective surfaces this can mean a significant reduction of light. Polarized sunglasses with filter out this light without the need for a darker lens. To some extent the light in the sky is polarized as well.
The choice between polarized and non depends on how much you want to remove reflected light from your field of vision. It is incredibly important for being on snow and on the water due to those highly reflective surfaces. It's nice for driving but I don't think it's necessary.
As far as lens colour. The eye has some dispersion and the extremes of the visible wavelengths end up having slightly different focal lengths. Red and blue tend to be slightly out of focus. Blocking out some of the blue seems to help with the sharpness of your vision which has a large effect in flat light which is why most ski goggles are rose, amber or brownish resulting in less blue light getting through.
For general use, I buy cheaper sunglasses because I tend to scratch, break or lose them. There's no need for polarized glasses for general use although they tend to be higher quality and therefor pleasing to wear. For snow or water sports, then I think that polarization becomes truly beneficial especially after suffering from snow blindness when I was 19.
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macherry
Mar 6, 2011, 9:27 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: macherry wrote: i don't think it's worth it. that's just my personal prefernce You wear them when you're out skiing too? You tend to wear dark lenses or lighter? I really like brown lenses, I find they're useful in a lot more conditions than a darker lens.
i prefer a brown lens. i am in the early stages of cataract damage.... too much sun from skiing, biking and climbing. (wear your sunglasses kids) my goggle and skiing sunglasses lens are brown ,but i do wear a mirrored lens for spring skiing. my eyes seem to like the brown lens. i do have a pair of polarized smiths i wear for driving. they are good for glare. i don't know what it is, though, i get a headache with the polarized lens
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Arrogant_Bastard
Mar 6, 2011, 9:52 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you ThinkI can't stand sunglasses that aren't polarized. The difference in clarity is significant because of the glare. However, I don't wear sunglasses while climbing, so I can't say anything about that. Glare from what?
The two responses seem to be the all-too-general "everything" and whatever the fuck Halifax said. For some real world examples:
The difference is very noticeable while skiing, anything on the water, and driving where it's hot, bright and flat - like SoCak. And it makes the puffy clouds look purdy. Most the rest of the time you won't really notice, but it won't hurt anything either. Though I'd guess that even if you don't notice a difference there's still less light hitting your eyes? Which would be good?
The only time it really bothers me is while doing Photography with a digital camera. Most LCDs are polarized vertically, which works fine... however, when shooting in portrait the attenuation is enough that it looks completely black if it's bright out. But if you're not an active photog it really wouldn't matter.
(This post was edited by Arrogant_Bastard on Mar 6, 2011, 9:56 PM)
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Arrogant_Bastard
Mar 6, 2011, 9:54 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you Think
That's crazy, $30 more? You can get polarized lenses in the gas station. Some are polarized much more than others, but I prefer a wider band anyways, some of the really tight ones create a bit of a lightshow when you move your head around.
I forgot you road bike. Get polarized.
Edit(ing is weke): I've been using the Sunclouds from REI. They list for like $50. Toss in the 20% off and they're a good deal. They're well build for the price.
(This post was edited by Arrogant_Bastard on Mar 6, 2011, 9:56 PM)
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enigma
Mar 6, 2011, 9:59 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you Think
I think there is a discernible difference in clarity in the sunlight, water and in some areas.
However, you can buy an inexpensive pair and just try out not-polarized. I have lost or broken sunglasses at the crag. You could get one of those strings to hold them around your neck.
I would suggest you look around, sometimes they put sunglasses on sale 
Maybe you have an eyeglass store nearby they often have sunglasses on sale. Good Luck
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granite_grrl
Mar 6, 2011, 10:34 PM
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Arrogant_Bastard wrote: granite_grrl wrote: So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you ThinkThat's crazy, $30 more? You can get polarized lenses in the gas station. Some are polarized much more than others, but I prefer a wider band anyways, some of the really tight ones create a bit of a lightshow when you move your head around. I forgot you road bike. Get polarized. Edit(ing is weke): I've been using the Sunclouds from REI. They list for like $50. Toss in the 20% off and they're a good deal. They're well build for the price.
I had my original pair for over 5 years I think. They weren't in terrible condition, but the arm falling off was getting a little old. When I lost them I thought "okay, a new pair will be nice", till I started shopping and found out how few sunglasses fit me. A combo of a small face and high bridge? Anyway, not going to buy sunglasses if I don't know how they fit, which is why I'm just going back to the originals.
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granite_grrl
Mar 6, 2011, 10:37 PM
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Arrogant_Bastard wrote: The only time it really bothers me is while doing Photography with a digital camera. Most LCDs are polarized vertically, which works fine... however, when shooting in portrait the attenuation is enough that it looks completely black if it's bright out. But if you're not an active photog it really wouldn't matter.
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notapplicable
Mar 7, 2011, 1:14 AM
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Hmmmm. I've never owned a pair of sunglasses in my life but after reading this thread I'm all paranoid my head is going to explode, or something equally terrible, if I go outside tomorrow without a pair.
Thanks a lot.
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jeepnphreak
Mar 7, 2011, 2:55 AM
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granite_grrl wrote: So I lost my last pair of sunglasses, they had a brown lens and polarized. I ended up with the polarized sunglasses more by chance than anything (exchanging a previous pair, that was all they had in stock). I was thinking the polarization was great, but I wasn't comparing them to anything. The more I think of it, the more I think I was making this up in my own head. So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you Think
I have light sensitive eyes, to the point of is almost impossible for me to see in bright direct sunlight.
So IMHO polarized are the only to go. They really make a world of difference in glare reduction and ease the strain on the eyes.
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enigma
Mar 7, 2011, 7:09 AM
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notapplicable wrote: Hmmmm. I've never owned a pair of sunglasses in my life but after reading this thread I'm all paranoid my head is going to explode, or something equally terrible, if I go outside tomorrow without a pair. Thanks a lot.
Nah, You live in Virginia, maybe the sunlight dosen't bother you. In the east coast I usually only wore sunglasses when I went to the beach, or when I rowed crew on the water, or bicycle riding.
Maybe you eyes aren't sensitive. Lighter eyes are usually more sensitive. Its also restful for the eyes so you don't squint.
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wjca
Mar 7, 2011, 5:33 PM
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granite_grrl wrote: Arrogant_Bastard wrote: granite_grrl wrote: So, because I have a funny face to fit I'm just buying the exact same sunglasses online, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for the polarized lenses ($65 vs $95). Uses: climbing, mountain/road biking, driving and general use outside. What do you ThinkThat's crazy, $30 more? You can get polarized lenses in the gas station. Some are polarized much more than others, but I prefer a wider band anyways, some of the really tight ones create a bit of a lightshow when you move your head around. I forgot you road bike. Get polarized. Edit(ing is weke): I've been using the Sunclouds from REI. They list for like $50. Toss in the 20% off and they're a good deal. They're well build for the price. , and the original prices were probably closer to $100 and $130 respectively (not that the polarized should be $30 more, but it doesn't seem as big of a jump when looking at the original costs). I had my original pair for over 5 years I think. They weren't in terrible condition, but the arm falling off was getting a little old. When I lost them I thought "okay, a new pair will be nice", till I started shopping and found out how few sunglasses fit me. A combo of a small face and high bridge? Anyway, not going to buy sunglasses if I don't know how they fit, which is why I'm just going back to the originals.
If these are the only glasses that fit your face, you like them and they've been discontinued, I'd suggest buying 2 or 3 pairs of them while you still can.
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