The best polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays while looking stylish too. The Editors at Fish Alaska share their top picks for polarized sunglasses that are function coupled with sportsmen style.
Best Polarized Sunglasses
Costa Reefton Pro
Reefton Pro sunglasses are available in Rx and non-Rx versions, in several frame/lens configurations. We tested prescription green-mirror, polarized 580G glass lenses with a black frame. Costa’s Rx department does a great job replicating prescriptions—they are generally spot-on. The Reefton Pro fits average-sized faces best. Frames are wide at the temples, but not overly so, and the lenses are moderately sized, making them appreciatively attractive in more than just fishing situations. Our tester has an average to large face and commented that these sunglasses fit great and provide great vision into the water during normal daylight conditions. In addition, the fit is snug—these glasses aren’t going to fall off your face.
Costa Jose PRO
We tested these frames with prescription polarized copper/silver-mirror lenses—a great all-around lens color. Available in prescription and non-prescription in a variety of lens color/frame configurations, these are stylish, functional eye gear. The glass is Costa’s 580 with 100% UV protection. The lenses feature C-Wall coating which provides additional scratch resistance and a barrier that repels water, sweat, and oil for easy cleaning. These glasses fit regular-sized faces. The frames grip your head behind your ears; they are not going to fall off unless you have a really small face. Furthermore, Jose PRO frames are designed to help manage sweat and reduce fogging.
Bajío Casuarina
These sunglasses combine a slew of technical and eco-conscious features into a stylish, functional pair of shades. Highly customizable, these sunglasses can also be ordered with prescription lenses. Both function and style, these are one of our favorites.
Costa Salina
We tested a pair of Salinas with a coral tortoise frame and green-mirror, polarized 580 glass lenses with the C-wall coating which provides a barrier that repels water, oil and sweat and provides extra scratch resistance. These glasses fit regular-size faces. Our tester said, “The Salina sunglasses are by far, one of my favorites! I have a challenging time wearing glasses for a long period of time without discomfort. These glasses are surprisingly lightweight, fit well, and reduce eyestrain due to glare. There is nothing worse than glasses that are constantly sliding down the bridge of my nose and these stay in place.” All of this function is coupled with style too.
Fin-Nor Circle Hook
These glasses are comfortable, good looking, and most importantly, effective. We tested the Frosted Matte Grey frame with Blue Mirror Polycarbonate lenses. The glasses sport an integrated spring hinge, rubber nose pads and rubber temple tips. Field reports indicate that the glasses allowed for good visibility in bright conditions, were comfortable to wear all day long and allowed the wearer to spot considerably more fish.
Smith Spinner
The glasses we tested have a tortoise frame and polarized green-mirror lenses. They also come in black frame/blue mirror, tortoise frame/brown, and black frame/gray-green configurations. ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color, making it easier to spot fish. These glasses fit large faces best. Like many Smith sunglasses, these have Megol temples and nose pads to provide a non-slip grip so the glasses aren’t constantly sliding down your nose. In addition, the wraparound frames are made of Evolve bio-based material and are light and durable. Theses sunglasses feature a full-shield-style lens to provide temple-to-temple coverage. The Spinner comes in a microfiber pouch in a hard case.
