Choosing a Polarized Lens

Bryan Stokes

EF3
Joined
Oct 30, 2008
Messages
280
Location
Rhode Island
I own a pair of Oakley Radar sunglasses and I'm getting ready to buy a polarized lens. Oakley offers over a dozen choices when it comes to polarized lenses, and at $160 a piece, I want to get it right the first time. A search on Stormtrack reveals that polarized lenses are definitely the way to go, but as to what type (when there are so many choices) is the question I'm trying to answer.

Using the "polarized" tab on Oakley's simulator, I think I've narrowed it down to the following choices:

Grey Polarized
Positive Red Polarized
VR28 Black Iridium Polarized
Tungsten Iridium Polarized

Each one blocks a certain percentage of light. I'm trying to figure out which one would be the most versatile for chasing. I doubt my local dealer will have all four lenses in stock, or else it may be easier to choose.

What are your thoughts?

Bryan
 
I personally like the grey polarized lenses because I think it keeps color rendition about the same. It also blocks a good % of light. I had them on my pair of Oakleys for a few years (till I sank them) and now on my current pair of Julbos.

If you are doing a prescription, a good site to check out is http://www.sunrayoptical.com/ I found their lenses to be cheaper than straight from Oakley yet still high quality.

Aaron
 
My wife got me a pair of no-name grey polarized glasses from a mall kiosk for $50. They work great, I even wear them when it's overcast to see the cloud features. They don't look bad either!

You might be an Oakley fan, but you don't need to spend that much to get the function!
 
I'd go with the one with the least amount of color distortion as possible. I have owned a few (typically go through a pair each hurricane season). The ones with any kind of color just mess with you regarding storm structure and what you think your seeing.

Stick with the Gray. And yes...Oakley may be an expensive way to go...if you want to save money...otherwise, they are pretty cool.
 
I just bought the gray polarized for my Half Jackets. I used them on both chases so far this year, and they were great. They really help cut through the haze so you can see the small cloud details farther away. Like Aaron said, they preserve (even enhance) the true color rather than mute it like some of the other color choices.

I also have the G30s for when I play golf...but that's a different topic.
 
Thanks everyone for the input -- I really appreciate it! Keeping the colors true sounds like the best bet. I think I'm going to go with either the gray polarized (17% light transmission) or light gray polarized lens (35% light transmission). I imagine the gray polarized would be better for all-around use while the light gray polarized would be better once you're under the storm.

I know there are cheaper glasses out there, but I already own the Radar and it fits my face perfectly. Yes, I cringed when I was at the cash register, but they are excellent sunglasses that have served me extremely well.

I'm going to pick-up one of these two lenses later this week and I'll post some thoughts on my choice towards the end of June. ;)

Bryan
 
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