Polarized Sunglasses

[Cstok]

I know this is probably something that many already know about, but is it my imagination or is it true that wearing polarized sunglasses help you see through the haze and merk much better?

 

[Mike Peregrine]

It's totally true. Amber tint are my preference, particularly when approaching storms from inside the warm sector (which is usually the case). They have helped me discern an anvil many times that I wouldn't have seen otherwise.

 

[Aaron Dooley]

Yep!

They totally help cut glare and bring out features you won't see with eyes alone. In fact, I used to shoot 35mm with a polarized filter and glare off of roads, dash boards, and other were gone which makes for much better pictures.

It's totally true. Amber tint are my preference, particularly when approaching storms from inside the warm sector (which is usually the case). They have helped me discern an anvil many times that I wouldn't have seen otherwise.

 

[Tony Laubach]

It definitely makes a difference... Amos can testify on this as we saw the South Plains tornado on May 12, 2005 from a great distance. I was able to see it through the rain clouds and Amos or the rest of the group was unable to. We think (only cause I was the only one wearing sunglasses at the time) it was because I had the polarized lenses. Amos later saw the tornado on his video camera. But while we're not for sure, we think that's the reason I was able to see it.

 

[joel ewing]

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, my polarized / prescription sunglasses help discern many different cloud features, and I cannot imagine not chasing without them.
Not only that, but they will do the same thing for a fisherman trying to spot fish in water.
And one night, my bedroom was dark when a storm had killed all the electric power...and I was actually able to find my lifesized-"I Dream Of Jeannie" blowup-doll. Like I say, I cannot fathom living life without them.

 

[Laura Duchesne]

Yes, highly recommended. I won't ever leave on a chase trip without em. I use circular polarizer filters for my cameras too.

Many probably already know this, but in case you don't... one way to tell if you have true polarized sunglasses is to hold them up to a LCD display like your watch and tilt them. The screen should turn black.

 

[Blake Michaleski]

Also there is a HUGE difference in a $20 pair of polarized sunglasses you buy at a gas station in Watonga, OK vs a $200 pair of quality lenses.

Costa Del Mar glasses are designed for sport fishing and are some of the best polarized glasses you can buy. Ocean Waves are another excellent choice.

I just recently got a pair of Costa Del Mar Fathoms in Blue Mirror.

These retail for only $120 or so, well worth it....they are a glass lense, so they are extremely scratch resistant. Most Costa glasses are available in prescription as well.

These beat my cheap polarized glasses hands down. When you can see Mahi-mahi 40-50 feet below the surface in the Gulf under a high sun, that's impressive.

And yes, you can see distant towers through the haze much better with these.

Many of you won't hesitate to spend several hundred to a few thousand dollars on video, photography, and computer equipment.... go ahead and spend $120-200 on the most important and reliable chase tool you have... your eyes.

(And no I'm not a Costa employee, pro-staffer, or dealer, just a very, very satisfied customer)

http://www.costadelmar.com

 

[J Kinkaid]

Blake are those prescription glasses that you have cause I would hate to run into another chaser cause I wasn't able to see 100% with them

 

[Erik Burns]

Always wear them.. The amber lenses without a doubt are the best. IMO.

You can go to wally-world and buy a pair in the fishing-sporting goods department for like $15. I have the same pair from there now for almost 4 years. The are called Hibdons. They are awesome for the money.

 

[Blake Michaleski]

Blake are those prescription glasses that you have cause I would hate to run into another chaser cause I wasn't able to see 100% with them

I was wearing my clear prescription lenses when the incident you are referring to happened...

...and no my costas are not prescription, but my sight is pretty good, i typically only wear my prescription stuff at night while driving.


Erik, the $15 wally world glasses aren't anything compared to the Costas. They are worth every penny.

 

[Aaron Kennedy]

Prescription polarized sunglasses here. I had a pair of Oakley XX with polarized lenses for ~4 years till I sank them in the river last year. I swear by Oakley after those frames. I can't tell you the number of times I had them knocked off my head playing basketball outdoors, etc. They survived everything (except they don't float )... well worth the money. I'm currently waiting for two frames to show up (Julbo - Typhoon) and WileyX (P-23) to see how they fit. If either one works well, I'll get return them and get a prescription copy made since they include the ability to attach retainers securely (not just slip on).

If neither impress me, then I'll go back to Oakley XX. ~$275 for frames and polarized lenses, but well worth it if your eyes aren't changing quickly, or have the insurance to cover it. I'm using this lab: http://www.heavyglare.com

 

[Van DeWald]

Recently had LASIK surgery so don't need prescrip glasses anymore, but found that Oakley G30 lenses (designed for golf) really help to enhance the contrast in storm clouds as well, allowing me to pick out features that I couldn't see without them. These aren't polarized, but really do make a difference in what I can see, etc.

 

[Tyler Allison]

Just started wearing polarized prescription sun glasses (Maui Jim). I had to debate with myself for about 3 weeks trying to justify spending the $300 for them. But now I wear them practically every day and get pissed at myself when I forget them. Love them!

I have photo-gray/transition lenses for my all-day pair of glasses but they just don't work the same.

I've noticed a _SIGNIFICANT_ reduction in my squinting while outdoors.

 

[Scott Bell]

I have used polarized sunglasses while fishing for years, but since I wear prescription glasses to drive, I didn't have a pair. Last year I got the prescription polarized sunglasses and I'll always have them from now on. The only drawback is that some LCD screens become very difficult to read while wearing them. I also got a filter for the camera and have been playing around with it some this spring.

 

[Steve Miller]

I too am fresh off LASIK and now sport a pair of Revo H2o polarized sunglasses.
Just yesterday while chasing in central OK I was able to make out features my chase partner couldn't. Very nice compliment to the chase gear when it comes to spotting features - oh, and they're better at blocking harmful UV too!