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Polarized Sunglasses, Worth it?

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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
I am looking to get some new sunglasses. Found a pair for $130 but and polarized are $220.

What is the benefit of Polarized lenses and are they really worth $90 more?
Oct 7 2011 6:22PM
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PJS.
Posts: 11943 - Karma: 895
at that price

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Oct 7 2011 6:24PM
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SPskier543
Posts: 2413 - Karma: 324
Depends what your going to be using them fir
Oct 7 2011 6:27PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
Mostly driving around and everyday wear when I am outside.
Oct 7 2011 6:34PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Gear talk.

Polarization blocks out horizontal light (glare) and only allows in vertical light.

That being said, they are awesome on the water, driving, or doing anything where you look at shiny stuff.

However, I personally don't recommend using them for skiing. Reason being is that on a really sunny day, if it's icy, you are blocking out the glare that would help you know that the patch of snow you are about to enter is icy. That's personal choice though. Some people love polarized sunglasses/goggles for skiing. But skiing fast, I want to know what's ahead of me.
Oct 7 2011 6:45PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
My bad.

But is it worth $90 to be driving around in? Wont be on the water too much.
Oct 7 2011 6:47PM
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-Condor-
Posts: 556 - Karma: 285
$220?!?! jesus get yourself some suncloud shades. $50 polarized shapes, $60 for the wireframes.
Oct 7 2011 6:48PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
I get 20% off and I have a $100 gift card for them. So i will only be paying $84 for the $220 and the $130 are practically free.
Oct 7 2011 6:51PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
If money is a concern for you, I wouldn't upgrade. Sunglasses protect your eyes plenty. But if you have an extra $90 they don't suck.

It's like buying a helmet. You can get a Smith Holt for $70 or a Smith Variant for $160. They both protect your head, but one has nice ventilation.

My thoughts on sunglasses. I like owning nice sunglasses, but the nicer they are the faster I seem to break them.
Oct 7 2011 6:52PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
I have 3 pairs of sunglasses; Frogskins, some big oakleys, and Polarized glass lensed Smiths, and the smiths are FAR superior in every way to either of they oakleys.

I was driving on a road going right into the setting sun yesterday, going uphill, so the sunshade thing couldn't fold down and cover it, and i just threw my SMiths on and was totally fine. the sun didnt bother my eyes, and the polarization made it so I could still see what was going on everywhere else, and not just blackness except for the sun.

I highly recommend polarized lenses, and glass ones if you can get them. Smith makes a bunch of good polarized glass lensed sunglasses for under 200.
Oct 7 2011 6:55PM
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TheStamos
Posts: 9311 - Karma: 910
Yes. I work on the water and i need polorized shades. My last and current pair of eyepatch 2's where $180 and worth every penny.
Oct 7 2011 6:57PM
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