We all love water sports, or even spending some time in the water during a hot summer day. However, when the sun is up there shining, it’s important to make sure you are protected from its harmful effects. This is where sunglasses come in.
Although there is a great diversity of high-quality sunglasses out there, it seems that a lot of people prefer to go for the cheapest, regardless of the quality. Well, this is not recommended. Whether you are swimming, kayaking, or basking on the beach, the sun will always reflect directly on your face.
The glare can be very uncomfortable and even harmful to your eyesight. This is why you are always advised to have a pair of the best polarized sunglasses on. The good news is that you can buy quality sunglasses easily as long as you know where to find them.
But, sometimes this variety of product options can be confusing. Knowing what to pick when you are faced with so many possibilities is stressful. Don’t worry, we are here to help. This guide looks at some of the best polarized sunglasses in the market. It also gives you all the information you need about polarized sunglasses including a list of some of the best brands to consider.
How Do These Sunglasses Work?
The best way to understand how polarized sunglasses work is to, first of all, know what they do. The main purpose of these glasses is to protect your eyes against the sun’s glare. When the light from the sun bounces off a surface like water, it scatters in different directions.
The light may reflect directly into your eyes when this happens. This glare can cause significant eye strain. It may also lead to long term negative effects if it keeps happening on a regular basis. Polarized sunglasses are designed to protect you from this.
These glasses will specifically filter out the glare before it hits your eyes. This keeps you safe. Each pair of the best polarized sunglasses comes with vertical stripes across the lens. The stripes redistribute the glare and scatter it into different directions so that it doesn’t go directly into your eyes.
There is a lot that has been said about polarized sunglasses over the years. But there is one myth that seems to be very popular out there. Many people tend to believe that polarized sunglasses offer better protection from UV light than the average UV sunglasses.
This is not entirely true. Polarized sunglasses offer the same kind of protection from UV rays as the normal UV sunglasses. But there is one thing you get with polarized sunglasses that you won’t be able to get with average UV sunglasses.
They go a long way in reducing the sun’s glare. This gives you the ability to see clearly even in very bright conditions. For someone who loves to spend time outdoors during summer, this feature is very important.
The first priority for most people going out would be to protect themselves from UV light. If you can get something that does that and also offers protection from glare, then you should definitely go for it. Polarized sunglasses do that quite easily.
What Are the Main Colors of Polarized Lenses?
Just like your average lens, polarized lenses also come in a wide variety of colors. Knowing how such colors affect the way your polarized sunglasses work is therefore very important. Here’s a breakdown of all these colors and what you should expect from them.
Red
Red is fairly common in polarized sunglasses and it works very well in enhancing depth in visions and reduces eye strain. In case you are planning a long road trip during a bright and sunny day, red-colored lenses will be perfect. They will ensure you can see the road clearly without straining your eyes too much.
Gray
Gray is designed to produce high-quality contrasts. It will also highlight shadows and highlights very easily. This makes it one of the more versatile color options that can be used for multipurpose lenses. Gray-colored lenses should work for any type of outdoor activity.
Green and Blue
Green comes with enhanced green tints. This allows you to see the greenery around you more effectively. If you are out for golf, green-colored lenses will be ideal in helping you see the lay of the course as clearly as possible. The lenses may also be great for outdoor hikes where you will be encountering a lot of green nature.
Blue lenses, on the other hand, are designed to highlight water. They will work great for any water activity including kayaking, fishing, or surfing. Blue colored lenses are also very light. This makes it easier for plenty of light to filter through without the glare. If you want lenses that allow you to maintain sharp and excellent vision, then blue is up there with the best.
Yellow and Orange
Yellow and orange are also great during days with low levels of light. They give you excellent protection from harmful sun rays.
Amber
Most color lenses are designed for a clear and sunny day, but amber is a little different. It works best during overcast and cloudy days. Amber, and to some extent brown, can be perfect in improving contrast.
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Polarized Sunglasses
With the huge variety of polarized sunglasses on the market, it can be hard deciding what works best for you. Well, we may be able to help. Here are some of the crucial factors you must consider before buying the best polarized sunglasses:
Lens Coverage
The eye has two main visions. There is the main vision and the peripheral vision. Any lens you buy must be large enough to cover both these visions. This is the only way you will be able to protect the entire eye without affecting visibility. Slightly curved lenses should be able to help you with this. They will also go a long way in protecting the sensitive fibers of skin around your eyes from the sun.
Frame
The frame will play a very critical role in determining how comfortable the sunglasses will be. There are three rules to follow in order to get a high-quality frame. First, make sure that it’s strong enough to withstand protracted exposure to the sun without damage.
You may also want to make sure that the material used to make it is light. Lightweight frames lead to lightweight glasses. Lightweight glasses, on the other hand, are easier and more comfortable to wear. Finally, pick a frame that is going to match the natural contours of your face. They will look great on you.
Lens Type
Lenses are available in two broad categories. You can choose between polarized lenses or regular ones. Polarized lenses are highly recommended. Regular lenses will, of course, protect you from the sun’s glare and its harmful UV rays.
But in doing so, they will significantly hamper your vision. A polarized lens, on the other hand, correct this. They deliver excellent glare and UV protection while ensuring you get crystal clear vision.
Lens Material
It’s also important to choose lenses that can withstand daily wear and tear. Lenses made using polycarbonate are often very good at this and are quite affordable. However, there is only one issue with them.
They tend to scratch very easily. In case you intend to use the best cheapest polarized sunglasses on intense outdoor events, then you need something a little bit more durable. Well, polyurethane lenses should be a great investment. They are scratch-resistant in nature and they are also very light for comfortable use.
Lens Color
The color you decide to go for in the lens is determined by where you intend to use the sunglasses. In bright and sunny environments, dark colors like black and gray should work. Yellow, red, pink, and other brightly colored lenses are ideal in areas with low or medium light.
UV Protection
The biggest priority when people buy sunglasses is to get protection from harmful UV light. Most sunglasses, including average ones, offer that. However, the extent of the protection varies greatly from one product to the other. A good rule would be to make sure that any sunglasses you wear are rated UV 400 and above. The sunglasses should also be able to filter out both UVB and UVA rays.
Durability
Since most of your sunglasses will be used during outdoor activities, it’s very likely they will fall over a few times. It is therefore important to pick glasses that can withstand these falls.
Fragile sunglasses that break on the slightest impact will cost you a lot of money in replacements. It’s better to invest in something durable that will last for a long time even if it means paying a little extra for it.
Well, as we have already hinted at some point in this review, there is such a huge variety of polarized sunglasses in the market right now. It takes a lot of research and patience to go through all these options and choose the one that works best for you.
But, what if you didn’t have to go through this? What if we went out, did the research for you, and came up with a list of the 10 best polarized sunglasses. Well, we actually did and here’s what we found.
The RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses are designed with excellence and durability in mind. First, they feature a UV400 rating and impact-resistant lenses for long term service. The glasses are also available in a wide range of lens color options.
If you want something with well-defined color perception, the gray coated option with blue-purple Revo will be a great option. RIVBOS is also offering a grey coated option with rainbow Revo lenses. This one will be suitable for people engaged in high glare outdoor activities.
You will also get another yellow colored lens option as well as a black one to take care of diverse needs. Either way, these glasses will protect you from eyestrain wherever you are. The innovative design in the RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses also makes them easy to wear.
The pair comes with a wraparound construction that easily fits on your face. The frame is also highly durable and resistant to damage. It’s made using TR90, a flexible material that can bend significantly without breaking. This ensures your glasses can withstand the pressures of daily use without damage.
Pros:
Comes with mirror coating lenses
Protects every inch of your eyes
Durable and lightweight frame
You get a 30-day money-back guarantee from the manufacturer
Cons:
Some users think the lenses are a little distorted
The MERRY’S Polarized Aluminum Sunglasses are 100% unisex. They also feature a vintage design thanks to the classic aluminum frame. If you are looking for polarized glasses that make a strong fashion statement, then these ones will really do.
The glasses are also available in a great variety of lens color choices to meet the diverse needs of many people. We also liked that the lenses are very durable. They are made using a composite material to last longer. The metal frame adds to the durability of the pair. It’s one of the best inexpensive polarized sunglasses out there.
Pros:
You get a wide variety of lens color options
Classic design that makes a bold fashion statement
Comfortable lightweight metal frame
Very durable
Cons:
The arm joints on the glasses tend to get weaker with time
This is yet another vintage style pair of polarized glasses that comes with a distinct and fashionable style. It also packs a number of great features too. First, the lenses are made using polycarbonate, a highly durable material that will last for a long time.
Additionally, the glasses do very well to reduce the haze and optical distortion common in many traditional polarized glasses. The Carfia Vintage Polarized Sunglasses also feature a playful circle frame made from strong and durable acetate.
The ergonomic design makes the glasses comfortable to wear, especially for long outdoor activities. You will get a hard casing to store your sunglasses when not in use. The sleek and small frame makes these glasses ideal for people who want something that looks a little different.
Pros:
Comes with an innovative ergonomic design
Very comfortable to wear
Classic and fashionable
Perfect for casual events
Cons:
The frame is relatively small and may not fit people with large heads
The Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses are extremely stylish. They come with a sturdy plastic frame and are available in a wide range of lens color options too. These sunglasses are casual in nature and feature HD polarized lenses for deeper color perception and sharp vision.
The frame is also very light. This makes the Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses a great option for prolonged wear. You will get a 30-day money-back guarantee from the manufacturer.
Pros:
Casual and stylish frame design
Lightweight for comfortable prolonged wear
Available in a wide range of lens color options
Cons:
Some users have complained that the finishing on the frame fades away over time
5 – KastKing Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglasses for Men and Women
The KastKing Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglasses are distinguishable from other models on the market because of two factors – comfort and style. They also come packed with a host of other great features. First of all, the glasses will block any UVA and UVB light easily.
The lenses on these glasses are also high end. They will protect you from the sun’s glare without causing any noticeable optical distortion. The frame is lightweight and it’s also durable and impact resistant. The KastKing Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglasses are designed to offer long term value. They are, without a doubt, one of the best polarized sunglasses.
Pros:
A very durable and lightweight frame
Impact-resistant design
UVA and UVB protection
30-day money-back guarantee from the manufacturer
Cons:
The lenses are not as scratch resistant as other brands in the market
Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses
You may sit there and wonder why you should invest money in the best polarized sunglasses for men. Well, there are actually a lot of great benefits you get with them.
We have explained some of them here below:
Polarization
The best cheap sunglasses polarized are actually not the same. Although they are primarily designed to protect you against the sun glare, they can do much more than that. For example, we know of some brands in the market that can prevent you from seeing certain LED screens including mobile phone displays.
Others may also prevent you from seeing the glare from ice patches during a skiing holiday. Before you buy any polarized sunglasses, it is a good idea to decide first where you intend to use them. This will then help you pick something more appropriate for your needs.
Glare Reduction
Polarized sunglasses will help you reduce the sun’s glare hitting your eyes. But why is this important? Glare can cause extreme eye strain. This may lead to unwanted eye pain and headaches.
Additionally, if you already have issues with your eyes, you may want to protect them from glare as much as possible. Exposure to such harmful sunlight may exacerbate eye sensitivity and other eye-related conditions.
Vision Improvement
Everyone wants to be able to have perfect vision everywhere they go. That is how you are able to assess your surroundings and act accordingly. Think of this example. Let’s say you are surfing on the water.
If you are not able to see what’s underneath or in front of you, the risk of accidents and injuries will be increased massively. You don’t want that. Polarized sunglasses allow you to see even when the sun is shining bright. This ensures you can enjoy any outdoor activity in a safe way.
The DUCO Mens Sports Polarized Sunglasses come with Tri-Acetate Cellulose or TAC lenses. These lenses are designed to deliver superior polarization. They are also impact and scratch-resistant so you will get outstanding service from them.
In addition to this, the glasses will protect you from UVA and UVB light. The entire frame weighs about 25 grams, one of the lightest on the market. It’s also made using durable alloys to protect against any damage. The DUCO Mens Sports Polarized Sunglasses are available in a wide range of lens color options.
Pros:
Lightweight, durable frame
Nosepieces and the frame can be bent to better fit the user
A nose pad is included in the frame to enhance grip
Cons:
The finishing starts to rub off around the hinges after a while
KastKing Toccoa Polarized Sport Sunglasses are extremely stylish. They come with impact-resistant TAC lenses that offer superior polarization. You will also get a superior frame from this pair made using durable Grimland. The frames are lightweight and extremely flexible too. You are also going to get UV protection and longevity.
The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for the glasses. The KastKing Toccoa Polarized Sport Sunglasses are perfectly suited for people who are looking for something very durable but a little bit stylish. They will be worth the money!
Pros:
Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee from the manufacturer
You get high-quality TAC lenses that offer superior polarization
Super light and durable frames
WOWSUN offers sunglasses for both men and women. The company has a reputation for offering high-performance and high-quality glasses and this pair is no different. The frame is made from heavy-duty lightweight plastic. This makes it quite flexible and durable too.
The glasses come with a vintage design and a stylish trendy appeal. They are also water and fade resistant. If you are looking for a pair to use in water sports, this would be it. The glasses are also available in a wide range of colors to choose from.
Pros:
Stylish design
A flexible and lightweight frame
Fade and water-resistant
Cons:
The glasses are relatively more reflective compared to models
The durability of the KastKing Hiwassee Polarized Sport Sunglasses is something to behold. This pair is impact resistant and it will take lots of hits before it breaks. It’s also stylish and fashionable. If you are looking for glasses that offer style and strength without costing you a lot of money, then this is the option to go for.
The glasses are also going to work for any outdoor activity even if it’s intense. This is exactly the kind of stuff they are made for. Don’t also forget you have the chance to pick from a wide range of lens color options. The lenses offer superior polarization too and a lightweight flexible frame as well.
Pros:
Superior polarization on the lens
You get a 30-day money-back guarantee from the manufacturer
Flexible high-quality frames
UVA and UVB protection
The SUNGAIT sunglasses come with high quality polarized lenses that will also do well to protect you from UVB and UVA rays from the sun. The pair also features a sturdy aluminum frame that will last for a long time.
The versatility in design ensures the glasses can fit a wide variety of face types. The SUNGAIT glasses are stylish and come in a wide range of lens color options. They are also durable and perfectly ideal for your outdoor adventures.
Pros:
Strong aluminum frame that will last
A money-back guarantee is included as part of the deal
There is also a lifetime breakage warranty
Fashionable and stylish design
Cons:
The glasses can get blurry sometimes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Polarized Sunglasses
How can I prevent fogging?
Foggy images on polarized sunglasses are mostly caused by a lack of ventilation, especially in high-temperature environments. If there isn’t enough air making its way inside the area between your eyes and the glasses, moisture will start to form on the surface of the glasses.
This then causes you to see foggy and blurred images. It doesn’t even have to be a hot sunny day. Lack of proper ventilation may also lead to sweat on the skin just under the glasses.
The sweat will then naturally be deposited on the glass, which will, in turn, have a negative effect on your vision. The only solution to this is to make sure that your lenses are properly ventilated.
There should be enough space between your eyes and the glasses to allow air to pass through. There are some sunglasses in the market that come with an anti-fog coating. Although they cost more, they will be very helpful against foggy images.
How can I clean polarized glasses?
If you are going to clean the best polarized sunglasses, you must use the right materials otherwise you risk damaging the pair in the process. Using a dry cloth to rub your glasses is the standard cleaning procedure. It can help get rid of dirt and fingerprints.
However, if there is greasy accumulation on the surface of the glass, more will be needed to get rid of it. You can use a gently soaped solution of water to wipe off the grease. Make sure you are as gentle as you can. Wiping too hard on the glass may lead to scratches and other issues.
Proper maintenance is also very important. For instance, make sure your glasses are kept in their casing. This prevents the buildup of dirt and makes cleaning easy. It may also be a great way of preventing your glasses from breaking unexpectedly.
How to prevent sunglasses from sliding?
The reason why glasses slide is simply that they are too heavy for you to support them. The solution would, therefore, be to get a lighter pair. You can also choose glasses that feature a rubberized nose piece. Rubber offers a much better grip and will help to keep the sunglasses in place.
Finally, always pick sunglasses that actually fit. They shouldn’t be too big for your head otherwise you will have to keep pulling them up all day.
Should I still wear polarized sunglasses even if I don’t have a problem with sun rays?
Yes, you should. Even if you don’t feel the effects of the glaring sun, it doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Besides, there are other harmful things out there other than glare that may not be good for your eyes.
The UV light, in particular, is very dangerous. Polarized sunglasses will protect you from this. Wearing glasses also ensures you don’t have to strain your eyes to see. This can save you from headaches later in the day.
Getting high quality polarized glasses is not that hard. As you can see above, the options are literally endless. However, even with this diversity, there are a few models that actually stand out from the rest. Although al 10 of the sunglasses listed above offer distinct benefits, we think the RIVBOS Polarized Sports Sunglasses are the best option.
The glasses come with TAC lenses that offer superior polarization. The lenses are also scratch and impact resistant. We loved that the frame is lightweight and durable. These glasses are very comfortable to wear, and considering you can choose between great varieties of lens colors, they are definitely some of the best polarized sunglasses out there.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
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