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Best pair of Athletic/Active style sunglasses

kjcba8101

All-American
Dec 9, 2007
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For you all that have done the homework, what's the best pair of Oakley (or other alternative) sunglasses for a guy who's looking to wear them during active sports/outdoors, etc. I'm looking for something that is shatter resistant and provides quality protection. Also, I'm not looking for something that looks horrible. Thanks
 
I bought a pair of Oakley flak jackets xlj with a couple of different lenses mainly for when I play golf but I wear them while driving sometimes too. Used to have a pair of Maui Jim's that I really liked too but I don't remember the model.
 
I've got a couple pair of Maui Jim Sports that are very lightweight and comfy, but the lenses scratch easy. Good for golf and all day wear.I wear my Costas when I fish and hunt, but they get heavy after wearing them a while due to the glass lenses. You can get plastic lenses though. Wear my Rayban wayfarers for everyday.
 
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I'm going to check out some Maui Jims. I hear a lot about them but have never owned a pair. I've had a ton of Oakleys. I'm a big fan of Rayban Wayfarers and I have a pair of Persols (not sure what model). I guess I have one of those wooden pairs as well. I'm not sure what brand, but they are nice.
 
Maui Jim here. Great customer service. I semi mine in each year for new lenses for about $50.
 
I got some Oakley big dog or mad dog or something like that back before one of my deployments in 08 or so. I have been able to order prescription lens for them and then have bought subsequent polarized lens on eBay for 20 bucks or so. Still have them and they've been great all these years.
 
Shatterproof limits you to plasic lenses. They do scratch easier. They are lighter than glass so are more comfortable. Grey lenses block out more light and are better for bright conditions. Amber or brown have more contrast but allow a bit more light in. These are better in lower light conditions. Any other lense colors tend to be more special purpose.

I have had Costa plastic lenses and have been happy with them. I currently have Maui Jims but with glass lenses. The frames I have (Spartan Reef) are wrap frames and quite heavy but otherwise they are top notch. I have amber glass for fly fishing but wear them for everything. Wrap frames don't allow much light in from the top, sides, and bottom. More open frames can be lighter but know that you will get glare coming through from the sides.

Having always looked for deals, Maui Jim is the most difficult one to find on a legitimate sale. Most "deals" I found online were pretty sketchy websites. This was one uear ago. I ended up ordering from Maui Jim directly as my local retailers were limited.

I have found Sierra Trading Post to be a good place for other brands (Costa, Oakley, etc.). Madison River Fishing Company also occasionally has great deals on sunglasses, usually Smith and Costa. While most of these companies don't have non-polarized options, make sure you get polarized lenses.
 
Take a look at Rudy Project. They are not always easy to find in the US. Their quality is comparable to Oakley (I like them better). I have owned and used both. Purchased for cycling, but used for driving and other activities as well.
 
I've got a couple of pairs of Nikes and the scratch just by looking at them wrong.

One thing I would caution is to try them on and make sure you have good air flow. One pair of mine fogs like crazy three minutes into exercise
 
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