Picking a pair of polarized glasses can be quite the journey. Over the years I’ve probably tried all the sizes, brands and styles. Maui Jim’s were my first nice pair of shades. They were and still are one of the best lenses I’ve used. The weight and fit of the frames were not really what I would optimally prefer but the trade offs were worth it 20 yrs ago. Now in 2018 there are tons of quality lenses and frames available in all different styles and fits. I’ve been wading thru the flooded market for a few years now trying to find what is right for me. I know Costas are very popular, but honestly I just don’t like the fit nor styles they offer.
Not everyone puts value on having expensive or high quality polarized glasses but i can’t live without them during those long days on the water. You can definitely feel the eye strain at days end with sub par shades. For me, blocking sun glare on the sides of my glasses is uber important, this led to an interest in the Electric Road Glaciers. These funky specs have “Mad Max” style metal side shades and a unique style frame. I had to give them a spin. They are lightweight, great fitting (adjustable frames) and easy to wear all day. The downside is this model is only offered in the basic polarization grey polycarbonate lenses. They were awesome for everyday wear but I didn’t feel they performed up to what I needed for long days on the water. Luckily my buddy had a pair of the Electric Tech One XL frames with the Bronze Polarized Plus lenses. NOW WE ARE COOOKING WITH GAS! Although I wondered about side coverage due to the smaller arms, there is almost no sun intrusion. I wore these for the first time on an all day Calico Bass trip 60+ miles off the California coast to San Clemente Island. Although the bronze colored lenses are not supposed to be optimal for bright offshore fishing, these glasses performed excellent. Comfortable to wear and zero eye strain on a dark to dark expedition? Ill take it! Electric offers three levels of polarization. Polarized and Polarized Plus are both polycarbonate lenses. The polarized plus bronze are the lenses i fell in love with. Quote pulled directly from Electric’s site on the Polarized Plus lenses, “All the goodness of polarized with the added benefits of hydrophobic coating (a treatment that repels water, sweat and condensation), oleophobic coating (repels oils and dust), flash-mirror coating (an added glare treatment for the best protection from the sun) and anti-reflective coating.” I can agree with all those statements, these lenses do what they say they do. The third level is polarized mineral glass lenses offered in limited frames. I have been shying away from glass for while now due to the added weight. The poly lenses these days are stellar.
If you are in the market for a new pair of fishing glasses and haven’t given the upper level lenses Electric offers a spin out in the sunshine your not doing yourself any favors. The Tech One XLs are incredibly lightweight comfortable frames equipped with some of the best lenses I’ve had the opportunity to use. Lots of options out there but Electric is bringing the heat in my opinion... now I just gotta try and pair of their Stacker frames next..... tight lines!