Gear Review: Oakley Split Shot Sunglasses

I have been wearing the same cheap pair of sunglasses since before I can remember. The lenses are scratched and the frame is bent out of shape. Considering how much time I spend outside on the lake and inshore fishing, I knew I was overdue for an upgrade but was being too frugal to invest in a good pair. When Oakley came out with their new watersport-specific eyewear line a few months ago, I put my penny-pinching aside and purchased a pair of the Prizm Shallow Water Polarized Split Shot sunglasses.

As time passed and I had more time with my new shades, I realized these glasses should be every angler’s necessity, not every angler’s luxury.

Oakley Prizm lens technology controls contrast and light, allowing you to notice marine life movement easier than you can with the naked eye. More importantly, the lenses on the Prizm Shallow Water Split Shot sunglasses are polarized. Polarized protection is essentially sunscreen for your retinas. You wouldn’t go a whole day on the water without applying sunscreen, would you? Of course not, but protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.

Polarized lenses are made with a chemical that blocks powerful light from coming through the lens. They may darken the scene a little, but the clarity is heightened. This means not only will polarized lenses shield your eyes from some dangerous rays, but they will also make it easier for you to see underwater movement due to the reduced glare. In addition, polarized glasses minimize eye strain so you can stay awake and alert longer – which is especially helpful when your catch of the day hasn’t been coming easy!

The design of the Split Shot frame integrates other features that contribute to angling performance as well. The frame wraps comfortably around your face so you won’t need to worry about rays glaring in from the side of the glasses or peripheral vision obstruction. Oakley’s patented Unobtainium material was built specifically for the nosepad area, ensuring the frame rests securely on your nose and a little perspiration won’t be cause for any glasses slippage.

Also noteworthy is that all Split Shot eyewear comes equipped with a steel leash, so you can let your glasses safely rest on your chest if need be. You’ll find a lot of sunglasses at the bottom of the ocean, but chances are you won’t find a Split Shot pair down there! If you're travelling and want to tuck them away, the Split Shot sunglasses include a water-resistant eyewear case with an attachment clip.

It is apparent this line was designed with the angler in mind – so much so that Oakley constructed various versions dedicated to different depth levels. If saltwater fishing is more your sport, the Prizm Deep Water Split Shot sunglasses might be more suitable for you.

Even though these glasses are highly functional, I understand everyone has a different style. If you’re worried the sunglasses might not look good on when they arrive at your doorstep … not to worry! The Oakley website has an awesome service that allows you to virtually place the glasses on your face so there are no disappointing aesthetic surprises.

I encourage you to protect your eyes, take your fishing game to the next level, and invest in a pair of these sweet, sweet sunnies. Oakley Polarized Split Shot sunglasses retail for $213.

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For more information about Oakley’s Split Shot line, please visit Oakley.com.