May 06, 2015
By John Geiger
When it comes to purchasing new sunglasses, one must look at all aspects of their lifestyle and incorporate that into their buying decision.
Do you fish or hunt a lot?  Do you want polarized or non-polarized? Whatever lifestyle you live, these are all factors you need to ask yourself before your next purchase. We looked at six different kinds of shades we thought would be a great fit for the outdoorsman.
COSTA Fantail Polarized 100UV Florida-made Costas are known for their excellent 580P lenses that tame the sub-tropic sun, or at whatever latitude you fish or hunt.
 Fantails are a traditional Costa look — thick frames, square-ish lenses.
They are excellent for any kind of fishing, from sailfish in the Gulf Stream to bass on beds. One of the reviewers said they were the most comfortable glasses he's ever used. 'They stayed put when I was casting, hunting or planting food plots on a deer lease, ' he said.
The 580P lenses are light because they are polycarbonate. They block out a lot of sunlight yet details are crisp. Costa also makes glass lenses: brighter but not as protective.
What We Like: Lenses made for water. You can get Fantails in Realtree AP or Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades (add $10 to price). Comes with a ridged case.
What We'd Change: For nearly $260, we'd like to see some accessories.
MSRP: $259.99
DUAL FP2 Polarized Why is this company called
Dual ? Because they sell sunglasses with an 'optimized magnification zone. ' But these aren't granddad's bifocals. They're lightweight and built for action. The smaller magnified areas are excellent for tying on flies, texting or reading in the sun.
This style is made for medium-to-large faces and are quite comfortable but secure. The side-plates help keep out side glare. Lenses are polycarbonate. You pick your bifocal magnification, from +1.5, +2.0 and +2.5. These are not marketed to hunters, and impact-resistance is not clear. They come with a decent case and cloth.
What We LIke: Affordable bifocals built for action.
What We'd Change: The arms are thin and even feel sharp to the touch; the jury is out on how protective the lenses are.
MSRP: $69.95
Guideline \"The Captain\" Guideline is a product extension from the venerable Fisherman Eyewear company, one of the pioneers in the affordable polarized sunglasses category. The Guideline series glasses are comfortable, lightweight and work great for everyday use.
We found they fit especially well on larger faces. The Captain has a throwback aviator-style and polycarbonate lenses. While they stood up to normal fishing, hunting, hiking and boating, we had concerns that the polymer arms with their aluminum internal frames might not be strong enough to last over time.
They come with a soft case that is portable but not very protective. Also there is a little Velcro tag that will wear out in time.
What We Like: Price. Who hasn't lost a pair of expensive sunglasses and cursed the day you bought them?
What We'd Change: We're not sure they'll make it through a year of fishing, hunting and shooting.
MSRP: $59.95
Kaenon Ozlo Polarized 100UV Comfortable and sturdy, they
stayed on securely while we climbed tree stands and fished. Oversized lenses keep glare to a minimum. The lenses also have a slight curve to keep wind from your eyes and tunnel vision to a minimum.
Kaenon is known for the proprietary SR-91 polarized lens material. They claim they're clear as glass and as strong as polycarbonate. It comes with a very nice zip-around case with ridged side to protect the glasses along with a cleaning cloth. Fishermen might also check out Kaenon's new Trades.
What We Like: Excellent in bright sun yet clear as a bell.
What We'd Change: One reviewer found that the curve at the end of the Ozlo's arms can be uncomfortable over time.
MSRP: $219.00 Wiley X Romer 3 The
Romer 3 is an updated look to WileyX's popular Romer 2, and a cooler one. Strong frames and an ANSI Z89-2010+ safety rating (plus military standards) make these versatile, safe and stylin'.
The 2mm Selenite polarized polycarbonate lenses wrap 90 degrees, which reduces tunnel-vision. They come with a substantial carrying case that has room for the extra lenses and a cloth.
The case is almost too big to be strapped to your belt, but we keep it in our gear box, range bag or glove compartment.
What We Like: Three lenses — Â amber, gray and clear — Â can slip in and out for a variety of fishing and shooting. The ridged frames match the overall quality perfectly, too.
What We'd Change: Sometimes we struggle switching lenses. When they are in, you'll need the included cloth to get your fingerprints off the glass.
MSRP: $95.99 Under Armour Freedom You get three rectangular-shaped polycarbonate lens options — amber, dark and clear — when you buy UA's
Freedom Interchangeable Tactical Sunglasses. The lenses meet ANSI Z87.1 and military ballistic standards.
Frames are made with titanium and Grilamid (a fancy plastic — an amorphous thermoplastic, actually — made by a Swiss company) for strength and flexibility.
What We Like: Strong frames. Love the interchangeable lenses.
What We'd Change: We really need polarized lenses. Also, it feels like we're going to break those fine Grilamid frames wrestling the lenses in and out.
MSRP: 119.99
