Question about glass lenses
- This topic has 9 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated Oct 10, 2009 at 3:43 pm by
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Hey guys, first let me say thanks for all the information I have gleaned from this site in the past without ever posting. It is time for a new pair of polarized glasses and I have a couple of models picked out from Smith and Costa but I am trying to decide if glass is the way to go. Up till now I have only worn plastic, mostly due to cost but also weight. I am aware of most of the pros and cons of the glass vs. plastic debate. But, I have discovered that one of my biggest complaints is the problem of fogging. One of the guys in a local shop the other day told me that he thought that glass lenses fog more quickly than plastic. If so, that might be enough to keep me away. What has been you experience with glass lenses?
Mike
I have a pair of both and I have not noticed a difference in that respect.
There is a noticeable difference in clarity between glass and polycarbonate however. Smith’s Photochromatic Copper lens adjusts from light to dark conditions and is tough to beat in most freshwater situations.IM DONE WITH COSTA DEL MAR! I’m still battling with them over the rubber falling off of my arms. they feel that it is a manufacturing defect but should not be covered under warranty. Getting someone on the phone over there is next to impossible and getting a return call is impossible! Zach, I don’t know if they are giving you free shades or not, but that’s my $.02 on an ongoing battle.
I sat on my Smith Guide’s choice’s and broke them in half. I mailed them back and they sent me a new pair for free, no questions asked 2 weeks later. Customer service goes a long way in my book!
I have not tried Kaenons but from what I hear, their new lens is a plastic that has the clarity of glass but is extremely impact and scratch resistant.
I have tried many…
Okley are good, I like Polaroid (brand) as the inexpensive pair, but my Smiths are very hard to beat…
PS. Thanks for the info Zach, learn more each day
Glass all the way in my book! I have had both and now will not use anything but glass lenses. They don’t scratch near as easy and they simply seem to work better in my opinion. I am a huge fan of Smith and I couldn’t agree more about their customer service being outstanding! I would recommend getting a pair with the spring hinges on them. They are super comfortable!
I recently picked up a pair of flying fisherman shades with glass lenses and like them too.
As for the fogging goes pick up some stuff called Cat Crap. It cleans the lenses and provides anti-fogging to the glass and works well.
Joel
I think it would have been helpful if we all indicated where or not we are full time eyeglass wears (I am). I believe this will give the reader more in site when one is discussing how a brand/type hold up over time. My experience in watching non-daily wears handling shades is that many people are very careless with them and some think nothing of throwing their shades around.
My experience with polycarbonate lens has been very good. I have two pair that are 5 years old (daily wear) and none of the lenses have any scratches or pock marks.
As far as clearness issues with the various materials, I am not sure there is any merit to this issue once anti-glare and 100% UV coatings have been applied.
Also, when comparing prescription to non-prescription glasses the prescription lenses generally will be made from a high index material (whether glass, plastic ETC.) where off the shelf sun glasses may not. All glass is not made equal.
Roy
I like the Smith’s. Glass manufacturers seem to cycle between having really good products and having mediocre offerings. Over the years I’ve tried Oakleys, Costas, Orvis,Ray Ban,Smith, and they have all had good products that satisfied me. Right now, I have a pair of Smith glasses with plastic lenses that are great. I would like to try a pair with glass lenses though as I think they will definitely last longer and be more scratch resistant. If you know Mike Adams at Mahoneys in Johnson City, he can probably hook you up with several options to try.
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