Polarized sun glasses for tennis?

[jmsx521]

I've never played tennis with sun glasses, but I might be thinking of trying some that are specifically designed for spots-playing. Sometimes the sun on the courts hits at such a terrible, blinding angle that you don't know what you're doing on the court.... Plus, the side of your face gets paralized... like it's been cooked in a microwave on slow-heat.

I've heard that the polarized sun glasses remove reflections, but there are no reflections on a tennis court... there is nothing to reflect from, is there? I also am a big sweater and wouldn't be happy to spend money for sun glasses, only to find out that they are getting foggy and get sweat drips on the lenses.

I saw some expensive advertisement for oakley polarized, but they seem to be running around $100-150? That's way too much.

Any suggestions?

 

[Serve em Up]

I'm a big sweater also. I can't wear sunglasses for more than 15 20 min. before they get all gunked up. fWIW

 

[jmsx521]

They need to design sun glasses that have UV protection, are polarized, have sweat-suction vacuum machines, and windshield wipers.

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

I wear oakleys for tennis during the day. My eyes are senstive to light and definitely have the polarized lenses. You may think there is no glare off the courts but there is actually quite a bit. Sweat is a bit bothersome but if you wear a headband or hat it keeps it from dripping on the lenses. The oakley lenses are very good at not fogging up either.

Next one I'm going to get are the Radar from oakley. Those things are secure and have more coverage.

 

[rod_b]

Oakley Half Jackets with the polarized lens for me. Work good, and stay on well.

 

[Topaz]

You don't have to spend that much to get polarized sunglasses...at least I haven't anyway. I did have a nice pair, but started keeping them in my tennis bag and eventually broke them. I had another pair that got hit by a ball (while I was wearing them!)...they're broken, too.

I feel that sunglasses (polarized or not) really help me pick up the ball in bright sunlight, but I know others don't like them. I wear contacts, so that might have something to do with it. A visor helps keep sweat out of my eyes, but I'm not a huge sweat-er to begin with...though I can't wear sunblock on my face without having it run into and burn my eyes it seems.

Lately I've taken to just getting cheaper ones from CVS or something like that, but again, that has more to do with my penchant for breaking sunglasses than cost.

They sell some here on TW that I've always wondered about, and IIRC some of them are under $100. Maybe check those out?

 

[AmericanTemplar]

Get some anti-fog spray. I haven't tried it on sunglasses but when I've played with eyeglasses I haven't noticed any sweat drips or fogging after coating it with the spray. I would also suggest getting sunglasses with a metal frame rather than a plastic frame since the bridge can be adjusted so that they won't slip.

 

[greg_in_atl]

Bolle Parole

I really like the Bolle Parole Sunglasses I got from TW - had them for about a year now. They have removable lenses -- competivison lenses for tennis and more of a conventional tint (TNS Gun) for everyday use. I think the frames are comfortable; they provide good eye coverage while still allowing for air to circulate.

 

[tntmail]

These are perfect for Tennis

Maui Jim Titanium Elites

Ultra light weight
Low Profile
Un bendable
Polarized
UV protection etc
Not against the face so sweat rolls by

 

[volusiano]

You don't have to spend that much to get polarized sunglasses...at least I haven't anyway.

I agree. I got my polarized sunglasses at Costco for about $25-$30 a pair, and that's with 3 sets of interchangeable polycarbonate lenses, one brown, one gray, and one clear. They don't look so bad either. But of course they may look better on one person but not as good on another. It's all subjective. That's why designer sunglasses command more money.

 

[jmsx521]

?

Looks like they are $250 on Amazon!

Maui Jim Titanium Elites

Ultra light weight
Low Profile
Un bendable
Polarized
UV protection etc
Not against the face so sweat rolls by

 

[stirallyracer]

i wear bolle polarized when i play in the sun. you'd be surprised at how many things reflect light. it's especially apparent when driving. makes everything easy to focus on. it helps me track the ball better, because there are less things to produce glare and make me squint or distract me from the ball. same reason why polarized glasses are recommended for driving, less distractions from glare.

 

[hadoken]

I run RX Oakley Jackets...before that I was using Oakley Wiretaps with transition lens. If you sweat a lot, you def will need a hat/headband if you wear glasses because sweat running down a face with the glasses is annoying and you need something to soak it up.

 

[Mister G]

Plus, the side of your face gets paralized... like it's been cooked in a microwave on slow-heat.

Hahaha! Good analogy, sorry I cant contribute further to your quest though.

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

I run RX Oakley Jackets...before that I was using Oakley Wiretaps with transition lens. If you sweat a lot, you def will need a hat/headband if you wear glasses because sweat running down a face with the glasses is annoying and you need something to soak it up.

The new Radars from oakley have that hydrophobic barrier. Seems to wick away moisture similar to rain X on a windshield. I wonder if that would be good for sweat.

 

[jump4wd]

go to Coscto. they only cost 90 bucks to get a pair of prex polarized sunglasses. I bet you can get a non prex one for less.

 

[justsomeguy]

The new Radars from oakley have that hydrophobic barrier. Seems to wick away moisture similar to rain X on a windshield. I wonder if that would be good for sweat.

It works pretty well. I have a pair of these with the non-polarized grey lenses. They are light, and stay in place. Water runs off. My regret is not waiting for polarized versions to be introduced. Too much glare on the non-polar and I can see the reflection of my eyes in the backs of the lenses. This is very annoying. They just sit in my bag these days. I have never tried Oakley polarized lenses, but as a sunglass nut I can say the non-polars are not worth it. You are just paying for the big ugly "O" on the side of the frames. It would cost almost as much as I paid for the glasses to get a polarized lens to insert, and I don't know how much of an improvement it would be.

My current shades are Maui Jim Ho'okipas. These are fantastic. No glare from the front or back, really light, and stay in place. If you are going to spend more than $100 Maui Jims are the only way to go. The optical quality is so much better than Bolle or Ray Ban (both of which I also own) that it isn't even worth discussing.

 

[tntmail]

Wrong glasses

Looks like they are $250 on Amazon!

Im sorry, I thought the Elites were the upgrade to the Sport but I Noticed
a hinge on them. The Titanium Sport's dont have a hinge in the frames.

Yea they are expensive but worth every penny.

 

[bertrevert]

Looks like they are $250 on Amazon!

Yeah, so what, and how much are your eyes worth?

Maui Jim sunglasses are lightweight, almost just the glass, and the nose bridge is made of material designed to stick as it warms up. They grip and are weightless and I tell you - you won't know you're wearing them.

I have my first pair and use them for running half marathons and tennis.

I live in Australia so as for sunshine... enough said.

PS. My gal bought them as birthday present. So I can highly recommend this strategy to you!

 

[jmsx521]

...If you are going to spend more than $100 Maui Jims are the only way to go. The optical quality is so much better than Bolle or Ray Ban...

How about in comparison to Oakley's?

 

[NoBadMojo]

I think wearing sunglasses is the best thing to do if you can tolerate them. UV protection for sure and polarized is great, and preferably coated on the inside of the lenses as well...lots of the glare on a tennis court can be reflective glare from the court. Serengetti Hurakanu's for me for teaching. cant wear them for playing.

 

[tbini87]

i am looking into getting some new glasses for playing too. right now i am using some that are not for sports, but have had to problem with them sweating up. how are the cheap ones from TW? i will also have to look into the polarized ones from cosco.

 

[tbini87]

anyone have experience on the zektor model sunglasses by head? worth a shot for 20 bucks?

 

[jmsx521]

...and preferably coated on the inside of the lenses as well...

What does the coating on the inside do?

 

[tntmail]

Maui Jim's

By the way the customer service at Maui Jim's is unparalleled.

By the way I've seen a lot of expensive glasses that don't really use the technology. Their just expensive for the name.

This is not true for MJims.

If you get some, try the Sport's on as they are really the only ones I've found
stay on no matter what with no slippage whatsoever. These are the ones that are bendable and plyable and stick to your head.

In fact I have never had them move on me in a critical point.

 

[NoBadMojo]

What does the coating on the inside do?

eliinates reflective glare that comes up from the court, up from the sand at the beach, from the snow,etc

 

[jmsx521]

What does the coating on the inside do?

eliinates reflective glare that comes up from the court, up from the sand at the beach, from the snow,etc

So, that means basically they are polarized (on the outside and inside)?

 

[jmsx521]

If Maui Jims have "better" optical quality than Bolle or Ray Ban, how do they compare with Oakley's?

 

[justsomeguy]

How about in comparison to Oakley's?

I have never tried polarized Oakleys, though I have heard good things about them. A non-polarized Oakley is not worth the $$$ in my opinion. For $150 bucks, the Maui Jim sports cannot be beat. That is what I paid for the Maui Jim Ho'okipas and what I paid for the Oakley Radars.

The Maui Jims are mindblowing. I had some years ago and forgot how great they are. Total clarity. My last pair were the Big Island model. Titanium and glass. They were even better for everyday wear, but these sport models are great for tennis, with the plastic frames and rubber pieces on the nose and temples.

The Oakleys are just $150 shades with nothing special about them other than being "Oakleys". I take that back, they are tough and light and the sweat really does run off of them. It's just that the optical quality is nothing to brag about. I could have bought some cheapies and done just as well. I would still love to pop some of Oakleys polarized lenses in and try them out, but I can buy another pair of the Maui Jims for the price of the Oakley polarized LENS.

Having a coating to eliminate glare on the back of the lens is a must for me. Most polarized lenses only have a coating on the front, to stop the glare that is coming at you. Shades that have a coating on the back of the lens eliminate glare from overhead, below, and behind you. The only shades that I know of that do this are Maui Jim (all Maui Jims are polorized), Bolle polarized, and Oakley polarized, according to their customer service dept. If you have never had a pair of coated shades, the difference is unbelievable. They are a lot easier on the eyes. Ever see your eyeballs or eyelashes in your lenses? Or the reflection off your face? These lenses stop that. The Bolles don't seem to stop the glare nearly as well as the Mauis, and I find distortion when using my peripheral vision with Bolles. I still think they are a good option for half the price or less of the Maui Jims. Heck, anything is better than nothing if you care about your eyes or have really sensitive ones like I do.

 

[NoBadMojo]

The Maui Jims are mindblowing.
. The only shades that I know of that do this are Maui Jim (all Maui Jims are polorized), Bolle polarized, and Oakley polarized, according to their customer service dept. .

read up a post or two and add Serengetti's to the list of lenses coated on both sides..additionally they are about 90 bucks vs take out a loan to buy sunglasses pricing ;O

So, that means basically they are polarized (on the outside and inside)?

yes....polarized on the outside and some type of anti reflective coating on the inside <cant say for sure if polarized>
the ones I have have the Sedona lens which increases contrast and actually brightens things in low light depending, but doesnt cause you to squint

 

[tntmail]

Simply the Best

Here's what I use that work great in FL. Notice no hinges etc.

 

[hyogen]

I love oakley glasses...have owned many many pairs. I really like playing with polarized ice lenses for tennis in the summer... You'd be surprised how much a flat color the court looks like. It definitely cuts down the reflection/glare from the court.

I don't think it makes me play any better though--other than the fact that i can serve better when tossing up into the sun.

The ice polarized (blue) lenses that I like are on my Oakley Juliets (which are too heavy and not good for tennis).

I have a pair of M-frames with clear, vr28, and positive Red iridium lenses. These are perfect for tennis--indoor and outdoor.

 

[tbini87]

just got some of the cheap zektor sunglasses by head in the mail. will try them out and see how they work. tried them on and they looked better than i expected. seem to be kind of small because they fit me tightly (just right) but i only wear a 7 1/4 size fitted hat which is not very large...

 

[bertrevert]

Here's what I use that work great in FL. Notice no hinges etc.

That's them I think, they're very good. I know they cost a lot. I too have sensitive eyes and the Australian sun is unforgiving, heck ANY sun is unforgiving. I have had to play tennis at night but now can often play in the day. It's improved my ability to do that.

Maui Jims stay stuck on your face - it's as if they're not there - and that gluing action seems to reduce fogging. Less sweat and air get in behind the lens because the glasses remain close to your face without slipping during play. And your breath outwards cannot climb up and under the lens.

Unfortunately no way to demo this piece of kit!

 

[jmsx521]

Does each model come in different sizes, S, M, L? I am 5'4"!

 

[greg_in_atl]

Does each model come in different sizes, S, M, L? I am 5'4"!

The Bolle's come in two different frame sizes: Parole (smaller) and Vigilante (larger).

While I agree that polarized lenses are super for cutting glare, what are others opinions on the Competivision lenses? They mute out other colors in the spectrum so that optic yellow stands out.

Nike has some sport contact lenses that do the same basic thing.

 

[tntmail]

MauiJim sizes

Appears the 3 types have different sizes from below. One thing that might be interesting to some is all of these can come in prescriptions, I believe.

Here are the 3 that use the frame I'm hooked on. (Sorry having fun w/ embedding images lately to liven up the text :smile: )

 

[RecTeam924]

I have the Maui Jims that are pictured above. I like them a lot but I find myself choosing my Native Dash (http://www.nativeyewear.com/prod_details.php?style_id=20) much more often. For one, the Maui Jims have unparalleled lens quality. However, they feel quite flimsy (although they are evidently very well constructed the wires are very thin). Also, I don't like taking my $200 plus sunglasses out onto the clay where they are likely to get scratched when I can use the Native's (around $115 with a lifetime warantee). I also find that the Natives provide a much more secure and snug fit on your head than the Maui Jims. Either way, both are fantastic for tennis.

 

[bertrevert]

While I agree that polarized lenses are super for cutting glare, what are others opinions on the Competivision lenses? They mute out other colors in the spectrum so that optic yellow stands out.

Nike has some sport contact lenses that do the same basic thing.

My brother used the Nike (?) ones and although he didn't rate them very well I think his problem was that the yellow ball on our green artificial grass courts which are often sanded with yellow-white sand wasn't a very good contrast at all.

Plus they didn't cut down enough glare under the Summer sun.

 

[DANMAN]

I have had two pairs of Oakley polarized lenses and both have been defective. The polarized coating has come off both sets. The Maui Jims cannot be beat for the price/performance ratio. Get the black lens if you like it dark and the brown lens to cut the glare while keeping good coloration. I like the Makaha.

 

[jmsx521]

Just wondering if I go with a reseller (to save a buck), or buy them on the bay, are there fake Maui Jims? Should I worry about that?