RX shades: glass or poly

[Stu]

I am getting ready to spring for some Rx Maui Jims. The price difference between glass lenses and polycarb (?) or whatever it is is about $40.

Glass being more expensive.

Glass has better optics, and more color posssibilities, but poly is less fragile. I probably would use these mostly while driving, some beach time and walking around etc.

Is there really a compelling case for one vs. the other? Especially if you are not going to put them to heavy use i.e. golf, extensive beach time, etc?

 

[stach]

Poly scratches more easily.

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by Stu

I am getting ready to spring for some Rx Maui Jims. The price difference between glass lenses and polycarb (?) or whatever it is is about $40.

Glass being more expensive.

Glass has better optics, and more color posssibilities, but poly is less fragile. I probably would use these mostly while driving, some beach time and walking around etc.

Is there really a compelling case for one vs. the other? Especially if you are not going to put them to heavy use i.e. golf, extensive beach time, etc?

I have poly lenses which I use when I ride my motorcycle. If your looking for something work / shooting / riding that requires a lot of protection then I would get poly. I don't think you can go wrong with either if it is just for casual wear.

I've had both and I did notice that the glass was much heavier.

 

[jml90]

I see no advantages in glass (literally) I would go with poly for the extra assurance just incase they do break you'll come out with your eyes.

 

[Holdfast]

Being fairly short-sighted, I tend to go with whatever lens material has the highest refractive index. ie the thinnest and also hopefully lightest.

If this isn't a consideration, I don't think it matters much.

 

[itsfatboy]

Poly are harder to keep clean.

I have lots of friends who HAD Maui Jims, brought them back for Serenghetti (sp?) instead.

 

[esquire.]

Originally Posted by Stu

Is there really a compelling case for one vs. the other? Especially if you are not going to put them to heavy use i.e. golf, extensive beach time, etc?
It sounds like you'd be wearing these glasses mainly when you're outside, so I would therefore recommend getting polycarbonate glasses which are able to block out ultraviolet rays of the sun. Too much exposure to UV light is bad for the eyes, and one of the causes for cataracts.

 

[Tomasso]

I prefer glass for most uses aside from running, cycling, skiing. etc.....