Sunglasses buying philosophy

[Groves]

Originally Posted by trndobrd

For daily wear I go for something polarized in the $25-35 price range.

Anywhere in particular, or are they all basically the same?

[trndobrd]

Originally Posted by Groves

Anywhere in particular, or are they all basically the same?

The last couple pair I got were from the Jax Sporting goods store in Colorado. I don't remember the brand, but the have an 'M' on the side.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by lcarus

I mean...seriously? 250 dollars?

You can't knock 'em if you don't try 'em on.

Folks that blast expensive sunglasses just haven't used 'em much. I'm presently using a pair of Wal-Mart cheapies and they just suck. They don't shade the light well, they're uncomfortable on my nose and they're kinda heavy. I also have a big head so they pinch at my temples and give me a bit of a headache (also a result of the lousy nosepiece)

They actually look pretty sharp and there's not any good way of knowing that they aren't more expensive than they are, but they're just uncomfortable.

The money buys you comfort, not style. It's why showing pictures of expensive sunglasses and saying "Why?" just doesn't make sense. It's not the style that makes them worth the extra money.

Look at it this way - it's not unlike keeping your house at 70 in the summer when you'd be just fine at 74. Sure, 70 costs more, but by God, it's just more comfortable.

There are areas where I'll spend a few extra bucks for added comfort. Sunglasses are one of those areas.

[lcarus]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

You can't knock 'em if you don't try 'em on.

Folks that blast expensive sunglasses just haven't used 'em much. I'm presently using a pair of Wal-Mart cheapies and they just suck. They don't shade the light well, they're uncomfortable on my nose and they're kinda heavy. I also have a big head so they pinch at my temples and give me a bit of a headache (also a result of the lousy nosepiece)

They actually look pretty sharp and there's not any good way of knowing that they aren't more expensive than they are, but they're just uncomfortable.

The money buys you comfort, not style. It's why showing pictures of expensive sunglasses and saying "Why?" just doesn't make sense. It's not the style that makes them worth the extra money.

Look at it this way - it's not unlike keeping your house at 70 in the summer when you'd be just fine at 74. Sure, 70 costs more, but by God, it's just more comfortable.

There are areas where I'll spend a few extra bucks for added comfort. Sunglasses are one of those areas.

Even with perfect comfort, perfect UV blocking, perfect whatever...250 for a pair of sunglasses is outrageous.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by lcarus

Even with perfect comfort, perfect UV blocking, perfect whatever...250 for a pair of sunglasses is outrageous.

Keep 'em for 5 years and it becomes $50/yr.

That's less than the cost of keeping most single-family homes a degree cooler over the course of the summer.

I understand the people that still wouldn't - but they often don't consider the why involved.

Look at them like you would a pair of shoes and it makes a hell of a lot more sense. I'll easily spend another another $30-$40 on tennis shoes or even more than that on dress shoes if it means they're going to be more comfortable. And I probably go through a pair of tennis shoes every year. I don't think most people would think it's absurd to spend the extra money on tennis shoes just to be comfortable - so why is it considered ridiculous for sunglasses?

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Keep 'em for 5 years and it becomes $50/yr.

That's less than the cost of keeping most single-family homes a degree cooler over the course of the summer.

I understand the people that still wouldn't - but they often don't consider the why involved.

Look at them like you would a pair of shoes and it makes a hell of a lot more sense. I'll easily spend another another $30-$40 on tennis shoes or even more than that on dress shoes if it means they're going to be more comfortable. And I probably go through a pair of tennis shoes every year. I don't think most people would think it's absurd to spend the extra money on tennis shoes just to be comfortable - so why is it considered ridiculous for sunglasses?

because most people don't lose or break shoes after a month.

[lcarus]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Keep 'em for 5 years and it becomes $50/yr.

That's less than the cost of keeping most single-family homes a degree cooler over the course of the summer.

I understand the people that still wouldn't - but they often don't consider the why involved.

Look at them like you would a pair of shoes and it makes a hell of a lot more sense. I'll easily spend another another $30-$40 on tennis shoes or even more than that on dress shoes if it means they're going to be more comfortable. And I probably go through a pair of tennis shoes every year. I don't think most people would think it's absurd to spend the extra money on tennis shoes just to be comfortable - so why is it considered ridiculous for sunglasses?

Well for me personally, I'd lose or break sunglasses. But that's just me. I also don't see them as a necessity. I've gone almost 30 years without sunglasses just fine. Shoes are an absolute necessity. Even if I was a driver or something where I needed sunglasses, I'm sure I could find something plenty good enough for a fifth of that price.

[JOhn]

Originally Posted by lcarus

Even if I was a driver or something where I needed sunglasses, I'm sure I could find something plenty good enough for a fifth of that price.

This is what I do...

[JOhn]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Keep 'em for 5 years and it becomes $50/yr.

That's less than the cost of keeping most single-family homes a degree cooler over the course of the summer.

I understand the people that still wouldn't - but they often don't consider the why involved.

Look at them like you would a pair of shoes and it makes a hell of a lot more sense. I'll easily spend another another $30-$40 on tennis shoes or even more than that on dress shoes if it means they're going to be more comfortable. And I probably go through a pair of tennis shoes every year. I don't think most people would think it's absurd to spend the extra money on tennis shoes just to be comfortable - so why is it considered ridiculous for sunglasses?

Which is fine if you can keep a pair that long.
In my job I tend to lose or break a pair every week or 2.

And for $10-15 I can get pairs that are pretty damn good for my needs.

Now I do have a pair for $60, that I keep in my car for trips.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by JOhn

Which is fine if you can keep a pair that long.
In my job I tend to lose or break a pair every week or 2.

And for $10-15 I can get pairs that are pretty damn good for my needs.

Now I do have a pair for $60, that I keep in my car for trips.

I wonder if more expensive pairs are less likely to break. I don't know since I'm not a heavy user. I've only had one pair of sunglasses in my life, and since they're prescription I treat them pretty carefully. But I haven't broken a pair of regular glasses in about three decades and I figure almost any prescription glass frames will be in the mid- to upper prices for sunglasses.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by lcarus

Even with perfect comfort, perfect UV blocking, perfect whatever...250 for a pair of sunglasses is outrageous.

The last pair of Oakleys I had lasted a decade, and I lost them traveling or else I might still be wearing them. The pair I have now are actually similar to what you posted... the titanium frames that will last forever, and after ~6 years the lenses still look new. I've bought cheap pairs before, and I agree with DJ that comfort is a big deal... I'd get headaches from poor fitting pairs.

I'm sure some people keep cheaper pairs for just as long or longer, but once a decade goes by it's a matter of $10-$20 per year for the extra comfort and visibility.

[SuperChief]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

You can't knock 'em if you don't try 'em on.

Folks that blast expensive sunglasses just haven't used 'em much. I'm presently using a pair of Wal-Mart cheapies and they just suck. They don't shade the light well, they're uncomfortable on my nose and they're kinda heavy. I also have a big head so they pinch at my temples and give me a bit of a headache (also a result of the lousy nosepiece)

They actually look pretty sharp and there's not any good way of knowing that they aren't more expensive than they are, but they're just uncomfortable.

The money buys you comfort, not style. It's why showing pictures of expensive sunglasses and saying "Why?" just doesn't make sense. It's not the style that makes them worth the extra money.

Look at it this way - it's not unlike keeping your house at 70 in the summer when you'd be just fine at 74. Sure, 70 costs more, but by God, it's just more comfortable.

There are areas where I'll spend a few extra bucks for added comfort. Sunglasses are one of those areas.

I'm in the market for my first nicer pair of sunglasses, and this is something that concerns me: the lack of options available to someone like me with a big ol' noggin. What brand(s) would you recommend for this?

[lcarus]

MAYBE if I was rich. Maybe.

[MahiMike]

In Florida, I have several pair. Everything from cheap to expensive. My last pair cost me $3. I put a $10 pair of stick on magnifiers to see up close. Best pair I've had in some time for $13.

[Okie_Apparition]

Force your pupils to grow a set
sunglasses is the wussifacation