Sunglass aficianados

[uscgbeachbum]

I was talking to my friend about sunglasses in regards to reducing the glare on my windsheild from the dashboard (not as bad for the rear). I currently have some $20 Microlite Polarized sunglasses from Sports Authority. He said that there are some sunglasses are polarized AND anti-glare. It has something to do with the coating (besides the polarizing lens). I asked him if there was a difference in polarization between the cheaper sunglasses and higher end sunglasses. He said that in respect to polarization it either is or it isn't. But the more expensive lenses have more advanced coatings/materials that perform differently than just polarization. Any opinions on this and any ideas on brands that may have polarized AND anti-glare coatings? Please don't post if all you will say is that my friend is a dumb@ss and there is no such thing.

[8thgenuser]

The first thing I would do is clean off any high-shine protectant you have on your dash. Instead, use a low-shine/no-shine protectant instead, like 303 Aerospace Protectant. That will reduce most of the glare coming from the dash. Polarized lenses and anti-glare/anti-reflective coatings will help reduce glare, but not totally get rid of it. Although there may be glasses out there with both polarized lenses and AG/AR coating, it might be difficult to find. If it’s not promoted on a tag or listed on the product’s packaging, it probably doesn’t have it.
There is a difference between cheap sunglasses and more expensive ones. The differences lie in the quality and clarity of the lens, the materials used in the frame, and the overall fit and finish. However, caveat emptor (buyer beware), some expensive glasses don’t give much more overall quality than cheap glasses.

I like sunglasses that are specifically designed for golfers. These usually have excellent clarity, include technologies that reduce glare, and have interchangeable lenses for various light conditions. For a great deal, look for 2004 or 2005 model sunglasses.

Your best bet would be to go to your local optometrist and have them recommend something or have them make a custom pair for you, though going this route would be pricey.

[uscgbeachbum]

Thanks for the info. I haven't gotten around to doing anything to the dash as it just turned 2 weeks old today. All I've done is wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. Although, I will be ordering some 303 soon. I have some Meguirs Quik Detail Cloths I may give a try on my wife's car (heh) to see if its shiny in the meantime. As for glasses, I'm willing to spend around $100. I've been looking at Serengeti's but not sure if I like the brown lenses. I'll have to check out the golfing glasses. Since there is an eyeglass place not too far from my house I may run by there after work today to see if I can get some clarification. I do know that they have this polarized sunglass setup (which mimics this exact scenario quite well) and my "polarized" glasses really didn't do much in the way of clearing up the glare.

[Izzy]

Yeah, whenever I drive, there is no glare from reflected images from my Oakleys. But my friend's cheapies have glare, although they were said to be polarized.