Sunglasses. HR

[Brown Horse]

I was hoping someone could give me some suggestions regarding sunglasses. I have a lot of criteria so bear with me. Hopefully this will help some other people who are sunglass-challenged like myself teehee.

Okay, so I need sunglasses that...
1. Won't flop about on my face when riding (ie, active or sport type) but won't squeeze behind my ears and give me a headache
2. Are made to fit a woman sized head (sooo many that I try on are obviously made for larger heads...FWIW I wear a 7 1/8 in helmets lol)
3. Possibly allow for long eyelashes? I know this is strange but the main reason I don't wear sunglasses is b/c my lashes always hit the lens and it's very aggravating. However, I have sensitive eyes and I'm always squinting like an idiot so I need sunglasses :p
4. Are <$45. That most likely cannot change, b/c $45 for glasses is already quite a stretch for me.
5. Obviously...safe for riding! aka no glass, and it'd be great if they were impact resistant and whatnot, which I'm guessing most active/sport glasses are anyways.
6. Aren't TOO flashy...like those silver ones with bright orange lenses :no: If possible I would like to get some plain black frames with grey or black or some kind of subtle lens color.
7. Don't obstruct peripheral vision too much. That was one of my many problems when I tried riding with my 'fashion' sunglasses.
7. Finally, something that greatly reduces glare would be WONDERFUL.

I haven't had a great deal of luck simply b/c I don't know which brands to trust and which ones meet all or at least most of my criteria. Buying online is pretty much my only option seeing as how I've worn out all of the sporting goods stores in my area and haven't been successful in finding a pair.

THANK YOU in advance if you read all of that, and if you have any suggestions...they would be greatly appreciated :) Hopefully someone else will get something out of this thread as well!

[Go Fish]

I'm a confirmed Ralph Lauren sunglass wearer, but they are a bit pricey. You might try a sporting goods store or a boating supply store to see what they have. Do you have REI stores in LA?

[fourmares]

I've gotten sunglasses at the gas station, the grocery store and tractor supply... I have all your criteria plus high cheek bones, so when I smile the glasses can't get pushed up by my cheeks. Just try on every pair you can get your hands on.

[jubilee43]

I have these and love them..

http://www.coyoteusa.com/2009info.html

i am very glare sensitive and have a small face and they fit very well...

[Alagirl]

maybe go to the fishing department?

[CB/TB]

i petty much wear glasses 24/7- so i can actually SEE! I've used the transition lenses and they are OK , but if I want anthing extra- ( non glare, extra breakresistant, etc) I can't always get it all on my prescription.If I want to actuallyy see where I'm headed or read the letters, I can't just get sunglasses at CVS. I found some neat clip-ons that are spring loaded and fit securely and match the shape of the glasses perfectly. These I found at teh annual Salt Water fishing show. A vendor was selling them at $25 or 2pr/$20. We bought 2 pr, different frames and they really work. It was a no-name , no literature, but are perfect. The vendor fit each to our frames and you really can't tell they are clip-ons. So, check out any sporting /boating/fishing shows fro these.

[JEN22]

I am a religious Ralph Lauren wearer but they do tend to flop around too much.
I work for a motorsports (motorcycles and atv) dealer and I find that the Spy brand of glasses tend to hug the headand stay put. They are designed for riding and fit close to not allow the wind to catch them. I find they work very well.

[Brown Horse]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I have tried most every sporting goods stores in my area. They actually just put up a new one (can't remember the name) that I'm going to check out when it opens. I've been looking at the Spy and Coyote glasses - thanks for those suggestions!

[Brookes]

Go to ebay and get yourself some Oakleys. I used to ride in mine, and the lightweight ones really stay in place and form around your head. I too have long eyelashes and know what you mean! They seem to work for me, I still have them and play golf in them. They stay put.

[shakeytails]

I have a pair of safety sunglasses that I love. They're neither floppy nor too tight, and my head is smaller than yours. Cheap, too- mine were freebies that DH was given at a building supply place, but you can find them for about $8 from any welding supply place.

[MistyBlue]

I have the same problem finding sunglasses that fit my head without banging up and down on my nose too. I wear a 6 7/8 helmet...or as my hubby calls it, I have a Pea Head. :lol:
I rarely wear sunglasses anymore though...too hard to find less expensive ones that fit and are comfy unless I buy kids' ones and I don't want Sponge Bob Square Pants on my shades...(although it is a funny cartoon, LOL) and I tend to lose and/or break them too often to constantly buy the good ones that do fit.
If I absolutely need shades due to really bright glare...I take out my shooting glasses. I have Gargoyles for that, they're shatter resistant and some models are bullet proof up to a point (never tested that though!) but they're not cheap. So I avoid wearing them around the barn/riding as much as possible. Because I just know I'll lose them or break them that way. But Gargoyles are really good for riding and fitting smaller heads, just not inexpensive.
I do buy some cheapo drug store ones for driving when they have them on sale and keep them in the truck. Until I sit on them or they fall out of the truck or I forget them in a store or something. :no:

[silver2]

I just got some "Peppers" sunglasses at REI that are great and meet all your criteria- I have the same issues with the lashes and the headaches and a tiny face. My new sunglasses are small, lightweight and stay put and are a nice tortoiseshell with amber lenses that look black. They also float which is awesome for me since 90% of the sunglasses I buy end up at the bottom of a river! The style is "Coastal" and they had a bunch of similar styles for "small to medium sized heads".

Another brand I like is Smith, they make smaller sizes for adults with little heads.

You definitely want polarized lenses to cut the glare btw and I find amber colored lenses the easiest on the eyes.

[Wanderluster]

Fellow pea head piping in here, I wear Serengeti's. I work outside and have acquired very sun sensitive eyes from probably way too much exposure so now I get headaches and eye strain easily.
The lenses are much more important than the frames, some like Maui Jim's are more gray, some are yellow and for high performance skiers to see the snow surface more accurately.
Serengetis were designed with race car drivers in mind. The lenses block out UV rays and are polarized for clarity. I've given them to friends to try on and they are amazed at how "calm" they are for the wearer.
Look for a really good lens, then go to a retailer with many models of frames to fit your needs.
I'd rather be comfortable and without a migraine than fashionable with the latest cool shades any day.
I think the start price is $60 and top $ 200 plus ?

[thatmoody]

I always wear the surfing sunglasses (Anarchy or Spy) that I win in surf contest (that's a really common item in the prize packs). But I lose a million sunglasses a year, so when I buy them I tend to do drugstore foster grants - they have good polarization.

I really want prescription sunglasses but I lose too many to make them cost-effective. I'd LOVE to have my astigmatism correction in my sunglasses - no more squinting at the dressage tests!

[Frank B]

Try the sporting goods department. Wingshooters often have to contend with glare.

[goodhors]

I would second finding Safety Glasses from a Tool Supply place. I get sunglasses that are both impact protection along with great color for sun protection, for less that $10 the pair.

They come in Nerd look, heavy black frames, or newer styling with shaped lenses, curved around the face, reflective on the lens. Colored frames or lenses available, if you want, for maybe a $1 more. I am honestly shocked at how little these safety glasses cost, with such a nice appearance. And if they get scratched or broke, you are out very little. We usually purchase several pair at a time, keep them in all the trucks or where we need eye protection when using a tool, like the weed whacker.

You really should rethink the color on lens, because color shade does aid in eye protection. The darker the lens color, along with reflective coating, gives much the best protection from the sun. Grey is alright, but not as nice as the dark green. I wear the darkest green color, with mirror coating. Honestly, it is like going into a shady room, when you put them on outside. Eyes relax immediately, not squinty at all.

So check around, ask folks who use good tools, where they shop. Locally, we have Owosso Industrial Supply, and they carry a good selection of safety glasses that are inexpensive, meet safety standards. AND still rather stylish for men or women. You can do some shaping to plastic earpieces with a little heat, make them fit you better, like a Glasses store does.

[mswillie]

This might work for you.

http://zennioptical.com/cart/home.php

I've just ordered two pair of glass from this site, one prescription sunglasses and another of my regular prescription. I'm terrified of getting my "good" glasses ruined at the barn.

I did a search and found the vast majority of comments favorable, some complaints of slow shipping.

I'm expecting to get them within the next week or so. I'll post what I think of them when they arrive.

[Alagirl]

got the new Dressage extentions catalog in the mail... they got a pair of sunglasses in there for around 7.50 :cool:

[In the Air]

I bought my last two pairs or maybe it was three pairs at Target. They are cheap and light weight. Mine stay put. One pair did squeeze the temples a bit but the others fit perfectly. All $19.95. The best part is that because they are so cheap I have never lost a pair...

[JumpWithPanache]

Your only criteria my sunglasses do not fit is price. I absolutely love my Maui Jims with the flexible titanium frames. They wrap around enough that I don't have extra light getting behind the lense, so lightweight that I forget they are there, and have never given me a headache from the ear pieces. I have never, ever felt like they even thought about slipping off either, unlike my regular glass (prescription wearer). FWIW, I'm a 6 7/8 in helmets and almost fit into the kids section when shopping for glasses. While most adult female glasses still look big on my face, these don't overwhelm despite being "larger." Here's a link to what I wear: http://www.mauijim.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product3_11601_10001_10042_-1_17604_17604_N__1__ They were certainly pricey but more than worth the price! I would save up for a few months and then get the really good glasses.

[sk_pacer]

I also wear the safety type but in a shooting glass style that fits over my regular glasses. The whole thing is made of tinted polycarbonate including the super wide temples that do not destroy periferal vision. These are very scratch resistant, have some ridiculously high UV filter number, have blue blockers (shooting glasses need to be very high def) and resist scratches, and even I get several years of abuse from them. They are also great for snow or water glare. Cost 16.00 a pop, and come in grey, blue, amber and yellow.

I just bought a pair about 3 weeks ago and hunted for the tag a couple of times for the brand name but no luck......seems to me the lady in the drug store cut ut off and tossed it for me....

[snaffle635]

I have to ride with sunglasses...not an option. I get wicked migraines in bright sun.

What kind of sunglasses do you like? I'm looking for something that fits close to the face and is good at reducing glare...and doesn't slip down your nose when you get sweaty. :-)

[chawley]

I have to ride with sunglasses...not an option. I get wicked migraines in bright sun.

What kind of sunglasses do you like? I'm looking for something that fits close to the face and is good at reducing glare...and doesn't slip down your nose when you get sweaty. :-)


I would recommend something polarized that are made for to wear duing sports or outdoor activities. I personally like Ray Ban, but there are many options available.

[perfecta11]

I ride in Maui Jims. They're polarized and really shield my eyes from the sun. They don't look great in my opinion with a helmet on, but they sure get the job done. A bigger lens that wraps around the face, more the fashionable type of sunglasses, looks just fine with a helmet on.

[KateKat]

I would say look for the polarized brands of glasses that are made for cyclists. They are usually very light and wrap around your face, and made to wear with a helmet on (no bulky over the ear things)

[Brown Horse]

I posted a topic on this not too long ago and got some great suggestions - I'm sure you could find it through a search. I ended up finally finding a pair ($25) at Dick's Sporting Goods (I had to go 3 times to find some that "worked"!).

[BaliBandido]

Another vote for Maui Jims. I get wicked headaches with most glasss so I got the Titanium bendy frame ones with the amber lens and they are fantastic. No slipping, lightweight and not to hideous under your helmet!

[Sku]

Oakleys. Once I tried them I never went back. I have these (http://oakley.com/flakjacket)which are great, polarized and I wear them nearly everyday. They have interchangable lenses, so when your lenses get too beat up (mine after 4 years of wearing them everday) you can replace the lenses for $80 rather than paying $160 for new sunglasses. Like you, sunlight gives me migraines. I would die without my Oakleys.

[besttwtbever]

Oakleys. Once I tried them I never went back. I have these (http://oakley.com/flakjacket)which are great, polarized and I wear them nearly everyday. They have interchangable lenses, so when your lenses get too beat up (mine after 4 years of wearing them everday) you can replace the lenses for $80 rather than paying $160 for new sunglasses. Like you, sunlight gives me migraines. I would die without my Oakleys.

I second the Oakleys!!

[Kato]

Love my Maui Jim's!! Get the Sport kind, they have rubbery nose pieces and also on the parts that go behind your ears. Looks ok with the helmet on. Tried the Oakley's first, they gave me headaches because they pinched too much behind my ears. The MJ's actually stay on better, too. Try some for fit at your local sunglasses shop. Both have fabulous lenses, so just get what you are comfortable with. Be careful, I don't think all of the Oakleys are polarized, but I'm not sure.

[nadasy]

I have the same problem only don't get migraines but the pollen really bothers me, and bought a pair of Costa Del Mar ACPS. I paid a bit more but have had them about 11 years. They are really comfortable with a adjustable soft elastic that doesn't 'lean' on the tops of my ears under my helmet and don't fog up. They fit around your eye with rubber that doesn't sweat, and the lenses are amazing. They have a lifetime warrantee. They are 100% polarized 100% UV Shielded and have 100% hand cut lenses and come in 6 shades. My son, who has an extreme sports business told me about them. Skiers, snowboarders, surfers, boaters, wear them. They have ones with and without the elastic. The website is costadelmar.com.

I've just written the company to see if they still carry them, they have tons of models but none I've found that go around the head.
HTH

[asanders]

Costa Del Mars would top the list but do have a $$$ rating, and you will want to find a dealer that carries the full line so you can find the frame that really fits. They have gotten quite trendy recently, which is good or bad depending on your POV, but may relate to an increase in complaints about service (due to stretched service or more complainers; can't tell). DH wears these.

I have had Revos and Mauis over the last 20 years ($$-$$$).
When I got the first pair of Revos, they were the leader in polarized glass manufacture. The company has been restructured several times, but glass is no longer king anymore anyway.

Some of the polycarbonates are really great; light, strong, and scratch resistant. 'Plastic' can mean many things. The other thing that happened with the development of these materials was improved method of putting a polarizing coating layer on non-glass. This is why you can buy $10 polarized sunglasses at BassProShop now (my 5yo daughter has 2 pair). Shop for quality lens 1st, then make sure it is also quality polarized.

As for RayBans, I think they plodded along doing exactly the same thing for years. They had a pretty good polarized glass lens. Recently, they have been trying to step up their game and get current. My biggest problem with them was actually that I have a narrow face, and until recently could not find any style that fit.

Of the other polarized $$ lines out there, I just never found anything that could match the visual quality of these, although Bolle, Angel, Carrera, Hobie, and Oakley are pretty good. If you found a style that fit well and was a good $, I'd do it, especially if riding=danger for sunglasses and $ is thus more important.

[vbunny]

I wear goggles like a jockey wears. They work great. You can flip them up of your helmet when you don't need them, they block the sides too and in winter they and block the wind as well as the glare. $6.50 a pair. I am sure I am not getting any style points from anyone but they are safe, won't hurt me if they get bonked and knocked into my face like hard glasses can, don't slip ever and are very useful.

[redkat]

I third Oakleys. I have a pair of polarized wrap-arounds that I wear with my bike helmet and my riding helmet. I also have a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses that I like quite a bit, but I have a smaller face and found that only the Oakley 5's fit me properly under a helmet. They've got great lens clarity and don't fog.

[Chuckles]

Google Rudy Project
I love them! They are made for bike riders and have all the grippiness equestrians need.

You can get a variety of different lenses for them so that you can ride in different lighting conditions. I have the riddon ii which are made for smaller faces.

[Petstorejunkie]

Go to walmart and head over to the sport fishing section. There you will find an assortment of sunglasses that will suit.your needs to a T all for under $15
Oh and there are polarized ones in the mix too ;)

[equest]

I have the same problem only don't get migraines but the pollen really bothers me, and bought a pair of Costa Del Mar ACPS. I paid a bit more but have had them about 11 years. They are really comfortable with a adjustable soft elastic that doesn't 'lean' on the tops of my ears under my helmet and don't fog up. They fit around your eye with rubber that doesn't sweat, and the lenses are amazing. They have a lifetime warrantee. They are 100% polarized 100% UV Shielded and have 100% hand cut lenses and come in 6 shades. My son, who has an extreme sports business told me about them. Skiers, snowboarders, surfers, boaters, wear them. They have ones with and without the elastic. The website is costadelmar.com.

I've just written the company to see if they still carry them, they have tons of models but none I've found that go around the head.
HTH

I have a pair of Costa del Mars that have been excellent for riding - they are the only sunglasses I have had that don't slide.

[shalomypony]

I've got lots of high end ones,but my favs for riding are a cheap pair of Puma wraparounds that I got at TJ Maxx.....go figure!!!They'e real light and don't move!

[Jo]

I just got my Maui Jim palms in. Our hotel in Hawaii had a trial program where you can wear them for a few hours and see how they fit. The palms have grippies on the nose and the ears so don't slip in the Texas sweat! ;)

[Tha Ridge]

I also agree with the Maui Jim recommendations. I don't usually ride in sunglasses, but if I did, they would be my choice.

I have pairs of Ray-Bans and Carreras - I've always felt as though the Ray-Bans would be too heavy (depends on what style though, I suppose) and the Carreras aren't grippy enough.

[snaffle635]

Thanks for all the great recommendations! I should have some fun shopping this week.

[Dun Ciarain]

I have a couple pair of their sunglasses (which are actually available with prescription lenes) that are similar to the sunglasses in the original Terminator movie (I have them on in my profile photo). I never get dust in my eyes no matter how windy or dusty it is. Make sure that you get PolyCarbonate lenses and tinted with Gray #3 lenses. I had a bad fall while wearing my sunglasses, with one of the pvc poles of an oxer hitting me right in the face. The pole hit my glasess square on and left a pvc transfer on one of the lenses of my glasses. I was able to rub off the pvc material that transferred to my glasses and the glasses remained in perfect condition. The last thing you want is glasses that break. Take a look at www.sportrx.com - they have both prescription and non-prescription sport glasses.

[Moderator 1]

We merged two recent threads on sunglass recommendations for riding into one here in Off Course, where folks from different disciplines have a better chance to see it and weigh in.

Thanks!
Mod 1

[caradino]

I have the same problem finding sunglasses that fit my head without banging up and down on my nose too. I wear a 6 7/8 helmet...or as my hubby calls it, I have a Pea Head. :lol:
I rarely wear sunglasses anymore though...too hard to find less expensive ones that fit and are comfy unless I buy kids' ones and I don't want Sponge Bob Square Pants on my shades...(although it is a funny cartoon, LOL) and I tend to lose and/or break them too often to constantly buy the good ones that do fit.
If I absolutely need shades due to really bright glare...I take out my shooting glasses. I have Gargoyles for that, they're shatter resistant and some models are bullet proof up to a point (never tested that though!) but they're not cheap. So I avoid wearing them around the barn/riding as much as possible. Because I just know I'll lose them or break them that way. But Gargoyles are really good for riding and fitting smaller heads, just not inexpensive.
I do buy some cheapo drug store ones for driving when they have them on sale and keep them in the truck. Until I sit on them or they fall out of the truck or I forget them in a store or something. :no:

i have a tiny pea head too! i wear a 6 3/4. haha. it's horrible trying to find sunglasses that fit and look nice! i finally found a pair i love at EMS. try there or REI, or other sports/outdoor equipment stores.

but anyway... i don't wear sunglasses when i ride, but my boyfriend (who also has a tiny head, he wears a size 7 hat) has sensitive eyes and lives in his sunglasses when driving/working/riding/ATV-ing. he LOVES oakleys, but has recently found some cheap gas-station knockoffs that fit and perform just as well. just try on glasses in every store you go into, and look for more of a "sport" style rather than huge bulky plastic "fashion" glasses.

good luck!!

[asanders]

BassProShops seems to have the best selection of decent quality but not pricey polarized sunglasses ($15-$45 ish). I have found the higher $$ ones well worth it (I live in mine year round outside, rain, snow, whatever), but at least at BPS you can try on the whole range and compare. Really look around the store in them too (not just the mirror :winkgrin:) near/far, bright/dim. If you have a really small face, try their kids glasses. They have plenty that look just like regular adult sport styles, just smaller. My daughter's are plain red and plain grey/blue. I have borrowed them in a pinch.

[snaffle635]

We merged two recent threads on sunglass recommendations for riding into one here in Off Course, where folks from different disciplines have a better chance to see it and weigh in.

Thanks!
Mod 1

Thanks, Mod 1. I spend all my time in hunter-land and forget there are other sections to the BB.

[katarine]

http://www.suncloudoptics.com/UPTOWN_4_33.html

LOVE these, about 50-60 bucks but well worth the $. Found them at an outdoorsy shop.

[Beverley]

I won't spend the bucks on the really good ones like Oakleys, because I'm really, really hard on sunglasses- either leaving them behind or sitting on them or having them drop to the ground and get run over by a vehicle.

When, weekend before last, I destroyed the Foster Grants ($15 or so at the Houston Airport in April), I stopped at the gas station and found, for $12.99, something called 'Xloop' which fits, reduces glare, and etc. In fact I bought two pair so I already have the next backup (to go with the semi-broken backup pair that lives in the vehicle glove compartment).

[snaffle635]

After all the great advice, I bought a pair of Maui Jim's today. They're great...really excellent for cutting glare. Haven't ridden in them yet. Hoping to try them out tomorrow.

(Most I've EVER spent on sunglasses! Eek!)