View Full Version : H2optix(Bolle) Sunglasses.


basswipe
12-10-2005, 03:08 PM
Found several styles of these on sale for $59.These regularly go for $80.They appear to be quality sunglasses but I don't want to commit without hearing some positive feedback.

I've had bad luck in the past with supposedly "good quality" sunglasses. Peppers polarized floating glasses come to mind.I paid good coin only to find them to be crappier than the cheapest Wallyworld Seastrikers.

Did a search but didn't find much other than recommendations for high priced stuff like the Costa DelMars.I've been known to lose/break sunglasses so the high priced stuff is out.

PS.Which is better amber or grey lenses?Does it make a difference?

Mike P
12-10-2005, 03:34 PM
I think Bolles are good quality.

The only concern I have is, most glasses that sell for under $100 have polycarbonate lenses, not optical glass. Polycarb is lighter and can be made optically correct ( non-distortional), but it scratches much easier than glass. If you get salt spray on them, the salt will crystalize and scratch the lenses if you try cleaning them with a soft cloth, unless you rinse them first.

ProfessorM
12-10-2005, 08:20 PM
Ditto on the scratching. Glass is better but heavier. The best way I have found to clean them when salt water gets on them is to lick them with your tongue. The saliva cleans them right up with no smudges or smears and you are not rubbing them so you don't scratch.

PNG
12-10-2005, 09:16 PM
Glass breaks, poly dont

Rock Hopper
12-11-2005, 09:00 AM
Most Poly-carbonate glasses are very good and almost all glasses manufacturers have gone in this direction with their offerings.

As for Bolle, I have been using their glasses for well over 10 years (still have them) and they are very, very good. The last pair I got did have the resin or coating start coming off a little on the outter part of the lense though. Not really a big del in my mind. The other 2 pairs I have are still in great shape.

Yes, they will scratch and should be rinsed with fresh water and wiped clean with a soft cloth. The saliva trick also work in a pinch and keeps them from fogging up if it's cold out.

Kadir

basswipe
12-11-2005, 09:14 AM
Thanks for the replies guys.

Good shades at sunup/down are a must.The price is right and I've a few extra bucks in my pocket.

tattoobob
12-11-2005, 10:57 AM
The last pair of sunglasses I bought were Bolle' and I am not happy with the way they lasted I wore them maybe 10 times and it seems like they were getting scratched in there own case. Right now they can not be worn. I paid $135.00 for them and most likely will never own another pair of Bolle' sunglasses. The 2nd pair of Bolle' I owned the rubber grips on the arms started to melt or get mushy when I left them on the dash. I have had the same pair of Rayban Sunglasses for over 12 years and other than retightening the screws they are the best I ever had. I tend to get head aches form being in the sun for long periods of time so I have to have a real good pair of sunglasses, I always go top of the line. I am going to try Oakly next year.

basswipe
12-11-2005, 11:09 AM
I was issued Rayban shooting glasses in '87(thanks USAF!) and still have/use them.Not polarized though and they're heavy.

These new glasses will be used only for fishing.I use a cheap set of pharmacy specials for all other times so when I leave them on the dashboard or when I smash my noggin on a tree branch while mowing and then run them over its no big loss.

SAXATILUS
12-11-2005, 11:22 AM
Oakley polarized glasses are awesome if you want to spend the coin. Two years on my current pair and still no scratches and you can look directly into the sun and not have to squint. Gonna cost you at least 170.00$ though.

Rock Hopper
12-11-2005, 01:25 PM
Ever hear of "Spotters" apparently an Australian company makes these. I have heard great things about them but no personal experiance.... supposedly awsome... Maybe worth a look.

ProfessorM
12-11-2005, 02:18 PM
If you don't want to spend a ton of money I bought a pair of Polar Eyes 2 years ago and they are great. Got them on line I think they cost 40 bucks and I find them to be as good as any of my $100 plus pairs I have, and I have several. They are very light weight and comfortable. Paul

zacs
12-11-2005, 03:48 PM
the expensive bolles are great, the ones that are $100 or less are crap, I bought a few pairs on sale at sports authority a couple of years ago, and none of them lasted more than six months. very very easily scratched. my go to is the costa del mar. for $130ish you get a very nice shade with a lot of lense options that are very very hard to scratch.

jfisher
12-11-2005, 06:43 PM
my go to is the costa del mar. for $130ish you get a very nice shade with a lot of lense options that are very very hard to scratch.

I've only heard good on the costa del mars

I have a pair of Vectors (action optics) that have done well. Used them for the kayak in the sweet a couple of years ago and still use them in the salt. Survived a drop on the hardwood floor and a tumble on the jetty.

basswipe
12-12-2005, 08:42 AM
Like I said guys the expensive stuff is out.My ability to lose/destroy sunglasses is legendary.I've already been disappointed by glasses 3x the price of these.

Kadir,the Spotters don't go for anything under $200.Way out of my league.But nice no doubt.

I ordered them.If they end up not lasting then its back to CVS cheapies every few months.

The Iceman 6
12-12-2005, 09:22 AM
I have 2 pairs of Costa's, love them....

Ice

zimmy
12-12-2005, 09:31 AM
might want to check, though. I am pretty sure... One pair of serenghettis I had were my favorite lenses ever.

basswipe
12-12-2005, 09:55 AM
might want to check, though. I am pretty sure... One pair of serenghettis I had were my favorite lenses ever.

Now made by Bolle.They used to be made by Serengeti.

www.bolle.com/performance_eyewear/action_sport_marine.cfm

I tend to over research sometimes.

RIROCKHOUND
12-12-2005, 10:02 AM
Try Native eyewear (west marine)
Killer shades, great warranty, and around 100 bucks

Squibby17
12-12-2005, 12:27 PM
I have a pair of Bolle pirana? I believe, I lovem

their real light weight and sit on your face nice and easy, much lighter and more comfortable than mahi jims or Raybahn and less$ I havent had a real problem with scratching either. Also I have had Bolle in the past and been able to return broken frames, and they send you a new pair.

I have the rose polarized lens, which work great. I can spot fish very well with them and saw numerous 30+ lb fish swimming under my boat last year while other guys were wondering what the hell i was talking about. Some people prefer the grey lens but I like the warmer pink lense, i guess it all depends on what you like.

Mugz
12-12-2005, 03:02 PM
I have a pair of these...with the polarized lens'.
http://www.bolle.com/performance_eyewear/snakes_swisher.cfm

They are okay. The first pair I bought got scratched......I sent them back and they sent me a new pair. Not bad customer service I guess. The same thing happened to a pair of $130 oakley's I bought as well so it's all about how you take care of them. I beat the crap out of them myself. So far so good and they have lasted me the summer with no scratches. Decent sunglasses without the huge cost.

zimmy
12-13-2005, 01:05 PM
Now made by Bolle.They used to be made by Serengeti.

www.bolle.com/performance_eyewear/action_sport_marine.cfm

I tend to over research sometimes.

hmmm. not sure if that is good or not.

I will toss in a vote for natives. I have never worn a more comfortable frame and there is a lifetime warranty for any reason unless they are lost. You smash em, just send in the pieces.

RIROCKHOUND
12-13-2005, 02:51 PM
hmmm. not sure if that is good or not.

I will toss in a vote for natives. I have never worn a more comfortable frame and there is a lifetime warranty for any reason unless they are lost. You smash em, just send in the pieces.

Yup :D
Great frames and the amber lenses rock; 8-10hrs on the water 3-6 days a week all summer long, never get the headaches or tired eyes I used to with my Oakleys, Dragons, or other brands with 'good' lenses

WoodyCT
12-13-2005, 03:24 PM
Try Action Optics by Smith. I've had a pair with glass lenses for 9!! years without breaking them, except when they sat in the car one sub-zero night and the frame broke when I sprung the ear pieces to go over my wool hat. Sent them back and Smith replaced them no questions asked. Dropped them on the pavement and rocks many times with hardly a scratch on the lenses. The photochromic copper lenses lighten and darken (slightly) with the light conditions and the copper color adds a lot of definition in low light conditions . They tend to be over $100, but you might find them on closeout somewhere, so search on ebay or just google search. You won't be disappointed! As for Oakleys, mine scratched when I looked at 'em cross eyed. I'll never buy another pair of Oakleys!

basswipe
12-13-2005, 05:13 PM
I've been known to lose/break sunglasses so the high priced stuff is out.

Thanks again guys but......its kinda about money.

basswipe
12-13-2005, 05:14 PM
That's why:

I ordered them.If they end up not lasting then its back to CVS cheapies every few months.

basswipe
12-19-2005, 09:18 PM
They came today.

Out of the box these are the best shades I've ever owned.But being today is my bday and I've consumed more beers than there are humans on this planet and its taken me about an hour to make this reply legible my opinion MIGHT BE tainted.

mekcotuit
12-20-2005, 11:25 AM
Check out this company: http://www.sierratradingpost.com

Have found great buys on Bolle and other sunglasses.......