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Catching that large bass on a bright summer day feels fulfilling. But the last thing you want is to end up with an insufferable headache from the glare of the water and the rays from the sun. On a bright day, the water glares at your eyes, and you have to squint to see past a few meters. All that squinting, coupled with the sun’s rays, leaves you with a headache and a worn-out feeling.
You can avoid all the eye strain and the headaches by keeping polarized sunglasses in your boat. If you are on a budget, go for the best fishing sunglasses under 50 dollars. These sunglasses will keep your eyes protected with the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, keep stray debris off your eyes, and help you see the surface of the water better. Polarized sunglasses might sound so advanced, but they do not cost much and can actually last you so many fishing seasons.
I reviewed the best fishing sunglasses based on their features, sturdiness of the frame, lens options, and curvature and comfort among other factors. If you’d rather just pick the best sunglasses and run off with them, go for the J+S Premium Military Style Polarized Sunglasses. Otherwise, read on to learn more.
J+S Premium Military Style Polarized Sunglasses
Joopin Semi-Rimless Polarized Sunglasses
Duduma Polarized Designer Sunglasses
Woodies Wooden Polarized Sunglasses
Retro Rewind Classic Polarized Sunglasses
HULISLEM Blade Polarized Sunglasses
Flying Fisherman Buchanan Polarized Sunglasses
DUCO Men’s Polarized Sunglasses
SUNGAIT Vintage Sunglasses for Women
TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Features
The J+S Premium Polarized sunglasses are versatile – they are ideal for men and women and great for any outdoor activity besides fishing. The multilayered filter lenses on the glasses are sturdy, light, and scratch-resistant, to enhance the durability of the glasses. Better yet, the lenses offer high optical clarity, allowing you to see without any kind of distortion. J+S added a reflective optical coating on the lenses to keep off glare from the water or harsh sunlight and offer improved visibility.
These sunglasses come with UV400 sun protection rating – this means that the glasses can block up to 99 percent of all harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. UV protection is essential in maintaining the long term health of your eyes.
The J+S Premium Polarized sunglasses sport a long-lasting construction, thanks to the metallic alloy frame. This frame is not only strong and sturdy, but also lightweight. Furthermore, the frame joints to the legs with spring-loaded hinges that enhance the durability of the sunglasses further. There are also adjustable silicon nose pads to keep the sunglasses comfortably on your nose bridge.
If you are looking for versatile sunglasses, the J+S Premium Polarized sunglasses might be a great choice for you. With the polarized lens, the 400UV protection, the metallic frame, multilayered lenses, and the light weight, you can use the sunglasses for almost all outdoor activities. Better yet, you get a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee with the purchase of these sunglasses.
Pros
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Features
The Joopin Polarized sunglasses might be an excellent choice for you if you are looking for ultra-lightweight and affordable sunglasses. Joopin directly supplies its sunglasses to the customers, cutting off the middleman, and offering you the best prices.
The sunglasses feature imported resin materials for the frame. These materials ensure the glasses do not break or scratch. The soft silicone pads feel comfortable on your nose bridge. However, I wish these pads were adjustable to fit more comfortably. The double-burst metallic hinges are sturdy enough to last through the years. Better yet, the high definition polarized lens with a mirrored surface protects you from the glare from the water surface and the rays from the sun. Plus, you can choose any color you want, depending on where you will be fishing.
Each pair of sunglasses come comes with UV400 protection rating to keep off up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays from the sun. Even with the sturdy materials, the sunglasses are extra lightweight. With the purchase of the sunglasses, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Features
The Tri-Acetate Cellulose (TAC) lens on the Duduma Designer Sunglasses not only protects your eyes, but also give you more clarity. These lenses are the main selling point of the sunglasses. Duduma created the lens into seven layers.
The first layer is the polarization layer and comes in so many colors for you to choose from. Its second and third layers are bonding layers to enhance the durability of the sunglasses. The fourth and fifth layers protect you from the UV light while the sixth and seventh layers make the lenses shatterproof. All these layers enhance the durability of your sunglasses, eliminate glare, restore the true color of the surrounding, and keep your eyes safe.
True to their name, the sunglasses sport a designer look with so many colors to choose from. They are also lightweight, making them comfortable if you will be wearing them all day. Again, if you are always outdoors, the polycarbonate lenses and the study frame are impact and scratch resistant to last long. Even better, the rimless design gives you a clear lower vision.
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The Woodies Wooden Polarized sunglasses look stylish wherever you choose to wear them. The sunglasses are dark and polarized. You can shop for mirrored sunglasses with different colored lenses, but Woodies sells those at relatively higher prices, but still less than $50.
These sunglasses sport a design that protects you from the harmful UV rays from the sun, keeps glare off, and gives you a clear vision of what is around you. The pair features double-spring hinges to keep the sunglasses flexible and to accommodate people with wider or narrow faces. Although the sunglasses come as one-size-fit-for-all, they sit comfortably on any face.
The zebra wood arms come with appealing wood streaks that look awesome when you wear. These arms, coupled with the plastic frame, enhance the durability of the glasses. With the package, you get a free carrying case, a cleaning cloth, and wood guitar pick.
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Features
The Retro Rewind Sunglasses is another pair with Tri Acetate Cellulose (TAC) lens, which makes vision better and enhances the durability of the sunglasses. The lenses come with UV400 protection rating to keep your eyes safe from the glare of the sun and reflections from shiny surfaces.
Lenses are available in neutral or Revo mirror coating to further keep glare off, depending on where you will be fishing. The unisex glasses are multilayered for more protection from UV rays and for durability. The Revo lens coating restores the normal color of your surroundings.
Frames on this pair feature shatterproof polycarbonate frame construction with a rubberized finish. Instead of painting, Retro Rewind injects color into the frames, so, the color of the frames will never peel or fade. True to their name, the sunglasses sport a classic design that matches your fishing gear perfectly. They look sharp and sophisticated and are available in more than 50 color combinations. With the package, you get a microfiber pouch to carry your sunglasses.
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Features
Stress-resistant frames make this pair of sunglasses an excellent choice for outdoor activities. The frame gives the sunglasses rugged characteristics so they can resist whatever you throw at them. This is important as your sunglasses might fall when you are battling a fighting bass. This frame sports a polycarbonate construction that is not only tough and rugged, but also lightweight. If you are not used to wearing sunglasses, the snug fit lets you wear the glasses all day.
I love the clarity of these sunglasses. HULISLEM applies the dual-lens polaric ellipsoid geometry, which gives you excellent depth perfection, clarity, and restores the natural colors of your surroundings. The clarity of the lenses is a result of the AcuTint coloring system, which provides mirrored surfaces without affecting vision. Better yet, the surface of the sunglasses features mirror flash coating, which protects you from the harmful UV rays from the sun.
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The Flying Fisherman Buchanan is among the best polarized sunglasses under 50 designed specifically for fishermen. If you are looking for under $50 sunglasses, this might be a perfect choice for you. They feature polarized triacetate lenses that improves visibility and stay in shape even after falling so many times.
Each pair comes with polycarbonate frames that are sturdy and lightweight. The frame and the arms are scratch resistant so you can carry them anywhere. Its arms are camo—patterned, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the sunglasses. Better yet, the sunglasses feature comfortable rubber nose pads that enhance their comfort.
These sunglasses are the brainchild of a fisherman for fishermen. Each pair undergoes testing at Florida Keys to guarantee clarity, comfort, and durability. With the AcuTint coloring system, the glasses protect your eyes without distorting the images you see.
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DUCO is one of the best cheap fishing sunglasses specifically designed for men. If you are a man and need a bold, masculine pair of sunglasses, this might be one of your top choices. It sports UV400 protection coating that keeps up to 100 percent of the harmful sun rays away. The triacetate lens sports rugged construction with multiple layers to resist scratches and impact while giving you a clear vision.
With a metal alloy frame, the sunglasses are not only lightweight, but also rugged enough to last for many years. The pair only weighs 25g, so, you hardly feel them on your face. You can choose from a range of ten colors to meet your needs. Better yet, the nose pads feel more comfortable and soft than in previous models. The frames and the arms bend without breaking to accommodate both narrow and wide faces.
With the package, you get a glass case complete with a carabiner, a microfiber pouch and cleaning cloth, and a polarization test card. You also get a lifetime breakage warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.
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The SUNGAIT Vintage Sunglasses are for women, but that doesn’t mean that a man cannot wear them. They look stylish and with a sleek profile, and that is one thing I love about them. Better yet, you can choose from a range of 21 colors. Even better, these might be the best cheap fishing sunglasses if you are looking for a product under $20.
They sport round composite lens with a keyhole nose bridge to add to their aesthetic appeal. The lenses are great for protection against UV light. They are also scratch and impact resistant, so, you can use them for years. With their sleek profile, the sunglasses are lightweight and, therefore, suitable for all seasons.
With the package, you get a glass cloth and a carry bag. The frame is unbreakable, thanks to its polycarbonate construction. For the lens, you can choose between polarized and non-polarized and mirrored and non-mirrored. There are also multiple lenses available.
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Features
The TOREGE Polarized sports sunglasses come with Revo polycarbonate lenses rated UV400. These lenses protect you from 100 percent harmful ultraviolet rays. They also help restore the true color of your surroundings, eliminate glare, and improve vision.
The lenses have seven layers. It has a polarization layer, two bonding layers, two UV layers, and two shatterproof layers. Even with its many layers, the lenses are still very light. It is available in a range of six colors. Its lightweight construction makes it comfortable for a whole fishing season. The soft rubber nose pad feels comfortable on your nose and gives the sunglasses a snug fit.
The sunglasses come with a lifetime breakage warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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| Image | Title | Score | Price | View On Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top 
| J+S Premium Military Style Polarized Sunglasses | 4.3/5 | $$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| Joopin Semi-Rimless Polarized Sunglasses | 4.3/5 | $$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| Duduma Polarized Designer Sunglasses | 4.1/5 | $$$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| Woodies Wooden Polarized Sunglasses | 4.6/5 | $$$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| Retro Rewind Classic Polarized Sunglasses | 4.1/5 | $ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| HULISLEM Blade Polarized Sunglasses | 4.4/5 | $$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| Flying Fisherman Buchanan Polarized Sunglasses | 4.2/5 | $$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| DUCO Men’s Polarized Sunglasses | 4.4/5 | $$$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| SUNGAIT Vintage Sunglasses for Women | 4.7/5 | $$ | View Product On Amazon |
 
| TOREGE Polarized Sports Sunglasses | 4.3/5 | $$$ | View Product On Amazon |
Is it enough to pick a polarized pair of sunglasses that fits you? No, there are so many factors to consider from the quality of the frame to the type of lens and the colors. Below, I have prepared s comprehensive shopping guide to help you pick the best fishing sunglasses under 50 from a sea of brands.
All the glasses I reviewed above are polarized, even though some of them cost less than $15. While any other pair of sunglasses might protect your eyes, polarized sunglasses are better at reducing the glare from water and string sun rays. With glare reduced from the surface of the water, your eyes rest enough to allow you to see fish under the surface of the water, as far as your eyes allow.
Sun rays are either in the form of UVA or UVB. The latter is more damaging to your eyes, but less common, while the former is the opposite. Either way, you need polarized lens to protect your eyes from both these forms of rays.
Most polarized lenses come in polycarbonate construction. A few sport a glass construction. Glass lenses offer excellent clarity and resist scratches. However, they will shatter the first time they drop. If you are extra careful and you can keep your glasses from dropping, glass lenses should be your priority when shopping for fishing sunglasses. Besides shattering, glass lenses are heavier and relatively expensive; two more reasons they are not common on budget fishing sunglasses.
Polycarbonate lenses are rugged to last for many years, and lightweight so you can wear them all day without feeling uncomfortable. However, the material is prone to scratches and the vision might be a little distorted. If you need a lightweight pair of sunglasses, go with a polycarbonate lens pair. Both the lenses protect you from harmful UV rays.
There are so many lens colors. Some options above, such as the SUNGAIT Vintage Sunglasses for Women come in a wide range of all these colors while others are only available in a few or even one color. The kind of fishing you will be doing, whether inshore or offshore, will determine the color that you choose. For inshore, shallow water fishing, you need an amber color inside and a green mirror front. If you go fishing in an area with low light, choose a yellow colored lens. Below are other colors that you might consider.
Do not rush to choose a color that looks cool. Instead, consider the light conditions and the weather at the time you go fishing.
Gray/Smoke: Gray lenses are ideal when the sun is up and you need to reduce brightness and enhance color and depth perception. They help protect your eyes while giving you a clear view of the surroundings. You can use them for offshore fishing when the sun is very bright. You can also use them in streams and rivers that have a gray or limestone base.
Amber, Brown, Orange, and Copper: If you are fishing in low-light conditions, these colored lenses will be ideal for you. The colors let in light and make the environment around you appear brighter. However, be sure not to use these sunglasses in bright sunny days as they offer less protection against glare. These colors are ideal for everyday activities. Amber is the most versatile of them all.
Yellow: When you are fishing in overcast conditions, say dense fog, yellow lenses are able to filter out blue light to offer clarity and depth perception. If you are just sight-fishing, yellow should be your go-to color as it lets you see deep in water.
Green: Most green lenses have an amber/copper base. They are great in reducing contrast and vision on bright days while reducing color distortion. They are ideal when you fish in freshwater and for sight-fishing.
Blue: Blue and tints of blue feature a gray base to block strong sunlight and extreme reflections on open water. They are the best for saltwater fishing and offshore fishing with polarization.
Multiple Colors: Multicolored lenses are the latest addition in the colored lenses. These lenses are ideal when you need a versatile lens for use when fishing and for other activities. Most of them are ideal in dim light and in bright light.
The lens curvature determines how clear you see with your sunglasses. The best fishing sunglasses under 50 should offer as close to normal vision as possible. To do that, the lenses need to have the right curvature. Curvature refers to the thickness of the lens. If the curvature is too much, the images appear distorted, and you might not tell the depth or the distance of objects from your eyes.
As a rule of thumb, the front surface of the lens should be flat while the inside should be curved. A good pair of lenses should give clear vision when you look in every direction using your eyes. If glasses show even the tiniest distortion when you are looking in any direction, you can be sure that they will distort depth perception.
The frame of your sunglasses determines their durability. If you do bass fishing, you need rugged and sturdy frames as they might slip off your nose and ears often. Most sunglasses are made of polycarbonate material and some are made of metallic alloys. Polycarbonate frames are lightweight and most of them are impact resistant.
Even better, you can bend the frames without breaking them – which is why some manufacturers offer lifetime breakage warranty. The only downside with polycarbonate frames is that they scratch.
Metallic alloy frames are highly durable, but they might be relatively heavy. The metallic frame doesn’t scratch unless the painting is poorly done.
The best fishing sunglasses under 50 should have a wide frame to protect you from as much sunlight as possible, especially when you are fishing offshore.
Does the color of the frame matter? I used to think color doesn’t matter until black colored frames kept me hot an entire fishing season. Lighter color, or white, stay cool while black absorbs heat. If you choose black, ensure the frame is shiny.
Read here how to choose the best sunglass for camping & hiking
You need sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which in turn helps you reduce any headaches you might experience, and to improve your vision in water. The glare from the reflection in the water surface makes it challenging for you to see. A good pair of sunglasses cancels the glare.
You can see beneath the surface of the water with polarized sunglasses. These sunglasses reduce the reflections from the surface of the water and allow you to see through the refraction from the surface of the water. However, note that the glasses will only help you see as much as your eyes allow and not any deeper.
You do not need a prescription to buy the best fishing sunglasses under 50. If you already have prescription sunglasses, they work efficiently, like any other polarized sunglasses, to reduce glare and you may not need sunglasses. However, you can also shop for sunglasses designed to be worn over your prescription glasses.
Most of the sunglasses come with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a microfiber storage pouch, making maintenance and cleaning a cinch. To clean your pair, ensure your hands are clean. Use warm water to rinse out dirt and grime from the surface of the glasses to ensure debris does not scratch the surface of your glasses. Use a drop of mild dishwasher liquid or a special lens cleaner spread on the lens and the frame. Use the microfiber cloth provided or lint-less cloth if your package does not come with a cleaning cloth. Rinse off the soap and wipe the sunglasses clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
This means that your sunglasses protect you from 99 to 100 percent of all harmful UV rays from the sun and the glare from reflections. The lenses block all the harmful UV rays, including UVA, UVB, and UVC, up to 400 nanometers.
Photochromic lenses are innovative lenses also known as transition lenses. The lenses are able to adjust to varying light levels so you do not have to shop for different sunglasses for light and dim light conditions. Again, they are ideal when you need to handle higher magnitudes of light. If you need sunglasses that fit all light conditions, then you can go with transition glasses. However, they are relatively more expensive.
Does style matter to you? I love stylish sunglasses, whether I will be in the middle of the lake alone, or we will be fishing with others. If that matters to you too, go for a good looking pair of sunglasses.
If you need a pair that balances style, eye protection, increased visibility, ruggedness, versatility, and price, pick the J+S Premium Military Style Polarized Sunglasses. It is not only durable and stylish but also gives you a clear vision in bright light conditions.
If you would rather buy a pair with a more retro style and one that costs a little lower, you can pick the Joopin Semi-Rimless Polarized Sunglasses. It offers the same quality of construction and lets you see clearly, but it has a toned-down classic style. Plus, you save a few bucks while at it.
With these two sunglasses, I am sure you will enjoy your fishing experience more. Check them out here and here.
If you want to buy glacier glasses, here is a great buying guide for you.
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