Investing in Boating Sunglasses? Here Are 4 Qualities to Consider

As one of the most popular summer activities, boating has a special place in countless Americans' hearts. But whether you're still a beginner or a seasoned sailor, you ought to know that boating sunglasses are just one piece of gear that helps you stay safe. But not all sunglasses are created equal -- in fact, some sunglasses are designed for boating enthusiasts just like you. Before you buy them, however, you need to know what will provide the best visibility boost. Here are just a few qualities to look for when you're buying sunglasses for boating.

Polarization

In 2012, 95.9 million units of plano sunglasses were sold in the United States. Only 4.7 million of which were sold by online entities. Plano (polarized, non-polarized) pertains to eyeglasses that do not contain a curvature for correcting vision defects. Even if you do need corrective eyewear, investing in polarized sunglasses for boating provides the vision boost and UV protection boaters need. "Polarized sunglasses are almost a necessity when on the water. Regular sunglass lenses dampen all types of light that pass through them, while polarized lenses only block horizontal wavelengths but allow vertical wavelengths to pass through them....For example, if you are fishing on a sunny day and you are wearing polarized glasses, they will block the glare allowing you a clearer view of what’s in the water and that can be very advantageous," writes Discover Boating. Of all qualities of sunglasses for boating, many experts say polarization is a top priority, and that polarized sunglasses for boating make for a universally safer and visually optimized experience.

Tint

Sunglasses come in various tints, and the color of the lens is more about enhancing style. The tins helps to determine the overall color and contrast of your view, and typically, darker lens will perform better on sunnier days. Light tints are acceptable, of course, but they may distort colors.

Glass or Plastic

Sunglasses come in a range of materials, but metal, glass, and plastic are among the most common. Metal sunglasses are not ideal for boating because they'll quickly erode from being exposed to saltwater. Opt for glass or plastic instead: glass lenses typically provide the most clarity, but plastic tends to be more lightweight and resistant to impact.

Head Fit and Grip

When purchasing designer sunglasses, you want to ensure the style and design matches your head shape. When purchasing sunglasses for boating, you want to make sure they fit for a more practical reason: So they don't fly off into the water! Be sure that you purchase sunglasses that fit securely on your head. If you are one of the countless people prone to losing sunglasses, consider a lanyard or some other accessory that keeps your glasses connected to your body while on the water. Now that you know what to look for when buying sunglasses for boating, you can hit the open seas with confidence and enjoy all that the nautical life has to offer while staying safe -- and certainly stylish. For more information about polarized sunglasses for boating, contact Reks.