Two Pairs of Island Optics Polarized Glasses: Premium Features at a Bargain Price
With so many different brands of polarized sunglasses, it’s hard for one to stand out, especially when we all have differently sized and shaped heads and eyes that function differently. I have a healthy supply and while that gives me choices I increasingly find myself reaching for two pairs from Island Optics – Mako XL in Matte Black with Red Sunset Mirror Lens and Crane Matte Blue Aqua Tortoise with Blue Flash Mirror Lens. While they’re two very different styles, they’re both comfortable, provide great coverage and premium optical clarity at a third of the price of some of my other shades.
Fit, Comfort and Design
How do the sunglasses fit my large cranium?
Mako XL – I often can’t find glasses that fit my entire face, but that’s not a problem with this style. They provide wider temples, sit on the bridge of my nose properly, and just touch my cheekbones – that’s desirable, because with some other frames that sit on the cheekbones I find the glasses end up pooling with sweat. One feature that is valuable but may go unnoticed is that the hinges flex – this keeps them in place without sacrificing comfort.
Crane – I liked the look of these glasses but thought there was no way the smaller-than-average frames would fit my big noggin correctly. Ever hear the phrase “Looks better on than on the hanger”? That is how I feel about the Crane frames and I love them. Somehow, even despite appearing to have a small footprint they blocked out all light and provided full coverage. I especially love the blue tortoise frames which I have never seen on any other brand.
Are they comfortable to wear all day?
Mako XL – When you take the glasses out of the pouch and see how large they look you assume they would be heavy. Quite to my surprised, they are remarkably lightweight.
Crane – These frames are ultra lightweight, light as a feather. You may even forget you have glasses on.
Do they stay in place while being active?
Mako XL – This model has Gator Grip anti-slip nose pads and temple tips on the frames. I also wear a strap to make sure they don’t move or slip for any reason.
Crane – These glasses also feature Gator Grips on the nose pads and temple tips. I would suggest wearing a retainer because as light as they are if the wind catches you in the right way they may go flying off your face.
Lens Performance
Do the lenses block glare on the water?
Mako XL – These sunglasses provided exceptional glare elimination, giving me clear visibility into the water. Just as importantly, after wearing them all day my eyes were not strained, even in brutal tropical sunlight. I found that the Red Sunset Mirror are a little darker than some other traditional colors and didn’t cause me any headaches after being on the water from sunup to sundown.
Crane – The innovative OX2 dial polarized lens technology cut through the surface glare, which gave crisp visibility into the water and reduced eye fatigue during long wear in strong direct sunlight. The Blue Flash Mirror lens appears less dark than the red ones, but I still found them to be super protective.
How do the glasses compare to other sunglasses I’ve worn?
Mako XL – I do like the fact that they have vented side shields which improve airflow and reduce fogging. There is nothing worse than having quality glasses but being unable to use them because they’re fogged up.
Crane – Most of the time when I am on the water I am in the hot sun and no one wants heavy sunglasses adding to more sweat, which makes you rub your face and potentially rub off your suntan lotion. I dig how lightweight they are and I noticed that they stayed in place without pressing too hard against my nose, which causes headaches.
Functionality, Value and Impressions:
Can you wear them every day?
Mako XL – Of course you could wear them every day. They are terrific for sun protection but to me they look more like athletic wear rather than fashion-oriented eyewear aimed at enhancing my cute outfit.
Crane – I normally am not a “blue girl,” but, if I do say so, these glasses look very good on me. I would absolutely wear these glasses on an everyday basis with a matching outfit.
Can you wear them with a hat or visor?
Mako XL – Even with my big head, the XL glasses fit just fine under my Half Past First Cast Richardson 112 hat. They also sit nicely and firmly in place on the hat when you need to take them off.
Crane – No issue at all wearing these glasses with any type of hat, I think they would actually fit under a helmet if need be.
Are they worth the price?
There is no question Island Optic sunglasses are absolutely worth the price. I have several other brands of premium polarized sunglasses and these performed every bit as well – and perhaps were more comfortable than -- the much higher-priced options.
Would I recommend these Island Optics sunglasses?
If you spend time outdoors, especially if you’re an angler who needs serious clarity, such as for finding bed fish, these are the glasses for you. They are comfortable and they stay put and protect your eyes on long rough runs.
Island Optics has ten sunglass frame styles available, with so many different lens colors and prices range from $89.00 to $119.00, a real bargain for a great pair of useful glasses. Prescription and readers are available as well for slightly more money but are still very, very reasonable. Free U.S. shipping over $75, limited lifetime craftsmanship warranty and damage protection included for the first year.
The company has been around since 1922 so they must know what they are doing. Luckily I found them at the Bassmaster Classic and spoke with the owners and decided to give them a try and I am glad I did. It’s clear they care about quality and performance and I look forward to wearing them in the future.
