The best men's sunglasses (Maui Jim's, Ray-Ban, etc) that look good, are functional, and won't go out of style?
71Ray-Ban yes, but what is etc.
I agree that Ray-Ban for men is the best way to go. However, I really do not agree with paying BIG money for a paair of the originals when a good paid of "knockoffs" will give you the protection you require and still look like a million bucks.
There are different styles in the Ray-Ban line and they all look great on men. "Knockoffs" are available in all the styles also.
The only reason to pay BIG money for original sunglasses is "Vanity" So lighten up and save some money to boot.
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First, I'm joining your fan club because I loved the "vanity" line. I believe that many people suffer from this.
However, I will pay a premium for quality. Is there a significant difference in the quality of the lens of a Maui Jims vs knock offs?
Hi Rosenartie, I saw your request. However, all you need to do is respond in the comments of your Hub (like this) to continue the discussion. It's easier!
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Not really a question, more of a statement. Thanks for your comment on the sunglasses. I am flattered by your visit. I will be reading more of your hubs as time allows. Again, thanks.
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Looking forward to reading more of your Hubs:)
another reason to pay up the price is quality. Kick off glasses under $100 might give also an excellent UV protection, but they might wear-out faster. If you pay $200+ or glasses that will last for 50 years, I think it is really worth it as long as they don't get stolen.
Ben, How many people do you know that have LOST their sunglasses before those 50 years. Hey, different strokes for different folks so if you feel comfortable paying those high prices all the power to ya. Me, I'll stick to the knockoffs. By the way, where did I leave those glasses of mine. Ooops, gone again. Lots of luck Ben, great talking to you.
Know that most of the knockoffs these days come straight out of China. Have you been watching the news about what is coming out of China? Toys painted in lead paint! Dog food that kills dogs! Clothes made by 8 year olds. Now think about what you are trying to protect with cheap products - YOUR EYES!!! I'd rather pay a bit more and know that if I get hit accidentally that the plastic or glass won't shatter and blind me or that the protection factors are true. Always remember that you get what you pay for. Ray-Bans, while being a bit pricey, are a really good product made by a reputable company that stands behind their product. The fact that so many want to knockoff their product and have for over 70 years should tell you something. If you're afraid of loosing them, get a kneck strap or pocket lanyard or make a habit of puting them on top of your head or draped from your shirt when not wearing them. I've actually found that the more I pay the more responsible I am with the glasses. Raybans typically come with a case that can be threaded onto your belt too.
Noel, I hear where you are coming from. Good comment. To be honest, I don't know where Raybans are made but it wouldn't surprise me if they aren't made in China. What puzzles me most is why are we importing ANYTHING from China? We don't trust them, they are a communist country, they are agetting ready for something, maybe even war, and yet the majority of products on the market today are "made in China". So, having said that, I still will not pay the price they want for "the real thing". Again Noel, thanks for your comment.
Most people are unaware that even when sunglass frames say "Made in Italy", the actualy origin of the frames is still China in most cases.
From http://realeyesoptical.fs4radius3.com/Frame_Qualit :
Nowadays, about 90% of all eyeglasses are made in China. All of the major Italian eyeglasses companies have moved the majority of their production to China. Many of the eyeglasses that are made in China are then shipped to Europe where a minimal amount of assembly or finishing work is done so that the frames can receive the “Made in Europe” designation.
There are some designers, like Alain Mikli, Lafont, and Silhouette and a few others that make their eyeglasses completely in Europe. Brands like Armani, Gucci, and other big fashion houses are mostly made in China, and then finished in Europe. This is not to say that China eyewear is of inferior quality. China has been making eyewear for many years and the quality is quite good.
Ever since Ray Ban and Revo were acquired by Italian giant Luxottica, their lens quality has gone down the tube. Many Maui Jim models now say "Made in Italy" as well, which leads me to think they are cost cutting by using China parts as well. Just a sign o' the times.
Vik, I must say that you know your sunglasses and those that make them. So, should we be out there paying rediculous prices for a name on a sunglass or should we be looking to protect our eyes from the sun. Even the knockoffs say they give max. protection from the suns rays.
While knockoffs do protect 100% against UVA / UVB light, where they lack is in their optics. Cheap quality polycarbonate lenses can produce distortion, and the visual clarity is not as sharp as the better lenses used in higher end brands. This causes stress to the eye - it's like looking through the wrong prescription lenses. There are some good brands, e.g Reptile polarized sunglasses (very good lenses) which can be had online at a discounted prices in the $40-70 range at places like Sierra Trading Post.
compu-smart says:
2 years ago
I have a pair of Maui jims and not many people have heard of them but im wondering if "knockoffs" replicas will still give your eyes the same kind of protection from the sun rays!!