Sunglasses

[ULP]

I've always fancied a pair of Rayban sunglasses but choked at the cost. However, with my birthday money I've decided to splash out rather than buying rubbish glasses every year. However, I don't really know anything about what to look for and was wondering if anyone could provide me with advice based on:

Max budget £125 (and it is maximum)

Want ones that wrap around so there is no sun penetration when driving side-on

Lenses that give high-quality clarity in all weathers (I always wear glasses in heavy spray as you can pick out shapes easier)

Fat head - I've got one, many glasses just look to-narrow.

Where to get them from - seems you can buy everything on-line, but looking at reputable sites.

I suppose there is nothing better than trying them on, and I'm not specifically limiting myself to Raybans but a high-quality set of glasses to treasure for many years are what I want; fashion comes a distant last but I don't want to look like I've just come off the set of CHIPS.

Any thoughts?

[Skipton01]

Have a look at Oakley - they do an extensive range of frames which you can have as sunglasses or any other type of specialist eye wear (polarized, yellow tint etc).

My prescription glasses are Oakley Corkscrews with transitions lenses and are absolutely superb.

Cheers

Mike

[dan_b]

Go to your local Vision Express, they sell Oakley and RayBan sunglasses - you can try on all manner of styles and find the one that suits and fits you best.

I have a pair of 'Bans which I bought about 8 years ago - optical quality is fantastic, and becuase they were relatively expensive, I look after them.

[ULP]

Cheers guys, I don't wear glasses for driving but even so didn't realise that you could get a choice of glass in frame - I'll try Oakley and pop down to Vision Express!

[humps]

I'm wearing tag heuer all titainium 'eye glasses' frame (3008) with flexible rubber (sweat resistent, still not disintegrated after 2yrs) arms. My frame was £230 but google says some tag sunglasses comes much closer to £100 these days. Most comfortable, due to the arms and the super light weight! The flexible arms also fit inside a helmet for bike or track days. Added bonus is no big logo on mine.

If you want quality lense, I also have a pair of top end Hoya lenses and the whole package is extremely light and comfortable. The lense is anti-glare and scratch. Best lense and frame combo I've ever owned although they cost me an arm...

[james.farrow]

I have rimless oakley prescription eyewear and have some prescription oakley x-metal sunnys. Swear by them. Oakley's customer services( or atleast my dealings with them) are second to none.

[HUWS66]

I have a pair of Cartier driveing glasses have used them for about 5 years quality is second to none for clarity with all the usual uv protection

[richard-]

I saw a nice pair of sunglasses that was oakley a good few months ago, with the coloured bigger arms .. I opted for a cheap ebay pair instead of £75

[ben]

If you are looking for cheap online suppliers, I've used both:

http://www.unitedshades.com

and

http://www.glassescentre.com

As recommended though - you can't beat trying them on in-store - just make sure you take someone along with you whose opinions you trust!

B

[ben]

Oakley do some mean looking glasses:

http://unitedshades.com/showpic.asp?file=/glasses/oakley/sun/pics/oo9070.jpg

Bimey - these have headphones built-in...

http://unitedshades.com/showpic.asp?file=/glasses/oakley/sun/pics/oo7504.jpg

[ULP]

Thanks for the links Ben, I'll probably do what most people do, try in a shop then buy online...!

[shao_khan]

I have a few pairs of Oakleys. Revo used to produce very good glasses, but were brought out and they apepar to be lower quality these days.

If you ever pop into London there is an Oakley shop in COvent Garden and you can try pretty much any style they have. Most have a choice of lens in the frame as well.

My favourite is the X-metal XX with 24k Lens - very good all round sun glasses, durable, mine are 6 years old and just needing a service now as I damaged a lens a couple of weeks back :(