The sunglasses you need for the sports you do
By Kent Black
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| Jonathan Kantor |
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There are now more than 200 companies that compete in the $2.6 billion sunglass industry. In an effort to prove that only its shades stand between you and blinding outdoor hazards—everything from ultraviolet rays and grit to bugs and subfrequency government propaganda—each of these companies shamelessly
hypes fresh-from-the-lab features such as "orbital seals," "prismatic crystal carbonates," and "focal technology with a decentered 8-Base curved lens." The technobabble may sound impressive, but c'mon—are you in the market for simple eyewear or a CAT scan? And despite what this jargon suggests, sunglasses aren't all that complicated. You really need
to understand just two simple features: polarization and lens material.
First, polarization—the layer of polyvinyl film sandwiched inside a lens that eliminates glare by admitting only vertical light waves. The important thing to remember about polarization is that it's not for everyone. True, it's essential for a windsurfer screaming toward rocks submerged beneath a sun-dappled lake. But road bikers and mountaineers
should avoid polarized lenses because they can't afford to miss the glare from road slicks or patches of boilerplate ice. Bottom line: If you don't need polarization, don't pay for it.
Lens material isn't any more complicated. Most lenses come in two flavors: polycarbonate—a high-grade plastic—and glass. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter and more bonk-resistant than glass, but lack glass's clarity. Wear polycarbonate for a sport that smacks you around, like mountain biking. Wear glass for fishing, alpine climbing, or
sailing, where you need sharp vision. Also keep in mind that all quality sunglasses—such as those reviewed on the following pages—should be 100-percent UV resistant. And finally, of course, try to choose a pair of shades that helps you look cool. Fortunately, all the models we've selected will give you an extra edge in that department.
INSIDE:
• Shoes that walk on water
• Bincular Perfection
• Books: Sir Edmund Hillary's new memoir
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