Ray Ban polarized lens technologies vs. Maui Jim

Bunny Lebowski · Guest

Anyone here know anything about Ray Ban lens technologies? I'm looking for a brown polarized lens, and there are a few different types available. One is 'Brown GPL Polarized' and the other is 'Polycarbonate Polar Brown GSM Polarized'. The polycarbonate GSM has a mirror finish, and is darker at the top and bottom of the lens. Are there any major differences between the two? Any advantages/disadvantages to polycarbonate? And how do these lenses compare to Maui Jim? The Maui Jims are about twice as expensive, are they that much better?

Thanks.

Bad_Doggy_6666 · Guest

Bunny: If you have a choice, go with the GPL ("glass polarized lenses"). I love polarized shades but I've about had it with anyone's poly lenses. After many pairs of poly, it's always a case of no matter how careful you are they seem to get scratched. Get's very annoying.

I also think the vision is better with glass. I have pairs of both poly and glass lenses. It's subtle but the vision in my Ray Ban non-polarized aviators is better than my poly polarized.

If you're going to spend the $$, I'd go with glass.

I have no comment on Maui Jims but I think they're probably not worth the extra $$ compared to Ray Bans. Maui Jim is all the rage at the moment as trendy and they're priced accordingly.

BD

bushgator · Guest

Bunny ,

debbiewaddell · Guest

Do not buy glass! If you are in an accident of any kind, or trip, the glass can shatter and cut your eye and surrounding area! Been there done that, had to have the skin of my eyelid re- attached.

Liz · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 75 Location: Chicago, IL

Glass lenses are of better optical quality than polycarbonate lenses. In addition glass is more scratch resistant. Ray Ban sunglasses became originally famous for their glass lenses.

But I agree with debbiewaddell. Polycarbonate lenses are shatter resistant and they do not break in small pieces like glass. There is also a difference in weight. Polycarbonate is lighter than glass.

I own a few pairs of Ray Ban sunglasses myself with both poly and glass lenses. I prefer polycarbonate. They are lightweight and safe. Ray Ban polycarbonate lenses are of high quality, so you won't really loose in optical clarity.
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