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Best Oakley Sunglasses For Fishing
Oakley Split Shot
Oakley’s Split Shot was designed specifically for fishing with large wraparound lenses, a curved browline and arms that fit perfectly under a cap, and an integrated detachable leash that snaps into the temple tips.
The large lens area provides excellent peripheral vision and coverage so that no light reflects off the inside of the lenses around the sides. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and secure on your face with Oakley’s Unobtainium rubber on the nose piece, which keeps it from slipping down.
Of course, it also comes with Oakley’s Prizm technology for enhancing color and contrast, two things that are key when sight fishing. For offshore or open water, you’ll want the Prizm Deep Water polarized lens, or Prizm Shallow Water, which has a brown base and green mirror for rivers and streams, and shallow lakes.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
One of Oakley’s all-time bestsellers, the Flak 2.0 XL (we’ll get to the XL part in a sec) is a great pair of sunglasses that works well for nearly every activity. Be it cycling, running, fishing, or heck, just lazing around, it’s a lightweight, comfortable pair of semi-rimless shades that just WORKS.
The only difference between the Flak 2.0 and the Flak 2.0 XL is the slightly taller lens design of the XL along with a slight upward swoop on the bottom edge. The actual frame isn’t any bigger than the non-XL version.
Paired with Oakley’s Prizm lens technologies, it’s fantastic for outdoor anything, including spotting life beneath the water.
Oakley Fuel Cell
Another great wrap-around frame, the Fuel Cell is made entirely of Oakley’s famous O Matter™ material, which is extra durable and lightweight. The Fuel Cell is basically a larger version of their also popular Gascan, with a slightly taller lens and roomier fit, so it’s a good choice for larger heads and faces.
The broad temples help block reflection and wind from the sides, and Oakley’s 3-point fit with the straight arm design reduces pressure against your head. When paired with the Prizm Shallow Water or Prizm Deep Water lenses, you’ll get full polarization for superb clarity and glare reduction.
Oakley Turbine XS
On the other end of the size spectrum, the Turbine XS is a perfect frame for teens and youth, or adults with narrow faces. Oakley hasn’t always had much selection for those with smaller features, so it’s a welcome addition to their lineup of sport and performance eyewear.
Measuring 125mm across, the O Matter™ frame comes complete with a generous amount of Unobtainium rubber along the temples and nosepiece to ensure a non-slip grip, even when drenched in sweat or moisture. It’s a hardy frame that stands up to plenty of wear and tear, along with great UV protection (and glare with polarized lenses).
What To Look For In Oakley Fishing Sunglasses
Polarized Lenses
First and foremost, any angler worth their salt knows you need polarized lenses if you’re out fishing. Oakley’s Prizm technology is well-known for its color and contrast-enhancing capabilities.
But not all of their Prizm lenses come polarized, so be sure to choose either the Prizm Deep Water or Prizm Shallow Water lens for fishing.
Prizm Deep Water is specially designed for deep-sea fishing. It filters out the various shades of blue so you can make out shapes and life beneath the open water, and the polarization keeps reflection off the surface to a minimum.
Prizm Shallow Water is specifically built for fishing in shallow (less than 10-ft. deep) rivers, creeks, and streams.
It has a green appearance with a rose base and allows slightly more light transmission than the Deep Water. The lens allows you to see the terrain below the water so you can easily spot fish and movement below the surface.
Sturdy Build
All Oakley performance sunglasses are nearly indestructible, making them an excellent choice for active outdoor pursuits.
While other boating and fishing sunglass brands might have the optical edge with glass lenses (think Costa and Maui Jim), Oakley outshines the field when it comes to their durable frames.
Most frames are made of their proprietary O Matter™ plastic, which is both lightweight and exceptionally impact-resistant.
Comfort and Fit
Besides polarized lenses, a good pair of fishing sunglasses should be comfortable to wear. For most, a wrap-around sport frame works best because of the large, curved lens that gives you excellent peripheral vision.
The wrap style also provides excellent protection from glare, wind, and splash that might otherwise get into your eyes from the sides.