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Sunglasses - kitesurfing

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Created by shi thouse > 9 months ago, 17 Jan 2017
Gorgo
VIC, 4911 posts
22 Jan 2018 11:17AM
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I think there is no such thing as a strap that really works. You always need a leash if you want to keep your glasses. I have had sunglasses come off from under hats and helmets. All it takes is the right kind of crash.

You can leash onto the wetsuit zip puller or the bungy thing on a front/no zip, or make a little velcro and elastic neck leash. I found that most convenient.

I have several pairs of Seaspecs (bought on one of their many 3 for 1 sales), and have owned lots of different types over the years. I have recently bought a pair of Lips Typhoons after reading the comments here.

At first I was a bit disappointed with the Typhoons. They weren't that much better than a well maintained pair of Seaspecs or other glasses. I kept using them and I have found that at their best they are excellent. At their worst they are still pretty good. Now I use them all the time.

Other glasses tend to degrade over time and you always get a day when they're just crap. The water sheets over the lenses and dries into film. On the Typhoons the water might start off as sheets, but coalesces into drops that dry and are not that noticeable.

There is a little maintenance workload for the Typhoons. You're supposed to rinse them in fresh water after use and occasionally wash the lenses with a little gentle detergent (I use the hand wash stuff we have sitting in the bathroom). You let them dry then polish with the supplied cloth. At $300 a pair it's not hard to get motivated to look after them. I think they would work adequately with just a swoosh in the sea as you take off.

I have tried all the other stuff on Seaspecs and the like (RainX and waxes and stuff). The workload to keep them clean was a pain, and there were always days when they just got too grubby to see.

UTB
26 posts
22 Jan 2018 1:49PM
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After losing my $28- Bolle safety glasses with $10- floating luminous band (didn't float / couldn't see it!) in a stack last week I'm in the market for a new pair of sunnies. Kiting on the east coast in the mid- late afternoon = looking directly into the sun, so sunnies are a non-negotiable.

Unfortunately I have a wider than average head and wide bridge of my nose (much like the wider than average rest of my person) - so I'm reluctant to go with an online buy if I can't try them on. Are Seaspecs a 'generous' fit by any chance or should I just go for something else?

Cheers

UTB

raggedflyer
WA, 64 posts
24 Jan 2018 11:31PM
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Nice review of the typhoons. I've been using "disposable" bolle safety glasses for years, having bought a box of ten some years back while working as a contractor. Has anyone tried Fuglies? They're polarised safety glasses, around the $60 mark according to their website. I'm interested to find out more about them.

Hey UTB, to find & order glasses online try looking up the dimensions of an existing pair you're comfortable with online, then compare with dimensions of other brands/models online. Most brands show common dims.
Cheers, j

Trenttdk
WA, 11 posts
27 Feb 2018 8:54PM
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I bought a pair of fuglies a couple of weeks ago after reading this thread. No doubt the Typhoons are great but I just can't justify $300.
So, had the Fuglies out five or six times now and I can't fault them. I bought them direct from the website and they were delivered to WA about three days later. They come with a removable strap, a sleeve for storage, as well as a semi-hard case with a zip and clip to attach to your bag. On the water they're light, and stay in place, even through crashes. I haven't had them fog at all. I do notice water beads and leaves spots when it dries. Can't say that bothers me much. Also, the salt spray definitely makes them a bit hazier at the end of the session than the beginning. I rinse and dry when I get home and they're all good. So far no scratches or problems with the lenses. I remove the strap and they're fine to wear around. I don't think they're really 'fugly' but, hey, I'm married so no need to impress anyone, right? I think I paid $59 plus delivery. Money well spent in my opinion. I should add the usual- no affiliation with the company and not receiving anything for the review. Cheers.

bjw
NSW, 3568 posts
1 Mar 2018 4:14PM
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Just cheap UV rated sunnies. 2$ strap then ties some elastic from the arm to your hat, that way if it comes off they float.

Also skip polarised. They are a nightmare, too hard to see waves and the reef.

raggedflyer
WA, 64 posts
3 Mar 2018 10:15AM
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Select to expand quote
Trenttdk said..
I bought a pair of fuglies a couple of weeks ago after reading this thread. No doubt the Typhoons are great but I just can't justify $300.
So, had the Fuglies out five or six times now and I can't fault them. I bought them direct from the website and they were delivered to WA about three days later. They come with a removable strap, a sleeve for storage, as well as a semi-hard case with a zip and clip to attach to your bag. On the water they're light, and stay in place, even through crashes. I haven't had them fog at all. I do notice water beads and leaves spots when it dries. Can't say that bothers me much. Also, the salt spray definitely makes them a bit hazier at the end of the session than the beginning. I rinse and dry when I get home and they're all good. So far no scratches or problems with the lenses. I remove the strap and they're fine to wear around. I don't think they're really 'fugly' but, hey, I'm married so no need to impress anyone, right? I think I paid $59 plus delivery. Money well spent in my opinion. I should add the usual- no affiliation with the company and not receiving anything for the review. Cheers.



I got a pair a of Fuglies a few weeks back, same accessories plus the inner dust seal. Have no tried the PP07 & PP09 models, the 7 is larger while 9 is slimline. I've worn them on the beach at Augusta with +25kt wind whipping the fine sand into my face and I was really impressed with the seal. The fine sand was everywhere but not in my eyes. The polarised lenses cut the glare, make it easier to see objects underwater, solid build similar to my Oakley Gascan & Crankshaft and with the AS safety rating I can wear them at work. For the cost, I reckon these are great. I won't be spending +$200 on Oakleys anymore. Also no affiliation.

Willwill
WA, 4 posts
9 Oct 2018 6:40AM
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Select to expand quote
horey69 said..
So has anyone tried tinted contact lenses? I've multiple pairs of seapeces but have now given up due to popping a lens or losing them all together. I looked at lip sunnies but I'd want to try them on before shelling out that much. Has anyone tried the ion ones with the strap?


Should be available next year, just got FDA approval in the US
Johnson & Johnson Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology

Windfoil Romain
4 posts
14 Apr 2019 2:01PM
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I have been using Lip Typhoon for a year now and can't live without them. I also use them to drive, play tennis, chill,... they are just great and highly recommended.
They also have prescription glasses.
Here is a review of the product:
www.windfoilzone.com/post/lip-sunglasses-review

Happykitr
QLD, 59 posts
15 Apr 2019 10:01AM
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Ok fuglies are good mine lasted 4 seasons. Made by anti gravity in china who also makes glasses seaspec. Lip made in Taiwan which scope beast glasses are also made. Look very similar to lip surge. And by the photo you will see that they are bigger frames. Ie not made for asian faces. Best sunnys I've had dried salt blows off them no water spots polarized meet aus and nz safety requirements. 80 bucks delivered. Scope is one of biggest suppliers of safety glasses in Australia. No affiliation with them for disclosure. Scope and fuglies in the photo for comparison of size.




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"Sunglasses - kitesurfing" started by shi thouse