Why are sunglasses so expensive?

[Jgtdragon]

I noticed name brands are very expensive like Oakley and Bolle. Does it really protect your eyes better from the sun then the cheap $6 one at the flea market?

 

[Brutuskend]

IMO NO.

It's all about the coolness factor.

 

[CubicZirconia]

http://travel.howstuffworks.com/sunglass1.htm

Read that.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Jgtdragon
I noticed name brands are very expensive like Oakley and Bolle. Does it really protect your eyes better from the sun then the cheap $6 one at the flea market?

Yes.

 

[kami333]

Floakleys are brittle and will shatter whereas a Oakley will bend more.

 

[Jgtdragon]

What is you guys think about this one?

 

[VTEC01EX]

They're that expensive because people will pay obsurd amounts for them.

I'm guilty of blowing tons of $$ on sunglasses too, but mine are perscription.

 

[Kipper]

In answer to your question:

Book #1
and
Book #2

Basically, the sociological theory suggests people spend $200 on a pair of sunglasses when a $20 equivalent would suffice because it's a way of conspicuously showing off how much they can consume, which translates into the affluence of life.

Look at it this way. Why spend $100,000 on a H1 when you can get an infinitely more reliable, infinitely more efficient 2004/2005 Honda for $30,000?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: VTEC01EX
They're that expensive because people will pay obsurd amounts for them.

so if your eyes are already f'd up why are you spending lots of money on protecting them?

 

[Nebor]

Yes, the lenses are the main difference, although high end sunglasses also usually feature amazing frames that are nearly indestructible.

I'm an Oakley and Maui Jim fanboy.

 

[khlee]

maui jim prices are just ridiculous
250 a pair? no thanks.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: khlee
maui jim prices are just ridiculous
250 a pair? no thanks.

I recall reading somewhere Maui Jim and Revo have the best lenses. I've been wearing Ray Bans for years. I think my next pair will be either Revo or Oakley. Not sure yet.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

20 buck sunglasses are made for 5 bucks

200 buck sunglasses are made for 20 bucks, and are marginally better.




Which would you rather profit from?

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: khlee
maui jim prices are just ridiculous
250 a pair? no thanks.

I like them better for just lounging around than Oakleys. Maui Jims just have a darker more comfortable image. Oakleys give you a lot of contrast, and really good fast motion vision, along with being nearly unbreakable. I bought 6 pair of Maui Jims from a local store like a year ago, I've only lost one pair, some Beachcombers, which were, incidentally, my favorites.

I only have 3 pair of Oakleys, 2 half jackets, one black frame, one silver, and a dark blue pair of minutes.

EDIT: I usually drive with Maui Jims unless I'm dressed in a kinda sporty way, then I'll wear Oakleys. I use Oakleys for skiing, fishing, any kind of sports really.

 

[khlee]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: khlee
maui jim prices are just ridiculous
250 a pair? no thanks.

I recall reading somewhere Maui Jim and Revo have the best lenses. I've been wearing Ray Bans for years. I think my next pair will be either Revo or Oakley. Not sure yet.

yeah, ive heard its cause maui uses glass lenses, whereas revo oakley and most others use plastic. still, i cant justify spending so much on sunglasses.

 

[shimsham]

the only sunglasses ive ever purchased myself have been from the french market in N.O. when i go. ive never paid over $5. i just cant pay alot for something i know ill lose in a week, regardless of how much better they may be than the cheap ones.

only difference ive ever noticed is that the more expensive types usually fit better.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: khlee

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: khlee
maui jim prices are just ridiculous
250 a pair? no thanks.

I recall reading somewhere Maui Jim and Revo have the best lenses. I've been wearing Ray Bans for years. I think my next pair will be either Revo or Oakley. Not sure yet.

yeah, ive heard its cause maui uses glass lenses, whereas revo oakley and most others use plastic. still, i cant justify spending so much on sunglasses.

Its not just glass. Ray Ban also uses glass lenses. Its strange because when I try on Oakleys I have this feeling that they don't fit right. Its because they're so much lighter then any of the Ray Bans I've worn.

 

[deejayshakur]

can i bump this and ask:

where can i find rayban's for the best price?

framesdirect any good?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: deejayshakur
can i bump this and ask:

where can i find rayban's for the best price?

framesdirect any good?

Steal 'em.

- M4H

 

[Geekbabe]

I best get mine over to Costco and get the lenses put back in.Expensive glasses with lenses that pop out constantly aren't fun!

 

[drewdogg808]

maui jims, serengetti, and some ray bans have glass lenses....which have slightly better optics than plastic or polycarbonate. maui jims and serengetti also have an anti-reflective coating on the backside to minimize glare/reflections.

the rest of the mark-up is name brand...

the profit on optical frames and lenses is ridiculous...but i'm not complaining..

 

[PoPPeR]

I got my Ray Ban Predators from a friend for 30% (employee discount), still came out to about $110 or so. Well worth the price, I have many $5 and $20 american eagle/gas station sunglasses and there's a very noticeable difference, especially when driving in the california sun where glare can be a real big problem.

 

[fitzhue]

Originally posted by: Jgtdragon
What is you guys think about this one?

They have them here for a bit cheaper. I went ahead and bought a pair and absolutely love them. They're very light, offer excellent protection, and look awesome.

 

[milagro]

hehe...fast motion vision

 

[deejayshakur]

Originally posted by: PoPPeR
I got my Ray Ban Predators from a friend for 30% (employee discount), still came out to about $110 or so. Well worth the price, I have many $5 and $20 american eagle/gas station sunglasses and there's a very noticeable difference, especially when driving in the california sun where glare can be a real big problem.

can i be his friend too?