Product Review: Maui Jim prescription sunglasses

My initial pair of prescription polarized sunglasses were Oakleys.  The Asian fit frame with nose pads was comfortable and impact resistant but the polarized coating easily scratched and the dark grey lens was too dark to use in low light.  The optical shop where I had purchased the Oakleys recommended Maui Jim (MJ) polarized prescription sunglasses for my next pair. I was surprised to find that the MJ frames were even more comfortable than my Oakleys due to the light weight frame and adjustable nose pads.  It was important to me that the frames didn’t sit on my cheeks and fog up.

My original Twin Falls pair. Still in great condition by my eyesight changed!

I purchased a MJ wrap around style called Twin Falls in 2015 and loved the way they looked and fit.  Got them with a bronze lens that would be good for most lighting situations. The bronze lenses seemed to cut glare yet made colors brighter and my eyes felt so “relaxed” in the outdoors and so uncomfortable without them.

Three years later, my prescription changed a bit and I started developing a slight cataract in my left eye.  No wonder the guys could see boats in the distance and fleeing bait that I couldn’t!  It was time to get a new pair of polarized prescription sunglasses and I considered the options.  I narrowed it down to Maui Jim and Costa Del Mar.  Erik had been field testing two Costa pairs on his boat the last couple of years and said the polarized non-prescription glass lenses were the clearest he has ever used but the frames themselves weren’t comfortable enough to wear for everyday use.  Since my fishing time is much smaller than my drive-in-the-car and outdoor use, it was an easy decision to go with Maui Jim again.

Maui Jim has so many frame styles that it took a while to narrow down my choices.  Since I wanted maximum glare blockage, I needed to stick with the wrap style, and decided on another Twin Falls since I loved the first pair so much!  My 3 yr old frame was still in great shape so I considered just having new lenses made but Maui Jim’s Fishing and Marine Specialist, Mike Battistoni, replied to my request for a product test and offered me his VIP pricing on frame and prescription lenses if I’d do a fair review.  Turns out Mike is an avid fisherman and fishing industry veteran who grew up in Southern California but has been working out of the Florida Maui Jim office in the last few years. As large a client base as he supports, Mike was extremely responsive to my emailed questions.

Mike explained that MJ prescription lenses don’t come in glass but do come in “MauiBrilliant” which are the lightest and optically clearest plastic lenses in the world.  They use 3 rare earth elements to view the 3 main colors (red, blue and green) and add a white base polarizing film that allows the wearer to see a purer white when looking at a white background.  No other competitor offers these features to provide true color viewing.  MJ also uses a bi-gradient, mirror coating on the top and bottom of their lenses to reflect the brightest light away from your eyes, in effect squinting for you.

I really am at the 2018 Div II High School Softball Semi-Finals. I just happen to be wearing my fishing clothes ‘cuz they match St Francis’ colors!

All I know is I can see really well again.  I can’t get over how well I can read street signs and license plates.  The frame’s arms don’t pinch my temples yet fit snug because I have adjusted the nose pads for a custom fit.  I wanted a pair that I could wear for driving, fishing, and in low light. It’s been a hassle to switch to non-sunglass eyeglasses to see when I parked the car underground. I sometimes wear the MJs in stores or restaurants to see far but take them off when talking to people so I’m not viewed as a weird guy with Unabomber tendencies.

The horizon, mountains and water look brilliant yet natural, and the polarizing effect built into the entire lens really cuts the glare.  I can see fish following my lures and spot the subtle movement of bait fish again.  Absolutely love the new Maui Jim Twin Falls and wholeheartedly recommend Maui Jim sunglasses !

Find a Maui Jim retailer near you to try a pair on.