Maui Jim Rx Sunglasses are they worth?

determined09 · May 17, 2015

Hello Everyone

I've been thinking about buying a pair of RX sunglasses by Maui Jim. I've heard that they have the best polarized lens around. I've had several eye doctors recommend them. I was wondering if they are really worth that kind of money? It's going to be about $600 to $800. Any suggestions or tips or pros and cons? Thank you

senseless · May 17, 2015

determined09 said:
Hello Everyone

I've been thinking about buying a pair of RX sunglasses by Maui Jim. I've heard that they have the best polarized lens around. I've had several eye doctors recommend them. I was wondering if they are really worth that kind of money? It's going to be about $600 to $800. Any suggestions or tips or pros and cons? Thank you

My $200 polarized prescription glasses are great. What do these do that mine don't?

QuarterSwede · May 17, 2015

I've got a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses but they aren't Rx. They are phenomenal though.

determined09 · May 17, 2015

QuarterSwede said:
I've got a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses but they aren't Rx. They are phenomenal though.

Thank you

adk · May 18, 2015

Does your optometrist recommend that you buy them from him? Methinks he gets a big commission for selling you an $800 pair of sunglasses.

2298754 · May 18, 2015

I fully believe that spending the extra coin on "brand-name" rx glasses is worth it. My everyday Oakley frames/lenses were almost $700. My rx RayBan sunglasses were almost $500 with RayBan lenses.

However, one thing I noticed was that if you're buying from Lenscrafters or other stores, they offer you these sunglass frames (Maui-Jim, Oakley, RayBan, etc) with their own in-store brand lenses. They're not bad, but they aren't as good as the brand-name optics. On my WayFarers, the RB lenses were like $400, compared to the $129 frame. If I got the Lenscrafters RX polarized lenses, it would have been $250 or so all in. Just be careful.

Another thing to note is that there are so many places online that are a better deal than Lenscrafters. Glasses.com/framesdirect.com They all offer the same glasses at a sizable discount. I've done this multiple times over the years. You can just walk into Lenscrafters after and they will adjust/fix them for free.

Your eye doctor is pretty much the worst place to go for rx glasses. I'm sure the service is fantastic, but they do mark-up everything and they probably don't carry the entire lineup of designs that Lenscrafters and these online sites do.

mobilehaathi · May 18, 2015

senseless said:
My $200 polarized prescription glasses are great. What do these do that mine don't?

It may be a matter of a strong prescription and thus high-index lens materials. The high-index lenses get very expensive.

2298754 · May 18, 2015

senseless said:
My $200 polarized prescription glasses are great. What do these do that mine don't?

Depends on the axis of polarization (vertical/horizontal/circular) and quality of the optics.

For example, if I went with the Lenscrafter's polarized lenses for my Ray-Bans, they didn't work with the Heads-Up Display on my Audi (vertical polarization of the lenses make the HUD invisible). The RayBan-branded lenses work perfectly.

Optics make a huge deal because they made to higher tolerances than your off-the-shelf lenses. For example, Maui-Jim and Oakley's Plutonite/Iridium lenses are top-notch. Similar argument can be used with DSLRs. Canon lenses are better than knock-off chinese ones.

EDIT: High-index lenses also factor into this. The Lenscrafter's lenses were super thick, even after speccing high-index. The RB ones aren't.

senseless · May 18, 2015

AutoUnion39 said:
Depends on the axis of polarization (vertical/horizontal/circular) and quality of the optics.

For example, if I went with the Lenscrafter's polarized lenses for my Ray-Bans, they didn't work with the Heads-Up Display on my Audi (vertical polarization of the lenses make the HUD invisible). The RayBan-branded lenses work perfectly.

Optics make a huge deal because they made to higher tolerances than your off-the-shelf lenses. For example, Maui-Jim and Oakley's Plutonite/Iridium lenses are top-notch. Similar argument can be used with DSLRs. Canon lenses are better than knock-off chinese ones.

EDIT: High-index lenses also factor into this. The Lenscrafter's lenses were super thick, even after speccing high-index. The RB ones aren't.

So if you buy Maui Jim sunglasses, they also supply the prescription lenses? I thought the optician gets the lenses from his usual lab and cuts them to fit the frames.

2298754 · May 18, 2015

senseless said:
So if you buy Maui Jim sunglasses, they also supply the prescription lenses? I thought the optician gets the lenses from his usual lab and cuts them to fit the frames.

It depends. Usually you get lenses from the optician, but with the higher end brands, they sell their own lenses as an upgrade. They make them at their factory. Maui-Jim, RB, Oakley all do this.

A.Goldberg · May 18, 2015

determined09 said:
Hello Everyone

I've been thinking about buying a pair of RX sunglasses by Maui Jim. I've heard that they have the best polarized lens around. I've had several eye doctors recommend them. I was wondering if they are really worth that kind of money? It's going to be about $600 to $800. Any suggestions or tips or pros and cons? Thank you

If you're getting prescription lenses put in make sure you're paying for the OEM lenses then. Sometimes they'll put in their different lenses, thus you'll won't be getting the "best polarized lenses", if that is indeed the case. This is done to save money or because the specific lenses (tint color, index, polarization, etc) you want are not available. (edit: looks like others beat me to it)

If you're at the beach, on the water, or driving on a sunny day with snow, polarized are well worth it.

I just ordered a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarer prescription sunglasses. With my crazy vision insurance, the fames, RB polarized tinted polycarbonate lenses, cost about $53. Not bad considering without the insurance the cost would have been "$500-600" from the eye doctor (probably <$300 cash at Lens Crafters or another chain, with nonOEM lenses). I should be picking them up this week actually.

The worst glasses I ever bought were a pair of Burberry eyeglasses... decently expensive frames ($250? Close to $500 with prescription if I remember). After literally 14 months the coating on the brown tortoise frames starting rapidly rubbing/peeling off- I've seen such an issue before. They were no longer under warranty and would not be replaced (but thankfully I'm eligible for a new pair of glasses on Jan 1st of every year). Now I wear Persols.

Due to one pretty bad astigmatism, I'm forced to wear harder contact lenses since will not rotate as freely. I can go for about 4-6 hours before they become too irritating, and I've tried half a dozen brands. At this point I hardly even bother with the contacts.

2298754 · May 19, 2015

A.Goldberg said:
If you're at the beach, on the water, or driving on a sunny day with snow, polarized are well worth it.

I just ordered a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarer prescription sunglasses. With my crazy vision insurance, the fames, RB polarized tinted polycarbonate lenses, cost about $53. Not bad considering without the insurance the cost would have been "$500-600" from the eye doctor (probably <$300 cash at Lens Crafters or another chain, with nonOEM lenses). I should be picking them up this week actually.

Who is the provider?

I'm considering dropping my vision "insurance" because it's pretty worthless. Up to $150 on a pair of glasses every year.

determined09 · May 24, 2015

adk said:
Does your optometrist recommend that you buy them from him? Methinks he gets a big commission for selling you an $800 pair of sunglasses.

I'm sure he will be making a big commission for selling this RX sunglasses, which is why I started shopping around for a pair at a better price. I'm thinking about buying them from Frames Direct.

I like this pair.
http://www.framesdirect.com/Maui-Jim-prescsgp/rxsgp-lalhng-s-l-k-k-palbkft.html

here's another reason why I want to buy them
https://www.yahoo.com/health/dont-wear-sunglasses-you-will-after-hearing-her-119607131242.html

determined09 · May 24, 2015

AutoUnion39 said:
I fully believe that spending the extra coin on "brand-name" rx glasses is worth it. My everyday Oakley frames/lenses were almost $700. My rx RayBan sunglasses were almost $500 with RayBan lenses.

However, one thing I noticed was that if you're buying from Lenscrafters or other stores, they offer you these sunglass frames (Maui-Jim, Oakley, RayBan, etc) with their own in-store brand lenses. They're not bad, but they aren't as good as the brand-name optics. On my WayFarers, the RB lenses were like $400, compared to the $129 frame. If I got the Lenscrafters RX polarized lenses, it would have been $250 or so all in. Just be careful.

Another thing to note is that there are so many places online that are a better deal than Lenscrafters. Glasses.com/framesdirect.com They all offer the same glasses at a sizable discount. I've done this multiple times over the years. You can just walk into Lenscrafters after and they will adjust/fix them for free.

Your eye doctor is pretty much the worst place to go for rx glasses. I'm sure the service is fantastic, but they do mark-up everything and they probably don't carry the entire lineup of designs that Lenscrafters and these online sites do.

The Same pair that I want will be $629 from Frames direct. I hope they are using the real Maui Jim lens in them at this price point.

I have a new eye doctor now and he's staff is a nice. The service is not so good. I just really needs some eyeglasses it's been over a year and a half since I've had a new pair. My old doctor doesn't have a good select of eyeglass frames and he is no longer part of TSO and he's staff isn't that good with service either. The are a few of eye doctor offices that in my area that are no longer TSO for some strange reason. Now my new eye doctor had two locations and the eye doctor was suppose to take my prescription to the other location, but he didn't. So I had to fax over a copy of my prescription to that office. One of the ladies in the front office , had called me twice on my cell phone but didn't leave a message. So I called her back and asked her want did she need, she said that she had called the wrong number. How do you call the wrong number twice?!Oh well. For my regular eyeglasses I got a great deal with my eye insurance on some Gucci RX eyeglass frames, so I placed that order with them and it will take about three weeks for me to get them.

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mobilehaathi said:
It may be a matter of a strong prescription and thus high-index lens materials. The high-index lenses get very expensive.

Yes I have a strong prescription and I will be getting the Maui Passport Evolution Polarized lens (which is the high index lenses)

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AutoUnion39 said:
Depends on the axis of polarization (vertical/horizontal/circular) and quality of the optics.

For example, if I went with the Lenscrafter's polarized lenses for my Ray-Bans, they didn't work with the Heads-Up Display on my Audi (vertical polarization of the lenses make the HUD invisible). The RayBan-branded lenses work perfectly.

Optics make a huge deal because they made to higher tolerances than your off-the-shelf lenses. For example, Maui-Jim and Oakley's Plutonite/Iridium lenses are top-notch. Similar argument can be used with DSLRs. Canon lenses are better than knock-off chinese ones.

EDIT: High-index lenses also factor into this. The Lenscrafter's lenses were super thick, even after speccing high-index. The RB ones aren't.

I'm glad that I didn't order any eyeglasses from Lenscrafter. I'll be sure to stay far away from them. I need Index lenses. I have a very strong prescription. I don't like my lens looking too thick.

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AutoUnion39 said:
It depends. Usually you get lenses from the optician, but with the higher end brands, they sell their own lenses as an upgrade. They make them at their factory. Maui-Jim, RB, Oakley all do this.

Good to know.

yg17 · May 24, 2015

I just ordered a pair of Oakley Rx sunglasses last week. I have a very light prescription, really don't even need them, but since they're Rx I could use my HSA to pay for them. Yay for tax free money!

They were just over $400 without insurance (already used it for regular glasses) with Oakley lenses from Pearle Vision. They seemed eager to sell the frames with their own lenses for obvious reasons (and they use the "it's cheaper" line in their sales pitch too) but she brought out the book of Oakley sample lenses when I asked.

Scepticalscribe · May 24, 2015

Well, eye glasses are something I never recommend that you seek to cheapen out, or cut corners on, especially if the prescription lens in question has been recommended by your eye specialist.

You wear them daily, and, use them, wear them, and avail of them, to a far greater degree than almost anything else you won or wear.

Re prescription sunglasses, I have had a pair for twenty years. Initially, I wanted RayBan prescription lenses, but the extremely poor vision in my left eye was outside what RayBan were prepared to make for me.

These days, I wear customised prescription Carl Zeiss varifocal lenses, in both my ordinary glasses and in my prescription sun glasses.

Granted, this is a combination, that, along with spectacle frames from Oliver Peoples's, is not cheap. But, they look great, I am comfortable in them, and, as I wear them every day, I take the view that this is something that is worth spending serious money on.

determined09 · May 24, 2015

yg17 said:
I just ordered a pair of Oakley Rx sunglasses last week. I have a very light prescription, really don't even need them, but since they're Rx I could use my HSA to pay for them. Yay for tax free money!

They were just over $400 without insurance (already used it for regular glasses) with Oakley lenses from Pearle Vision. They seemed eager to sell the frames with their own lenses for obvious reasons (and they use the "it's cheaper" line in their sales pitch too) but she brought out the book of Oakley sample lenses when I asked.

I forgot all about using the HSA account. I never set one up. I'll do that during the next sign up period.

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Scepticalscribe said:
Well, eye glasses are something I never recommend that you seek to cheapen out, or cut corners on, especially if the prescription lens in question has been recommended by your eye specialist.

You wear them daily, and, use them, wear them, and avail of them, to a far greater degree than almost anything else you won or wear.

Re prescription sunglasses, I have had a pair for twenty years. Initially, I wanted RayBan prescription lenses, but the extremely poor vision in my left eye was outside what RayBan were prepared to make for me.

These days, I wear customised prescription Carl Zeiss varifocal lenses, in both my ordinary glasses and in my prescription sun glasses.

Granted, this is a combination, that, along with spectacle frames from Oliver Peoples's, is not cheap. But, they look great, I am comfortable in them, and, as I wear them every day, I take the view that this is something that is worth spending serious money on.

Thank you for the tip. I'll look at the Carl Zeiss variocal lenese.

Scepticalscribe · May 24, 2015

determined09 said:
I forgot all about using the HSA account. I never set one up. I'll do that during the next sign up period.

----------

Thank you for the tip. I'll look at the Carl Zeiss variocal lenese.

My pleasure.

Mine were handmade to order (my prescription) in Germany.

Thus - obviously - they were not cheap; but, equally obviously, they were not immediately available - i.e. I was obliged to wait the best part of a few weeks before they were ready and available.

senseless · May 24, 2015

I would find it impossible to do an accurate comparison between sunglasses. The placebo effect would get the better of me when you told me they were $700.

Scepticalscribe · May 24, 2015

senseless said:
I would find it impossible to do an accurate comparison between sunglasses. The placebo effect would get the better of me when you told me they were $700.

Well, it is like photography - the specialists and aficionados will all tell you that the difference lies 'in the glass'.

From what I can see (all puns intended), it is somewhat similar with spectacle lenses.

I honestly don't think that the 'placebo' effect may be the issue here, but rather, that carefully calibrated lenses (the ones which may tend to cost more) are, in fact, better.

Anyway, having - on occasion, around 15 yeas ago - ordered lenses (and frames) - partly - because I thought they were good value, to the detriment of there things, (comfort, precision, elegance), it is not a mistake I am likely to make again.

Once more, I will reiterate the key point, here: If you wear spectacles, you wear them all day everyday. I marvel at people who will think nothing of spending serious money on - say, a pair of jeans - yet will quibble over the price of good lenses.

From a vision perspective, and from a style (what shape and style of frame suits your face and so on) perspective, it is a good idea to spend some extra time to research matters and get them right and money, to make sure that you have the best quality that is affordable and available to you.

ben123456 · May 24, 2015

I own a pair of Maui Jims With the prescriptions in them. After owning them for a few months I have to say I have no regrets purchasing them. Very high quality.

hallux · May 25, 2015

The longest-lasting pair of frames for prescription lenses I ever had was from Ray-Ban. They lasted 3 years, then I got Lasik. Oddly enough, Ray-Ban is part of Luxottica a monopolistic giant in the eyewear industry (60 minutes did a story on this).

You might also consider Liquid, I think they make the lenses for you.

determined09 · May 25, 2015

Scepticalscribe said:
My pleasure.

Mine were handmade to order (my prescription) in Germany.

Thus - obviously - they were not cheap; but, equally obviously, they were not immediately available - i.e. I was obliged to wait the best part of a few weeks before they were ready and available….

Thanks for the info about the amount of time that I will need to wait. I've have to wait about three weeks for my regular prescription glasses.

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hallux said:
The longest-lasting pair of frames for prescription lenses I ever had was from Ray-Ban. They lasted 3 years, then I got Lasik. Oddly enough, Ray-Ban is part of Luxottica a monopolistic giant in the eyewear industry (60 minutes did a story on this).

You might also consider Liquid, I think they make the lenses for you.

Thank you. I saw that video from 60 minutes that you are talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDdq2rIqAlM

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A.Goldberg said:
If you're getting prescription lenses put in make sure you're paying for the OEM lenses then. Sometimes they'll put in their different lenses, thus you'll won't be getting the "best polarized lenses", if that is indeed the case. This is done to save money or because the specific lenses (tint color, index, polarization, etc) you want are not available. (edit: looks like others beat me to it)

If you're at the beach, on the water, or driving on a sunny day with snow, polarized are well worth it.

I just ordered a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarer prescription sunglasses. With my crazy vision insurance, the fames, RB polarized tinted polycarbonate lenses, cost about $53. Not bad considering without the insurance the cost would have been "$500-600" from the eye doctor (probably <$300 cash at Lens Crafters or another chain, with nonOEM lenses). I should be picking them up this week actually.

The worst glasses I ever bought were a pair of Burberry eyeglasses... decently expensive frames ($250? Close to $500 with prescription if I remember). After literally 14 months the coating on the brown tortoise frames starting rapidly rubbing/peeling off- I've seen such an issue before. They were no longer under warranty and would not be replaced (but thankfully I'm eligible for a new pair of glasses on Jan 1st of every year). Now I wear Persols.

Due to one pretty bad astigmatism, I'm forced to wear harder contact lenses since will not rotate as freely. I can go for about 4-6 hours before they become too irritating, and I've tried half a dozen brands. At this point I hardly even bother with the contacts.

Thank you.

I'll asked them if they will be using the OEM lenses.

Hope your New Pair of Ray Bans workout for you!

I think Burberry eyeglasses are made in China. Some people think that eyeglasses made in Italy are better than the eyeglasses made in China. But I've never heard of that kind of issue before. I'll look at the Persol frames.

I have an astigmatism, too but it's not a bad one. I've been able to wear soft toric lens without too many problems lucky. I just have a find a the right doctor to do my prescription.

A.Goldberg · May 25, 2015

determined09 said:
Thank you.

I'll asked them if they will be using the OEM lenses.

Hope your New Pair of Ray Bans workout for you!

I think Burberry eyeglasses are made in China. Some people think that eyeglasses made in Italy are better than the eyeglasses made in China. But I've never heard of that kind of issue before. I'll look at the Persol frames.

I have an astigmatism, too but it's not a bad one. I've been able to wear soft toric lens without too many problems lucky. I just have a find a the right doctor to do my prescription.

Good Luck Maui Jim.

I'm picking up the Rx Ray Bans tomorrow. They were done last week but I was unable to pick them up. I missed out for my Memorial Day vacation at the beach, oh well.

It looks like my old Burberry are made in Italy.

My current Persol eye glasses are made in Italy. Another pair of Ray Ban sunglasses I have, Italy. Ray Ban eyeglasses, China. Looking through my old collection of glasses, I have

I don't think it really matters where they are made, it comes down to the quality of products and manufacturing they use. I doubt Burberry is making their own glasses either, I imagine they just slap their name on. I have some Burberry clothing, all of it is fantastic quality. These glasses on the other hand… never again.

Notice the "white" smudgy areas. Basically the glue-like clear coat is coming off and smudging around. It all happened very quickly. Within a couple weeks they went from being perfectly fine to absolutely atrocious. I'm not sure if it's sweat, UV, or what.

2298754 · May 26, 2015

determined09 said:
I think Burberry eyeglasses are made in China. Some people think that eyeglasses made in Italy are better than the eyeglasses made in China. But I've never heard of that kind of issue before. I'll look at the Persol frames.

A.Goldberg said:
I don't think it really matters where they are made, it comes down to the quality of products and manufacturing they use.

Yeah, I don't it matters where they're made. Most, if not, all of the major brands (MJ is not though) are made by Luxotica all over the world.

I wear Oakley Carbon Plates now. Titanium hinges and frame with carbon fiber temples. Made in China. I've gotten hit in the face with a basketball and Lenscrafters was able to bend the frame back. The quality is unbelievable. I've had Oakleys (pre-Luxotica) and the quality was just as good.

My WayFarers are made in Italy and those are fantastic too.

Notice the "white" smudgy areas. Basically the glue-like clear coat is coming off and smudging around. It all happened very quickly. Within a couple weeks they went from being perfectly fine to absolutely atrocious. I'm not sure if it's sweat, UV, or what.

This happened to a pair of Nike Flexons I had 10 or so years ago. The paint/clear-coat started flaking off. Went through 3 frames. The worst thing about the frames was that when it was hot out, the frame would become become pliable and deform ON my face. I will never buy Marchon frames again.

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Scepticalscribe said:
Well, eye glasses are something I never recommend that you seek to cheapen out, or cut corners on, especially if the prescription lens in question has been recommended by your eye specialist.

You wear them daily, and, use them, wear them, and avail of them, to a far greater degree than almost anything else you won or wear.

I agree 100%. It really bugs me when the glasses stores run those "buy one get another for free" offers. Those frames are typically junk and won't last more than a year or so.

If you spend the money on a quality frame, they usually last a few years.

Maui Jim Rx Sunglasses are they worth?

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