Spotters Sunglasses Buying Guide

Published on: December 14, 2023

Welcome to the ultimate fit guide for Spotters sunglasses where we help guide you through different shapes, fits and lens categories to enhance your fishing adventures. Renowned for their exceptional designs and cutting-edge technology, Spotters have continued to dominate the adventure market with their technologically advanced materials and engineering to create the perfect pair of sunglasses that ensure the rigours of Australia's toughest environments. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various lens types and categories as well as different fits and shapes to suit your unique preferences.

Lens & Categories

Australia has some of the harshest UV radiation in the world, that’s why Spotters have created the most exceptional lens technology that includes 100% polarisation to ensure full glare reduction as well as protection from UVA and UVB radiation. Fishing usually involves spending extended periods in bright and reflective environments, so optimal eye protection is essential to enhance your fishing experience. Quality fishing sunglasses will enhance your ability to see beneath the water's surface and spot fish whilst allowing you to stay focused and increase your fishing success.

This comes down to different lens colours and technologies that will improve visibility whilst caring for your eye health. Spotters specialises in a range of performance lens colours that range from photochromic glass lenses to mirrored and solid-coloured glass lenses that are scratch-resistant, to maximise your fishing experience to its full potential. All Spotters frames are fitted with polarised lenses. So, whether you’re a casual fisherman or an experienced angler, we’ll take you through the different types of lenses and benefits so you can enjoy your day on the water with optical clarity.

Photochromic Lenses

Halide, Penetrator, Carbon and Xtreme Lenses

Photochromic lenses will automatically adjust to different light conditions based on your surroundings. As well as providing optimal UV coverage, photochromic sunglasses with brown or amber tints enhance colour and contrast for increased depth perception. Spotters have created an exclusive range of photochromic lenses that have been triple-activated by a combination of general light, UV and temperature for a truly exceptional visual experience.

Halide Lenses

For amazing depth perception and increased colour contrast, brown-tinted lenses deliver sharper and clearer vision that makes it easy to spot changes in the water, whilst protecting your eyes from harsh surface glare. Spotters have created two revolutionary photochromic glass lenses that are ideal for those with extreme sensitivities to high-glare situations or bright lights.

The Halide glass lenses were crafted as the world’s darkest photochromic glass lens that offers a high contrast copper tint that makes everything much clearer and distortion-free, whilst adjusting to different light settings. This lens was specifically crafted to withstand Australia’s harshest conditions and deliver exceptional depth perception of the water for a truly outstanding visual experience.

Penetrator Lenses

The Penetrator Crown glass lens boasts a slightly higher contrasted bronze tint that is more suitable for low-light conditions. Just like the Halide lens, the Penetrator features photochromic technology that will adjust to different light settings whilst offering soothing and relaxing views even in rainy or hazy conditions.

Xtreme Lenses

The Xtreme lenses were crafted with a striking yellow contrast to deliver unparalleled depth and colour perception. Specifically crafted for the lowest-light conditions, this particular lens can be beneficial for several reasons. Yellow lenses will typically filter out blue light and increase the perception of visible light, making objects easier to see and focus on, especially on the water. Spotters have crafted this photochromic crown glass complete with polarised technology to provide incredible high contrast while reducing surface glare from entering to prevent eye strain and fatigue that can be caused after long exposure to the water.

Carbon Lenses

The Spotters Carbon glass lens is a photochromic grey lens that allows for a more natural colour perception. This particular lens is specifically designed to be worn on a more casual day-to-day basis by blocking out harsh glare without affecting your colour perception. The photochromic technology allows the wearer to have a longer wearing period while adjusting to different lighting conditions.

Mirrored Lenses

Ice Blue, Nexus, Ignite and Gold Leaf Mirror Lenses

Spotters have introduced a remarkable line of mirrored glass lenses that deliver a superior optical experience for the wearer. These premium lenses have been crafted to perfection and offer crystal clear views with zero distortion to provide the wearer with the utmost clarity. Crafted as the thinnest polarised crown glass lens in the industry, Spotters take pride in delivering a high-quality and high-performance lens collection that can withstand high temperatures and general impact. Mirrored lenses are particularly effective in situations with intense glare, especially in the water or snow. Mirror coating on these lenses reflects a significant amount of glare and increases UV protection for a more comfortable wearing experience.

Ice-Blue Mirror Lens

If you’re someone who enjoys spending long days on the water, the vibrant ice-blue mirror polarised glass lens is the ideal shade to wear for high UV protection. Spotters have created a unique process in the creation of their mirror lenses that includes using real metallic particles to help reflect intense light and heat away.

The front surface of the ice-blue mirror lens is what helps reduce reflected glare off the water’s surface and will also increase visibility below it. This is generally what people will see when they look at you. However on the inside of the lens is a natural stone grey base tint; this will keep your colour and depth perception in place, and the result is crystal clear vision that is unlike anything else.

Ignite Mirror Lens

The Spotters’ ignite mirror lens is the best lens when it comes to vapourising glare. Just like the ice-blue mirror lens, this vibrant red and gold mirror coating features a natural grey base tint on the inside that is overlaid to create a cooling effect for your eyes.

Nexus Green Mirror Lenses

For a more soothing visual experience, the Spotters Nexus glass mirror lens is crafted to deliver high-definition and improved colour awareness. This particular lens is designed with an Emerald green base that provides a soothing effect to your eyes without affecting your ability to perceive colours naturally. This shade maintains natural colour tones and can even help individuals with colour vision deficiencies see comfortably with these lenses.

Gold Leaf Mirror Lenses

This exquisite lens enhances a striking contrast and boasts more of a copper-polarised finish. Spotters have designed this vibrant lens with real gold leaf metallic particles to help reflect intense glare and heat away. This particular lens offers a more high-contrast visual experience by making objects appear clearer while enhancing colours around you. Frames with a gold leaf mirror lens are suitable for everyday use and even more suited for activities such as golfing as it allows you to see variations on flat surfaces.

Lens Categories for Different Fishing Environments

When choosing the right lens categories for fishing, you’ll need to consider different factors including weather conditions, time of day and even water clarity.

Overcast/low-light conditions:

Generally in low-light conditions or on cloudier days, a copper-based lens will be the perfect choice for you. As they provide a more soothing visual experience, copper glass lenses will help increase visible contrast and depth perception, all while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Even a mirrored lens with a copper tint filter on the inside is an acceptable choice for overcast days. We suggest the penetrator photochromic glass lens for cloudy, low-light and changing conditions.

Bright sunny days:

Mirrored and grey polarised lenses are an ideal choice for brighter days (especially for off-shore fishing). Unlike on-shore fishing, you’ll be in direct sunlight with little to no protection against the sun. Polarised mirrored lenses reduce intense light that reflects off the open sea and help cut out surface glare. The Spotters ice blue mirror polarised lens is the perfect option for this scenario as the front surface will reflect the bright light as well as heat and act as an extra barrier to deflect the horizontal light wavelengths. The stone grey base tint will help provide natural colour and depth perception.

Fit and Comfort

It’s essential to consider factors such as coverage, fit and comfort to ensure you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible to enhance your overall experience. From wraparound silhouettes to classic square frames, we’ll help you find the perfect shape to suit your needs.

Wraparound

Wraparound sunglasses are often considered to be the best frame for fishing and for extended periods outside based on their extensive coverage and fit. Wraparound frames allow for a broader field of vision while shielding your eyes from wind, dust or debris for a more comfortable experience. The snug fit of wraparound sunglasses ensures they stay secure and is beneficial when you’re casting or reeling. The polarised lenses help cut out that surface glare and alleviate fatigue. Most Spotters sunglasses offer a wrap fit even with some of their square or rectangular shapes that are more adaptable to everyday wear.

Rectangle and Square

Rectangle and square sunglasses offer a more versatile and classic look that provides ample coverage. These shapes offer both style and function that provide options to suit different preferences for both men and women, whereas wraparound sunglasses are tailored specifically for outdoor activities by maximising coverage. Both styles offer adequate UV protection against surface glare, but ultimately, choosing between wraparound sunglasses or square/rectangle frames depends on your preference and the level of glare reduction that is required.

Kids Sunglasses

For the mini adventurers, Spotters provides high-quality UV protection with lightweight and durable designs with the same cutting-edge technology in the lenses. With a range of designs and sizes, Spotters Kids sunglasses will keep your kids looking cool, fashionable and protected from the sun’s harsh rays and surface glare. Most frames are detailed with flexible arms to ensure a secure fit, and all are equipped with polarised technology. Popular styles include the Dingo and the Wombat, an ideal choice for active and adventurous young ones.