I have heard many different opinions on different glasses- from the cheapies to the high dollar models.
I have a pair of Ocean Waves in the backwater green lens. Very good for clear water on bright days- they were originally designed for flats fisherman down in Florida where they have bright sun, crystal clear water and light bottoms. They cut the glare and the visibility is awesome. I bought them for bass fishing in Michigan where the conditions are close. I have used the cheaper glasses out there like the Rapalas, the Strike Kings and the like, but they aren't built like the more expensive brands.
My lenses are glass- 99.9% polarization. Also, the front of the lens is mirrored with the color to block glare- thus the "backwater green". I have found that visibility IS better with these glasses than the cheapies just because of distortion and clarity. I can see fish better with the Ocean Waves than with the Strike Kings under most, but not all, circumctances. The only time I like the cheaper glasses is when the light isn't all that bright, like just before dusk. Then I get out the cheaper non-tinted polarized shades and they work better.
I also like the feel of the Ocean Waves over the cheaper models and if they ever break, I an just send them back for a replacement. Great service from them.
It never fails- I'll buy a cheap pair of glasses and carry them in my shirt pocket when I don't need them and the temples rub the inside of the lens and scratch it. That doesn't happen with the glass lenses.
Mine were $125 from peepers.com. I would buy another pair if I lost these.
Cabelas has a new line of shades right now that run in the $40-$50 range and are nice for the money.
UFM82