Splurge

Fact: Shades with glass lenses have better optical clarity and scratch resistance than plastic ones. But they can shatter and are heavier on the nose and ears. Enter Kaenon’s SR-91 lens, made of a lightweight, shatterproof, proprietary resin that’s “virtually as clear as glass,” according to our tester.

The Burnett (the lens comes in many styles and tints, some with lower price points) has a retro-ish frame with good wrap and coverage. “The dark gray tint keeps colors true and everything seems ultracrisp, with no distortion whatsoever,” says our tester who wore them for 50 days straight in all sorts of conditions from sunny days on the water to overcast afternoons in the mountains. $239; 1.1 oz.; kaenon.com