Are Ray-bans worth their hefty pricetag?

[Becauseicannes]

I am thinking of buying some aviators but they are pricey so just wanted to have any feedback from ray-ban owners as to whether they are worth it or have you found other sunglasses that are just as good.

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Hello, this thread is a little old and the links are out of date. Here's a new link to the products recommended by Mumsnetters:

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
Maui Jim Maui Starfish Sunglasses
Serengeti Sophia Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Aviator Polarized Sunglasses

MNHQ

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For example - I've got these and these Dior, they're both really tough and well made.

Love my ray bans.

Costco do them at a really good price and stock a good selection of styles.

When i sold glasses we rated persol, serengeti, rayban and maui jim. I have had so many and lost so many. I need good glasses because i struggle with bright light - buy what you need, if it's about fashion and labels who cares but know what you are buying.

I bought a pair at airport last year and I'm not impressed tbh. No better than cheaper pair from boots

Love bans. My tom fords are just as good but twice the price so yes, bans ARE worth the money.
I have my dad's ones from the 80s, I call them my top gun sunglasses. I love them.

I bought a pair of raybans about 20 years ago and I remember thinking how great everything looked when I wore them. OH has a pair of aviators and I never got that feeling. That explains why, thanks PP for explaining about the changes to the company.

If you are in that budget range try www.cutlerandgross.com/
Their London shop by Knightsbridge tube is great - they will change lenses and everything.

I find cheap lenses give me a headache after a while so for me definitely worth it. Shop around for the best deal.

I have had my Maui Jims for nearly 10 years now. They have a repair shop - which I've had to use because i am really rough with my glasses and their customer service is amazing.

The lens is glass, so does not scratch easily but they are so well made that i can even wear them running without feeling the weight on my nose, they are just so comfortable.

Plastic lens scratch easily and the scratches may have damaged the UV coating and, because your pupils will be dilated due to the tint, may allow more UV to reach the sensitive retina than not wearing sunglasses at all.

Good sunglasses will reduce glare but still allow enough light to pass through to give excellent vision. I prefer a brown lens as it gives a sharper focus than a grey/green lens. You need to try them outside on a sunny day.

I won't buy oakleys again as I had some in the Nineties and the frames kept cracking - they had a guarantee so would always replace them free but was a pain sending them off all the time.

interesting post lookslike, I had no idea that was the case.

thanks for all the links. I am no longer London based, I now
Live in Canada, so would probably have to shop from a U.S. website as the duty from UK would be too much. I am unfortunately not travelling for the near future but might ask a friend.

Sorry was referring to the post about the ownership of Ray-ban. One thing about the Diors - I've dropped them so many times and they haven't broken yet!
I was interested in buying some wayfarers for DP as we often have to do long drives.

Good point about trying them
Outside to see how they work.

chimchar Costco is definitely an option!

Serengeti make a great reactive driver's lens. Try www.serengeti-eyewear.com/Technology/Lens-Technology.aspx?rx=vario