Evaluate how well Sunglasses meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in sunglasses and you've learned about the different features of sunglasses. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of sunglasses - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the sunglasses available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed sunglasses to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well Sunglasses meet your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available sunglasses in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any sunglasses that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any sunglasses that clearly exceed your price limit.
No matter what your budget, you should take into consideration the level of UVA/B protection that your sunglasses offer you. The good news is that price and protection are not automatically correlated. You can get a pair of sunglasses with full UVA/B protection for a reasonable price. On that same note, an expensive pair of sunglasses doesn't necessarily give you the best level of protection. If you want max protection then look for a label that says 99% or 100% of both UVA/B rays. You can also look for something that says UV 400, which also signifies full protection.
Tip: If you already wear prescription glasses all the time, there are good options for you to choose from. Photochromatic lenses (also called transitional lenses) change as the level of UV light increases. You can use these with your prescription for automatic sunglasses all the time as they change from light to dark with the amount of light you are exposed to. You can also opt for the more classic look and buy clip-on lenses to wear over your prescription glasses. If you live in a cold weather climate and you aren't outdoors much then you can save some money and still get eye protection when you need it.
If you are serious about your sport, then you need the right eye equipment. If you surf or play other water sports then try a water-resistant pair of sunglasses. You might also want to opt for something polarized to keep the water reflection to a minimum. If you enjoy cycling then wraparound frames might be just want you need for a secure fit. This could be useful for lots of sports including mountain climbing or running as well.
When you were considering your requirements in sunglasses it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as style, lense type, UV protection and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various sunglasses meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Basic Types
- Standard sunglasses
- Prescription glasses with sun protection
- Sport sunglasses and goggles
Lens Materials
- Glass - heaviest, offer best clarity
- Polycarbonate - strong, won't shatter, most scratch-resistant plastic lens
- Plastic - lightweight, common, scratch easily, inexpensive
- CR-39 - lightweight, good UV protection, not so scratch resistant
- Plutonite - 100% UV protection
Lens Features
- UVA/B - minimum 60% UVA and 70% UVB - Maximum 100% UV protection
- Impact-Resistant - made from polycarbonate to be extra durable
- Polarized - reduce light from reflective surface like sun or water
- Mirrored - reflective surface to filter light
- Scratch-Resistant - coated plastic, polycarbonate, or glass lenses with extra coating
- Anti-Reflective - reduce glare
- Gradient - darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, good for driving
- Distortion-Free
- Prescription - can be transition from indoors to outdoors or for outdoor use alone
- UVC - protection from UVC rays
- Anti-Fog - prevents fogging up
- Photochromic - darkness of the lens changes dependent on the level of UV light that the eye is exposed to
- Infrared - protection from infrared light rays
- Water-Resistant - hydrophobic, sheds water
Frame Materials
- Metal - strong, not flexible
- Plastic - less expensive than metal, not as durable, lightweight
- Nylon - strong, lightweight, athletic styles, wraparound styles
- Nylon Hydrated - Return to original shape if stepped on
- Grilamid - strong and tough for outdoor adventure sports
- Titanium - lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion, expensive
- Aluminum - lightweight, sleek look, mixed with iron or silicone for strength
Frame Features
- Wire - durable, lightweight
- Stainless Steel - alternative to titanium, less expensive, lightweight, strong
- Interchangeable Lenses - good for prescription lenses
- Flexible - durable, harder to break
- Spring Hinges - durable
- Rimless - sleek look, lightweight
- Non-Slip - keep frames in place, good in sports models
- Side Shields - peripheral protection from the sun
- Hypoallergenic - titanium, other metals
- Hydrophilic - stay on even when wet
- Fit over - fit over existing prescription glasses
- Sweatband - sports models
- Hingeless - no hinges connecting frame and lenses
Warranty
Support
- Telephone - manufacturer's support
- Retail store where glasses were purchased
- Manual for cleaning and care tips
Accessories
- Attachable straps
- Neck Chains
- Clip-on lenses for prescription glasses
Product Care Accessories
- Hard carrying case
- Soft case
- Cleansing cloth
- Cleansing spray
Specific Sport Models
- Golf
- Fishing
- Snow sports
- Running
- Cycling
- Climbing
- Surfing
- Motor Sports
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your sunglasses needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in sunglasses.
Once you have finished evaluating the sunglasses available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the sunglasses one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well Sunglasses compare with competing Sunglasses
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of sunglasses that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of sunglasses that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which sunglasses on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these sunglasses best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed sunglasses has the best warranty?
Which sunglasses is the easiest to see clearly through?
Which of the sunglasses seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed sunglasses has the best UV protection?
Which sunglasses do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating sunglasses that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the sunglasses, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the sunglasses are put together. Check the assembly - are the sunglasses solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the sunglasses from the perspective of ease of use. How easily are the sunglasses to clean? Make sure the sunglasses fit you physically - some sunglasses look great in the store, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to wear
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as accidental damage.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to use the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other items are required - do you need a case for your sunglasses, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- What else will you need to fully utilize the sunglasses?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of sunglasses that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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