Alternative to RB3183 Sunglasses

April 19, 2023 5:59 AM

On a recent scouting trip, my Ray Ban RB3183s met their demise at the feet of a stampede of cubs. I'm in the market for a replacement pair, and I'm curious if anyone can recommend similar frames with polarized lenses that aren't almost $200.
posted by bfranklin to Shopping (9 answers total)

The two on the bottom here are not exactly the same, but close and 50% off. Closer to $100 than $200.
posted by adekllny at 6:19 AM on April 19, 2023

Best answer: https://www.amazon.com/Ray-Ban-RB3183-GUNMETAL-MIRROR-Polarized/dp/B001GNBJU0/ref=sr_1_5?crid=F2155VDB3WG9&keywords=RB3183&qid=1681912705&sprefix=rb3183%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-5&th=1

These seem similar for $150.

https://www.amazon.com/ZHILE-Rectangular-Polarized-Sunglasses-Temple/dp/B07BFPB8GG/ref=sr_1_31?crid=1OFA6X94LF8W1&keywords=rectangular%2Bsunglasses%2Bfor%2Bmen&qid=1681912790&sprefix=rectangular%2Bsunglasses%2Caps%2C394&sr=8-31&th=1

These seem similar for $18
posted by bbqturtle at 7:00 AM on April 19, 2023

Warby Parker, Zenni, and many others can make any frames into sunglasses and add a polarizing filter.
posted by theora55 at 7:00 AM on April 19, 2023 [1 favorite]

Came here to also recommend Zenni. I've had my glasses made by the shop at my local optometrist, at Costco, and by Zenni, and by a long, long measure I'm most satisfied with my glasses from Zenni. Fantastic value for the money. And the polarized sunglasses are great!
posted by xedrik at 8:49 AM on April 19, 2023

If you have a Costco membership, they have last season's brand name sunglasses for significant discounts. You can get brands like Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Boss, etc. for a 30-50% off retail.
posted by sid at 12:59 PM on April 19, 2023 [1 favorite]

I like the Hardtop line from Native Eyewear. The frames are a bit thicker than the RB model you had, but these have survived many outdoors adventures.
posted by Cu_wire at 2:43 PM on April 19, 2023

Best answer: Almost same price, but Maui Jim Lighthouse are untramplable, polarized with absolutely gorgeous light and can be gotten with a reader strip on bottom. I’ve had them smashed off my face during sports, the flew into three pieces and snap back together instantly, as designed.
posted by Iteki at 3:30 PM on April 19, 2023

Response by poster: The Zhiles are good enough and cheap enough to be disposable. Might spring for the maui jim's for my birthday, and definitely appreciate the testimonial on their durability.
posted by bfranklin at 12:16 PM on April 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

Also I had my first pair for so long that the grips got kinda gummy, they replace them for free. For like 70 bucks you can send them in for new lenses if they get too scratched, mine never did.
posted by Iteki at 4:25 PM on April 21, 2023