Seeing crystal clear with the new Action Optics Exuma
 

Total Score: 8.25

Introduction: Stylish sunglasses may enhance a persons image, but the only statement anglers want to make with polarized optics is that they are serious about the pursuit of fish. Over the past 19 years Action Optics has provided enthusiasts and professionals with top notch polarized eyewear. The new Exuma is designed to be a comfortable all round pair of sunglasses for the devoted angler.
 

Impressions: There are a lot of sunglasses out there but to Fly fisherman Action Optics ranks among the most popular. The obvious reason for their popularity is the proven protection from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Secondary reasons include physical protection for the eyes from stray casts, reduced eye strain, and of course....an enhanced ability to sight fish.

I have fished with many different pairs of polarized sunglasses and find them to be a true necessity whether casting flies, tossing bass lures, or heaving jigs. While most of my sunglasses are made of polycarbonates I find that fly fishing requires optimal clarity, which only glass lenses can provide. From initial inspection you will discover that the Action optics Exuma is a crystal based sunglass, with a nylon frame. The entire package is compact and comes with a padded hard case that does a good job protecting the sunglasses in your tackle bag. Because the Exuma uses crystal rather then plastic lenses they did feel a bit heavier the majority of polarized sunglasses that I have tested. Our test Exuma came with "Silver Creek Brown" lenses which are a constant density lens. The Exuma can also come with the photochromic lenses, which change lens tint density depending on light conditions.

Real World Test: I took the Exuma out to some local Koi breeding pools, then for a day of fly fishing for Steelhead on the river, as well as some bass fishing in nearby bass ponds. On both days I fished for the entire day to experience the capabilities of the Exuma in varying light conditions.
 

Performance: The Exuma I tested featured a brown constant density lens that had a slight hint of yellow. The very first thing I did was take a trip to a nearby Koi breeding pond to test the ability to sight fish with these new polarized lenses. Koi make excellent test subjects because of their bright coloration, it is easy to discern how deep you can see with a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. I found the crystal based Exuma to be absolutely excellent. With many pairs of plastic sunglasses I have noticed faulty polarization with noticeable dead spots, but with the Exuma I experienced the most even coverage I have ever observed. While gazing at Koi is entertaining as well as a good demonstration of the capability of these new sunglasses, all I could think about was where to go fishing.

While fly fishing the upper Sac I was further impressed by the ability to discern trout from the rocky river bottom. The crystal lenses did an excellent job of eliminating glare, and in very still water the water surface seemed to disappear completely. Trout looked as if they were hovering above the ground! While bass fishing the next day I did find it more difficult to make out bass from in the olive colored water, but I still was able to see the dark outline of fish near shore. The Exuma does an excellent job providing contrast and real color transmission. Some competitor lenses do a impressive job of eliminating glare but make it harder to discern fish from the background due to overkill on tinting. I did notice that the Exuma performed better during the morning through mid-day and was somewhat dark for low light conditions, making it much less effective in the early evening.