After fishing with the Paddle for just a short amount of time I barely noticed they were even there, which is a very good thing. The glasses weigh in at only 26g, which is very light for a pair of framed full sized sunglasses. The use of polycarbonate lenses is a big part of what makes these glasses so light, but it is the frames themselves that are the Paddle's key feature.

The Paddle's frame is constructed with thousands of tiny air bubbles infused throughout so that they are able to float in the water! Unlike competitors that require large air pockets built into the frames the Paddle's bubble frame enables this pair of sunglasses to be much more streamline, and look like any normal pair of unassuming optics while providing the security of buoyancy. 

The Paddle comes bundled with a floating cord that snaps into the back of the frame and adds additional buoyancy, but I personally didn't like the option as it also added bulk and bounced around when fishing or hiking. The good news is that the Paddle doesn't need this cord and is fully capable of floating by itself. I could see how SUP users can benefit from the cord as it can be adjusted to perfectly to eliminate any movement (but is still bulky in my opinion), as well as help keep the sunglasses right on the surface of choppy water in the event they do get wet. 

I wasn't sure how I would like the gold mirrored polarized lenses in very bright environments, like the desert, but they proved comfortable and enabled quality sight in the hard terrain. I found the Paddle provided both protection and comfort in the hours leading up to sunset, where the glare and shadows on the terrain can be especially harsh.

Ergonomically the Paddle is well suited for larger faces/heads and even though there are no outward hinges the glasses never felt tight on my temples. I did have some issues with fit and used a torch to heat up the bridge to make some adjustments. Though I successfully tailored the Paddle to my ideal fit I have damaged other sunglasses by heating the bridge too close, or too much, during adjustment. This is why I still recommend that unless you are very familiar with this adjustment method that it is best to take the sunglasses to a professional shop for frame adjustment.

Ultimately the fit and comfort of glasses depends on your personal features and preferences. In general the Paddle was relatively easy to fit for me, and the soft touch grip material embedded into the nose helped provide additional grip and shock absorption when making quick movements like casting or trail running. There is also a soft insert material on the inner temples of the frame to provide additional grip, but not so much that it sticks to your head and hair. 

Price and Applications: Julbo bundles each pair of Paddle sunglasses with the floating cord and a soft touch bag, that can also double as a polishing cloth. The only major thing missing in this package is any sort of rigid case, which would be beneficial for travel and storage.

The MSRP for the Paddle, as we tested, is $129 dollars. A reasonable price for a pair of polarized glasses that can float. We did find multiple online e-tailers that are offering the Paddle for lower prices, including Amazon for only $104.94. Julbo backs each pair of Paddle sunglasses with a lifetime warranty for the original owner against manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product. 

Though specifically designed for water sports I did find the Paddle sunglasses had the technical features that made them a good choice for use across a wider range of sports, or simply protecting your eyes when cruising around town.

The Paddle Series strikes a nice balance between form and function, and look perfectly at home at the beach or in the desert.

Conclusion: Anglers are already very familiar with brands such as Costa, Kaenon, Oakley, and when it comes to floating sunglasses Amphibia is probably the most well known option. While Amphibia does have some great offerings their sunglasses requires the company's large AirCel into the frame for floatation. In contrast the Julbo offering infuses tiny bubbles throughout the frame to create a pair of sunglasses that look like a traditional pair of sunglasses with thin frames and yet is still able to float.

Not everyone will like the orange mirrored lenses and Julbo does offer them in more traditional black and brown options. When it comes to ergonomics the Paddle fits those with larger faces and heads, and I found the oversized lenses provided plenty of protection, and the polarized lenses performed well when sight fishing. For ultimate optical clarity I still prefer optics with glass lenses, but for those seeking the durability, low cost, and reduced weight of polycarbonate based lenses the Paddle Series from Julbo is an option worth floating.