Like many serious anglers, I’ve accumulated a collection of fishing sunglasses over the years from some of the biggest names in the fishing industry. My drawer is full of premium frames from brands like Costa and Bajío. The problem is that I need prescription lenses, which means those sunglasses spend more time sitting in a drawer than they do on my face: As good as they are, sunglasses don’t do much good if I can’t see clearly through them. But prescription sunglasses can often leave something to be desired.
That’s why I was excited when I heard about Island Optics’ Crane RX. I’d heard that the company had a long history of grinding prescription lenses, and that shone through in their sunglasses. They were also significantly less expensive than prescription sunglasses from the aforementioned brands, and offered a quick turnaround from order to delivery. I had to find out for myself. Here’s what I learned after wearing the Crane RX for a couple of months.
Initial Impressions
The first pleasant surprise came before I ever stepped onto a boat. Ordering the Crane RX was refreshingly simple. Instead of dealing with the complicated process that often accompanies prescription eyewear, I was able to submit my prescription and have the finished sunglasses shipped directly to my door. The process was straightforward and hassle-free, making it easy to get into a pair of prescription fishing sunglasses without jumping through a series of hoops. They arrived in a hard protective case along with a microfiber pouch and a pair of eyewear retainers.
When I put on the glasses, the first thing I noticed was how incredibly light they felt. The Crane RX weighs just 16 grams, and that lightweight feel immediately stands out. The frames are constructed from injection-molded TR90 nylon, a material known for its flexibility, strength, and durability. During long days on the water, the lightweight design proved to be one of the glasses’ biggest strengths. I often forgot I was wearing them, even after hours of casting, running the boat, and scanning the water for signs of fish.
Comfort is important, but security is equally critical when you’re standing over the water with eyewear that you need to see. Island Optics addresses that with its GatorGrip technology, which incorporates specialized pads on the temples and nose. These hydrophilic pads provided enough tension to stay put, but aren’t tight enough to become bothersome. Their grip actually gets better when exposed to sweat or water.
That small detail made a noticeable difference. Whether I was sweating through a humid afternoon or getting sprayed while running across open water, the Crane RX stayed securely in place. There was never a feeling that they might slide down my nose or shift at an inconvenient moment.
On The Water
The biggest test of sunglasses is always going to be performance on the water throughout changing conditions. This is where I expected to notice the greatest difference compared to the more expensive sunglasses I’ve worn over the years. Instead, I found myself genuinely impressed by the clarity and overall quality of the lenses.
The prescription optics delivered sharp, crisp vision across the entire field of view, and the premium coatings quickly proved their value on the water. The lenses feature scratch-resistant coatings for durability, hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings that help repel water and oils, anti-reflective treatments that reduce distracting glare, and a marine coating designed specifically to withstand harsh saltwater environments.
On bright days, the lenses performed exceptionally well. Glare reduction was excellent, allowing me to spend more time studying structure, reading water conditions, and spotting subtle fish movement. But perhaps more importantly, the lenses provided enough clarity to see clearly during the low-light periods that often produce the best bites. Dawn and dusk, they provided sharp vision to see through the water’s surface, looking for beds or structure.
The overall construction of the Crane RX has stood up to life on the water. The TR90 nylon frame feels tough without being too rigid, offering excellent impact resistance while maintaining flexibility. I’ve already dropped them more than a few times, and they are no worse for the wear.
Stainless-steel snap hinges are another nice touch. Unlike traditional hinges that often loosen over time, these are designed to maintain their tension and their performance without requiring adjustments. The temples stay firmly open or closed, and the glasses never develop that loose, floppy feeling that often appears after years of use.
Long Line Of Opticians
Among the things that make Island Optics particularly interesting is the company’s history. While many anglers may not yet be familiar with the brand, its roots in the optical industry run deep. The company traces its heritage back to 1922 and represents five generations of optical expertise. Today, Island Optics remains family-owned and operated by brothers Adam, Matt, and Josh, who built the company to create performance eyewear specifically for fishing, boating, and outdoor adventures while maintaining exceptional value and craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the Crane RX, the biggest surprise wasn’t that they worked well; it was just how well they stacked up against sunglasses that cost considerably more. I’ve worn them through long days on the water where sunglasses usually start becoming annoying after a few hours. That never happened with these. They sat comfortably on my face all day and never created pressure points behind my ears or on my nose.
As someone who owns plenty of sunglasses from brands like Costa and Bajío, I expected the Island Optics Crane RX to be a compromise. Instead, I found myself comparing them to those much more expensive glasses.
