Review of Bajio 12 South Sunglasses

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the new Bajio 12 South Sunglasses. These sunglasses are packed with features that make them a great choice for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially anglers. With a retail price of $259 for the glass lenses and $209 for the polycarbonate lenses, they promise a lot of value. In this review, I’ll share my experience with these sunglasses and provide insights into their features, performance, and overall value.

Bajio 12 South Sunglasses: Design and Build Quality

The Bajio 12 South Sunglasses have a retro vibe that immediately caught my eye. Named after North Carolina’s historic state highway, these sunglasses embody the raw and rugged coast life where speckled trout, striped bass, and redfish thrive. The design is surf-inspired with a bold, squared profile, making them perfect for both outdoor adventures and casual wear.

The frame is made from bio-based nylon, which is lightweight yet durable. The narrow temples, ergo rubber nose pads, and temple tips ensure a comfortable fit. The pin hinges are sturdy and flexible, allowing the ear pieces to expand outward without breaking. These features contribute to an overall comfortable and secure fit. However, I found the frame width is just not made for activities that require sudden movement. At least, that is how they fit on my face. If you have a wider face or just wear them as fishing or everyday pair of glasses, there are no problems.

Trying Out Polycarbonate Lenses

I have had good experience with another pair of Bajio glasses, the Bajio Nippers, which I got with glass lenses and I have been very happy with them. I wanted to try the polycarbonate lenses with this pair for their lightweight and impact-resistant properties. These lenses are virtually unbreakable, making them ideal for sports and protective eyewear.

Bajio 12 South Sunglasses: Features

Frame Features

• Narrow temples
• Ergo rubber nose pads
• Ergo rubber temple tips
• Pin hinges

Lens Features

• Patent pending Lapis Technology
• Blocks 95% of bad blue light
• Blocks 90% of harsh yellow light
• Blocks 100% of UV light

Lens Technology

Polarization and Light Blocking

One of the standout features of these sunglasses is their lens technology. Bajio’s lenses are polarized, which significantly reduces glare. This is particularly useful when fishing, as it allows you to see beneath the water’s surface more clearly. The lenses block 95% of bad blue light and 90% of harsh yellow light, in addition to 100% of UV light. This combination of features provides excellent protection for your eyes and enhances visual clarity.

Light Transmission and Contrast

Understanding light transmission and contrast is crucial when selecting the right lenses for different conditions. Bajio offers a wide range of lens colors, each designed for specific light conditions. The Gray-base lenses are low contrast, making everything appear naturally darker. Silver Mirror (copper base) and Rose Mirror (red base) lenses offer a middle-ground contrast, suitable for various situations. High contrast lenses from the brown color family (amber, copper, rose) are perfect for sight fishing, as they help spot fish against the bottom regardless of water color.

Performance

I chose the polycarbonate lenses for their lightweight and impact-resistant properties. These lenses are virtually unbreakable, making them ideal for sports and protective eyewear. The Blue Mirror lenses I opted for performed exceptionally well in bright conditions, reducing glare and enhancing colors.

In terms of fit, the sunglasses measure 142mm wide, 49mm tall, and 140mm long. They fit very comfortably with a loose fit. In fact, they are a bit too loose for any strenuous activity that requires sudden movement, such as running. Although this style does not scream “wear me while running or playing sports,” I did want to try them out while running, and I had to keep sliding them back into place. If you buy them, just know their intended purpose is to provide awesome visibility, comfort, and looks. Despite the slight issue with the glasses sliding off my face while running, the comfort features like rubber nose pads and temple tips ensure they stay in place for the most part as my daily sunglasses.

Style and Comfort

The Bajio 12 South Sunglasses are not only functional but also stylish. They come in various frame colors, including Black Gloss, Whiskey Fade Gloss, and Blue/Cream Gloss. The large fit and bold design make them a great choice for those with an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether you’re fishing, chilling at the beach, or just wearing them as a daily pair, these sunglasses look great and feel comfortable.

Bajio 12 South Sunglasses: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stylish retro design
• Lightweight and durable bio-based nylon frame
• Excellent polarization and light-blocking technology
• Wide range of lens colors for different conditions
• Comfortable fit with rubber nose pads and temple tips
• Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses

Cons:

• Frame width may be too wide for some faces
• Prone to sliding during vigorous activities

Conclusion

Overall, the Bajio 12 South Sunglasses offer a fantastic blend of style, comfort, and performance. The advanced lens technology provides excellent protection and enhances visual clarity, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, especially anglers. Despite the minor issue with the frame width, the sunglasses are well-built and packed with features that justify the price.

If you’re looking for a quality pair of sunglasses that will last a long time, the Bajio 12 South Sunglasses are a great investment. For more information or if you are interested in making a purchase, visit www.bajiosunglasses.com