3: Maui Jim or Oakley sunglasses (I'm up to 4 pairs over a lifetime now, 1 lost, 1 worn out, 2 still in play)
Really? I've always gone with the "cheap" sunglasses because I feel like I'll lose them, but I realized the last few pairs I've had break or wear out. Is there anything special about Maui Jim or Oakley sunglasses, or are they just sturdier? I'd love to get some super dark sunglasses one day to block as much sun as possible - that's pretty much my main shopping criteria after price and it's surprising to me how little light gets blocked by regular off the rack sunglasses. If it's worth it I'd consider spending more on the Perfect Sunglasses.
I got hooked on them when I was a caddy. Outside in the sun, looking at the sky (watching the golf ball) for 8 hours a day. Same with fishing. Simply put, they're better. I feel like I see clearer through my Maui Jims than I do without any lenses. I prefer the amber lenses, and will wear them even in overcast during the day. Easier on my eyes. I also have a couple of eye docs in my family (one Ophthalmologist, and one Optometrist) and they both have told me multiple times that Maui Jims are the best, the best, the best from an eye health standpoint. It is all in the lens that Maui Jim wins.
My eyes would be tired after a day of caddying with cheap sunglasses. Not so with the Maui's or the Oakleys.
Now, that being said, the frames are well made as well--the pair that I lost (sitting in the bottom of Lake Michigan) were their flimsy frame, and they still lasted for 3 years and were going strong. Oakley's lenses aren't quite as good, but still very good. The big draw for them was the frames--they're plastic and well made. I got hit with a baseball (hit the runners foot at third and popped up and hit me) and the frame-arm popped off. Pop it right back on, good as new. I caddied, played golf, played baseball, fished, and rode waverunners in those for probably 6 or 7 years. They're just worn out now (frames are scratched, lenses have a couple scratches as well) but they still reside in my dads convertible as an emergency pair.
I've also had good luck with Ray-Ban and Serengetti. My brother uses Kirkland and Knockaround exclusively (he's still a caddy), and I'm 99% sure that the Kirkland (Costco) is a re-branded Ray-Ban. But I can tell you that Kirkland is the cheapest I will ever go--but I spend a lot of time outside in the summer.
EDIT: Go find some Maui's, wear them outside in sunlight and switch between your cheapos and the Maui's. You'll immediately see the difference. You'll probably still see the difference between a Kirkland and a Maui, but it will be much less pronounced. Make your call--for me, it is a no-brainer.