AFTERGLOW x OWL MILS "VULCAN" Polarized Sunglasses Review: Incredibly clear vision and comfortable wear. The "polarized + high-contrast" sunglasses long-awaited by headwater tenkara fishing enthusiasts [Also great for mountain climbing and skiing]

Sunglasses are a modest necessity for a variety of outdoor activities, from mountain climbing to skiing to mountain stream fishing. While they tend to be seen as a fashion item down below, high-quality sunglasses are essential for maintaining visibility when climbing or skiing in the snowy season. It goes without saying that they are also an essential item for protecting your eyes from the damage caused by strong sunlight in high mountains in the summer.

However, there are many different types of sunglasses depending on the purpose, and while it would be best to have one that covers everything, it's the same as with other mountain gear in that it's ideal to have a model that's suitable for each activity. I've used several models for skiing and mountain climbing, but until recently I hadn't found the perfect pair for me when it came to choosing the "best sunglasses for mountain stream fishing*."

There are plenty of sunglasses for freshwater fishing in rivers and lakes on the market, but what I desperately want is the perfect pair of sunglasses for people who fish while climbing up mountain streams, and when it comes to that, there are surprisingly few options. Of course, I'm well aware that such a niche use is limited to Japan and is still used by an extremely small minority of people in Japan, so I understand that it's not easy to find the perfect pair. Also, high-quality sunglasses for fishing are generally expensive and rarely available in physical stores, so even if I do find a similar model, the harsh reality is that I have limited opportunities to actually try them out.

Amidst all this, an interesting product has emerged that may put an end to this sunglasses dilemma, and I was thankful to have the opportunity to try it out in detail. The new Vulcan sunglasses model is "perfect for mountain stream fishing," and was created through a collaboration between OWL MILS can withstand harsh environments, and AFTERGLOW things that they use.

For this review, I have been able to use two models equipped with Vulcan's two types of lenses, " BRIGHT LENS " and " OLIVE GLOW LENS ," while stream fishing and hiking in various regions and river basins since July of this year, so I would like to share my review of their actual performance and usability.

*For those of you wondering, "Do I really need sunglasses every time I go fishing?", I'll explain briefly. In the Tenkara mountain stream fishing that I currently enjoy, the most important thing is to position the rod at the exact moment the fish bites the hair lure (artificial bait). To do this, I need to have a firm grasp on the movements of the fish in the water, and by using mountain stream sunglasses, I can see more clearly underwater, which is difficult to see with the naked eye due to the glare.

Good points

• Incredibly clear, bright and deep vision
• Green lens (BRIGHT LENS) for easy underwater visibility from sunrise to sunset in the headwaters.
• Mirror lens option (OLIVE GLOW LENS) that covers a wide range of situations, from general mountain streams to mountain climbing and snowy mountains.
• The distance between the lens and the eyeball is close, allowing for a wide field of view while still allowing for ample blinking without the eyelashes touching the lens.
• Lightweight yet durable and flexible frame
• Soft, non-slip nose pads and non-slip rubber temples for a secure fit
• Carabiner loop and standard Dyneema glass cord
• A sophisticated design that can be worn every day

Points that interest me

• The temples are slightly longer at the back
• The lenses are large, providing a wide field of view, but may be too large for people with small faces.
• Because the distance between the eyeball and the lens is short, they tend to fog up easily when you move vigorously or sweat.
• Polycarbonate is impact resistant but not very scratch resistant (be careful of scratches)

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

Design and Fit: Style and comfort at first sight

While it may be a matter of personal preference, I fell in love with the look of these sunglasses at first sight. When it comes to high-performance fishing sunglasses, many of them tend to have sharp curves that resemble sports sunglasses, but they just don't suit me, so I was looking for a model that had the ultimate in high functionality with a simple, orthodox design for everyday use. This design was just right for me, and I was excited to try them on even before I put them on.

And when I tried them on...even though they were fresh out of the box, they conformed perfectly to the curves of my face from the moment I put them on, and yet they fit gently without squeezing the temples too tightly, and were an exquisite fit without being too tight. They didn't feel tight behind my ears, and yet they stayed in place even when I headbanged my head up and down. There was also almost no weight felt on my nose, and even when I wore them for long periods of time, there was almost no strain. To be honest, they were even more comfortable than I expected.

This comfortable fit is likely due not only to the exquisite curve of the frame, but also to the moderate flexibility of the material. The TR nylon used in the frame is extremely light, elastic, and flexible, so it holds the face with just the right amount of pressure, regardless of the size or shape of the face, making it easy to fit. Of course, they may not be as good as a professionally fitted pair, but I never expected them to fit my head so comfortably without any adjustments (and you can even customize the shape yourself).

The TR nylon frame is flexible and lightweight, providing a comfortable fit even without any modifications. It can also be customized to suit your needs.

This model is available in three colors, and even though they use the same TR nylon material, there are subtle differences in the comfort of each color. While the differences are subtle, the matte black frame feels more flexible and has a smooth matte texture against the skin, making it lighter to wear. Meanwhile, the clear olive frame feels firmer against the skin, providing a firmer grip, and its smooth surface makes it less slippery and more comfortable to wear.

On the other hand, there were some minor issues with comfort. The temples are a little long and extend backwards, so (regardless of whether they fit well or not) they stick out a little on the back of the head (see photo below). Some people might not mind this, but for me it was a bit of a nuisance when wearing a cap or helmet.

Wide field of view: Style and wide field of view are both achieved. I was amazed by the meticulously calculated lens and frame structure.

The classic and unobtrusive Wellington-type design is square yet has just the right amount of roundness, making it easy to wear for any wearer and in any situation. However, the designer did not choose it solely for its appearance. He says that another major reason for adopting this design is that it "provides a wide field of vision."

The lens size is said to be among the best in the OWL MILS lineup, and it is true that it is a little large. Because of this, the glasses feel a little large for someone with a small face (this is where it's difficult to decide between function and design).

But the field of view is incredibly wide. You don't even notice the edges of the lenses, as if you were wearing goggle-style sunglasses. This wide field of view isn't just due to the size of the lenses, but also depends on the distance from the eyeball to the lens and the angle of the lenses. Vulcan has meticulously calculated the distance between the eyeball and the lens, bringing it as close as possible without the eyelashes touching it, making the most of the wide lens size and achieving an unimaginably wide and comfortable field of view. Not only do you not notice the edges at all when wearing them, but you can also find fish in the water as naturally as if you were looking with your bare eyes - it's a joy! ( Click here )

On the other hand, when I actually used it for overnight mountain stream fishing, I noticed that the lens was so close that I was concerned about the lens fogging up easily when I made any more intense movements than a certain level.

Of course, if you're just leisurely fishing, there's no problem. During the development process, they said they aimed for an exquisite line that would prevent heat from accumulating and fog up even during active fishing trips, and I certainly didn't notice any fogging during normal fishing trips or when walking on well-ventilated trails while hiking.

However, when I was climbing steep, humid, bushy slopes, such as around a waterfall, I noticed that my sunglasses were fogging up more easily than usual, so I did take them off. Of course, this will vary depending on each individual's constitution and the outside conditions, such as temperature and humidity, so I don't think these sunglasses are particularly prone to fogging up compared to others, but at the very least, they don't seem to be so breathable that you don't have to worry about fogging up all the time. This is probably normal for people who wear sunglasses or glasses to some extent.

Lens performance: The surprisingly clear and high-resolution view gave a vivid impression of the char attacking the hair lure.

As AFTERGLOW developed these sunglasses in collaboration with OWL MILS in pursuit of "the best polarized glasses for mountain stream fishing in Japan," the true value of these sunglasses is none other than their ease of viewing while stream fishing. To cut straight to the chase, I have tried a variety of polarized sunglasses, including those from major domestic and international brands, but of all of them, I have never been more satisfied with the ease of viewing and clarity of vision (at least when fishing in mountain streams, mainly in the headwaters) than the Vulcan

I felt that these lenses were particularly effective at capturing fish shadows at points in the headwaters where sunlight is difficult to reach and visibility is poor, such as small pools where complex currents intersect, the shade of rocks in pools darkened by trees, or deep pools where white foam rises around powerful waterfalls, out of all the polarized lenses I have used so far. Furthermore, whereas before I would often lose sight of the line or bait immediately after casting (of course, this is also a matter of skill), the Vulcan lenses I no longer lose sight of the bait that hits the water surface, and I can track it with my eyes much more often.

And above all, this summer, when I tackled the headwaters of a river wearing a Vulcan, I was able to experience for the first time in my second year of tenkara fishing the true joy of tenkara - seeing with my own eyes a char attacking the hair hook I had cast from afar, following its movements with precision and reeling it in when it bit - and this experience has given me immense confidence in these sunglasses.

polarized and high-contrast lenses " MILS LENS "

When I try to break down this excitement in my own words, the first thing that comes to mind is the lens that is used as the base for this model, the polarized + high contrast lens of MILS LENS ."

In addition to the "polarized*" function that is a basic requirement for sunglasses for mountain stream fishing, these lenses also have "high contrast" properties that allow for a clearer, higher-contrast view by cutting out specific wavelengths (colors) while preserving natural colors.This means that even underwater, where it is difficult to distinguish the difference between the ground and the fish, the sense of depth is enhanced more than with simple polarized lenses, making it easier to identify fish.

*Polarized lenses are lenses with a special structure that allows necessary light to pass through while blocking excess light from certain angles, reducing glare and scattered reflections on the water surface, making it dramatically easier to see underwater objects. They also protect the eyes by cutting out light that can be hard on the eyes, such as ultraviolet rays.

For reference, the photo below was taken through sunglasses. When you look through the sunglasses, the white waves and bubbles on the water surface, as well as the glare caused by the reflected sunlight, which are visible when you don't use lenses, are completely removed. Transparent areas are clearer, and shadow areas are darker, making the water look crisp and clear.

Don't miss the high resolution and surprisingly clear view

However, what surprised me most about this visibility was how incredibly crisp and clear the view

(I can't find the right way to describe it) The world in front of me looks incredibly clear and beautiful. It's like the difference between a photo taken with a compact camera and a SLR camera. Of course, this doesn't just mean that reflections are gone and you can see underwater better, or that shadows are clearer and easier to see. It's like the whole scenery unfolding before your eyes, and with the lenses on you can see the fine details in the water more clearly than before.

This clear field of view and high resolution are entirely due to the high quality of the lenses. Polycarbonate, which has the same transparency as glass, is made as thin as possible (while maintaining durability) and processed to be clear and distortion-free. It is then treated with the highest quality polarizing film and high contrast processing made in Japan with high precision and quality. It is inspiring to think that such clear field of view is produced through the combination of various technologies and skilled craftsmanship.

By the way, both sides of the lens are multi-coated, which protects the lens surface from water and dirt to a certain extent, so you can rest assured. However, although polycarbonate lenses are generally impact-resistant, they are not as scratch-resistant as glass, so be careful (I accidentally dropped it and it rubbed against a stone, causing a small scratch).

The exquisitely bright green lens color is also perfect for those who are fishing in mountain streams.

Furthermore, the lens color's exquisite brightness also plays a major role in providing comfortable vision. Of the two lens colors we tried this time, " BRIGHT ," which is more specialized for mountain stream fishing, is a green with a slight blue tint. Green hues generally have little change in contrast, provide a natural view, and reduce glare. They are said to be colors that help maintain a bright field of vision even when fishing in rivers and mountain streams, especially dimly lit valleys and narrow tributaries even during the day, and, unlike yellow, red, or blue hues, allow you to see the stream's scenery without any discomfort.

The brightness of the lenses is also OWL MILLS lineup, and is considerably brighter than similar colors from other companies, with a visible light transmittance of approximately 38%. This means that even in the headwaters surrounded by deep gorges or at early morning twilight, it's never too dark to see, and I almost never found myself thinking, "It's too dark, I want to take off my sunglasses" while walking through the stream. It's the perfect brightness for me, and I can wear them from the time I enter the stream until I leave.

The difference between the two lens colors, "BRIGHT" and "OLIVE GLOW"

On the other hand, you might think that the BRIGHT color might be too bright on the riverbank where the strong sunlight shines brightly during the day, but that's not the case. The BRIGHT color reduces unnecessary reflected light and glare, so it wasn't too dazzling even in bright places. However, that being said, there are probably some people who don't just fish in small to medium-sized valleys and headwaters like me, but often fish in bright spots such as the upper and middle reaches of rivers or main streams. For such people, the newly added color " OLIVE GLOW " is an excellent choice.

Vulcan's two lens colors: BRIGHT (left) and OLIVE GLOW (right)

the MILS LENS are the aforementioned BRIGHT , but this lens has a thin mirror coating called "flash mirror" added to the lens surface. The mirror coating improves the light reflection effect and reduces glare, making this lens more suitable for brighter conditions. The visible light transmittance is also about 25%, which is actually lower than that of the BRIGHT. However, this does not mean that the view is noticeably darker, and it basically reduces glare and ensures a clear view. The lens color also seems to have a slightly warmer color mix, and I actually felt that the forest looked more vibrant than the BRIGHT

OLIVE GLOW is its wide range of applications. As I mentioned earlier, it's naturally suited to mountain stream fishing, but its low transmittance, which allows it to be used in brighter areas, and its green hue that closely resembles natural vision, make it suitable for a wide range of situations, including snow-free and snow-covered mountain climbing, outdoor activities, skiing, and driving (apparently testing was also done on this front during development). I haven't actually tried them myself, so I can't say for sure, but unless you're hiking on clear, snow-covered days, you don't always need pitch-black lenses with such low transmittance. Conversely, I think that a 25% transmittance is perfectly realistic in many cases, especially for backcountry skiing in the harsh winter when the weather is unpredictable.

Temples with carabiner tips and Dyneema® glass cord for ease of use in the field

What I like about this model is not only the fit and clarity of the field of view. The temple ends are equipped with carabiners, which can be used to attach the standard Dyneema® glasses cord. Of course, you can also use a third-party cord lock.

I've been so careless that I've left my sunglasses somewhere while I was out and about countless times. For those of us who are so careless, this cord is indispensable. It's made of Dyneema®, so it's strong enough.

Summary: Tenkara, lure, fly fishing, bait fishing... If you are a mountain stream fishing enthusiast, there is no reason not to use this.

Frankly, I've been waiting for sunglasses specifically designed for mountain stream fishing. The VULCAN sunglasses ideal features and functionality I envisioned. Having grown from stream climbing to mountain stream fishing, and considering mountain stream fishing just one of many diverse activities (play) in the mountainous field throughout the four seasons, the VULCAN sunglasses offer everything I needed. While maintaining high levels of sunglasses-like quality in terms of visibility, fit, and durability, they also offer the practicality and essentials needed for use in the unique field of mountain streams, without ever compromising on design. While I've touched on some of the minor concerns in the main text, overall, I can confidently say that there's no other sunglasses that's more suitable for me than these. Sunglasses aren't cheap, so they're not something you'll want to replace frequently. However, I recommend these sunglasses to anyone who, like me, heads down to the headwaters of rivers to fish, and they're sure to suit anyone who enjoys the outdoors, especially mountain stream fishing.

The BRIGHT offers overwhelming visibility in the mornings, evenings, and deep valleys , and is highly recommended if you plan on fishing. However, the OLIVE GLOW is not too dark compared to other companies' models, and in fact, it will be perfect for the coming season them to see the autumn leaves and snow-capped mountains. Both are of the same high quality, so please use this review as a reference and choose freely based on your own fishing style and how you interact with the outdoors.

Details and purchase information for AFTERGLOW x OWL MILS "VULCAN"

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