Trivex vs Polycarbonate lenses
We often get asked what the major differences are between polycarbonate and Trivex and why we choose to use Trivex lenses in our sunglasses. Here's why:
Visual Clarity
Trivex lenses can be most closely compared to glass or mineral lenses when it comes to offering superior optical quality. Trivex has a significantly higher ABBE value than polycarbonate, which measures the chromatic aberration, aka clarity, of a specific lens material.
Durability
Trivex is stronger, lighter and more impact resistant than polycarbonate, making it the perfect lens for outdoor adventures. Not to mention, Trivex resistance to stress and cracking makes for a durable lens material when it comes to combatting the normal wear and tear sunglasses experience in everyday life.
How They Are Made
A big difference between poly lenses and Trivex is their manufacturing process. Polycarbonate lenses are injection molded. It is a quick process, resulting in a weaker material more likely to crack under stress. Trivex is made from a thermal casting process, where the material is filled into a cast and allowed to cure over time, several hours, before being removed.
Trivex was first developed by the military as an advanced material to be used as visual armor in helicopter and fighter jets. The requirements for a new visual shield were to be extremely impact, temperature and chemical-resistant while providing superior optimal clarity.
After it's proven success in military aircraft, Trivex material its way into the eyewear industry, first in safety glasses and eye protection because of its impact and chemical resistant properties and then into the sport and fashion sunglass world.
What About Glass?
It goes without saying thatTrivex is more impact-resistant than glass, which is important especially when it comes to hard use sunglasses. But that's not the only benefit that Trivex has over glass lenses. There are a few reasons to skip glass lenses in favor of Trivex. Learn more about the difference between glass and Trivex lenses for sunglasses.
Why We Choose Trivex
Because of these superior attributes, Breakline Optics has chosen Trivex as our standard lens. Combined with our polarization process and our anti-fogging technology, Trivex lenses are the best lenses in the sport, fishing, and active lifestyle eyewear industry. And as an active-lifestyle eyewear brand, Breakline was created to put together the toughest (and best looking) shades on the market, while still providing the optical clarity required for not just UV protection, but to enhance your visual experience.
Lightweight
Since Trivex lenses are lighter than polycarbonate lenses, they're more comfortable to wear all day. Check out reviews of Breakline sunglasses to hear what others have to say.
Read Reviews: Gallatin, Ballyhoo, Cahaba, Regulator, Mariner, Romar, Sundown, and Vulcan.
Cost
Some might say that the drawback with Trivex lenses is the cost, but that’s not the case with us.Trivex is our standard lens, we don’t sell polycarbonate as a base lens and then upcharge for this unique and superior material. We don’t hideTrivex from our customers or act like we invented it and give it a special name. Side by side, Trivex is clearer and stronger than polycarbonate, period, and that's why we use it. From snobby, glass-wearing fly anglers, take our word for it and give it a try.
More Questions About Trivex Lenses
Are Trivex Lenses Scratch-Resistant?
Like most premium sunglasses, our Trivex lenses feature a scratch-resistant coating. BUT now is the perfect time for us to remind you that there are NO sunglasses out there that are completely immune to scratches. Poor handling is the number one cause of scratches and our blog post How to Take Care of You Sunglasses can help extend the life of your sunglasses—because they're a vital piece of equipment that needs to be treated as such.
Do Polycarbonate or Trivex block UV Rays Better?
Polycarbonate and Trivexl enses both block 100% of the sun's UV rays.
What factors go into sunglasses that are optimized for fishing?
If you're looking for the best sunglasses for fishing, you'll care about a few key factors: fit, lens technology, frame technology, and brand promises. Our article Mirrored vs. Non-Mirrored Lenses: What's Best For Fishing covers a lot of that but we think that our sunglasses, made with top-notch technology and made with front-facing and peripheral vision in mind are the best sunglasses on the market, especially for the price.