Kaenon lenses are impeccable in any tint. They’re fashioned from a proprietary plastic called SR 91 that rivals glass for clarity, yet passes impact tests with polycarbonate-style flying colors. These happen to be an oh-so soothing gray that let in 12 percent light. Polarized? Kaenon is all polarized, all the time, a certified hydrophobe, and antireflective. Baton has a frame that begs to be fondled. Clear on the inside, a nifty wood-grain exterior that they call Ocean Reef. See that side logo? It’s screwed into the frame—nice bit of detailing, as are inset nonslip rubber bits where frame meets nose. Baton is beefy yet sleek, an 8-base wrap styled to suit normal-sized faces. You can’t look bad in unisex Baton. Comes with a bomber case and lens-cloth bag. $209. Buy it: Free Shipping at Zappos

The large, very masculine Embargo was issued to me in the leopardlike Havana frame with a polarized brown lens (14 percent VLT), and I wouldn’t have it any other way. (Though you’ve got lots of frame and lens options.) The 8-base wrapped frame is superthick at the corners of your eyes for max pro against sidelighting. Smith works wonders with lenses. These issue the expected “Wow,” but with a small side order of “Ahh.” Clarity is excellent—Smith tapers its lenses for impeccable resolution. Every detail at the beach will pop, even as the sun sinks slowly in whatever direction it’s going. $119. Buy it: framesdirect.com.