Hobie Phin

Field Notes: Hobie Polarized launches The Hydro Collection fall 2016, endowed with its Hydro Infinity lens technology that is, as the name implies, geared toward water-loving outdoor athletes. The primary tech you need to know here is that it has easy-to-clean dual-sided coatings that repel water, sweat and sunscreen runoff. While Hobie has its roots on the coast and on the water, mountain folks tested them thoroughly around high-altitude reservoirs and rivers to ensure they meet Active Junky standards.

Additional features include Hobie’s unique anti-fog gasket that prevents fogging by allowing face-cooling breezes to pass through, and an adjustable and removable integrated retainer system, ideal for water sports like paddle boarding and rafting so you don’t lose them should a rogue wave come your way, or for hands-free beer drinking and fly-tying. The Hydro Collection also comes with hard carrying case and microfiber cloth.

Hobie Phin, one of the Hydro models, comes in five different frame and lens-color combinations. Three black frame styles come with either grey lenses that are great for all-around outdoor conditions, blue that are ideal for varying light conditions and water sports, or Hobie’s Sightmaster lens, a combination of yellow, green and copper designed specifically for fishing. Or choose from two brown woodgrain frames with copper lenses for water sports or copper with green mirror, a combination great for all day and particularly overcast weather.

The Hydro Collection includes three other models. Manta comes with unframed-bottom lenses and are available in the same frame and lens combination as Phin. The Cruz-R comes in black or tortoise oval-wrap frame with Sightmaster, grey or copper lenses, and the same frame and lens are available in Ventana, an update version of Hobie’s first ‘80s pair of shades with frames for larger faces. All come with Hydro Infinity polarized lenses, retainer system, carrying case and microfiber cloth. 

Pros: Perfect for boating with the integrated retainer system.

Cons: Not necessarily the pinnacle of style.

Tester Comments: “Hobie sunglasses work great and are perfect for leaving on the boat so you always have them.”

Key Attribute: Functionality

Best For: Bass fishing, fresh water fishing, especially with Sightmaster lenses