Contrast-enhancing Oakley Prizm lenses have changed eyewear forever. These lenses are optimized to specific environments to maximize color, contrast, and reduce glare. And that’s exactly what Oakley Prizm Shallow Water and Prizm Deep Water lenses accomplish. Oakley made these two lenses specifically for fishing and being on the water.
Keep reading for our complete comparison of both Prizm water lenses.
Table of Contents
Oakley Prizm Shallow Water
Oakley Prizm Shallow Water is a lens designed for fishing in creeks, shallow lakes, and rivers. Specifically, this lens is designed to:
- Optimized visibility to see underwater structures and textures
- Enhanced contrast in shallow water so you can easily spot fish and other animals
- Significant glare reduction compared to standard lenses especially off the water
- 15% Visual light transmission great for bright light conditions
Oakley Prizm Deep Water
As you might imagine after reading about Prizm Shallow Water, Oakley Prizm Deep Water is a fishing lens designed for open water and deep-sea conditions.
Specifically, this lens is tailored to:
- Optimized color tuned for dark blue deep water conditions to spot fish and structures underwater
- Enhanced contrast for all-day comfort on the water
- HDPolarized Technology to block glare for less eye fatigue on the water
- 12% Visual light transmission great for bright light conditions
Oakley Prizm Deep Water vs. Shallow Water Comparison
Both of these lenses are similar since they’re designed for fishing sunglasses. But they are both made for different conditions.
We compared Prizm Deep Water and Shallow Water side-by-side in the table below.
Plus keep reading to find out which lens is right for you.
| Prizm Deep Water | Prizm Shallow Water | |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Purpose | Deep Water Fishing | Creek / Fly Fishing |
| Benefits | Highlight fish and terrain below dark water | Highlight terrain below the water |
| Light Transmission | 12% | 15% |
| Base Color | Rose | Rose |
| Polarized Options | Yes | Yes |
| Iridium Options | Yes | Yes |
Which lens is right for you?
Which Prizm fishing lens is right for you depends on where you usually fish. If you typically fish in shallow lakes (under 6-10 feet), creeks, or rivers, you’ll want to go with Prizm Shallow Water lenses.
But if you usually fish in the ocean or deep lakes (>10 feet), you’ll want to use Prizm Deep Water.
Overall, Prizm Deep Water is the darker lens and has a dark blue appearance to it. Compare this to Shallow Water which has a green appearance and is overall a bit lighter.
If you typically fish in both shallow and deep water, we’d recommend Oakley Prizm Deep Water because of its darker tint and ability to adapt to any water environment.
If you are looking for more of a general boating lens, be sure to also check out our complete Oakley Prizm Maritime Lens Review.
Top Oakley Prizm Water Frames
We’ve highlighted some of our favorite Oakley sunglasses featuring Prizm Deep Water and Shallow Water lenses. For a more extensive list, be sure to check out our full Oakley Fishing Sunglasses Guide.
4. Radar EV path
The Oakley Radar EV Path (Product Link) is a half-rim shield lens frame made of lightweight O Matter material. This is also one of our favorite Oakley baseball sunglasses thanks to its large lens. And because the Radar Path is available with plenty of Prizm lens options, this is a great frame for any multi-sport wearers. For more information check out our full Oakley Radar EV Path Review.
Radar EV Path Highlights
- Large shield lens for maximum coverage and peripheral vision
- Half-rim O Matter frame that’s lightweight and comfortable all day with Unobtainium earsocks
- Available in a variety of Prizm and Prizm Polarized lenses for multi-sport use
3. Flak 2.0
The Flak 2.0 (Product Link) is another fantastic sports frame that works well for fishing. Featuring a half-rim dual lens design, the Flak 2.0 is a part of the popular Flak and Half Jacket family. And the Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads on this frame helps to keep these glasses falling overboard (even when wet). See our Oakley Flak 2.0 Review for more.
Flak 2.0 Highlights
- Lightweight half-rim frame made of O Matter material
- Dual XL lens design for maximum coverage and protection
- Unobtainium earsocks and nosepads for added grip even when wet
2. Holbrook
The Oakley Holbrook (Product Link) offers a more casual design than the previous 2 frames. But this frame’s lightweight O Matter frame can still stand up to the elements. Plus the Holbrook is available with both Prizm Deep Water and Shallow Water lenses (along with plenty of other options). You can read more in our complete Oakley Holbrook Guide.
Holbrook Highlights
- Casual lifestyle frame design made of O matter material
- Full rimmed square frame that looks great on oval and round face shapes
- Available with Prizm Deep Water and Shallow Water Polarized lenses
1. Split Shot
Also making our list of the best polarized fishing sunglasses, the Oakley Split Shot (Product Link) is built for fishing! And these sunglasses feature a frame made of lightweight O Matter material, plus a detachable leash to keep your glasses on your head!
Read more in our Oakley Split Shot review.
- Lightweight and durable O Matter frame for all day comfort
- 20-inch detachable steel leash to keep your glasses on your head and out of the water
- Avaialble with interchangeable Prizm fishing lenses
Where to Buy Oakleys?
We’ve included direct links to all the pairs mentioned above. And if you’re looking to buy Oakleys, your first stop is likely Oakley’s website or an authorized retailer like SunglassHut. But unless there’s a sale going on, you’ll usually pay retail prices.
Luckily you can easily save 20-30% off retail prices with only a few seconds of work. Read more in our guide to Never Pay Retail for Oakleys Again!
Looking for More?
Do you use Oakley Prizm Deep Water or Shallow Water? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the thread below.
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