Review of the Maui Jim Local Kine Fishing Sunglasses (With On-Water Video)

Hey there, it’s your fellow fishing fanatic. After countless watery adventures chasing trout and equally as many squinted eyes and sunburned noses, I’ve discovered something: good fishing sunglasses, like the right fly, can make all the difference.

I was able to test the Maui Jim Local Kine fishing sunglasses. These bad boys stand out not just for their killer looks, but also for their top-notch performance when you’re out on the water.

First Impression

When I first opened the box, the style of the Local Kines hit me like a large-mouth bass jumping clear out of the water. The two-tone frame color is slick, and I could see myself rocking these everyday, not just when I’m out on my fishing escapades. The glass lenses are something else – crystal clear and just the thing you need when you’re trying to spy on the fish below. A slight downside though, the protective case left a bit to be desired.

How Well Did the Maui Jim Local Kines’ Work on the Water?

This was tough to do, think about laying +17 pairs of sunglasses out and trying to get pictures of fish through all those lenses. But the MOST important factor for fishing sunglasses is – HOW WELL THEY WORK!

Here are the before and after pics.

WHERE DID THE Local Kine SUNGLASSES PLACE IN MY COMPARISON?

Out of all the sunglasses I tested, the Local Kine finished near the top. They ranked #2 place out of 17 at the time of my review. A stand out feature of the Local Kine’s is the glass lens and “the fishing seeing ability” They scored with the BEST sunglasses for seeing fish.

These sunglasses excel at seeing fish. They were near the top, and if Style is important these are probably the sunglasses for you. Check prices and availability on Amazon with this link. 👉 Maui Jim Local Kine Sunglasses

If you’re looking for the BEST, check out my FULL REVIEW link 👉 Looking for the Best Fishing Sunglasses. In the article I detail all the sunglasses tested and provide the nitty gritty details covering 16 factors that I reviewed.

Video Review Maui Jim Local Kine Sunglasses

Fit and Comfort

I rated these sunnies an 8 for comfort, the same as some of the top sunglasses in my testing. They have a nice soft padding on the nose and ear temple arms. The wrap is comfortable and just lightly touches the ear – almost like it’s whispering fishing secrets into them.

Lens Features for the Local Kines

The MJ Local Kines sport a bronze lens color – my personal favorite. Not only does it add to the style, but it also gives you a great view under the water, helping you spot those slippery critters.

The polarization is right up there with an 8. If you’ve ever been frustrated by the glare off the water messing up your perfect cast, you’ll appreciate these sunglasses. I was impressed by the UV protection as well, which also earned an 8. Nothing beats knowing your eyes are safe while you’re out enjoying the sunshine and landing your catches.

Fishy Factor – Are they Perfect for Fishing?

The Local Kines have what I call a “Fishy Factor” of 8. Now you’re probably wondering, “What the heck is a Fishy Factor?” Well, it’s a ranking I use that combines all the best features into a single pair of sunglasses. I’m talking wide side shields, a cool bronze tint, perfect VLT, spring hinges, glass lenses, and added films for scratch resistance and cleaning.

Frame and Design

The frame material is sturdy plastic, but it’s not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill kind. It’s got a two-tone style that really pops, and it’s got some flexibility to it.

The wraparound design is great for keeping those pesky side glares out, and they fit so snugly you’d think they were custom-made just for you. These glasses weigh in at about 40 grams – a smidgen on the heavier side due to the glass lenses, but the comfort makes up for it.

Real Life Style

Pictures are worth so much better than words when it comes to style. Both my daughter and I posed for pics wearing the Local Kine’s. I’m a “fat head” wearing a large to XL size hat. She’s a small thing wearing a size small. Check out the pictures.

Included with Maui Jim Local Kine Sunglasses

Along with the sunglasses, you get a cloth bag and a case. Though, I would recommend getting a better case for added protection.

Additional Features of the Maui Jim Local Kine

The sunglasses feature a nicely designed spring hinge, which adds to their durability. The lenses are made of glass, which I always prefer for their clarity. These lenses also have added coatings for improved scratch and fogging resistance. Plus, the warranty is more than 30 days.

Performance and User Experience

On the water, the sunglasses work wonders. The polarization, the lens color, and even the wraparound design – all combine to give you a fantastic fishing experience. Plus, the comfort lets you keep them on all day without any issues. A downside though, is the case. I’d recommend spending a couple bucks buying one to protect this investment.

Technologies that Set The Maui Jim Local Apart

Maui Jim Local Kine has some nifty tech up its sleeves. The frames are in a Matte Dark Transparent Brown with Tan and Cream. This color combination is not just for show; it helps reduce internal glare, improving your vision and comfort.

The HCL® Bronze lens has a warm tint that’s versatile for changing conditions. You might be wondering about the “SuperThin Glass” – this isn’t just marketing talk. The lenses are 20% to 32% thinner and lighter than standard glass, giving you the best scratch and solvent resistance.

Pros and Cons of Maui Jim Local Kine

Pros	Cons
High-grade polarization for excellent visibility	Comes with a weak case
Exceptional UV protection for eye safety	Slightly on the expensive side
High comfort due to padding and spring hinges	Bit heavier due to the glass lenses
Durable frame and lenses
Stylish two-tone frame design

Price and Value

At $279, the Maui Jim Local Kine sunglasses might seem a bit on the steep side. But for the quality, comfort, and fantastic fishing features, I’d say it’s worth it. After all, a great pair of fishing sunglasses is an investment in your fishing experience.

I wouldn’t let the price scare you away, the Local Kine’s are stylish enough to wear everyday. The two tone frame is eye catching, the Italian styling will impress. Check out the current prices and reviews on Amazon with this link. 👉 Maui Jim Local Kine Sunglasses

Warranty

The warranty is for 2 years on manufacture defects, giving you peace of mind should anything go wrong.  I will say the customer service folks are willing to help so reach out.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

From other fellow anglers, I’ve seen a solid 9-star rating (out of 10). That’s a pretty good seal of approval in my books.

Last Cast with the Local Kines’

To wrap up, I’ve got to say the Maui Jim Local Kine sunglasses are one impressive pair of fishing eyewear. Whether you’re an avid angler spending hours on the water, or a casual fisherman who enjoys occasional weekend trips, you’ll find these sunglasses to be a worthy companion.

Do I recommend the Maui Jim Local Kine? Heck YES! If having the best combination of Style and Fishing is what you’re looking for these are the sunglasses for you. Looking for more, check prices and reviews on Amazon with this shortcut link. 👉 Maui Jim Local Kine Sunglasses

They look great, provide exceptional visual clarity, and offer high levels of comfort. Although the price may seem a little steep, the multitude of features, top-notch performance, and stylish design make it a worthwhile investment. Just remember to invest in a robust case to keep them safe and sound. Happy fishing!

Resourses

• If you haven’t checked it out grab a copy of the Sunglasses Score Sheet. It details all the factors on a single page (kind of an eye chart for a phone) Get it here 👉 Sunglasses Evaluation Score Sheet
• My article “The Best Sunglasses for Fishing” compiles everything for selecting sunglasses for fishing. Here’s the link 👉 The Best Sunglasses for Fishing
• I made a video review about the Local Kine Sunglasses 👉 YouTube Local Kine Sunglasses Review (On-Water)