Maui Jim Lens Materials: SuperThin Glass, Brilliant, Ultra & Pure — Which to Choose

One of the things that sets Maui Jim apart is that it doesn't have just one "good" lens material, but a whole family of materials, each with its own strengths. Whether you're choosing eyewear for the sea, everyday driving or a demanding sport, understanding the differences in weight, durability and colour rendition helps you choose correctly the first time. Below we break down the four materials and the coatings that come with them.

The 4 Maui Jim lens materials at a glance

Each material is rated by Maui Jim on colour rendition, weight, impact resistance and scratch resistance. The table below sums up the official ratings (5-star scale).

All four materials block 100% of harmful UV radiation.

When each one is the right fit

• SuperThin Glass: The top choice for those who prioritise absolute optical clarity and maximum scratch resistance. It's lighter than conventional glass, but it remains the heaviest material — ideal for everyday use where a little extra weight doesn't bother you.
• MauiBrilliant: A polymer lens with an excellent balance of light weight, durability and colour. It's also available in a prescription version, which makes it a versatile choice if you need corrective lenses.
• MauiUltra: The most advanced material — the lightest, with excellent impact resistance and top-tier colour rendition. It's the ideal choice for sport and an active lifestyle, where weight and safety matter.
• MauiPure: A light and durable material with very good colour rendition, a solid all-around solution for everyday life, the sea and travel.

PolarizedPlus2: the coatings that make the difference

Regardless of the material, every Maui Jim lens features PolarizedPlus2 technology, which includes a series of coatings:

• High-performance polarisation: eliminates 99.9% of glare, so your eyes see more with less effort.
• UV & Blue Light protection: 100% UV blocking and absorption of harmful HEV (blue) light.
• Anti-reflective coating on the back surface: neutralises reflections coming from behind, reducing eye strain.
• Hydrophobic & oleophobic coating: repels water and oils on both sides, making the lens easier to clean.
• Anti-scratch coating: applied front and back for a longer lifespan.

If you want to understand in depth how polarisation works, take a look at the physics of polarisation in detail, while for a comparison with other technologies there's the guide Polarized vs Photochromic vs Mirror.

Which material for which use

• Sea & boating: PolarizedPlus2 polarisation shines over water. SuperThin Glass for maximum clarity, or MauiPure/MauiUltra for lighter weight.
• Driving: MauiBrilliant or MauiUltra for a combination of durability, colour and light weight throughout the day.
• Sport & activity: MauiUltra for the top package of light weight + impact resistance.
• Everyday use: MauiPure or MauiBrilliant as versatile all-around choices.

If you'd like to see how Maui Jim fits into the wider brand landscape, take a look at our article on Maui Jim: The Science of Colour & PolarizedPlus2.

Ready to find your own pair? Take a look at the Maui Jim sunglasses collection, or explore all sunglasses to compare lens colours and designs before you decide.