Sunglasses Lens Color???

[SnookOne]

So I am going to buy a pair of Costa's strictly for Bass fishing as was not sure which lens color would be better...Polarize Amber or Polarized Grey? What works best for you?

[retiredbosn]

What is the water like in your area? Water clarity and color play a major role in lense choice.

[Addicted to Smallies]

Costas are a great addition to your fishing arsenal! I honestly thought my Oakley's were good until I tried the Costas, and they blew everything else out of the water (no pun intended!) I NEVER push a particular brand on people (usually, I figure everyone has their own favorites and that's just fine with me), but with Costas I make an exception -- they are hands-down the BEST glasses on the planet for fishing (and I've tried all of them, I think.) Whatever you get, you will love them!

As for color, you can't go wrong with the green mirror 580G lenses. The 400's are not as good -- although they're still pretty darn good they aren't as good as the 580's at letting the "good" light through while blocking the problematic yellow light part of the spectrum. I also tried the plastic (580P) lenses that a buddy has, but I think the extra visual quality of the glass lenses does make a big difference and the higher visual quality offsets the (slight) weight difference.

I mostly fish in freshwater rivers and lakes here in Virginia where the water can run anywhere from brown to green to gin clear, and the green mirror 580Gs work flawlessly in all of those conditions. The Costa folks say that the green mirror are best for lakes, streams and for inshore fishing, but I also went deep sea fishing over the summer, and they worked really well there as well... I could see the fish before any of the other guys on the boat it seemed.

The green mirror lenses have a copper / amber base tint, and to me they let a LOT more color through than the gray lenses do. Everything seems more vibrant to me with that shade compared to the slightly more washed-out look of the gray base.

I know you didn't ask about frames, but I love the Brine. I have an "average" sized head (5'11", 160#, average guy) and most of the other sizes seemed too large for me, but the Brine fit perfectly. If you have a bigger head, then the Fathom or the Harpoon might be better for you.

The ones below are mine:

[kickerfish1]

That is an outstanding post! Thanks for sharing!!!

[MCS]

Addicted nailed it with his post, I Just got a pair of the Jose in green mirror 580G as a gift. I used to have the Strike King in amber/green. There is a good difference, I can see further off the bank. The view is clear, never thought it mattered much but now using themI can tell. Plus they don't feel so cheap. I just went with what was recommended by costa and a couple other websites(solar bat was one I was considering) when I got my strike kings. The copper/amber in my opinion sharpens the lines of what your looking at versus a grey(have a cheap pair of columbia in grey polarized) lense seems to darken or shade what you are looking at. Congrats on the new shades whatever color you get I am sure you will be happy.

[BASSclary]

Although the are strictly for fishing, it also matter if high contrast/color bothers you. My first pair of Costas were the 580G Permits with the green mirror lenses because of the high recommendation for that color. They are great, but I didn't like the high contrast and color the copper base provided. It gave me headaches, which only worsened because I wear contacts and later on had a concussion. I sold those for a new pair of Costa Fantail 580G Blue mirror with the grey base, and I never looked back. Unlike other lenses that are gray, I cant say these have ever made things "darker". They only really liven the colors just a bit that you dont see with the naked eye because they're polarized. They gray they use is also a bit of a warm lense, as opposed to my oakley's which have a lens that puts a cool hue on colors.

Also, I found that regardless of the lense colors, I could still see perfectly fine into the water. The higher contrast of the copper(Green mirror) lenses just make things pop a bit more, which you might like, but you can still see in the water equally well.

[matt996]

I have 2 pairs of Oakley and also looking at costa but I only but the amber lenses. I have had grey and the amber are much clearer in the water.

[gobig]

If you can only afford one pair, copper or amber lenses are the way to go. They are the best all around lens for all conditions. Just make sure they are polarized.

[Sam]

Addicted, thanks for the post.

I checked and clarified that Costas can have prescription lens made.

Sincerely appreciate your input.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

[fl_bass]

How do Costas compare to Maui Jim? To keep on the topic. I like gray lenses

[Curved]

My favorite color is "cheaper"

[BASSclary]

How do Costas compare to Maui Jim? To keep on the topic. I like gray lenses

Costa's 580G lenses blow everything out of the water, but comparing the 400G to Maui Jims, they are very comparable, the main difference being the styles of the frames that each company uses.

[fl_bass]

Costa's 580G lenses blow everything out of the water, but comparing the 400G to Maui Jims, they are very comparable, the main difference being the styles of the frames that each company uses.

Good to know that there is another brand out there to choose from. Thanks

[Jig Man]

I had the costa mirrors and couldn't see my gps screen so I traded them for the amber and have been happy of 2 years.

[Brian Needham]

CHOOSING A LENS COLOR

Blue mirror: 10%percent light tranmission made for open water delivers maximum contrast and color in full sun while elimineting glare. 400G,400P,580G

Green Mirror: 10% light transmission. offers enhanced visual acuity for fishing inshore, flats, rivers, and streams. 400G, 580G

Gray: 12% light transmission. perfect all around choice for sports on water and land. Maintains color saturation and natural contrast in medium to bright sun conditions. 400G, 400P, 580G,580P

Sliver: 12% light transmission. optimize light transmission and enhance colors. Perfect for sight fishing or any outdoor activity with variable light. 580G only

Copper: 12% light tranmission made for sight fishing, driving, and everyday activities. Cuts glare and enhances contrast and color, providing eye comfort in any conditions. 580G, 580P

Amber: 12% light transmission. Excellent all around lens that delivers the brightest field of vision. Great choice for fishing, driving and activities where high contrast is needed. 400G,400P, 580P

[Brian Needham]

don't get ANYTHING LESS than the 580glass.....save pennies if you have to, its worth it. Also.... try on several frames BEFORE you buy, lots of frames will fit good, but then you will put on the next and they will be perfect. so try several!

[SnookOne]

First off...Thanks to all of the terrific advise. I was looking at the new Costa's in the camo frames. The Fantail fit me best (I have a small face) but was not sure of the lens color. I use Costa Tag's with green 580P for my inshore fishing and wanted to buy this second pair for Bass Fishing. I was previously using Oakley Straight Jackets with VR28 Black Iridium lenses...which look like a dark brown which worked well, but was not sure if a Amber or Grey lens would be better.

[PotomacBassin]

Not sure if anyone ever tried the Field & Stream lens' that you can get anywhere like Dick's, but for $25 you can't beat them. I have the iridescent colored lens and they work pretty well for the money. I know you get what you pay for, but by saving money on glasses, I'm able to spend more on other things like rods and baits.

[jhoffman]

You know what I think is funny. Some guy somewhere put on a pair of polarized glasses and proclaimed..."These make me see in HD, Ill market that" and now people buy "HD sunglasses" that are in horrible frames made out of horrible materials so they can "see in HD".

[BASSclary]

You know what I think is funny. Some guy somewhere put on a pair of polarized glasses and proclaimed..."These make me see in HD, Ill market that" and now people buy "HD sunglasses" that are in horrible frames made out of horrible materials so they can "see in HD".

I'll just say this, until you've tried a pair of 580G or any other really nice lense for that matter that is polarized, it really does feel like your seeing in HD. The reduced glare off seemingly everything makes the lines sharper and boosts colors that you didnt see before because of glare.

[5fishlimit]

I use a pair of polarized amber lenses from Arnette, and they work great all day long.

[Brian Needham]

lol "my slogan" for Costa's has always been 'seeing life in HD' people never believe me until they try them on......as far as the field and streams from dick I will say I was surprised when I tried on a guys at work on. for $25 they are awesome, they are "brighter" than the costas, but I don't think they have the water seeing ability.

[MCS]

lol "my slogan" for Costa's has always been 'seeing life in HD' people never believe me until they try them on......as far as the field and streams from dick I will say I was surprised when I tried on a guys at work on. for $25 they are awesome, they are "brighter" than the costas, but I don't think they have the water seeing ability.

I will agree with u on that. My 25 dollar strike kings the same way, very bright. But the Costas when I tried them at a pond I always fish, and I can see a big difference looking at the water, the Costas I can see out and into the water a lot further off the bank, dang near across half the pond.

[CRANKSTER]

+1 vote for the 580 Green glass Costa's. I've a pair in each color and I've noticed the green ones are kind of a multi-purpose pair. Find myself wearing those 90% of the time.