Costa Green Vs Blue Mirror 580G Lenses

[bigfishbk86]

I've done plenty of searching on this forum and others on this topic, and the favorite by far seems to be the green mirror, but i have a few questions for those who have tried both or have valuable input on the topic.  I fish a ton of really clear water here in wisconsin, definitely more clear water than stained, of the two which would be better for seeing "into" clear water?  Is the green better for sight fishing regardless of water clarity?  My other concern is that the green will not be dark enough in very bright conditions.  I currently have Oakley shallow blue straight jackets and they just don't cut it when its a bluebird day.  I know you can't have your cake and eat it too, but i'd love to hear any input or suggestions on the topic.  Thanks guys! 

[ColdSVT]

I have both...i wear the green most pf the time. I used the blue on offshore trips when I lived in FL. inshore and in fresh water I always wear my green mirrored mayas. the blue I still use when I go chasing lakers or salmon on the great leake

[BassmanDan]

Since the blue mirror is a grey base and the green mirror an amber base there is a difference in what guys prefer..however the light transmission percentage is equal for both tints from what I've read. In my opinion the green mirror work great for freshwater, and I really prefer that amber/copper tint for my fishing. If you look at Oakleys website they rate the light transmission of the shallow blue lenses at 20 percent, which is pretty high. Both green and blue mirror Costas should be in the 10 to 12 percent range I believe. You shouldn't have a problem with either color.

[Darren.]

I went through the research on this late last summer after I finally decided that glasses were worth their weight in gold after pairs of cheapies kept crapping out on me. Now this is me, obviously other folks are good with their choices, so...

 

That said, I opted for a pair of 580G green mirror. I fish fresh water 99% of the time, and the one time I went out striper fishing in December (Chesapeake Bay), they were awesome.

 

So taking the 580Gs out on the local reservoirs was an amazing experience, and I can't wait until spawn so I can see the largies sitting on the beds with even more clarity.

 

I also opted to go the eBay route, and only from reputable sellers with 99.6% rating or higher. So my 580Gs are indeed legit, and cost WAY less than through local/web retailers.

[Hi Salenity]

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Costa say their amber/silver mirror are the best freshwater lenses?

I have a pair of amber Under armor and I love them. I got a pair of smoke? Lenses in Costas and they sucked and I returned them. I'm wanting to get another pair and I think I'll get the Amber/silver unless someone can talk me into another lense color.

Btw I fish a lot of stained waters.

[Flukeman]

I did a bunch of research on glasses recently and had my mind made up to go with the 580G green mirror. Then I had to go to an OSHA training and learned glass vs polycarbonate impact rating was 60mph vs 380mph. So I ended up with the 580P in amber. I travel in my boat at speeds greater than 60 mph and have no idea what speed those bullet weights fly back at you when flipping. But thats just me.

The green mirrors work better for my eyes. It is possible that your eyes would do better with the gray base. So you should try to wear both kinds before buying and compare what your eye is actually seeing. And then it is just a matter of finding frames that are going to be comfortable on your face with the extra weight of glass. That seemed to be the number one complaint I found out there. The other big suggestion was to get a pair of croakies or sunglass strap for around your neck. When the glasses are dropped from about waist hieght they tend to shatter or chip. That was the other complaint, but I would think most people would be using some kind of strap with a pair of $200 and up pair of glasses.

[MCS]

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Costa say their amber/silver mirror are the best freshwater lenses?

I have a pair of amber Under armor and I love them. I got a pair of smoke? Lenses in Costas and they sucked and I returned them. I'm wanting to get another pair and I think I'll get the Amber/silver unless someone can talk me into another lense color.

Btw I fish a lot of stained waters.

Yes you are correct. But it also says green/amber for inshore flats, rivers and streams. From my under standing on both costa and other sites. Amber green is better cloudy/dawn dusk. Which here I am dawn fishing & do a little inshore.

Costas web describes silver as handling variable light. The changes between shade and full sun.

Now I never tried the silver on, don't recall even seeing it in the store but I do wonder if there is advantage to one or the other fishing wise

[Darren.]

Yes you are correct. But it also says green/amber for inshore flats, rivers and streams. From my under standing on both costa and other sites. Amber green is better cloudy/dawn dusk. Which here I am dawn fishing & do a little inshore.

Costas web describes silver as handling variable light. The changes between shade and full sun.

Now I never tried the silver on, don't recall even seeing it in the store but I do wonder if there is advantage to one or the other fishing wise

 

Read the same info. So as part of my investigation-before-buying I talked to a number of fishermen in my area who are Costa wearers. One does the silver/gray, the rest do green/amber. Actually, some of them are off-shore dudes who use the blue, but up here in the Chesapeake Bay/James River/York River, green seems to be the choice.

[BassmanDan]

I have the Rockports with the silver mirror amber 580P lenses. Very lightweight, xtra large frame and the most comfortable pair of Costas I've owned. That lens has a slightly higher light transmission than the green or blue mirror. It is definitely better for cloudy days but also handles bright sun comfortably. I've noticed my GM lenses show more "color" and the silver are more neutral. The best bet is to go to a dealer who has all the lenses and find what works for you. 

[Silas]

I have the Costas in 580P amber.  Works well, and I like to run the boat with them, because they are shatter resistant and very light on the face.

 

However, I WEAR the Costa 580 GLASS Green Mirror  when fishing.  I fish freshwater and mostly stained water. 

 

I am perfectly satisfied.  Both glasses are excellent

 

I also have some Maui Jim's and feel that they are on par with the Costas.....I use them for "fashion" glasses.

 

Of course, my REAL FASHION glasses are the Ray Ban Vintage Clubmasters and Wayfarers.  Nothing like them on the street!!

[bigfishbk86]

Thanks for all the help guys, headed down to BPS and decided on the Green Mirror blackfins, seem to be exactly what i'm looking for!

[Amarley]

I have the Green 580 lenses in a Corbina frame. Unbelievable sunglasses. I can really see into the water with them and they are a must have when I'm fishing. I've also had luck with the Maui Jims, but the very thin frames makes me a little more hesitant to wear them while fishing.

 

Has anyone bought the Strike King sunglasses? I hear they're polarized and are substantially cheaper than Costas, Maui's, Oakleys, etc. I thought about buying a pair to leave in the boat, but don't know if they're worth having.

[BassinLou]

Enjoy the glasses, you will not be disappointed.

[tomustang]

I have the Costas in 580P amber.  Works well, and I like to run the boat with them, because they are shatter resistant and very light on the face.

 

However, I WEAR the Costa 580 GLASS Green Mirror  when fishing.  I fish freshwater and mostly stained water.

Could you give a comparison between the two?

[John Hensley]

I am looking to buy a pair of costa's green glass black fin ,my problem is that I have to wear bi-foal's so reading Costas web site I am going to have to buy poly lens ,,,,,has anyone had both pairs side my side comparison?

I can have a custom pair made to fit my vision needs for about 800.00 wow I said no way

I can get by without the upper nearside,  but the bifocals I will need to read the lake maps  on my 798si when on KY and Barkley lake ,,,,,so I don't run aground up in the shallows

So how much difference is there between the two

I don't post a lot here but I just read a lot ,just not a big posts on forums ,can some one give me some  honest opinion

[BrettD]

I am looking to buy a pair of costa's green glass black fin ,my problem is that I have to wear bi-foal's so reading Costas web site I am going to have to buy poly lens ,,,,,has anyone had both pairs side my side comparison?

I can have a custom pair made to fit my vision needs for about 800.00 wow I said no way

I can get by without the upper nearside,  but the bifocals I will need to read the lake maps  on my 798si when on KY and Barkley lake ,,,,,so I don't run aground up in the shallows

So how much difference is there between the two

I don't post a lot here but I just read a lot ,just not a big posts on forums ,can some one give me some  honest opinion

My dad has the costa c-mates with the bifocals in amber and loves them. He had the same problem as you are having not being able to see the gps screen. I wear the 580g amber/green mirror and I was suprised how close they are in clairity. I would have no problem using them all day. They are definitly the best bifocals he has had yet. He bought his just for fishing but ordered another pair for work he liked them so much.

[flyfisher]

I prefer the green mirrored myself and fish freshwater 99.999% of the time.  The thing i like is that htey are not that dark and are more usable for more of the day.  They, meaning polarized glasses in general, do some weird things when looking at LCD screens most notably for me is at the gas pump.

 

I did just crack my lenses though which is a bummer but i will replace them no doubt as they are the best glasses i have ever owned.

[bdharris95]

Are the green mirror really as green as they show in the website or more amber with a light green mirror

[Bassattackr]

Green mirror is a brown lens.  You don't see green at all through them.  They're a great 90% lens, good for all but super dark days or super bright days.

 

Blue mirror is a gray lens.  Best for super bright, bluebird sky type of days.

[OnthePotomac]

The doc who did four lazar eye surgeries on me (not to correct vision but save my vision) told me to wear brown/amber lenses for my eye health.

[Falkus]

Been using Costa Green Mirror 580G for my fishing in the Potomac River.