How Do You Chose Costa Sunglasses?

[tcbass]

It seems to be a general consensus that Costa sunglasses are the best although they are also one of the most expensive. I've decided that I want a pair of these glasses but when I started looking at them I realized that they have about a billion different models and when I've gone to places that carry them they only have about 4 pairs.

 

 

How could I find somewhere where I could find many more models of Costa glasses?

 

 

 

Also, what do you think is better for fishing, glass or plastic lenses?

[Darren.]

 

How could I find somewhere where I could find many more models of Costa glasses?

 

That's a tough one - I assume you don't have a

Bass Pro or Cabelas nearby? Sunglass shops 

carry them - at least down here in VA.

 

I was able to try on several pair at Bass Pro and

made my decision that way.

 

Also, what do you think is better for fishing, glass or plastic lenses?

 

Personally, glass is the better choice. Mine have

zero scratches after a few years, I "baby them" 

to a point, but not excessively. Contrast that with

babying poly carb lenses and having them get 

scratched up quite a bit.

 

I'm sure some never get any scratches on poly 

lenses, but that was never my experience.

[tcbass]

 

 

How could I find somewhere where I could find many more models of Costa glasses?

 

That's a tough one - I assume you don't have a

Bass Pro or Cabelas nearby? Sunglass shops 

carry them - at least down here in VA.

 

I was able to try on several pair at Bass Pro and

made my decision that way.

 

Also, what do you think is better for fishing, glass or plastic lenses?

 

Personally, glass is the better choice. Mine have

zero scratches after a few years, I "baby them" 

to a point, but not excessively. Contrast that with

babying poly carb lenses and having them get 

scratched up quite a bit.

 

I'm sure some never get any scratches on poly 

lenses, but that was never my experience.

 

 

 

I have both Cabelas and Gander....but they seem to only carry a few pairs.

[Mccallister25]

Bass pro carries quite a few models if there is one near you.

Glass is much better. Iv had two pairs of Costa's, one with plastic lenses and the ones I have now are glass. Zero scratches on the glass. I had a few on the first pair.

[tcbass]

Bass pro carries quite a few models if there is one near you.

Glass is much better. Iv had two pairs of Costa's, one with plastic lenses and the ones I have now are glass. Zero scratches on the glass. I had a few on the first pair.

 

 

No Bass Pro even near me sadly. Like states away.

[wnspain]

Academy Sports perhaps? The one near me carries at least 40 or 50 models.

[slimshad]

Havent found a model that fits my face.  Most are too big.  Wiley X and Maui Jim for me.  I want Costas tho...  Bass Pro has most models.  Maybe try a Sunglass Hut or a specialty place like that.

[KevO]

I have had both Oakley's and Costa's.  The costa's were more expensive, than any of the Oakley's I've bought.  I just sent the costa's back because the rubber nose piece came off after 6 months of use.  IMO they are pretty poorly made for $250 glasses.  I never had any problems with the Oakley's.  I'm going to get another pair of Oakley's this weekend for my birthday actually.  If you are dead set on the Costa's I would recommend the 580g lenses, they are very nice. 

[John G]

Whatever Costa's you get, avoid the models that have arm covers or whatever they call them that slide over each arm. The Wavekiller is like this. The ends of the arm cover wears out and it becomes a PITA.

BTW, I am now wearing Maui Jim's that I like more than my Costa's.

[Frenchman83]

Check their website for dealers in your area. I am lucky enough that a couple eye doctors carry them.

[zeth]

Glass lenses all the way!!! Harder to scratch, superior optical clarity...

As far as finding the right model goes call them up and ask them which frames would fit your head shape best. Then from that selection look at what looks best to you. Then order a few pairs and return what you do not want.

Don't get fixated on brand. Costa, Maui Jim, Smith, Kaenon...

Reason being is that they are all comparable quality. 

What is more important is finding glasses which fit your face properly.

You want a close fit without any major gaps for excess light to seep in. You want to make sure they are comfortable around your ears and don't out to much pressure on your head which will cause headaches. You want to be sure they do not rest on top of your cheek bone at all. You can fine tune them at an eyeglasses shop with a heater to get the best fit possible.

For me Maui Jim fit the best. I used to use Smith until I found out the fit on Maui Jim was superior for my face. 

Personally I have found copper lenses to be the best all around so that is something to think about.

[Jeff H]

Thorne Bros had a nice selection of Smiths if those interest you.  I bought a pair last year and like them about the same as my Costa's. 

[Bluebasser86]

Whatever pair you decide on, pop for extra and get the glass lenses. I have several pairs of Costa's, going to the glass was the best decision I made. 

[Sam]

TC, when you want a diamond ring you go to a professional jeweler, not a tackle shop or discount store.

 

When you want Costa sunglasses you call the company or go to a retail store (including Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's) and ask them for their input.

 

You don't go to a local tackle shop to inquire about Costa's as the people may not be up to speed on the best color blend you need.

 

At this year's Classic I visited the Costa exhibit and not only had two of their company reps help me but out of the blue a guy and his girl friend overheard our conversation and he gave me the best advice as he told me he had six pair of Costas.

 

You go to a Costa retail store or call the company and tell them what conditions you will be fishing and what lens color blends you need.

 

I have the data they gave me at my house so I can't share it with you but the Costa people were very friendly and helpful.

[John G]

You don't go to a local tackle shop to inquire about Costa's as the people may not be up to speed on the best color blend you need.

.

Seems to me that your local tackle shop would be familiar with local waters and the fisherman that fish those local waters.

That said, I have always liked Amber colored lenses for fishing.

[uncustered]

My first pair are wave killers in amber. I've had them 14 years and wear them daily. They are the best all around fishing color.

I have another pair of wave killers in sunrise for low light conditions and they really maximize light for those conditions.

I have another pair of wave killers in blue mirror for open water.

Before buying the first pair I closely watched the fisherman around me to see which brand and costa was the most prevalent amongst the better fishermen.

[martintheduck]

Order a few different pairs from Zappos, try them on, ship back the ones you don't want (or ship back all of them). Do it as many times as you want. Order 5 pair, try them on, return them, rinse & repeat. That's what I did - free return shipping. I order shoes from them all the times, like 6 pairs, and try on and ship back what I don't like.

 

 

 

And on the subject of costas ---I have perfect vision and am NOT colorblind at all.... Settled on copper lenses and HATE them now. They become almost useless sight fishing for me real quick. Sight fishing I'll pull out my $20 pair of wal-mart amber lens glasses. Just a heads up.