Costa or other for durability?

[R H Clark]

I've always worn cheap around $20, sunglasses in the past. It seems the quality of plastic has drastically decreased in the last year or so. I've already had 3 pairs of cheap sunglasses break on me this year. The thing is that I'm not even hard on them and they weren't stepped or sat on or anything. The plastic frames just cracked so I'm already $60 in the hole. I was thinking at this rate I better get some better glasses now.

 I also have a hard time getting a pair big enough for me. The Fisch are the only Costa frame that fits me. Anyway I'm going to try the Costa Fisch or maybe you guys could suggest another durable brand. Do you think the Costa plastic frames are tougher than cheaper plastic frames? What does Costa charge to replace cracked frames that don't show any other damage?

I also have few places to look at glasses where I live. Is there another brand I could possibly find locally at either Bass Pro, or Gander mountain, or a sunglass hut? I've worn metal frame  aviators in the past but I can't find any cheap ones that fit this year. I might go that route but actually prefer something that encloses my eyes more if I can get some durable plastic wrap around frames. 

[Avalonjohn44]

Ebay will save you a lot of money. I saved $70 on mine. Be sure to pick a well known seller with good feedback.

After listening to the folks on this site I finally bit the bullet and got a pair of Costas. 580 G Green Mirror. I am underwhelmed with them. Maybe I got my hopes too hyped up after the way some of the guys on here go on about them...The glasses are nice, but after staring and comparing for a couple of days, I prefer my Oakley G30 Polarized lenses. 

The Oakleys, To My Eyes, are clearer, no annoying amber tint to everything, and they fit better.  You can find a pair of Oakley Half Jacket 2.0s or Flak Jackets with G30 or Prizm Shallow lenses (exactly the same tint as costa 580G green mirror) for comparable costs. Check around on ebay or BPS. There is a pair of KVD Flak Jackets with the Prizm Shallow Water lenses on Ebay right now for $159...

[Bluebasser86]

I own a pair of the Fisch Costas, very happy with them. I've owned several pairs of Costas and these ones fit me better than the rest have/do. I've heard they're great about taking care of people with damaged glasses, but I've never had to make a claim myself so I guess that's a testament to the durability. 

[BassThumb]

Costa Man 'o War frames are pretty huge, too. I also require an XL frame.

I'm very happy with my Costas. I actually prefer the plastic (580p) lenses over the glass (580g) due to weight. I like the silver and green mirror equally for fishing.

I wore my G30 black iridium Oakleys on the water the other day after forgetting the Costas, and I could hardly see a thing underwater. Otherwise, Oakley G30 are some first rate polarized for general use and driving.

Durabilily hasn't been a problem for either brand. Losing them has, however.

[SDoolittle]

For durability, go with Wiley X. I know from experience that you can smash a pair in the back ramp of a Stryker without breaking them. 

[papajoe222]

I love my Costa 580g's but for durability and eye protection, I don't think you can beat WileyX.