Sunglasses

I have always had Oakley brand sunglasses but am interested in trying something new like Costa, Maui Jim ,etc. These would be used for mainly time on the water and possibly golf. Polarized is a must. Costa is really intriguing but I have heard they underwent some changes in ownership a few years back and product may have dipped since the change?

Any thoughts on specific brands/models you recommend? I don’t mind spending a bit of money on sunglasses and have been fortunate to not lose or break the higher end pieces I’ve had over the years. Also, no prescription is needed.

TIA

I was always an Oakley guy too until I got my Costas… the polarization is much better. I have the 480P lenses, the 480G made me dizzy.

I think either Maui Jim or Costa (and probably others) are good choices.

I have had Costas for about 10 years. My last pair I bought 3 years ago and the 580 glass lenses are a thing of beauty. The color lens you get will differ depending on what type of water you fish on. If you are a saltwater person, the blue are probably the route to go, but freshwater is definitely better with green or grey. My first pair were prescription polycarbonate lenses and my newer pair are prescription glass. The comparison between glass and polycarbonate is night and day. My wife converted to Costas for driving, etc and I was nervous because she loses everything. This is the only pair of sunglasses she has had that have not disappeared in less than 6 months and she has had them for two years. Amazing how much more careful you are with something when they are that good and dont cost a ten dollar bill.

I can confirm the lens quality of Costa Del Mar sunglasses. I suggest that you try both the polycarbonate and glass lens version on in person if you’re able to. I didn’t care for the weight of the glass lens ones as I’ve always worn polycarbonate lens sunglasses.

In another recent thread, someone commented that they had a poor experience with Costa’s customer service because the nose piece kept coming off. I have not had that problem yet because mine are only a year old. Maybe that person will chime about their experience.

gimruis wrote:

In another recent thread, someone commented that they had a poor experience with Costa’s customer service because the nose piece kept coming off. I have not had that problem yet because mine are only a year old. Maybe that person will chime about their experience.

I am not sure if that was me who commented, but I had that problem with my first pair of Costas. My newer pair I have not had any issues, but its a different frame and nosepiece design. Costa would not replace the frame because I had prescription polycarbonate lenses made, but unbeknownst to me those lenses were cut and installed at a local lens shop vs Costa themselves. They will only warranty if the lenses were installed by them. Had they been non-prescription lenses OR the glass poly prescription lenses they would have replaced the frame had Costa installed them. FYI I dont believe anyone other than Costa can make prescription glass lenses for the Costa sunglasses, but as you can see, others can do the polycarbonate and I would shy away from that if you need those due to my experience.

Blackfin were the original pair I bought and I now have a pair of fantails. The blackfin has a rubberized piece that is glued or something along the entire lower edge of the frame and covers the nose piece. That is what came loose.

I wear Oakleys with the Prizm polarized lenses. I am pleased with them. They are not Costas, but they did not come with the Costas pricetag either. They have been scratch resistant and dropped in the river more than once.

The Smith sunglasses with the Chromapop lenses that I’ve tried on seemed to be very underrated in the fishing world. They will likely be my next purchase.

CaptainMusky wrote:

now have a pair of fantails

This is the model I have too. I have been pleased with them so far but my sample size is only one season.

gimruis wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>CaptainMusky wrote:</div>
now have a pair of fantails

This is the model I have too. I have been pleased with them so far but my sample size is only one season.

Yeah, they have been great for me too, for 3 or 4 years however long Ive had them. If you look at these photos of the blackfin you will see the grey rubber piece that came loose on mine. Not a major deal, you could just pull it off if you wanted, but I was disappointed to find out you they wouldnt replace them, I had no idea the prescription lenses I had ordered from the optical place were NOT done by Costa themselves. I was pretty irritated when I found this out.
https://www.costadelmar.com/en-us/sunglasses/BL-97963454308?iseasypick=false&#038;

That previous sunglasses thread got me looking around and ended up with BNUS shades. Glass lenses and made in Italy. These Rangers fit loose enough on my big melon that I would be a little worried about strong cross/tailwinds.

Looking at Costa Fisch and Costa Permit, 580G, as they both fit “wide” face and/or “Large” head. I also really like the air vents to prevent fogging and how they seem to block out light., Hope to get to a big box store and try on these models.

acarroline wrote:

Looking at Costa Fisch and Costa Permit, 580G, as they both fit “wide” face and/or “Large” head. I also really like the air vents to prevent fogging and how they seem to block out light., Hope to get to a big box store and try on these models.

I have a big gourd too and the fantails are a nice fit for me. Those vents are a cool idea however.

I have recently made the switch to Costas (580p lenses) and really enjoy them. Previously had the Smith Optics with Chromapop. They were nice, but the Costas are a step above in my opinion.

Not too long after purchasing my Costas, I left them on the back of the 4-wheeler and the lenses got scratched right in my line of sight. I was able to order a new set of lenses for 40 bucks which was great as the frames are basically new.

I can’t bring myself to spend that much on sunglasses, I went out and ordered some shady rays and must admit they are pretty dang nice! They are always running sales to get them even cheaper and they have a really good warranty, basically if you lose them or break them they throw you a bone. I haven’t had to worry about the warranty but nice to know it exists

580 “G”-glass or “P” plastic??? I’m leaning towards G – glass.

acarroline wrote:

Looking at Costa Fisch and Costa Permit, 580G, as they both fit “wide” face and/or “Large” head. I also really like the air vents to prevent fogging and how they seem to block out light., Hope to get to a big box store and try on these models.

I have two pairs of Permits. One “G” and one “P”. Different lenses in each. I typically wear the “p” glasses for everyday use. Only pull out the glass for fishing.

Dustin Tichy wrote:

I can’t bring myself to spend that much on sunglasses, I went out and ordered some shady rays and must admit they are pretty dang nice! They are always running sales to get them even cheaper and they have a really good warranty, basically if you lose them or break them they throw you a bone. I haven’t had to worry about the warranty but nice to know it exists

These are a great alternative if you don’t want to pay for Costas. My wife got two pairs with one of their BOGO deals and they really do have a nice warranty. Free shipping too.

acarroline wrote:

580 “G”-glass or “P” plastic??? I’m leaning towards G – glass.

Again, if you’ve never worn sunglasses with glass lenses, you might want to go try wearing them in person at a retail store first. I didn’t care for the weight of the glass lenses in person which is why I went with the “P” version for polycarbonate.

gimruis wrote:

Again, if you’ve never worn sunglasses with glass lenses, you might want to go try wearing them in person at a retail store first. I didn’t care for the weight of the glass lenses in person which is why I went with the “P” version for polycarbonate.

This. Ive had both and I like the glass better, but you really need to try them first to determine for yourself which suits you.

Just noticed that WEST MARINE has some Costa’s on sale or possibly close out at $99.00.

I didn’t look them over too closely as I’m not in the market.

LINK

Smith Guides Choice.

acarroline wrote:

I have always had Oakley brand sunglasses but am interested in trying something new like Costa, Maui Jim ,etc. These would be used for mainly time on the water and possibly golf. Polarized is a must. Costa is really intriguing but I have heard they underwent some changes in ownership a few years back and product may have dipped since the change?

Yup. I sent an email to Costa about a simple nose piece problem and never heard back from them. Then I read about their customer services issues, change of ownership, people sending their glasses in and not seeing them again for months on end, etc. I couldn’t figure out a way to talk with someone in person. Apparently thats my only option – sendng them in. Their glass lenses are a joy to look through, I’ll give them that. Decisions, decisions…..

Over the past 10 years I’ve owned Costa’s along with the majority of my fishing buddies. I started off with the plastic lenses and finally switched 3 years ago to glass. There is a significant difference in clarity and polarization with upgrade to glass. Worth every penny! The glass lenses tend to be more scratch resistant than the poly. If you are a fisherman, spend the extra coin on glass you will not be disappointed.

Fantails fit me the best and I have the green mirror lenses for freshwater fishing and outdoor applications (golf driving) and the dark mirror blue for super bright days.

I must say I religiously wear my glasses whenever I am outside or driving. That being said I have had issues throughout the years. Nose pieces coming off (seems to be fixed with the new version) and finishes peeling. I attribute the finishing problems to sunscreen. The best part about Costa is their lifetime replacement. You ship them back and $15 processing fee and 90% of the time I would receive an entirely new pair with new lenses (even with new cases). It does take a few weeks but a nice perk to ownership

If you have poly lenses, you can ship your glasses in and upgrade to glass for a reasonable price.

If you are purchasing I did notice that Groupon has tons of Costa’s at low low prices.

I purchased a pair of Costa Fisch with a tortoise frame and green/silver mirror Glass 580P. I’m wondering now if they aren’t a little too big? There is some space between the sides of the glasses and the eye socket area and the top of the glasses and my brow. May just take some getting used to, we’ll see. Nice pair of glasses and lenses!

Hi like my Maui Jim’s. And I like Maui, in general!
They advertise that colors are more brilliant with their technology. Not sure if that’s true.
Their customer service is good.

Costa, Oakley, Maui Jim and most other brands are owned by Luxottica. So are most of the distributors. Luxottica is able to control prices by controlling distribution and cutting off distribution was what they did to drive Oakley almost into bankruptcy before buying them. Not that there’s anything you’re going to do about it, just be aware that no matter how good a deal you get you’re still paying 5-10 times what you would if Luxottica didn’t exist.

Imagine what the price of vehicles would be if one company owned GM, Ford, Chrysler/Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and so many dealerships that any other maker would have to play ball on pricing or be driven from the market. Well, that’s what you have in the sunglasses industry.

I’m in the market for prescription sunglasses and I’m not happy about it.