What type of Costas should I get?

fishfinder13 · Post by **fishfinder13** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:08 pm

I would like to get a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses but do not know what type I should get. I will be using them for inshore fishing for redfish, snook, trout, and tarpon in and around the tampa bay area. I would like to have something that can eleminate the glare from the water allowing me to see a redfish or snook tailing or just cruising the shore from a good distance. I am looking for suggestions on style and lense colors. Thanks.

Tight Lines,

Kyle

Chadryan · Post by **Chadryan** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:29 pm

I have the Harpoon frames w/ 580 Amber lenses and I love them. I think that several others on this site have mentioned that they liked the amber lenses for inshore fishing as well. They do a good job of eliminating glare and help you to see through the water.

You could probably do a search on this site and find a bunch of information and opinions that have already been stated.

BrianW · Post by **BrianW** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:32 pm

Ditto on the amber lenses. Go to the place you are planning on buying them, try on a few pair. Most places will even let you go outside and see how they look in the sunlight. GL..

seeinred · Post by **seeinred** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:36 pm

The style you chose is soley up to which frame fits your face most comfortably, DON'T make the mistake of buying glasses because they look cool but aren't quite the right fit you will regret it.

I have liked both the 400 and 580 amber lense/green mirror glasses I have owned.. the 580s only a little more. I have always heard good things about the all amber lenses, and it sounds like their new(ish) silver mirror lenses are the bomb for inshore fishing. I have yet to try them so maybe someone on here who has will chime in.

jayone91 · Post by **jayone91** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:31 pm

My wife is an optician and sells Costa's. It took her about about a year to convince me they were the best. After wearing my Costa Del Mar's I'll never wear another brand.

With that said, for fishing you want to go with the amber 400 lens or the 580 lens in either green mirror which comes with amber or the silver mirror(580 only) which comes with a copper lens.

I have both and like the 580 better. The only reason I don't wear the 580 exclusively is because the 580 are not available as a Rx lens yet but they are coming very soon according to the Costa Reps.

As for style you will have to try some on and decide for yourself. My wife loves the harpoon(which is very popular) I love the brine which fits my face best.

Buy Costa's and you will never regret it!

CooKnFish · Post by **CooKnFish** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:18 am

Ones that fit! The different models are all different sizes. No matter which frame you pick, make sure to get the 580 lens. Green mirror has the amber color you want for fishing flats and backwaters.

Todd · Post by **Todd** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:28 am

CooKnFish wrote:Ones that fit! The different models are all different sizes. No matter which frame you pick, make sure to get the 580 lens. Green mirror has the amber color you want for fishing flats and backwaters.

What he said.

EZYLYF · Post by **EZYLYF** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:07 am

Green mirror, 580 lense.... worth the extra money..

I tried the 400, not even close, took them back the same day....
Take Spencers advice and try on different frame models..

JMHO - Good luck

fishfinder13 · Post by **fishfinder13** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 2:20 pm

[quote="seeinred"]The style you chose is soley up to which frame fits your face most comfortably, DON'T make the mistake of buying glasses because they look cool but aren't quite the right fit you will regret it.
quote] Every think looks cool on me ( I wish). So should I get a glass lense or a plastic lense? And is mirrored an option on glass and plastic or a whole different material?

mudfish · Post by **mudfish** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 3:08 pm

fishfinder13 wrote:...So should I get a glass lense or a plastic lense? And is mirrored an option on glass and plastic or a whole different material?

GLASS!

MarkM · Post by **MarkM** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 5:04 pm

I have glass lenses. Advantage: the mirror is in between 2 separate pieces of glass, so it can't get scratched like the mirror on the plastic lenses.
Disadvantage: They weigh a ton more than the plastic. I have prescription lenses, and they recommended going with glass, or else I'd have the plastic and not care about scratching them.

saltwater_cowboy · Post by **saltwater_cowboy** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:11 pm

I think the 580's only come in glass, could be wrong....

Everyone that posted has it right.....try on and make sure of fitment\comfort of frames is the main thing

Choosing the Green Mirror 580 lens is the next thing....

The Costa Del Mar 580 Green Mirror lens is where the difference lies......a lot of people have\will make posts about numerous other high end brands being just as good as Costas......which is true if comparing them to the Costa 400 lenses.

I've done the Pepsi challenge with Hobie, Rayban, Oakley, Maui Jim and Smith Action Optics....none of them come remotely close compared to the 580 lens with mirroring. I had the non-mirrored amber 580 lens for years and then switched to green mirrored 580 lens (tax refund

).....HUGE noticeable difference to me on cloudless days where the sun is bright as hell all day.....with the non-mirrored I found myself squinting to the point of getting a headache....that is a non-issue since switching to the green mirrored in addition to the increased visibility of fish...

One other thing about the green mirror 580's.....(read in hippie voice) THE COLORS MAN!!

ha ha.....since the 580's cut out all yellow light beyond what the human eye can detect, the R's, G's and B's are much more pronounced and you don't get that huge color distortion\dampening that all other lenses give to one degree or another.

http://www.costadelmar.com/SeeOutThere/ ... ta580Lens/

Spend the extra dough on the green mirror 580's (or the silver...haven't tried those yet....maybe around tax return season 8) ) it will be money well spent.

One last note, once I started buying the expensive eyewear, a sunglasses leash became a part of my constant wardrobe......if I didn't have the leash, I'd lose them within a week. Once in a blue moon, I lose track of them and almost have a panic attack......(read in Smeagol voice) can't live without the precious.....

If possible go to Bill Jackson's or a Bass Pro and just tell the guys you want to the Pepsi challenge and you'll see what I mean.....if you do it at BJ's they have the lake out back to test the water visibility if so inclined....

Happy shopping!

krash · Post by **krash** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:23 am

Ok, I'll ask the dumb question, whats "the Pepsi challenge" ?

DRock · Post by **DRock** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:58 pm

I have to agree, even though its been said over and over, find the one that is most comfortable for you. I have a big head and most of the models were tight across my temples. I found the Harpoons to be comfortable, then went on ebay and got a $249 pair of 580's with green lenses for around $160! Good luck and make sure to buy a $2.00 sunglass leash as mentioned also! Nothing like having sunglasses fall off your face when your releasing or trying to bring a fish aboard!!

BrianW · Post by **BrianW** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 1:13 pm

krash wrote:Ok, I'll ask the dumb question, whats "the Pepsi challenge" ?

A taste test, in this case the soft drink is substituted with sunglasses.

bigstins · Post by **bigstins** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:27 pm

If you wear the hammerhead style they have them in 580 silver mirror on amazon for $164 only 2 left at this price. Just ordered me a pair.