[FinsNFeet]

My new Costa Delmar Man-O-War glasses arrived today and I immediately ran down to the lake to give them a try. Last year I purchased the Fathoms with the mirror blue 580 glass lens. I loved them so much I purchased this pair the man -o-wars with the mirror green 580's. The clarity and contrast is unbelievable. The man-o-wars here on out referred to as MOW's have small shields for the top and bottom openings eliminating any mirror effect that you often get with mirror glasses. With the fathoms I did get a small amount when not wearing a hat. Which isn't often I have to keep the sun off the dome. The protection I was born with isn't as thick as it used to be. I purchased the mirror green for the MOW's which after trying a buddies have an edge over the mirror blues in shallower water. If I had to only buy one pair I would have to give the mirror blue the vote for the all purpose lens. The style of frame the MOW is by far the better more comfortable frame. Although not tested during a full day of fishing in the heat as the Fathoms were, I expect them to perform as well if not better. The Fathoms didn't slip down your nose like other glasses do, and I had no problem with fogging, ever. Both frames are extremely light weight and durable. You can go to the the Costa Delmar page to read about the science of the newer 580 lens, but basically they filter out the yellow rays that your eyes can't to give a clearer and crisper viewing (for a lack of a better word). They're kinda pricey but I feel well worth the money spent. No fatigue whats so ever, no taking off the glasses to rub your eyes, no headaches or discomfort around the ears or nose. If interested I would suggest going to the Costa web page and select a style your interested in then going to a local dealer and try them on. I did find a web page and saved about 25%. They unfortunately do not carry all the styles. Zbestglasses.com . The Costa page allows you to pick your frame and lens and gives you an opportunity to see what they would look like. They also have a lens selection suggestion tab as well. If your in the market for a new pair of glasses I strongly suggest giving these a try. I think it would be money well spent. In a few years I will probably have to try the option of the X3 bifocal lens they also offer.

 

[Derek A]

Thanks for the review FinsNFeet.

I'm in the market for a pair of polarized sunglasses myself. I was looking at the Oakley Half Jackets. I was able to try those on but I liked the Oakley Radars even more because of the larger lens. I just wish Oakley had a wider selection of polarized replacement lenses...

The Kaenon Kores look pretty sweet too I'm also thinking about getting those...I don't think replacement lenses are available for them though....

And theres always the Costa Del Mars too....decisions, decisions...

 

[FinsNFeet]

Derek I guess your preference for the replacement lens is to cover all your needs with one frame. If you find those glasses that meet all your requirements then it is a home-run. I have gone the replacement lens route with the Solar bats and the Oakleys and they didn't work out for me. I actually found myself not changing the lens because it was too much trouble. With the cost of these glasses it is a shame there isn't one place where you can try them on and compare side by side. I also like the Maui Jims and would love to do a side by side, but I was told maui jim will not allow a store to handle both them and the Costa's. I don't know about the Kaenon's but I feel confident you will like the Costa's over the oakleys. Try to find a pair and try them on. Every face is different so finding a style that fits you is important, I can't say enough about the lens 580's. If your only going to get one pair try the mirror blue or the gray. The mirror green 580's are excellent as well but they do give a rose like tint. For me that will get some getting use to, but the contrast it offers and the effectiveness of seeing into the water by far surpasses any draw backs.

 

[Itchy]

i have the $280.00 top of the line Maui Jim titanium flex frames. and a 12.99 pair of calcuttas and 34.99 pair I got from the fossil outelt store and a pair of high end oakleys someone gave me. I am constantly compareing all four of them. I can not see a difference in being able to see underwater from one to the other they all let me see in that sense the same way. btw they are all 4 brownish/ amber in color. Driving I also see no difference either LOL. Other than the frame WTF is goign on here.

Im starting to think the the sun glass market is taking us for a ride... As long as I take care of them well I dont see any of them being more durable that the other.

 

[Craig N]

I will admit, I am a bit of a Costa geek. However, I truly believe that the 580 lense is one of the best on the market today. The lack of fatigue after long days on the water is amazing. At the time I bought mine, the green mirror was not available yet in the 580, but I would love the green over an amber base for lower light and stained water. The blue mirror over the smoke lense is great for bright days and open water. Thanks for the great comparisons FinsNFeet.

-Craig

 

[Arthur]

I have couple of pairs of Costas. Love em. Durable lenses and even more durable frames.

I can't compare them to anything but lower end stuff (e.g. B.A.S.S. from BPS, Panama Jack, Anarchy, etc.). The contrast is much better with the Costas. The distortion of the cheap brands really bugged me.

 

[Mark G]

I have the glass lens Costas that are a level below the 580's and they do pretty well. I have them in blue mirror, green mirror and vermillion for different situations and use them all. I did try the 580's on at the boat show and they blew my mind. If I could afford a pair right now I'd jump on them, but they are kinda pricey...

 

[Derek A]

I just bought the Oakley Half Jacket XLJ's with the polarized shallow water blue lenses and picked up a pair of polarized bronze replacement lenses too. I had my eye on the Costas with the green 580 lenses but I couldnt pass up the price of the Oakleys on ebay

 

[Bassin49er]

I love Costas, I want my eyes to stay fresh for a long time and I dont mind droping some join to protect them.

 

[basskwondo]

I still use the less than $10 Wal-Mart Renegade Glasses. Do those expensive polarized glasses really make that much difference. I suppose I usually fish where there is a water visibility of 1-6 feet. And I go through about a pair each season because of scratches. wear and tear. At least at these prices, I can afford several different lense colors for different light conditions and water color.

 

[Bassin49er]

I don’t know how true this statement is so please take it with a grain of salt – I have been told that cheaper sunglass’s UVA/UVB protection can wear off with use, cleaning, and time. I have very light eyes and don’t want to chance damaging them which is one of the reasons I upgraded.

 

[Mike D]

i have a pair of costas that i wear exclusively now... they have a lifetime warranty, are very comfortable and super clear... the problem is they don't make the model anymore and the warranty doesn't cover boneheadedness like sitting on them.. doh!.... luckily, they come up on ebay every one and a while and i just landed a new pair for 80 bucks

beware of cheap sunglasses... they can be very dangerous to your eyes if they don't have the proper UV protection.

 

[Jerk(bait)]

I just picked up a pair of Smith glasses (predator frames I think) that have 4 sets of lenses - polarized gray, yellow, vermillion and clear. So far I'm liking them, although you do have to be a bit careful with the carbonite lenses.

 

[Scottht]

And for those like me that need prescription sunglasses, it becomes harder. Prescription Oakley are about $600. A little steep for something I may loose in day or two.
Had to visit my eye Dr. And ordered a pair this week.
Hope I am satisfied.

 

[Steve K]

Wife got me a pair of Mustad Hank Parker sunglasses last year and I have no issues at all with them, not saying they compare with $200.00 ones, but they are comfortable and no glare or eye fatique.





one of biggest cocerns of when after I die, is my wife selling all my tackle for what I told her I paid for it

 

[Scottht]

I have not been able to wear sunglasses for many years. I picked up my new prescription sunglasses today and I am overjoyed how well these work. I have had a pair of Ray Bans before, but these are the newer style .
They stay close and wrap my face so stray sunlight doesn't get in. The top of the brim is thick that helps block sun.
This should be a real treat this year being able to spot the Fish 😄

 

[Rick James]

I've had a pair of Native Silencers for several years with the copper lens for most applications and a second set of sport flex lenses for low light. They are great for the $$$, but his week I picked up a pair of Costa Blackfins with the 580G lenses in green mirror. The detail I can see in the water is amazing. It is definitely a better lens. They are expensive for sure but they are absolutely better than the average $100 setup. I'll keep the Natives with the sport flex lenses in for low light conditions, but for everything else I'll wear the Costas.