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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: Schwendy]
#102422
07/10/2016 06:56 PM
07/10/2016 06:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,597 Cow Wreck Beach
wmangum
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,597
Cow Wreck Beach
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Costas with 580G lenses (glass): own a pair and you will never even consider another brand.
I am a fly fisherman, sight fishing for fish. Costas let me see details that no other glasses can. Almost every other real fly fisherman that I know also wears Costas.
Things that you might see through other glasses are much more visible with 580Gs. I had numerous other high-end glass before I bought my first pair of Costas. There is an very noticeable increase in color contrast.
Because of the superior color contrast that they have, they are also great for navigating through the reef.
I use the green mirror 580G lenses.
Walker Mangum Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: FLMarine]
#102432
07/11/2016 01:26 PM
07/11/2016 01:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312 Canton, GA
Felix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Canton, GA
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I spent 8 years of my life working at Sunglass Hut, as a multi-store manager and corporate trainer. So I know a little bit, but it's been 20 years since I considered myself an expert Definitely look for polarized lenses which block reflective glare off of water, snow, roadways, etc. Polycarbonate (plastic) lenses are lightweight and virtually shatter-proof, but they will scratch easier. Glass lenses are heavier but resist scratching. Any glasses with a reflective coating on the outside will show scratches more easily because the coating is the first thing to be damaged (especially when wiping dried saltwater off with something like your shirt). We only sold a limited number of Costas back then, so I don't know a lot about them. I used to swear by Serengetis but have worn Maui Jims for the past 15-ish years. I *love* their lenses and their customer service is the best! I had some scratched-up lenses that I sent in for an estimate for replacement. They sent me a brand new pair for $35 (which if you consider the retail cost, this is a hell of a deal). I have three styles - metal frame/glass lens, plastic frame/glass lens, and plastic frame/poly wraparound style lens. I use the plastic/poly the most. But it's ALL about personal preference (lens color, style, etc.). I'd definitely recommend going into a retail location to try them on - preferably one where you can actually walk outside with them to compare and find what's right for you. I used to let customers do that if they left me their license and a credit card. Felix
* What we do in life echoes in eternity *
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: Schwendy]
#102433
07/11/2016 02:02 PM
07/11/2016 02:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 385 Richmond, Texas
El_Capitan
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 385
Richmond, Texas
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I have to agree with many others that have already commented. I picked up my first pair of Costas in 2001 and have literally worn nothing else since. They are great for reef reading, sight fishing, driving, you name it.
They have come a long way in that time, and now make both green and blue mirror lenses in plastic (less weight) as well as glass (heavier, but as mentioned, more scratch resistant).
I usually order from Amazon and if they don't fit, return them hassle free. It can be difficult to find a retail location that has all of their frames to try on.
Every few years I pack up whatever amount of pairs I have laying around that are scratched or need repair and ship back to have fixed. My wife enjoys reminding me that I have a Costa "problem" given the 11 pairs I own (that I haven't lost).
Just my two cents, but blue mirror seems to be better for offshore while green mirror seems to be better for shallower water. Either work great, and really cut down on eye strain.
Cheers,
EC
Q: What do you do all day when down island?...
A: I don't really know, but it takes all day to do it...
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: El_Capitan]
#102434
07/11/2016 03:38 PM
07/11/2016 03:38 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,956 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,956
St. John, USVI
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Good to hear. I thought I was excessive with three pairs of Maui Jims. I'll try some Costas the next time I have a chance, like at the Annapolis boat show.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: RickG]
#102435
07/11/2016 04:07 PM
07/11/2016 04:07 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 385 Richmond, Texas
El_Capitan
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 385
Richmond, Texas
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Rick, I will freely admit that I like the Maui Jim's as they seem to be MUCH lighter than most of the Costas I have.
That said, I am often accused of being "hard on equipment" and no doubt as soon as I bought a nice pair of Maui's, I'd break them. My wife has two pairs of Maui's and she loves them.
Cheers,
EC
Q: What do you do all day when down island?...
A: I don't really know, but it takes all day to do it...
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: Schwendy]
#102438
07/11/2016 06:58 PM
07/11/2016 06:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
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My son has about $4,000 worth of Costas and Maui Jims. Just spend some time snorkeling the anchorages and you'll find them. He hasn't bought a pair yet <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> BTW, early mornings by the dinghy dock in CGB were some of his best finds.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: Mardi_Gras]
#102440
07/11/2016 08:56 PM
07/11/2016 08:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999 Macon, Georgia
GlennA
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
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I have a pair of glass Costas in blue and one in green polycarbonate. I have worn the blue glass one far more for daily use and after 3 years still have no scratches. The green plastic lenses scratch much easier. I only use them while fishing. They would never make it 2 years the way I treat glasses. On the water the blue lenses do a bit better for cutting glare off the water making it much easier to spot markers but the green ones have much better contrast when looking down into the water.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: Schwendy]
#102445
07/12/2016 05:07 PM
07/12/2016 05:07 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312 Canton, GA
Felix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 312
Canton, GA
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Schwendy said: Ugghhh! Just went to the mall for the first time in 3 years to try a pair on at the Sunglass store. Girl says "Oh we don't have Costa's but we get people asking for them constantly"! Just wanted to see the weight difference between glass/plastic and if I should go med or large frame, then of course order on Amazon! Lots of you guys that fish (me as well) seem to prefer the green. I don't have the cash for 4 pairs so I'm thinking the green aren't the choice for everyday wear to weddings and funerals. Wore my Maui Jims today to cut my grass and they suck! For me anyway. They are light and ok for driving but they slide down my face worse than any I ever had. I did try the sport Maui's at the store and they did seem much tighter but just too flimsy. My current one's are frameless and they just seem like they'll break if I get hit with wind from a passing bus. Even if you didn't buy yours at Sunglass Hut, take them in there when they're not busy, smile, and ask politely if they'll adjust them for you. No reason they should fall off your head like that, it's an easy fix! Felix
* What we do in life echoes in eternity *
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: El_Capitan]
#102446
07/15/2016 04:22 PM
07/15/2016 04:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 201 TN
msdj69
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 201
TN
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I have a pair of prescription Costas ("Fisch" model with Tortoise frame and Copper polarized plastic lenses). Easily the best sunglasses I've ever owned. I take them everywhere.
Last edited by msdj69; 07/15/2016 04:23 PM.
Mike
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Re: Sunglasses! Anyone use Costa del Mars?
[Re: Schwendy]
#102447
07/16/2016 12:21 PM
07/16/2016 12:21 PM
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 260 Daniel Island
Guineaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 260
Daniel Island
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I bought a pair of Costas, but the earpieces were too big to use with Croakies. I had to get some kind of wire thingy that is not nearly as comfortable as Croakies. Did any of you all have this problem? How did you solve it?
Bill on Daniel Island
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