Costa sunglasses have become synonymous with high-quality polarized sunglasses designed specifically for outdoor activities like fishing and boating. But with price tags ranging from $100 to over $400, Costa sunglasses don’t come cheap.
So what exactly makes them so expensive compared to regular sunglasses from the drugstore?
Reasons For Costa Sunglasses Being So Expensive
- The Technology Behind Costa Sunglasses
One of the main reasons Costa sunglasses command premium pricing is the proprietary technology and specialized materials used in their construction. Here are some of the standout technical features found in Costa sunglasses:
Polarized Lenses
All Costa lenses are polarized to reduce glare. This is particularly useful for activities like fishing where glare off the water can make it hard to see. The polarization process aligns the light waves passing through the lenses so they don’t scatter and cause glare.
Light Transmission Color Technology
Costa uses special color pigments in its lenses to selectively filter out specific light spectrums and colors. This enhances contrast and improves visibility in different environments. For example, the Copper lens color enhances reds and browns, making it ideal for sight fishing in shallow waters.
Trivex Lens Material
Many Costa lenses are made from Trivex plastic rather than regular polycarbonate. Trivex is thinner, lighter, and offers superior clarity and impact resistance.
580P Plastic Glass Lenses
Costa’s 580P lenses combine the strength of polycarbonate with the clarity of glass. A special process molding the lenses under extreme pressure gives 580P lenses the performance of glass with the safety and durability of plastic.
Hydrolite Nose and Temple Pads
The nose pads and temple tips are made from Hydrolite, a soft hydrophilic material. This helps keep the frames from slipping even when wet from sweat or water.
Also Read: Differences Between Revant Polarized And Elite Sunglasses.
- Costa’s Industry Leading Warranty
Another big perk of Costa sunglasses is the limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. This exceeds the warranties offered by most other premium sunglass brands.
If you experience any issues with the frames or lenses, Costa will repair or replace your sunglasses at no charge. You only have to pay shipping and handling fees.
This comprehensive warranty provides great peace of mind that your expensive sunglasses are backed for life. Very few sunglass companies offer such robust support.
- Unparalleled Clarity and Sharpness
The premium materials and specialized lens technology Costa uses enables them to produce lenses of unparalleled optical clarity. Users consistently praise how sharp and crisp Costa lenses make their vision, with dramatically improved contrast and color perception.
This level of visual acuity can provide a real performance advantage for anglers and boaters who need to spot fish, see bunker numbers, and read the water. Leisure wearers also appreciate how Costa lenses reduce eye fatigue and keep vision comfortable all day long.
- Better Protection from Harmful Rays
All Costa sunglasses provide 100% protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays up to 400nm. Their polarized lenses also filter out harmful blue light in the 415-445nm range that can cause eyestrain.
Costa lenses exceed ANSI Z80.3 standards for optical clarity, so you can trust them to safeguard your eyes during long hours in the sun. This protective quality of Costa lenses is essential for those who spend a lot of time on or around water.
- Unmatched Style and Design
Costa sunglasses come in a wider variety of frame shapes and colors than most performance sunglass brands. Whether you prefer classic aviator styles, sporty wraparounds, or fashion-forward looks, Costa has stylish frame options made from high-grade nylon, acetate, or metal.
Costa also routinely collaborates with artists, musicians, and anglers to produce limited edition sunglasses featuring exclusive colorways, designs, and details. Recent partnerships include releases with Luke Bryan, ZZ Top, and others.
For many wearers, Costa’s reputation for premium quality and technical innovation also carries a certain clout and social currency. There’s no denying Costa frames attract attention and compliments around the boat ramp or campground.
- Handcrafted and Socially Responsible
Every pair of Costa sunglasses is hand inspected and assembled at the company’s factory in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Costa controls every step of the production process to ensure consistent quality.
Costa also sources sustainable bio-resins and other environmentally-friendly materials to construct their frames and lenses.
And they partner with conservation-focused organizations like the Coastal Conservation Association to help protect fragile fisheries.
So buyers can feel good knowing they support domestic manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and efforts to preserve aquatic resources when they purchase Costa sunglasses.
- Long-Lasting Durability
The high-grade materials and sturdy construction of Costa frames and lenses makes them highly durable and scratch-resistant. Owners can expect to get years of vigorous, daily use out of their Costa sunglasses with proper care and maintenance.
Anglers and boaters in particular appreciate the resilience of Costa frames and lenses exposed to salt, spray, and other challenging conditions. The longevity and reliability of Costa eyewear justifies the upfront investment for many wearers.
Also Read: Reasons For Silhouette Glasses Being So Expensive.
How Costa Compares To Other Premium Sunglass Brands?
Maui Jim
- Maui Jim is known for its polarized lenses that provide excellent glare reduction.
- Their lenses offer great color contrast and clarity.
- Maui Jim offers more lens tint varieties compared to Costa.
- But Costa lenses utilize more advanced technology for light manipulation.
- Costa frames are more rugged and durable than Maui Jim’s.
- Maui Jim is generally cheaper than Costa.
Oakley
- Oakley offers far more lens tint options than Costa.
- Oakley frames come in more sporty style varieties.
- But Costa lenses are superior in terms of polarization and color contrast.
- Costa frames are more durable with better hydrophilic components.
- Both brands have excellent warranty programs.
- Oakley is usually more affordable than Costa.
Ray-Ban
- Ray-Ban is better known for classic style over performance.
- Costa offers superior technical lenses optimized for sports.
- Ray-Ban has a wider range of frame styles and colors.
- Costa lenses provide better visual clarity.
- Ray-Ban is priced lower than Costa across the board.
Smith Optics
- Smith has a great variety of lens tints comparable to Costa.
- Smith frames are not quite as rugged and durable as Costa’s.
- Costa lenses utilize more color contrast and polarization technology.
- Smith is generally more affordable than Costa.
Kaenon
- Kaenon Polarized lenses offer excellent glare reduction like Costa.
- Kaenon uses proprietary SR-91 lenses that filter blue light.
- Costa lenses provide better color contrast and acuity.
- Kaenon is a bit cheaper in price compared to Costa.
Are Costa Sunglasses Worth the Price?
At the end of the day, whether Costa sunglasses warrant their premium price tag depends on your needs and priorities:
- For avid anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts who rely on quality optics, Costa’s industry-leading technology and polarization makes them well worth the investment.
- For those who appreciate Costa’s stylish and durable frame designs, the brand offers premium quality and social cachet.
- But for casual sunglass wearers or budget-conscious shoppers, much less expensive alternatives can provide nearly as good eye protection and optics.
Overall, Costa has earned its reputation for making some of the finest and most innovative performance sunglasses on the market today. For those whose eyesight demands the very best while pursuing their passion outdoors, Costa aims to deliver just that.
Also Read: Is Costa Better Than Pelagic Sunglass?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Costa sunglasses stand apart thanks to their proprietary lens technology that enhances clarity, contrast, and color perception better than any other brand. Features like polarized lenses, light transmission color pigments, and 580P plastic glass give Costa lenses unparalleled optical performance.
Both Oakley and Costa make premium quality sunglasses. Oakley offers more interchangeable lens options and style varieties. But Costa lenses are recognized as superior in terms of polarization, color contrast, and minimizing eye fatigue. Costa frames also tend to be more durable and resilient.
Costa lenses are designed to enhance clarity and contrast, making them ideal for spotting fish or reading the water. But this heightened visual stimulation can be distracting and unsafe when operating vehicles or driving. Costa lenses are better suited to water activities and recreation than driving.
Costa’s 580P plastic glass lenses offer the clarity and sharpness of real glass with the safety and impact resistance of plastic. The 580P lenses made from Trivex provide the best of both worlds. But for more rugged activities, Costa’s hardened polycarbonate lenses hold up better to scratching.
Final Thoughts
Costa sunglasses command premium pricing due to their use of top-tier materials and proprietary technology that enhances visual clarity, color contrast, and protection. Features like polarized lenses, specialized light transmission pigments, and durable yet lightweight frames enable superior optical performance.
Costa also offers an industry-leading warranty and domestic manufacturing with rigorous quality control. For anglers, boaters, and other sports enthusiasts, the enhanced optics and durability of Costa sunglasses make them a worthwhile investment.
But for casual wearers, much cheaper alternatives can provide sufficient eye protection and style. Ultimately, Costa has established an excellent reputation for producing high-end sunglasses optimized for activities on and around the water.
