13 replies to this topic

[BassThumb]

I'm looking into getting a new pair of sunglasses for fishing and driving, and I'm leaning toward a copper lens because that's what I've always used and liked. In the Costa line in particular, I like the silver mirror 580 lenses, and I see that they are basically a glare reducing mirror finish over a copper based lens. But in the store, the copper 580 and silver mirror 580 look identical to me after trying them on today.

• Do the various mirrored finishes differ in function from one another, or are the different colors just for looks? For example, is there much of a difference between silver mirror and green mirror, since they are both made on copper lenses?

• On the water, how much of a difference will there be between a straight copper 580 and a silver mirrored, copper 580 lens? Which would make a better all-around lens on the water, from low light to high noon?

• In some pics online, I see the tiny 580 printed on the top corner of the right lens, and in some pics it isn't there. Are they fakes if the 580 mark isn't visible, or is there another explanation?

Now that I found a frame that I like, I'll likely be buying a pair off eBay soon for $150 and I'm wary of the stories about fake Costas that I've heard, so I'll be buying from one of the major sellers with a suitable return policy.

Any advice would be appreciated, especially on how the different mirror finishes (or lack of) may affect the well-roundedness of the copper 580 lens.

Thanks, Joe

[BossHoss]

   I think you are barking up the right tree with your copper lenses.  For "all around" use on the water and off, I personally believe that is the best color.  As far as the 580 lens mirroring goes... There is a difference in the mirroring.  It is my understanding that what ever they are mirrored with help additional filtering of that color.  When it comes time to pick a color it all depends on the kind of fishing you do the most.  The grey mirror is going to be the best all around all condition color because it is very neutral.  Shallow water where bass like to live are usually going to benefit from the green light filtering of the green mirror lens.  Inshore/offshore guys would probably prefer the blue mirror lens.  It is impossible to judge a lens in a store though.
   All that said...no lens is going to be ideal for all light conditions.  In extremely low light conditions I like a rose or even yellow lens and then move to the copper as the sun gets up.  Solar Bat makes a pretty good set of frames for a fair price if you just need a pair for a few min during low light and don't want to splurge for another set of costas.  A friend of mine is a "professional" fly fisherman who is somewhat sponsored by costa.  He says there is no optical difference between the old glass 580's and the new polycarbonate ones (580P's).  Did I mention the 580p's are quite a bit cheaper and lighter.
   Getting a set of frames that provides good facial coverage is a huge help if you are serious about sight fishing.  Just beware of the raccoon eyes that all the bass pros have.  As far as purchasing goes I would be careful. If a deal is just too good to be true it usually is.  However, costas can be found online for a good 30% off of the retail if you look around.  I have a pair of kaenons headed my way in the mail right now.  I will be interested to see how they stack up against my Costas. 

[trevor]

I would NOT buy off of eBay for Costas. I already made that mistake once. Plus, Costa won't honor the warranty. Luckily I returned them for money back, but a very scary moment when I realized they might be fake. Then I just got them factory direct and the 580  lenses are sweet!

[BassThumb]

Thanks, BossHoss. I'm debating between copper, silver copper, and green copper.

I would NOT buy off of eBay for Costas. I already made that mistake once. Plus, Costa won't honor the warranty. Luckily I returned them for money back, but a very scary moment when I realized they might be fake. Then I just got them factory direct and the 580 lenses are sweet!

I'm going to try to get to the bottom of this. I contacted the seller and Costa Del Mar to see what they have to say about it. The glasses are authentic and NIB, and will have a warranty card and proof of purchase.

On the Costa site, it says the warranty only covers manufacturer defects, otherwise there is a "reasonable charge" for issues caused from wear and tear, and a repair service for glasses damaged by accident that will charge you a "nominal charge."

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

[Blue Streak]

I just had an opthamologist tell me that I need to start wearing good sunglasses. For inshore fishing he recommended the green mirror/amber 580 lens.

[GLoomis711]

I have 400's and 580's in copper and my father has 580's in amber and 400's in copper as well.
The 580's are "said" to help read electronics better in the sunlight, and decrease the glare.
Me and my father can't tell a difference...
I can read my electronics fine with 400's, and I can read underwater just as good with 400's.
I can say that I would get amber, and definitely glass lenses over plastic.

[BassThumb]

I would NOT buy off of eBay for Costas. I already made that mistake once. Plus, Costa won't honor the warranty. Luckily I returned them for money back, but a very scary moment when I realized they might be fake. Then I just got them factory direct and the 580 lenses are sweet!

Costa got back to me saying they would honor the warranty no matter where I bought them.  The 4 retailers I emailed got back to me saying that they've never had any issues with customers complaining that Costa refused their warranty claim because of where they bought them.

I ended up going with the silver mirrored, copper lenses. My understanding is that the silver mirror allows a little more light through than the green mirror, making them a little more suitable for low light/variable light conditions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=180638429870&si=NT88mcqQQ3Vwaj6czKXpB81Mcy4%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT#ht_4608wt_1097

http://www.costadelmar.com/SeeOutThere/Technology/PureLensPerfection/

[s13john]

i just got a pair of the green mirror 580s on ebay. their awesome.   

[Shanon]

I just ordered a pair of Green Mirrow 580 Glass Fisch's off of ebay - Not yet received. $75.00 less than list price with no tax. I'm hoping they're legit. I have had many sunglasses over the years. Revo's glass, Maui Jim's, H20ptic's, and Sam's Club MemberMark (aluminum frame spring hinges polarized). I've got 3-4 pair of cheapos in the boat now. I believe if you only try on sunglasses to determine how much you like them that's only have the battle. After 8-10 hours on the water your eyes will feel more fatigued with cheap optics.

Did any of you ebay 580 buyers get "knock offs"?

[fathom]

bought mine off ebay, as well.

no problems.

[trevor]

I just ordered a pair of Green Mirrow 580 Glass Fisch's off of ebay - Not yet received. $75.00 less than list price with no tax. I'm hoping they're legit. I have had many sunglasses over the years. Revo's glass, Maui Jim's, H20ptic's, and Sam's Club MemberMark (aluminum frame spring hinges polarized). I've got 3-4 pair of cheapos in the boat now. I believe if you only try on sunglasses to determine how much you like them that's only have the battle. After 8-10 hours on the water your eyes will feel more fatigued with cheap optics.

Did any of you ebay 580 buyers get "knock offs"?

Yes, the first pair I received were more than likely knock offs. Not sure, but I returned them just to make sure.

[BassThumb]

Yes, the first pair I received were more than likely knock offs. Not sure, but I returned them just to make sure.

What led you to believe they were knock offs?

[authentic]

I just received my ebay pair of green mirror 580s this weekend. I love them. One thing I'd say for sure, is that you should go try them on before just ordering the style you like. In trying a few pairs on at Bass Pro, I discovered I've got an enormous melon. The ones I would have chosen didn't fit at all. I ended up getting the Man O War frames and absolutely love them. I finally get to use them for my main purpose of fishing, this afternoon. I can't wait to try something other than the $5 ones I've had in the past.

[trevor]

Yes, the first pair I received were more than likely knock offs. Not sure, but I returned them just to make sure.

They were missing some lettering that should have been on the inside of the temples.

What led you to believe they were knock offs?