Costa Blackfin (Matte Black with Blue Mirror 580G Lens)
MSRP: $249.00 (BUY NOW)
Weight: 1.6 oz (45 g)
Lens: Blue Mirror, Polarized, Scratch Resistant, 580 Glass
Frames: Nylon Frame, Hydrolite Co-Injected Lining, Stainless Steel Integral Hinges
Features: Lifetime Warranty, Included Hard Case
Costa Sunglasses have never really been on my gear radar. I really didn’t know much about them except that I always saw ads with fishermen wearing them in outdoor and kayak magazines. The company came about in 1983 when a group of hardcore fisherman decided that they needed to create the “…clearest sunglasses on the planet for those who live to be on the water.” I’m pretty sure the company has fulfilled that mission statement!
My reality is that I have 16/14 vision, and thus very sensitive eyes. If I were to put on a pair of cheap sunglasses I’d have a bad headache in less than 5 minutes. Optical clarity is really important to me as well as UV protection. I also spend a LOT of time around water and find that polarized sunglasses are a must, and really enhance the world around me, even when away from water. Sunsets/sunrises are sooooo much more spectacular when viewed through good polarized sunglasses! Costa comes through on all accounts as the optical clarity is at least as good as top competitors and the polarized lenses provide an amazing view on the world.
I do find that the Costa Blackfin is a bit on the heavy side, and this is mostly due to the glass lenses. While the glass adds weight, it also ads that spectacular clarity that is really hard to get with plastic lenses. Because of the weight, I’m not a huge fan of running or cycling in these sunglasses. I find that a lighter pair of sunglasses bounces less and is less fatiguing. With that said, the Costa’s do stay on the face really well and are great in all other regards for action activities. I use my Costa’s mostly while driving, which I do a LOT, or out walking the town.
In the end, Costa Sunglasses are a high end product with a high end price. You get what you pay for though, and I’d spend my hard earned money on Costa Sunglasses in the future just to get the superior clarity in a polarized lens. I love the way the Blackfin model fits my head and I’m sure these shades will come with me on MANY more adventures around the globe. Find the Costa style that best fits your head and face shape and experience the world through these superior optics for yourself! 
(Disclaimer: I received these glasses from Costa as a review sample, but receive no monetary compensation for this review.)
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