Review: The Costa Copras

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The Costa Copra Sunglasses

MSRP:

$169.00

Pros:

The Costa Copras eliminates the harsh blue and dulling yellow hues, while enhancing the good blue, red, and green colors, resulting in a view comparable to high definition.

Cons:

High price tag for sunglasses, but when you see what they can do for your eyes, they are literally worth every penny.

Rating:

★★★★☆

Costa del Mar Copra Sunglasses

MSRP:

$169.00

Pros:

The Copra’s eliminates the harsh blue and dulling yellow hues, while enhancing the good blue, red, and green colors, resulting in a view comparable to high definition.

Cons:

High price tag for sunglasses, but when you see what they can do for your eyes, they are literally worth every penny.

Rating:

★★★★☆

Overview

Even high in the Rocky Mountains, far from any ocean, I find I spend most of my days around water, after the snow melts. Costa del Mar sunglasses have long had the reputation of go-to eye wear for fisherman. So, I decided to see what all the hype was about, and it turns out I could see a lot more. Looking through the lenses of the Costa Copra 580 is like viewing the world in HD.

Features

The 580 lens is a signature technology from Costa. It eliminates the harsh blue and dulling yellow hues, while enhancing the good blue, red, and green colors, resulting in a view comparable to high definition. In effect, these glasses lighten and brighten the world while simultaneously shading your eyes from the sun. And like all Costas, they are 99.9% polarized and block harmful UV rays. When it comes to cutting glare off the water, the world below the surface is suddenly more visible and the fish come out of their camouflage.

 

I tend to buy cheaper sunglasses because I am known to break or lose them, but I think my eyes have been suffering for it. Luckily, the polycarbonate lenses are super lightweight, very durable and scratch resistant. The mirrored finish on Costas is sandwiched between other layers, so will not peel off. So far my Copra’s have withstood SUPing on the Colorado River, hiking in sandy Moab and fishing the Roaring Fork and the lenses remain in mint condition, or as I like to call them “Jordan-proof.”

 

The frames are made from bio-resin, a reclaimed castor oil material that is petroleum free, part of Costa’s mission to Kick Plastic. The hinge is set back on the arm, making the frame more durable and less prone to snapping under pressure.

 

Hydrolite rubber pads on the nose keeps the frames comfortably and securely on your face, even when wet or sweaty. There is nothing worse than looking down to untangle a line or tie a shoelace and your glasses slide slowly toward the end of your nose. The stability, or stay-ability, of the glasses is further reinforced by textured grips on the end of the arms, to keep them snugly behind your ears.

 

And lets not forget style. The 580 lens comes in a variety of shapes and styles, but the Copra’s have a fashionable retro look that’s just as perfect for sports as for lounging poolside or walking the beach. There are several color combos, but my favorite is the classic tortoise shell.

Value

Combining the durable and technical aspects of these glasses with the chic finish, makes them the perfect trifecta for the mountains and the coast. Looking through the Costa 580 lens brings the world into high definition focus around you, and cuts right through any glare off the water. Your eyes will appreciate the upgrade, while keeping you fashionable wherever your adventures take you.

Use

The better question is where wouldn’t you use these sunglasses. They combine fashion and function and crystal clear vision. On the water they cut through the glare, mamking them ideal for fishing inshore, offshore and every river you can find. The technical features make them ideal for active sports like SUP, running, beach volley ball and happy hour.

Where to buy

Backcountry.com
REI.com