Gear Review: Costa Corbina PRO

WHAT IS IT?

Costa Corbina PRO

WHAT SETS IT APART?

Costa’s performance series of sunglasses feature six frames designed specifically for anglers. You can also get the same frames in the PRO Series, with enhanced features like adjustable nose pads and more. 

The latest addition is the Corbina PRO, which rounds out the collection of all six frames in the PRO Series. The Corbina has long been a favorite and sport staple of bass anglers, who can now get the enhanced features in a PRO Series version. 

The PRO Series is the result of extensive feedback from Costa’s professional anglers, saltwater captains, and ambassadors. The PRO Series lineup underwent rigorous testing in extreme angling conditions, ensuring the frames are the most advanced performance-featured sunglasses available.

How could Costa improve on an already proven lineup of “legacy” frames that for decades have been top sellers? Here are six answers that are standout features of the PRO Series. 

  • Eyewire drains help keep sweat and water from pooling inside the frame 
  • Sweat management channels move moisture away from the eyes 
  • Improved HydroliteÔ grip on nose and earpiece keep frames locked in place, especially when wet 
  • Fully-adjustable and ventilated nose pads offer a customizable fit and reduce fogging 
  • Metal keeper slots prevent frames from going overboard 
  • Hooding and side shields prevent light from leaking in 

The frames also have Costa’s polarized color-enhancing premium 580 Glass lens technology that absorb 100% of UV light for next-level clarity. You can see the difference especially in shallow water angling scenarios with the glare-cutting lens technology. A C-Wall coating provides extra scratch-resistance with a barrier that repels water, oil and sweat for easier cleaning. Frames: Metallic Silver, Matte Black, Wetlands. 

HOW DO I USE IT?

At casual glance, the six PRO Series frames all look a bit different in frame shape and lens size. There is much more to those features than style. Each frame is intentionally designed to fit specific face sizes. That includes face shape, where the lenses line up with the bridge of your nose, how the lens frames rest on the cheekbone and more. 

The reason for this attention to detail is to achieve the perfect fit for the wearer. Let’s face it, no two faces are the same, pun intended. You get a custom fit specific to every facet of your face. The intended results achieve maximum performance from each of the six features, allowing those to work together for the best protection from the sun, while enhancing vision in any light condition. 

How can you find out which PRO Series frames, including the Corbina, fit your face? You can easily do it from a computer using the “Try Them On” interactive tool. When you finish reading this review, click on the web page link to the Corbina PRO under More Information and find the tool there. You can also do more research using the clickable “Check size guide and fit guide” link, along with other useful details. In the Size & Fit Guide you can also gauge a measurement based on how many snaps you need to snug up your favorite fishing cap. The Corbina PRO is Size: XL, Fit: Regular, and Nose Bridge: Adjustable Nosepads, for example. Compared to its PRO Series siblings, the Corbina PRO has a tight wrap, thin temple and large lens. 

Just like the attention to fit, Costa didn’t build in multiple lens colors for choosing the coolest style for your mood. Rather, each color is for a specific light and fishing situation, as a testimony to Costa’s commitment to provide the best light control solution so you can see habitat and fish with greater clarity, while reducing eye fatigue and damage from harmful UV light. The same applies with the Corbina PRO. Check out the available colors in the More Information link below. 

HOW MUCH?

$284

MORE INFORMATION: 

Costadelmar.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT:

As anglers, we are all familiar with how sun, glare, sweat, water splash, and sticky air can fog lenses, hamper vision and keep frames from staying in place while fighting fish and running across choppy water. Those nuances can lead to eye fatigue, which can dull your thought process and drain energy when it comes down to making crucial tactical decisions in your bass game. 

What’s most impressive to me about the Corbina (and all the PRO frames) are how the six technical PRO features seamlessly work together to offset the nuances listed above. 

Think of the Corbina PRO as an investment that you’ll wear for years to come. Professional saltwater captains who helped designed them asked for, and received, metal keeper slots in the ear pieces for a Costa Loop Retainer. It’s also handy when wearing them on shore. Your favorite pair of sunglasses will be hanging around the neck, always ready to wear for the ultimate Costa Corbina PRO-formance.