Gear Review: Costa King Tide

WHAT IS IT?

Costa King Tide

WHAT SETS IT APART?

The King Tide comes in two styles – a six-base frame with more of a squared-off casual look and a full wrap-around, eight-base version that’s made for the serious angler who appreciates that closer, eye-insulating fit. While the latter is clearly superior for sight fishing, the six-base model includes extended side panels to limit light intrusion. With both styles, Costa’s scratch-resistant polarized 580 glass lens technology reduces haze and blur, boosts essential colors for superior definition and ensures fish-spotting clarity.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Billed as Costa’s most advanced and technical sunglass frame to date, the King Tide abounds with impressive technical specs. Starting with the removable side shields, this allows the option of going with a more open look for casual wear and full sun protection on the water. Next, the shark inspired venting system allows for air flow, which prevents lens fogging. On the top edge, Costa added a non-skid hooding, so the frames remain where you lay them, regardless of conditions. Built with Costa’s proprietary Bio-Resin, King Tide blends lightweight comfort with durability.

HOW MUCH?

$329

MORE INFORMATION:

Costadelmar.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

No surprise that Costa won the ICAST New Product Showcase: Best of Eyewear award for its King Tide creation. The company is promoting this detail-rich frame as both a celebration of its 40-year history and the culmination of the lessons and innovations of every frame that came before it. Lots of R&D went into the King Tide, as Costa sought input from a broad spectrum of pro anglers and other users. Five years in the making, this style was driven by the desire to maximize key details of form, fit and aesthetics.