After quite a bit of build up, and a remarkable amount of hype at some industry events, Costa del Mar revealed their King Tide sunglasses earlier this year.
These frames were touted to be the culmination of Costa’s 40 year history. The press releases, early look features, and social media posts from ICAST all seemed to place the King Tide alone atop an outdoor sunglasses pedestal. But is their performance worthy of that reputation?
While I didn’t pick up a pair in the first roll-out, I did place an order once the full array of lenses was available. Since then, the King Tide has been with me on and off the water, and I feel like I’ve put them through the paces.
Here’s what I’ve noticed about Costa’s King Tide after a few months:
Unparalleled Clarity
I don’t care how many bells and whistles a pair of sunglasses has: if the lenses aren’t good I don’t want them on my face or in my gear bag. The true reason for sunglasses is found in the benefits that the lenses provide. I want to limit glare, eye fatigue, and heighten contrast. Costa’s glass lenses do all these things at a level I haven’t experienced with any other manufacturer.
Furthermore, when you choose the King Tide frames you get to choose from all 5 lens options. Everything from the low-light yellow to the bright ocean glare-stopping blue is available. The copper is a great all around lens color, and has suited me well on bright and overcast days.
Too add clarity, Costa packs in some removeable side shields with each pair. What might come across as gimmicky is actually incredibly helpful. Snapping in these pieces shuts out the peripheral light that can creep in from direct reflection beneath or the sides. If they look too clunky to wear out and about, you can always pop them back on when you hit the water.
Stay-Put Features
Costa rolled out adjustable nose pads and new rubber temples for their PRO series a few years back. This material holds fast to your face as you sweat, move, and get blasted by wind. This is precisely what you want when you’re wearing a premium pair of sunglasses on the water.
The King Tide also features rubber on the hooding. That means sunglasses set down on the dashboard or console won’t slide around or flip into something that will induce a scratch.
Frames for all Faces
Something small but significant is the King Tide’s hinges. The arms of the frames will spread wider than 90 degrees if pressed onto the face. This allows for an incredibly snug fit. Combined with the adjustable nose pads, and there will absolutely be a way for one of the pairs of King Tide sunglasses to fit you well.
I say one of the pairs because there are two distinct models in the King Tide line. Dubbed the “6” and the “8,” the frames are slightly different from one another. The 6 (which I have been wearing) is a flatter, broader frame, whereas the 8 is sleeker, wrapping around the face. Each has its place, and each will certainly compliment different facial structures.
Costa del Mar’s King Tide frames are some of the best sunglasses I have ever worn. They certainly do integrate all the innovations Costa has introduced into performance frames and lenses, and stand unrivaled in the market. While they carry a significant price tag, they are worth considering for the serious angler or anyone who puts a premium on eyewear.
Learn more about the King Tide here. And don’t hesitate to reach out with specific questions about my experience with them.