Earlier in 2021 Costa released their new line of Pro Series line of performance sunglasses. This line of sunglasses takes Costa performance to the next level with the highest quality optics you’ve come to know and love from the brand. Upon the release of the Pro Series, I was eager to get my hands on a pair. The Costa Pro Series sunglasses are currently available in two models, the Blackfin Pro and Fantail Pro . I opted for the slightly smaller framed Fantail Pro and haven’t been disappointed.
Costa has taken the Fantail frame, a classic loved by many, and added some great enhancements to make these the ultimate fishing glasses in the Costa Fantail Pro. You may be wondering what makes the Pro Series of sunglasses different from the other sport performance sunglasses from Costa and that’s a great question.
What’s New?
For starters, the Fantail Pro sunglasses are incredibly lightweight, so much so that you almost forget that you’re wearing them. The Fantail Pro sunglasses feature adjustable rubber nose pads that help ensure the perfect fit. The adjustable nose pads also help keep the frames and lenses from resting on your sweaty eyebrows and fogging up. Best of all, the nose pads feature eye-wire drains to help any perspiration from pooling up inside the frame. Out of the box these frames were super comfortable, but with a little bit of adjustment, these frames feel like they were custom made for my face.
Comfort and performance were some of the driving factors when designing the Pro Series sunglasses. To further enhance the Fantail Pro frames, Costa added sweat management channels that run the length of the temple to keep sweat out of your eyes. This may seem like a novelty feature however I definitely noticed improved airflow through these frames, keeping me cool while stalking trout for hours in the hot Colorado sun.
One of the biggest aesthetic differences from the original Fantail sunglasses are the extended rubber side shields and hooding. Both of these features serve to cut down on excess light from entering your field of vision, reducing eye strain and fatigue. These sunglasses achieve full coverage in a relatively streamlined frame. The Costa Fantail Pro were meant to keep you in the zone and on the water all day long. Metal keeper slots round out the biggest changes from the original model allowing you to use just about any type of string for eye retainers however I still opt for Chums cotton retainers.
Superior Optics
Lens Technology
Like all Costa Sunglasses, the Fantail Pro come with premium 580 polarized lens. Both models in the Pro Series feature 580(G) glass lenses and are impressively lightweight, considering. I forgot I was wearing these frames almost immediately after putting them on.
Lens Color
The Costa Fantail Pro sunglasses are available in blue, copper silver, green, and gray lens, covering everything from the open ocean to shaded trout streams. I have found the green lenses to be great for the bright sunny skies I’m blessed to fish under on many streams throughout the west and look forward to testing them on bonefish flats soon. On overcast days or shaded trout streams with variable light, I opt for copper silver lens that enhance natural contrast.
The Best Got Better
Priced at $268.95, these sunglasses aren’t cheap. But if you’re in the market for a premium pair of sunglasses designed specifically for long days on the water, look no further than the Costa Fantail Pro. Available in Matte Gray, Matte Black, and Matte Wetlands there’s a frame color to match any taste.
Article by Evan Garda on the Content Team here at Fly Lords. He can be found chasing trout throughout the west with his trusty fly rods. Check out his adventures at @evangarda.
