#Costa slack tide review sportrx full#

#Costa slack tide review sportrx full#

Frame Advantage: Full coverage for big heads without looking bulky or chunky.Easily my favorite lens of the three I tested. Great for fishing freshwater, bird watching, hiking with uneven footing, and mid-summer deer scouting. Thoughts on Lens: Everything pops with incredible contrast with the green mirror lens.Frame Disadvantage: No internal hinge at temple, limiting flexibility.Frame Advantage: Most padding and grip (Hydrolite) allows for a very secure feeling without weighing them down.Thoughts on Lens: Solid everyday option of lens color.Lens Type: Polarized Polycarbonate - 580P.Frame Disadvantage: Only two frame colors to choose from.Frame Advantage: Do-it-all frame that can easily make the jump from backcountry needs to lifestyle needs.Depending on the criteria you use to determine a good pair of sunglasses, I hope the below comparison helps highlight how these three models of Costas, along with their respective lenses, stack up against one another. I’ve listed the details below, along with a distinct advantage and disadvantage for each. When comparing these three pairs, I’m taking into account primarily the frame shape, size, and fit, and secondarily the lens type and color. Each have a slightly different frame and each with a different lens. Carrying case and cleaning cloth are included.Īs previously stated, I tested three models of Costa sunglasses ( Rincondo, Slack Tide, and Rincon). Together, the case and cloth weigh 2.47 oz (70 grams). It’s easy to stash into a pocket in my hiking pack or into a car’s cupholder and go, without needing to worry about damaging the shades. I’ve used these both extensively, and the case is my go-to spot for storing the shades. The Slack Tides come with a zippered hard case and a lens cleaning cloth. I do get a little nervous taking them on and off, as the hinge doesn’t flex as much as the other models I tested, but no signs of wear or loose components at this time.Ī view through the 580P (polycarbonate) green mirror lens on the Costa Slack Tides. No immediate signs of wear or loose components at this time. In addition to my daughter’s fingers, the Slack Tides have also been with me on numerous hikes, getting dropped at least once that I recall while climbing over a downfall tree that was blocking the trail. She grabs, pulls, smudges her slobbery little fingers all over my sunglasses. While I try not to be particularly hard on sunglasses my 1-year daughter doesn’t exactly share my thinking. With this in mind, the Slack Tides fit well and are comfortable over long periods of continuous use. Prior to trying the Slack Tides, I had previously experienced some sizing issues with the Rincondos, which share a similar frame fit (regular) but was one size larger in overall frame size (large). Costa’s website has a size and fit guide for each pair of sunglasses, with the frame sizings running narrow, regular or wide (they mention that most folks go with regular) and the frame size can vary from small to extra large, which is the overall size of the lens (i.e. It can be tricky to find the right size of shades without trying them on first. A little hard to see in this photo, but the rubber grip at the nose and end of the arms is liberally applied. The Slack Tides also feature an open attachment point for certain types of retainers/straps, although the only ones I’ve used with these frames are over-the-top style retainers. The bioresin frames are lightweight, weighing in (with polycarbonate lens) at 1.02 oz (29 grams). The construction of the Slack Tides includes a generous amount of Hydrolite rubber which acts as a non-slip contact point on the nose and behind the ears (a positive) but also a one-way temple hinge that limits the overall flexibility of the frames (a negative). The Costa Slack Tides are a little more casual looking than most adventure sunglasses, but don’t let that fool you, they are fully capable shades for many outdoor pursuits. You’ll see a comparison to the other two at the end of the review.įor three warm-weather seasons, I wore the Costa Slack Tide sunglasses while fly fishing, hiking, and scouting for whitetail deer and elk, as well as everyday uses like casual bike rides.

This test is for the Costa Slack Tide with Green Mirror polycarbonate lenses. Each featured a different lens and frame, allowing me to test multiple variables when considering Costa sunglasses. During the spring, summer and early autumn, I tested three different styles of Costa sunglasses ( Rincondo, Slack Tide, and Rincon).