|
A Worthy Tribute : Costa’s Versatile Ferg Series
| Date: |
12/2/22 |
| Tackle type: |
Sunglasses |
| Manufacturer: |
Costa |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.33 - GREAT
Introduction: The Costa Ferg frames
pay tribute to the company’s founder, Ray Ferguson, and includes some of the
brand’s newest sport-oriented elements including high quality 580G glass lenses
and vented adjustable nose pads, but also features styling that doesn’t look out
of place off the water.
|
Costa
Ferg w/
Green
Mirror
580G
Lens
Specifications |
|
Frame Style |
Ferg |
|
Frame Material |
Bio Resin |
|
Frame Size |
Large |
|
Frame Fit |
Regular |
|
Available Lens Options |
4+ |
|
Frame Color Tested |
Matte
Tortoise |
|
Lens Color Tested |
Green Mirror 580 (glass) |
|
Case |
Rigid Case
(also
includes
microfiber
polishing
cloth) |
|
MSRP |
$294
($233.99
for Costa
Ferg XL at Tackle
Warehouse) |
One piece of kit that always comes
with me when I hit the water is a quality pair of sunglasses. This season I've
been putting Costa's Ferg to the test
Impressions: In the world of fishing sunglasses there
is perhaps no bigger brand than Costa, and especially when it comes to polarized
optics for Bass Anglers. Many pro anglers wear Costa sunglasses, and they are
also a big sponsor of Major League Fishing (MLF). There is a broad offering in
the Costa portfolio from beach lifestyle to sport performance, and the Ferg
Series blends features and design from both categories into a customizable
frame.
The Ferg pays tribute to Costa's
founder, Ray Ferguson
The Ferg is both
recognizable in name and styling, and has the distinction of being named after
Ray Ferguson, the founder of Costa. Though the Ferg has somewhat of a rounded
beach-like styling it comes with performance-oriented elements including side
and top shields to block out light, vented adjustable nose pads, Hydrolite
rubber grips, and an assortment of 100% UV protection polarized lens options,
including the proven 580G glass.
The Ferg is constructed out of Bio
Resin and comes in a variety of frame styles. I tried the matte tortoise with
green mirror glass lenses (580G)
Real
World Tests: I rarely leave the house without a pair
of sunglasses on, and the only time I make c cast without sunglasses is when
night fishing. Quality optics are a key part of the game, and improves the
effectiveness of anglers, enabling us to better perceive structure and sight
fish, as well as keep our eyes protected from the elements, wayward casts, or
unexpected projectiles like uncontrolled tungsten weights.
Costa's 580G lenses are excellent
and are thinner and lighter than average polarized glass
I have fished
with the Ferg over the last six months, targeting both largemouth bass and
stripers in the California Delta and surrounding lakes in the region. I compared
the Ferg with sunglasses from other brands, and especially with other Costa
frames that are part of my regular kit. The Ferg that I fished featured a Matte
Tortoise frame with green mirror polarized glass lenses.
I found the Ferg did a great job
isolating out light
Operation and Ergonomics: When the Ferg was first
introduced there was only one frame size and it was already considered large
with a frame width of 135mm, bridge width of 16mm, and lens width of 58mm. Due
to the popularity of the frames Costa introduced a Ferg XL last season which is
one of the largest sunglasses that the company currently offers.
This sport oriented frame features
mid sized side and top shields
In comparison
the Ferg XL is designed as a true XXL fit with larger lenses for those that
prefer greater coverage of their eyes and face for performance and/or personal
styling preferences. The XL is roughly 5% larger in every dimension than the
standard and features a frame width of 142mm, bridge width of 16mm, and lens
width of 61mm. Those with larger heads will find that this larger lens may be
more comfortable and offer better coverage to help further reduce light
leakage.
The Ferg stays firmly plated
thanks to hydrolite rubber and adjustable nosepads
I typically find
larger and wider frames are more comfortable and a better fit, but the standard
Ferg was already wide enough to feel comfortable. If the width feels natural and
there isn’t uncomfortable pressure on the temple arms the frames are likely wide
enough, and the other main area for adjustment to help keep the glasses in place
are the bridge pads. The Ferg’s adjustable nose pads feature an internal memory
wire that allows you to pinch the nose pads to customize the fit. This allows
anglers to find the most comfortable position but also ensures that the glasses
are fitted properly for protection and reduction of fogging. I found the
nosepads to be very comfortable and non-slip so that even when casting or
fighting fish the Ferg always stayed firmly planted.
The Green Mirror lenses are
surprisingly versatile but excel in brighter conditions
The Ferg comes
in a wide range of configurations with various frame colors (5 to be exact) and
both 580 glass or polycarbonate lenses in a wide range of lens colors. Though
the polycarbonate (580P) lenses are light and slightly cheaper I would recommend
going with 580 glass (580G) lenses. The 580G lenses are what Costa is famous for
and I find them optically much clearer and far more scratch resistant. The only
time that I would recommend the polycarbonate lenses is if impact resistance is
your highest priority.
A look at the adjustable and
vented nosepads
Next Section: Performance oriented frame and
lenses... |
