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Built for Life and Wherever It Takes You: The Costa
Aransas (continued)
  Price & Applications:
Sometimes you just want a pair of optics that can adapt to every situation, and
for me the Aransas does that better than just about any other pair of sunglasses
that I have personally ever worn.
Whether I was fishing in
familiar waters, exploring Manhattan, or hunting for JDM tackle in Tokyo, these
sunglasses consistently provided comfort, protection, and style. They just
always “fit” the vibe.
The gray lenses are good for
bright sun and offshore fishing but the copper lenses are definitely better for
variable light conditions like sight fishing at dawn or sunset
Unlike the typical matte
black frames found on sport-oriented models, Costa offers avant-garde frame
options in their lifestyle collection, such as the Shiny Ocean Tortoise and Salt
Marsh frames that I tested. According to Costa's product team, “The use of the
bio-acetate material does not have any impact on the design, coloration, or
finish. There is no limitation compared to traditional acetate and the only
issue is that we need to build out our library of colors in this material, which
takes time, but we are in that process now.”
Enjoying the sun with the Aransas
in Tokyo. These frames travel well.
The Aransas frames, equipped
with various polarized glass 580G lenses, are available in four different
frames, retailing from $242 to $262 each. This places them in the
mid-range of Costa's pricing spectrum. While Costa offers sunglasses with
polycarbonate (580P) lenses for around $160, I strongly recommend opting for
polarized glass 580G lenses due to their superior optical clarity and overall
performance. Costa's flagship model, the King Tide, offers top-tier features and
is priced at $349 each. Overall, I believe that the Aransas frames provide good
value compared to other frames within the Costa lineup and those offered by
competitors.
The large square frames do a good
job providing protection and coverage whether in the city or on the water
Ratings:
|
Costa
Del
Mar
Aransas 580G Lens
Ratings
(?/10) |
|
Construction/Quality |
The
Aransas
feels
higher
end than
many
other
sunglasses.
This
comes
from the
solid
feel of
both the
original
plastic
and new
bio-acetate
frames.
Hinges
are very
high
quality
and 580G
lenses
continue
to be
optically
excellent
and
there
are many
lens
colors
to
select
from |
9.5 |
|
Performance |
Definitely
geared
more
towards
lifestyle
applications
but the
polarization
works
well and
it would
be a
mistake
to think
that the
Aransas
will not
serve as
quality
optics
for
fishing.
What
anglers
give up
going
with the
Aransas
versus a
performance
oriented
pair of
sunglasses
is
light
leakage
without
side
shields,
extra
wind
protection,
and
sweat
management. |
8 |
|
Price |
Priced
reasonably
considering
the
build quality
and
overall
bundle. |
8 |
|
Features |
Though
the
Aransas
lacks
some of
the
features
of other
performance
oriented
sunglasses
it does
have
excellent
lenses,
hinges,
and great
bio-acetate
frame
options.
I love
ho Costa
continues
to push
the
envelope
on more
environmentally
friendly
designs
and the
previous
bio-resin
and new
bio-acetate
are
great
features
that
users
may not
necessarily
see, but
can feel
good
about |
8.0 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
The
Aransas
frames
(both
original
and
newer
bio-acetate)
both
feel
very
solid
and high
end. The
downside
is they
are also
heavier
than
some competing
sport
frames.
The
weight
never
bothered
me
unless I
was
running
with
them for
extended
periods
or
hot days
where the
lack of
adjustable
rubber nosepads
allowed
the
Aransas
to slip
down
when
perspiring.
The
outward
extending
hinges
on the
Aransas
help
make
these
sunglasses
feel comfortable
for
those
that
appreciate
a wider
fit. |
7.5 |
|
Application |
The
Aransas
blends
into any
environment
and
application
seamlessly.
This is
a great
pair of
everyday
sunglasses
that
work
well for
a wide
variety
of
outdoor
pursuits
beyond
fishing.
I love
them for
driving,
travel,
destination
fishing
and find
myself
reaching
for them
every
time I
leave
the
house.
If you
are
looking
for a
dedicated
pair of
fishing
optics
there
are many
other
performance
oriented
options
within
Costa's
lineup
that
will
better
fit the
bill but
if you
are
looking
for a
pair of
stylish
sunglasses
that fit
life in
general
it is
hard to
beat the
versatile
Aransas. |
9 |
|
Total
Score |
8.33 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus |
Minus |
|
+ Excellent
build
quality that
feels solid
and high-end |
- Heavier
than
performance
oriented
frames |
|
+
Stylish
lifestyle
design that
fits into
any
application
and some
excellent
visually
interesting
frame
options |
- Lacks some
of the
technical
features of
optics
designed
specifically
for anglers
(side
shields,
adjustable
nosepads,
sweat
channels) |
|
+ Large
square frame
design
serves as an
excellent
platform for
proven 580G
lenses.
Copper
lenses for
travel and
bass fishing |
|
|
+ Use of
bio-acetate is
more
environmentally
friendly and
still feels
durable and
looks great |
|
|
+ Bundled
case and
protective
sock are
nice
additions
and good for
storage and
travel |
|
|
+ A
reasonable
price for a
very
versatile
pair of
everyday
sunglasses |
|
Conclusion:
If I had to choose just one pair of Costa sunglasses for everyday use, the
Aransas would be my top pick. While they may not be the most feature-rich or
tactical sunglasses in Costa's lineup, dismissing them for fishing solely based
on the absence of certain performance features would be a mistake.
At Grand Central Station in NYC.
Over the last year the Aransas was my favorite pair of do everything-go anywhere
sunglasses and they likely will continue to be due to their versatility
The Aransas
frames still benefit from Costa's excellent 580G lenses and come in a package
that I consistently reach for when leaving the house. The large square lenses of
the Aransas effectively shield against the sun in situations without extreme
weather changes, such as driving or urban environments. They effortlessly blend
into various settings and offer a lifestyle-friendly appearance that can be
dressed up or down to suit the occasion.
While convertible frames like Costa’s new flagship
King Tide may offer the best of both worlds when it comes to
performance and lifestyle, the Aransas remains an excellent choice for those
seeking a pair of quality optics to enjoy the outdoors, and whatever life throws
your way.
The new bio-acetate construction
looks and feels great and while there certainly are other/better Costa options
designed specifically for fishing the Aransas is just plain good for everything
that comes your way
The Aransas frames boast an appealing look and
feel, versatility, durability, and the eco-friendly use of bio-acetate, aligning
with today's sustainability focus. While Costa offers a broad range of
performance-oriented frames for angling applications, the Aransas stands out as
a versatile, high-performing, lifestyle-leaning option. The Aransas is a great
example that Costa not only excels at making great fishing optics, but also just
makes just plain great sunglasses.
Looking for Costa Del Mar Aransas Sunglasses?
Try
Costa Del Mar
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