Sunglasses - Costa vs. Maui Jim vs. ???

I've outfitted thousands of customers with sunglasses over the last 20 years. Everyone's face and features are different, so some brands fit better than others. You want to make sure that frames that fit your face provide good coverage and do well to block out sunlight from above and reflection off the water from underneath the frame. I also like to have good peripheral vision from the sides, which is kinda important for what we do. I like the Costa Blackfin and Tuna Alley's, the 580 glass is superior for clarity and durability against scratching. I use a pair of Tuna Alley's C-Mates with a 1.75 prescription on most days that I am on the water, this allows me to see better close up for tying knots.  I also like VZ-Von Zipper, I have a pair of these in prescription that I also use on the water. I also have a pair of Maui's that are glass, a little heavy, but that's the trade off to have the benefits of a glass lens-nice for driving. For my daily shades I reach for my Kaenon's, this brand is hard to beat IMO, but you will have to spend around the same amount as Costa. Most brands now allow you  to get them customized in your prescription, so you can operate anywhere in style.
Just about any polarized sunglass will work for what we do, it really comes down to fit and performance. As with anything, you get what you pay for. A higher-end sunglass, 50.00-150.00 and up, is going to have a better quality frame and lens material, not to mention customer service if something should happen. The cheaper not so much, very little quality control and marginal eye protection. Any sunglass with a mirrored finish on the outer lens should be handled gently when cleaning salt residue or anything else. Too extend the life of your lens, it's generally a good idea to rinse with fresh water after being on the salt, use a soft cleaning cloth, and store them in the storage sack or case that also accompanies most quality sunglasses. I have a saying, you only get one pair of eyes, so spend a little more and take good care of them. Cheers Mike

I ended up with another pair of Costas with the blue mirror 580g lens. Real nice...


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After searching road biking forums for info on cheap but good sunglasses, I kept finding Pyramex Ztek (safety) glasses mentioned. They wrap around and have good coverage, don't have any distortion (to my eye), come in lots of shades (dark grey, clear, orange, yellow, etc.) which are good for different conditions on the bike and off, and don't look bad (and fit my big head well). Plus I think are under $2 a pair. Bought like 8-10 pairs five years ago for about $15 and still have half a box untouched. Highly recommended.

I am going to get one to try out.

I have used these for 2 trips. $4 well spent. No more red eyes. Got amber lenses, good for windy dark morning.
Going to order another darker color pairs.