Costa has long been a leader in sunglasses’ design and performance. One of their recent releases harkens back to vintage designs, while adding a slew of new high-tech capabilities. The Grand Catalina frames bring back a classic Costa design from the 80s, while adding the capabilities of polarized 580 G (glass) lenses and a whole lot more.
Aside from the retro aviator design, the calling card of the Grand Catalina frames has to be the removable side shields. The pieces are easy to pop in and out, and add a lot of protection from the periphery – a big plus for those spending long days on the water, in the sun, or both. The side shields integrate seamlessly with the arms, and the rounded form at the top offers protection from above, as well. So not only do the side shields look good, but they add serious functionality, making the Grand Catalinas an extremely versatile pair of sunglasses.
Of course, you can’t ignore the styling. The classic aviator look never gets old because, like a good pair of jeans or an Eames chair, it just works. The Grand Catalinas don’t just look good, though, they fit beautifully. The frames are lightweight, thanks to Costa’s advanced construction, and soft pads in the bridge prevent slippage and fatigue if you have to keep them on all day. The nose pads are also adjustable, for total customization. Spring hinges in the arms keep the Grand Catalinas locked to your head, while eliminating the stretched-out, loose feeling that can occur in sunglasses after lots of use.
I spent multiple days on the water in a variety of environments wearing a pair of Grand Catalinas equipped with 580 G “blue mirror” lenses. Simply put, they’re awesome, and work best in bright conditions. They are ultra-clear, while the polarization adds a little “boost” to the view, and makes looking into the water very easy. The design of Costa’s 580 G lenses is also scratch resistant – a big bonus for those of us prone to putting our glasses down where they can end up getting scuffed.
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The only downside for me with the Grand Catalinas has more to do with my giant head than the design or performance of the sunglasses themselves. Because my head is on the wider side (I wear a 7-5/8 size hat), the side shields press against my temples when installed. It’s not uncomfortable at all, but definitely noticeable. It hasn’t detracted from me using the Grand Catalinas on a regular basis, both out on the boat and around town, but I’m not installing the side shields every time I wear them.
Overall, with the Grand Catalinas, Costa has created another winner. As boaters, anglers and watermen of all types continue to seek out eyewear options that offer high-end performance and a great, classic look, many different brands have strived to bridge that gap. Costa’s Grand Catalina frames may just be the Golden Gate.
Costa Grand Catalina (as tested): $292, costadelmar.com
