TexasKayakFisherman.com

OK so I'm about to take the plunge and give up my $20 perpetually scratched Academy glasses and get some Costas.....My question is has anyone noticed the difference between the 400 and 580 glass. It certainly sounds better but I figured I'd see if anybody here has worn both on the water and has an opinion. Thanks

Relaxo,

The difference between the two types:(1) Price. About $30 or $40. (2) The 580's have a better glass clarity to them that gives you a better under surface in the water. Also a better scratch resistance to them than the 400's.

I have been looking at upgrading my Fathoms to 580's, but with 3 pair it is hard to justify a good pair even if there the 39's basic model. One of the pair of Fathoms I did replace my lenses after three years of use. Not bad. I have two pair of blue mirror/gray lense for everyday use (also for the deep sea trips in the big blue) and a pair of green mirror/amber lenses for when I hit the emeral green waters of Florida (or Corpus). Also have an old pair that are amber lenses for cloudy days.

Check out http://www.campmor.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . They have 580's for $120. Thats a good deal.

I hope this helps a bit.

Tightlines,
Alex Torres

the other slight difference is that the 580's block out even more yellow light, (the sun and glare!). i personally notice the difference from the 400's and 580's and feel that the 580's are a great buy. i have the 580 zane's and if i were to drive an hour to a fishing spot and realize that i forgot my zane's, i would drive back to get them. and no, i do not work for them or are they my sponsor.

I have 580 Fathoms in green mirror and they are awesome. There is definitely a difference between the 400's and 580's. One thing to remember is the 580's are more scratch resistant.

I've had 2 pairs of the 400's and have had a pair of the 580's since last May, all 3 pairs in the green mirror glass. The difference is worth the extra $$ IMO.

Blindcasting wrote:I've had 2 pairs of the 400's and have had a pair of the 580's since last May, all 3 pairs in the green mirror glass. The difference is worth the extra $$ IMO.

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.says the blind man...lol

5moreminutes wrote:

Blindcasting wrote:I've had 2 pairs of the 400's and have had a pair of the 580's since last May, all 3 pairs in the green mirror glass. The difference is worth the extra $$ IMO.

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.says the blind man...lol

haha, good catch!

Thanks for the insight guys. The fact that the 580's sound more scratch resistant is a big plus.

1alextorres-How much did it set you back to replace those lenses if you don't mind me asking? I've read they'll fix or replace parts at a nominal fee but I'm not sure what they consider nominal.

I have both. Didn't think it could get much better than the 400's but i wanted a new lighter frame than the triple tail so I got the fathoms with the polycarbonate 580's(lighter than glass) and was very impressed. Well worth the money but If I had 400's in the fathoms I don't think I would have felt the need to step up to the 580's. Now I have 2 sets of $200 glasses unfortunately.

Relaxo wrote:Thanks for the insight guys. The fact that the 580's sound more scratch resistant is a big plus.

1alextorres-How much did it set you back to replace those lenses if you don't mind me asking? I've read they'll fix or replace parts at a nominal fee but I'm not sure what they consider nominal.

I had to go to there web site and file a repair form to describe the problem. It will give you a return form that you have to print out to place with your Costa's when you ship it to them for repair. I usually pay for the insurance when I sent them at the UPS store. It ran me about $10 give or take. The repair was about $30 or so to get both lenses repaired. They will call or email you to tell you the problem, solution and the cost before they do the work on them. I have never had any problems with their customer service. Still comes out cheaper in the long run to repair than to buy another pair. I had to repair my wifes Isabelas last year to replace a scratched lense. Paid a little extra to replace both lenses to 580's. She's happy and I can go fishing.

you will think the 400's are nice until you try the 580's and will not beleive the difference in how much better they are.

I just got home with a pair of the Triple Tail 580's in the green mirror/copper lens combo. The 580 really is awesome. I feel like I'm in a blue blockers commercial or something. I just pray I have the chance to test them out on a red in the shallows this weekend ...I'm also gonna have them tethered to my body in every way possible....I'm guessing they won't replace them if I drop them in the intracoastal .

Thanks again for all the advice.

FYI: http://www.steepandcheap.com ussually has a pair of Costas or two per day at big discounts. I got some Eliminators with the 580 glass lens for about $90 a while back.

5moreminutes wrote:

Blindcasting wrote:I've had 2 pairs of the 400's and have had a pair of the 580's since last May, all 3 pairs in the green mirror glass. The difference is worth the extra $$ IMO.

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.says the blind man...lol

Yeah, that are THAT good!

580s make colors pop a lot more imo. just buy what you can afford. cant go wrong with either but id definitely get the 580s if you can afford the extra few $$

The 580's are great I wouldn't be with out them now. But be careful with them, I dropped a pair a shattered the lens. Spent another $100 bucks fixing them. But it was worth it, just wish that I was more careful to begin with. Costa is great on repairs fast turn around. Good luck!