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Reviews > Eye Protection and Binoculars > Sun Glasses > Costa Del Mar Cape Frame Sunglasses > Test Report by Steven M Kidd

COSTA DEL MAR CAPE SUNGLASSES
TEST SERIES BY STEVEN M. KIDD
INITIAL REPORT
September 25, 2018

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Steven M. Kidd
EMAIL: ftroop94ATgmailDOTcom
AGE: 46
LOCATION: Arrington, Tennessee
GENDER: M
HEIGHT: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
WEIGHT: 185 lb (83.90 kg)
SHOE SIZE 10.5 US

Backpacking Background: I've been a backpacker on and off for over 30 years. I backpacked as a Boy Scout, and then again almost every month in my twenties, while packing an average weight of 50+ lb (23+ kg). In the last several years I have become a hammock camping enthusiast. I generally go on one or two night outings that cover from 5 to 20 mi (8 - 32 km) distances. I also do several annual outings lasting four to five days covering distances between 15 to 20 mi (24 - 32 km) per day. I try to keep the all-inclusive weight of my pack under 20 lb (9 kg) even in the winter.


INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

IMAGE 1
Cape Polarized Sunglasses
Manufacturer: Costa Del Mar
Year of Manufacture: 2018
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.costadelmar.com
MSRP: US $209.00
Measured Weight: 1.3 oz (37 g)
Measured Weight in case: 4.0 oz (113 g)
Frame Color Tested: Shiny Steal Grey Metallic
Lens Color Tested: Copper Silver Mirror
Lens Material Teste: 580P Polarized Coated Polycarbonate

Other details from Manufacturer:
Frame Fit: Large Fit
Frame Width: 134.6 mm (5.3 in)
Bridge Width: 17.0 mm (0.67 Iin)
Lens Width: 67.0 mm (2.64 in)
Lens Height: 44.2 mm (1.74 in)
Temple Arm Length: 115.0 mm (4.53 in)

The Costa Del Mar Cape polarized sunglasses are available in nearly a dozen frame and lens color variations. Costa offers seven different lens colors for wear in varying light conditions. I am testing a copper silver mirror lens and the manufacturer suggests this hue is designed for experiencing 'natural contrast'. The frames are considered a large fit in that they cover much of the wearers face and wrap tightly around the face to cover both frontal and peripheral vision.

The reasoning behind the design as explained by the manufacturers: "This extra-large frame's change in shape and angles is indicative of a coastal Cape. Costa's Cape frame represents a deviation from normal sport frames. The massive polarized polycarbonate lenses and ultra-wide temples prevent eye fatigue. Hydrolite nose and temple pads prevent slippage, while the open ventilation ports manage sweat and heat. The perfect sports fishing sunglasses to maximize your time on and off the coast of your favorite Cape".

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

In deciding to test these sunglasses, I was initially a little out of my comfort zone for two reasons. 1) I do not typically prefer to wear wrap around style glasses and 2) I generally wear grey-to-green colored lenses. Based on these two factors alone, I was stepping way out of my comfort zone in testing these shades.
IMAGE 2
Side View

That stated, when the sunglasses arrived and I donned them I was immediately impressed with how light they were on my face. They were nearly unnoticeable out of the gate. The lens hue was my biggest fear, but I quickly overcame this concern and I was very impressed with how crisp the world appeared. When considering these copper lenses the harkened I back to advertisements of my youth pushing glasses called "Amber Vision" and I was honestly a little nervous.

My concerns were quickly diminished! The literature stated that the lenses were designed to diminish yellow hues while illuminating reds, greens and blues. I immediately noticed this! When I looked at my phone, I noticed how crisp blue and green apps appeared! While driving red cars simply popped! Maroon or Burgundy not so much, but what I call a fire engine red vehicle was just so very bold.

One of the key reasons I was interested in testing these sunglasses is the fact that I regularly take multi-day kayaking trips and was looking for a good pair of sunglasses for use on the water. I happened to chat with my brother and was telling him how impressed I was with them initially and I asked if he'd ever worn the brand. I asked this as he is both an aviator by trade and lives on a lake. He stated that he had not as polarized glasses are not suitable for the digital screens in his cockpit and he had not had a chance to try the brand on the lake. He quickly reiterated that many of his angler friends raved over the brand.

I find the glasses are very comfortable and only have one minor consideration. At times, the gripped nose pads can cause minor discomfort


SUMMARY

IMAGE 3
The View Is much Crisper than the Image
I am excited to truly begin utilizing these sunglasses on the trail and on the water. I have already been routinely wearing them when I drive or attend my sons baseball games.

They are extremely lightweight and barely noticable on my head. Temples discomfort is often and issue with me and sunglasses, but it is nonexistent with the Capes. Occasionally the nose pieces can cause minimul discomfort, but removing them followed by massaging my nose a time or two and replacing immediately removes any issues. I would call the grip aggessive, but it is certainly not uncomfortable. If I had any thorns, that would be the only I can state, but I have plenty of roses to report on. The crispness of color, the vibrance of primary colors and the simple unsquinting protection they offer aree all rosy!

I would like to thank BackpackGearTest.org and Costa Del Mar for allowing me to test the Cape Sunglasses. Please check back in approximately two months to read my Field Report.

This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

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