I have Oakleys for work because they are free or cheap and in all reality they suck. Well the lens do. The frames are nice and stout but I end up replacing lenses on a yearly basis and actually the off brand replacements last longer before peeling and usually give better clarity.

But I want a good pair for when off work. That have a classic shape that are not huge and a tortoise.

I got my wife a pair of Costa Remora with the 580p lenses In Tiger Shark and those things are amazing outside. By far the best clarity I have seen in sunglass lenses.
My gripe with Costas are their lenses are so light and seem thin. I’d like something with a bit more heft.
My research as they don’t make it easy finds that Costa lenses are made in the US and the frame are made overseas some being in China. I don’t want anything made in China. There are plenty of options from other places.
My wife’s frames have no markings indicating where they are made.

The other option I like is the classic RayBan Wayfarer. I don’t have any personal experience with RayBan just know they are excellent quality and made in Italy.

Those are my top choices but not sure which are better. Only places I know that carry the RayBans around here are at the Mall and that is a place I don’t venture.
Plus they all sell at retail there.

I have found both the RayBan and Costa for around $100 from verified online sellers.

The same company owns Oakley, Costa and Ray-Ban, btw.

I would go with the Wayfarer if the style is appropriate for you, the quality is pretty decent.

While Luxotica may own them all does not mean they are of equal quality or it is any easier to figure out which Costa frames are made in China.

Can't compare the two since the Remora is a polycarbonate lens (same as Oakley)(very scratch prone but impact resistant and light weight) and the Wayfarers are glass (solid clarity, timeless classic).

If you're looking for a solid polycarbonate lens, check out Kaenon Burnet. I have the Rhinos and Arlo, very satisfied.

Yes, both brands are owned by Luxottica, the largest player in the eyeglass market. Oakley is focused on the action-sport lifestyle channel, Costa on the fishing/boating channel and Wayfarer on fashion lifestyle channel.

Excellent point on the lens material. Not something I took into consideration. Though think I would prefer a glass lens for my casual wear.

I have no experience w/ RayBan.

I had a bad experience with the Costa (prescription w/ progressive Costa lenses) where a lens was delaminating within a year of purchase. They did eventually replace them under warranty, but it was a long process (multiple months) with a lot of mis-steps and poor communication along the way. I'll never buy that brand again.


You didn't ask, but I'll mention another brand to look at... I've gone back to Maui Jim's. From what I recall their frames are made in Italy or Japan. The clairity on the 2 pair that I've had over the years is the best I've ever had. In my opinion the clairity of the Costa's were good, but not as good as the Maui Jim's.

I have 5 pair of Costas and my wife has 2. The glass lenses are awesome, but a bit heavier. She has a pair of ray bans and won’t wear them anymore since getting costas.

Just so you know, Costa has laid off 295 folks in Daytona Beach. They have been going through restructuring since December '19, but along came the Wu Flu and they said SEE YA! Fuck them right up their shitty little buttholes with a red hot poker. Never will I own another pair of Costa's.

I have Costas now and had RayBans during the 80's (Top Gun). In fact I still have them somewhere, have true Bausch and Lomb lenses.

I really love my polarized Costas now, light weight, great lenses, with their face contouring design they block out alot of ambient light.

I find that polarization really helps me now when driving. That would be my recommendation now.

Maui Jim Snapbacks have been looked at but $150 is about the cheapest I can find them.

The other 2 I have located for $100.

Interesting info about Costa lay offs.

Make sure you try the Wayfarers on for fit.

Not sure about if all Wayfarers are made in Italy, but Some of RayBan's production is from China.

Maui Jim
Costa
Rayban

In that order. Costco has Maui Jims if you log in and search but only some models. Maui Jims are worth the price difference over Costa's, the blue lenses are the best, then followed by the hi-tech lense (HT) for all lighting conditions including lower light.

I've had 5 or 6 pairs of RBs and 3 pairs of Costas. To me, it's just whatever styling you like. I tend to buy Costa for sport glasses and RB for more stylish glasses. Better than RB, imo is Persol. Absolutely love mine and hardly ever wear my Wayfarers anymore, though mainly because the WFs are not polarized.

My old Wayfarers and my wife's current RBs were Made in Italy.

Maui Jim. Best bang for your buck. They aren’t cheap, but they are worth it. Talk to your local optician.

Of your choices, which, if either, is made in the United States?

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Of your choices, which, if either, is made in the United States?

Costa lenses are made in Florida, the frames are made overseas in different locations one being China.
I have not figured out how to determine Chinese made frames as their frames have no markings.

If you want great American made sunglasses look at American Optical.

https://aoeyewear.com

They make the original pilot sunglasses, RayBans are a knockoff.

I have been wearing them for decades.

Not that expensive.

I also have have Maui Jim's but wear AOs the most.

Nobody on the road
Nobody on the beach
I feel it in the air
The summer's out of reach.

I wore American Optical shades when I was in USAF. They were the issued sunglasses for the pilots.
We referred to them as "lifers".
Very good quality but the bayonet style ear pieces aren't everyone's cup of tea.