Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina Polarized Sunglasses
A Legacy Aviator, Rebuilt for Modern Performance
The Grand Catalina is a Costa legend that dates back to the late 1980s, and this remaster earns the name. The iconic heritage aviator silhouette is unmistakable, but the construction underneath reflects everything Costa has learned since then. Pathfinder Series DNA runs through every detail, delivering a frame that performs as seriously as it looks.
Pathfinder Series Frame Construction
Costa did not simply revive the Grand Catalina's shape and call it done. The frame integrates the full suite of Pathfinder performance engineering:
- Sweat management channels keep the frame seated and stable during active use on and off the water.
- Vented adjustable nose pads allow a secure, customized fit without pressure points during extended wear.
- Removable side shields block peripheral light and wind when conditions demand it, and come off entirely for a cleaner look on calmer days. This is the feature that defined the original Grand Catalina and it remains front and center.
- Spring hinges deliver flexible, long-lasting temple action that holds its feel over time.
- Seamless surfacing on the frame face achieves a refined fit against the face with no gaps or pressure ridges.
The frame fit is wide, sized for XL faces, with a Base 6 lens curve that wraps close to the face for maximum peripheral coverage without distortion.
Costa 580 Lens Technology: 580G vs. 580P
The Grand Catalina is offered in two 580 lens materials. Both deliver Costa's full 580 light-management spectrum, but each has a distinct performance profile. Choose the style that fits your activity and preference.
| Feature | 580G (Glass) | 580P (Plastic) |
|---|---|---|
| Lens material | Polarized glass | Polarized polycarbonate |
| Optical clarity | Best-in-class glass clarity | Excellent clarity, lighter weight |
| Weight | 20% thinner and 22% lighter than average polarized glass | Lightest option in the lineup |
| Mirror protection | Encapsulated mirror between glass layers (scratch-proof) | Mirror coating on exterior |
| Best for | Anglers and water users who prioritize maximum clarity and scratch resistance | Active use where lightweight and impact resistance come first |
What the 580 Spectrum Does
Costa's 580 lens filter is the core of both options. It targets the specific wavelengths that degrade vision on the water and in bright light:
- Absorbs harmful High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light
- Enhances reds, greens, and blues for richer color definition
- Filters out harsh yellow light that causes eye fatigue
The result is a sharper, higher-contrast view across every environment, from open water glare to overcast days on land.
The Quiver Killer Argument
Costa's own description calls the Grand Catalina a "quiver killer" and the case is clear: the removable side shields let one frame serve two roles. With shields on, you get competition-grade peripheral blockage for harsh on-water or snow-glare conditions. Shields off, it reads as a heritage aviator you would wear anywhere. The spring hinges and vented nose pads handle the transition between those two worlds without sacrificing comfort or stability.
Shop In Store and Online
The Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina is available at Island Water Sports in South Florida and online. For questions, reach the team at 954-427-4929.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Costa Del Mar
- Model
- Grand Catalina
- Item No.
- 6S9117 / 911708 / 59-15
- Lens technology
- Costa 580 polarized (580G glass or 580P polycarbonate, depending on style)
- Frame fit
- Wide (XL)
- Lens curve
- Base 6
- 580G lens weight
- 20% thinner and 22% lighter than average polarized glass
- 580G mirror
- Encapsulated between glass layers (scratch-proof)
- Side shields
- Removable
- Nose pads
- Vented, adjustable
- Hinges
- Spring hinges
- Sweat management
- Sweat management channels integrated in frame
- Frame surfacing
- Seamless
- Frame design
- Pathfinder Series DNA; heritage aviator silhouette
- HEV protection
- Yes, absorbs harmful High-Energy Visible blue light
- Gender
- Womens
- Product type
- Sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between Costa 580G and 580P lenses?
- 580G uses polarized glass, which provides the best optical clarity available in a lens material. The glass mirror on 580G variants is encapsulated between glass layers, making it scratch-proof. 580P uses polarized polycarbonate, which is lighter and offers greater impact resistance. Both deliver Costa's full 580 spectrum filter that blocks HEV blue light, enhances color contrast, and filters harsh yellow light.
- What are the side shields on the Grand Catalina for?
- The removable side shields block peripheral light and wind from entering at the sides of the frame. They are most useful on the water, in open terrain, or anywhere bright side-light causes eye fatigue. They detach completely when you want a cleaner, lifestyle-oriented look, so one pair covers both scenarios.
- Are Costa Grand Catalina sunglasses fully polarized?
- Yes. Every variant of the Grand Catalina uses Costa's 580 polarized lens, which eliminates surface glare and filters light through the full 580 spectrum for enhanced clarity and color.
- What is the Grand Catalina frame fit like?
- The Grand Catalina is designed as a wide-fitting frame (XL). It features vented adjustable nose pads, spring hinges for flexible temple fit, and seamless surfacing that conforms close to the face. The Base 6 lens curve provides wrap-around peripheral coverage without optical distortion at the edges.
- Does the 580G glass lens scratch easily?
- On 580G variants, the mirror coating is encapsulated between two layers of glass rather than sitting on the exterior surface. This makes the mirror itself scratch-proof under normal use. The outer glass surface has the same scratch resistance you would expect from high-quality ophthalmic glass.
- Is the Costa Grand Catalina good for fishing and water sports?
- Yes. The Grand Catalina was built with active water use in mind. The 580 polarized lens cuts surface glare on the water, the removable side shields block peripheral light and spray, sweat management channels keep the frame stable during movement, and the wide fit with adjustable nose pads maintains a secure hold.
- Where can I buy the Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina?
- The Grand Catalina is available at Island Water Sports in South Florida and online at islandwatersports.com. Call 954-427-4929 for assistance.