Costa Del Mar Piper Sunglasses
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Built for the Water, Polished for Everywhere Else
The Costa Piper is a medium aviator-style polarized sunglass engineered for serious outdoor use without sacrificing refined style. The frame pairs Titanium with Beta-Titanium, the lightest and strongest metal material combination Costa offers, keeping the Piper featherweight on your face during long days on the water or in the bush. Hydrolite® nosepads and temple sleeves grip securely as conditions intensify, preventing the slip that ruins a good cast or a critical moment on the water.
Costa builds the Piper around its proprietary 580 lens system, available in both 580G (glass) and 580P (polycarbonate) constructions. Both deliver Costa's hallmark polarization and clarity; the right choice depends on how you weigh optical precision against weight and impact resistance.
580G vs 580P: Which Lens Is Right for You
Both lens families share the same 580 color spectrum technology, which filters out harsh yellow light to boost contrast and makes colors appear sharper and more natural on and around the water. The construction differs in ways that matter for specific activities.
| Feature | 580G (Glass) | 580P (Polycarbonate) |
|---|---|---|
| Optical clarity | Highest available | Excellent |
| Scratch resistance | Superior | Good |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter |
| Impact resistance | Standard | Higher |
| Best for | Inshore, offshore, fishing precision | Active watersports, everyday use |
Frame Construction
The Piper frame is built from a combination of Titanium and Beta-Titanium, the same class of materials used in aerospace and surgical applications. This combination delivers a frame that is both exceptionally thin and resistant to corrosion from saltwater and sweat. The result is a structured metal aviator that holds its shape session after session without adding unnecessary weight.
Hydrolite Comfort System
Hydrolite® is Costa's proprietary grip material used on the nosepads and temple sleeves. The material activates with moisture, becoming more grippy as you sweat or encounter spray. This keeps the Piper firmly positioned even during active movement, so you never have to push your glasses up mid-paddle or mid-cast.
Polarization and the 580 Lens System
Every Piper lens is polarized to eliminate horizontal glare from water surfaces, wet roads, and reflective terrain. Costa's 580 technology goes further by filtering wavelengths in the 580 nanometer range, the portion of the light spectrum that causes eye fatigue and washes out contrast on open water. The result is a cleaner, sharper, less fatiguing visual experience compared to standard polarized lenses. Lenses are also scratch-resistant for long-term optical integrity.
Style and Fit
The Piper is styled as a medium aviator, a silhouette that has proven versatile across decades of outdoor and lifestyle use. The double-bridge metal frame and teardrop lens shape read as classic, while the technical materials keep it firmly in performance territory. Frame fit is Regular, designed to suit a broad range of face shapes without requiring adjustment.
Shop the Piper at Island Water Sports
Island Water Sports carries the Costa Del Mar Piper in store and online across South Florida. Costa's entire lineup is sold here alongside the watersports gear the Piper was made for. Call 954-427-4929 for in-store availability or questions about the Piper lineup.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
Returns are eligible within 30 days of receiving your order. Return shipping labels are FREE for IWS Beach Club Members. See more
Specifications
- Brand
- Costa Del Mar
- Model
- Piper
- Frame Material
- Titanium and Beta-Titanium
- Lens Technology
- Costa 580 (available in 580G glass and 580P polycarbonate)
- Polarization
- Yes
- Lens Clarity
- Superior clarity, scratch-resistant
- Grip System
- Hydrolite nosepads and temple sleeves
- Frame Style
- Medium aviator
- Frame Fit
- Regular
- Prescription Ready
- No
- Gender
- Women's
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the Costa Piper sunglasses polarized?
- Yes. Every Costa Piper comes with fully polarized lenses. Costa's 580 polarization eliminates horizontal glare from water and reflective surfaces while also filtering the 580nm wavelength range that causes eye fatigue, delivering sharper contrast and more natural color rendering than standard polarized lenses.
- What is the difference between Costa 580G and 580P lenses?
- 580G lenses are made from glass and offer the highest optical clarity and superior scratch resistance, making them the preferred choice for fishing and precision tasks on the water. 580P lenses are made from polycarbonate, which is lighter and more impact-resistant, making them better suited for active watersports and everyday wear. Both share the same 580 color spectrum technology.
- Why are Costa Del Mar sunglasses so expensive?
- Costa sunglasses are priced to reflect the materials and manufacturing involved. The Piper specifically uses Titanium and Beta-Titanium frames, the lightest and strongest metal combination in the industry, alongside proprietary polarized 580 glass or polycarbonate lenses that filter a specific wavelength range beyond what standard polarized lenses do. Hydrolite grip hardware, corrosion resistance, and long-term optical integrity are built in, not added on. You are paying for performance that holds up across years of saltwater exposure.
- What does Hydrolite mean on Costa sunglasses?
- Hydrolite is Costa's proprietary grip material used on the nosepads and temple sleeves of the Piper. It becomes more grippy when it contacts moisture, such as sweat or spray, keeping the frame securely positioned during active use. It replaces the standard rubber components found on most frames and is designed specifically for on-water performance.
- Are the Costa Piper sunglasses good for fishing and water use?
- Yes. The Piper was designed specifically for water-based outdoor use. Polarized 580 lenses cut surface glare so you can see into the water more clearly. The Titanium and Beta-Titanium frame resists saltwater corrosion, and the Hydrolite nosepads and temple tips keep the frame in place even when you are active and sweating. The frame fit is Regular and the lens shape provides solid coverage for on-water conditions.
- Is the Costa Piper a prescription sunglass?
- No. The Costa Piper as sold is not prescription ready. It is a non-prescription polarized sunglass.
- How do I clean and care for Costa Piper sunglasses?
- Rinse the lenses with fresh water after saltwater or sandy conditions to remove abrasive particles. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe lenses dry. Avoid paper towels, clothing, or tissues, which can scratch even scratch-resistant coatings over time. For the Titanium frame, avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Store the Piper in its case when not in use to protect the lens surface.