Review: Costa Broadbill II Sunglasses

When it comes to a great pair of shades, the devil's in the details. The folks at Costa know this well, and have gained a reputation for making some of the best sunglasses on the market. Recently, I got my hands on the Broadbill II, which have now become my daily drivers. I opted for the matte tortoise frames with the gold mirror polarized lenses, a stylish and functional combo that works well on the water, on the slopes, at a wedding, and behind the wheel.

For one thing, they fit my face well, with a slightly curved frame that wraps around my eyes and prevents glare or light from getting in through the sides. Costa’s polarized 580 lenses offer superb protection from the sun, keeping my eyes relaxed. They're lighter than other glass-lensed sunnies I’ve owned in the past, and the rubberized nose-pads keep the Broadbills securely on my face.

I really like the arms on these sunglasses, which by my estimation, offer about 110 degrees of flexion. In layman’s terms, it means they can bow outward to fit on the brim of my hat or over a beanie when I’m out & about. All in all, life just looks better through the Broadbill II.

$269; available at costadelmar.com.