Costa Rincon

The Costa Rincon is a sunglass frame for those with a larger-than-average head size, but it doesn't look excessively large and bulky. The West Coast style has a lot of lens coverage and ample rubber padding that ensure the large frames don't slip. A close cousin of the Rincondo and Rinconcito models, but it offers the largest frame of the bunch.

Testing: 

During the spring, summer, and autumn, I tested three different styles of Costa sunglasses (Rincondo, Slack Tide, and Rincon). Each featured a different lens and frame, allowing me to test multiple variables when considering Costa sunglasses. This test is for the Costa Rincon Blue Lightwave Glass lenses. You’ll see a comparison to the other two at the end of the review.

Conditions: 

For three seasons, I wore the Costa Rincon sunglasses while at the beach, on a fishing trip, and during several day hikes, as well as everyday uses like driving and walking around town, and sitting on the back porch watching the sun go down.

Construction and Features:

The Costa Rincon sunglasses are a “cousin” to the company’s Rincondo and Rinconcito models. The Rincon has been on the market for several years now and there is a good reason they have added to this line of frames...they work great and look good.

The Rincon is the largest of the bunch, but shares many characteristics with the others, such as polarized lens (glass or polycarbonate options), lightweight frames made of a bioresin material (i.e. lightweight and durable), slip-resistant points of contact (i.e. behind ears and on the nose has Hydrolite rubber grips) and an internal hinge at the temple that allows for added flexibility. Total weight with the glass lens is 1.41 oz. (40 grams).

The biggest difference between the Rincon and its cousins the Rincondo and Rinconcito is the overall size and the frame shape. The Rincon is the largest of the three models and has a squarish shape, similar to the Rincocito, whereas the Rincondo is a bit more rounded.

Fit and Comfort:

It can be tricky to find the right size of shades without trying them on first. Costa’s website has a size and fit guide for each pair of sunglasses, with the frame sizes running narrow, regular, or wide (they mention that most folks go with regular), and the frame size can vary from small to extra large, which is the overall size of the lens (i.e. how much face does the lens cover). 

Prior to testing the Rincons, I knew their smaller cousin, the Rincondos, weren’t the best fit for me, as they were a little small. The Rincons are the largest of the three cousins (Rincon, Rinconcito, and Rincondo) with a wide frame fit and an extra large overall frame size. This actually came as a surprise to me because they don’t look super large, as you’d expect when you merely look at the sizing. I think this has to do with the design of the frames looking a bit more stylish and less chunky. The Rincons fit well and the Hydrolite grip at the nose and end of temple arms secure the fit, so there is no wiggling off. I’ve worn these on several day hikes and never felt them slipping.

Abrasion:

While I try not to be particularly hard on sunglasses my 1-year daughter doesn’t exactly share my thinking. She grabs, pulls, smudges her slobbery little fingers all over my sunglasses. That doesn’t bode well for the glass lens, as they tend to show markings and smudges much more than the polycarbonate lens, but it hasn’t actually impacted the performance of these sunglasses. No scratches yet. After a quick wipe down with a cleaning cloth, the Rincons show no signs of excessive wear and tear. 

Accessories:

The Rincons come with a zippered hard case and a lens cleaning cloth. I’ve used these both extensively, and the case is my go-to spot for storing the shades. It’s easy to stash into a pocket in my hiking pack or into a car’s cupholder and go, without needing to worry about damaging the shades. Together, the case and cloth weigh 2.47 oz (70 grams).  

Comparison to other Costa models:

As previously stated, I simultaneously tested three models of Costa sunglasses (Rincondo, Slack Tide, and Rincon) each with a different lens. When comparing these three pairs, I’m taking into account not only the frame shape, size, and fit, but also the lens type and color. I’ve listed the details below, along with a distinct advantage and disadvantage for each. Depending on the criteria you use to determine a good pair of sunglasses, I hope the below comparison helps highlight how these three models of Costas, along with their respective lenses, stack up against one another. 

Rincondo (full review here):

• Size: M
• Frame Fit: Regular
• Frame Color: Matte Smoke Crystal
• Frame Advantage: Do-it-all frame that can easily make the jump from backcountry needs to lifestyle needs.
• Frame Disadvantage: Only two frame colors to choose from.
• Lens Type: Polarized Polycarbonate - 580P
• Lens Color: Gray Silver
• Thoughts on Lens: Solid everyday option of lens color. 
• Weight: 1.02 oz (29 grams)

Slack Tide (full review here):

• Size: L
• Frame Fit: Regular
• Frame Color: Black/Shiny Tort
• Frame Advantage: Most padding and grip (Hydrolite) allows for a very secure feeling without weighing them down.
• Frame Disadvantage: No internal hinge at temple, limiting flexibility.
• Lens Type: Polarized Polycarbonate - 580P
• Lens Color: Green Mirror
• Thoughts on Lens: Everything pops with incredible contrast with the green mirror lens. Great for fishing freshwater, bird watching, hiking with uneven footing, and mid-summer deer scouting. Easily my favorite lens of the three I tested. 
• Weight: 1.02 oz (29 grams)

Rincon: 

• Size: XL
• Frame Fit: Wide
• Frame Color: Shiny Black
• Frame Advantage: Full coverage for big heads without looking bulky or chunky.
• Frame Disadvantage: Even though they aren't ginormous, they will still look excessively large on a small-to-average head size. 
• Lens Type: Polarized Glass - 580G
• Lens Color: Blue Mirror
• Thoughts on Lens: Glass lens tends to show more smudges than polycarbonate lens, not to mention glass costs more. Blue mirror is best for really sunny days and lots of reflection. 
• Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 grams) 

Conclusion and Recommendation:

The Costa Rincon shades are definitely made for those of us with big heads, but the beauty is that they don’t make our heads look huge. The minimal, West Coast inspired vibe of the frames makes for a pretty casual overall look, but they are fully capable of being out on the water or in the backcountry. Coupled with the glass Blue Mirror lens, these are great for super bright days. While I haven’t been able to get them out into the open ocean, I tested them with plenty of reflection on big rivers on bright days and the glare is drastically reduced.  

I’d recommend the Rincons for those with an above average head size, and needing a lot of lens coverage without looking like you’re wearing goggles. The beachy vibe of the Rincons make them totally wearable in town or in the backcountry. 

Background

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with sunglasses for a long time. I used to never wear them because I couldn’t find a pair that fit properly or they’d just break or become lost. I typically rotate between three types of sunglasses at all times—one pair of high performance sunglasses from a reputable brand like Costa, Oakley, or Smith that are usually expensive but offer the best performance, weight, polarization, etc. (used most often on hikes, low-impact fishing trips, and for style), one pair of semi-cheap polarized lens that can get beat up or lost and I’m not too upset about it (used for fishing trips where there is a higher chance of me taking a spill), and one pair of crappy convenience store frames that cost less than $10 that probably won’t last more than a year or two and easily scratch (typically used when mowing the yard).

Top shelf and tiny.

Hard to give these a rating...they are really nice sunglasses, and Costa's 580 polarized lenses are superb at cutting glare and improving below-the-surface visibility on the water. These look great with a nice sporty, classy design. 

But these things are so tiny it seemed like they were kids' shades. Proceed with caution unless you have a very svelte noggin. Get 'em for you kid and they'll be the envy of the playground.