COSTA vs. MAUI JIM - The goods and Bads!

[@vijeeshmenon1982]

MJ is simply out of this world. I have 3 pairs, World cup, wassup and compass. Best buy, ever. When the sun shines bright, every thing is high resolution.

[@joelopic]

Great review. A terrific progress from both these companies in the last 40 years to become major players in the market whilst Ray ban and Oakley have lost the edge with their China affiliation of recent times. Let's not however forget the Persols, serengettis, Randolphs, Oliver people. All real quality pieces.

[@dixonallen2610]

I live in Florida, Merritt Island and fish a lot too. Absolutely love my Costas. So much I have three pairs lol. Unfortunately Costa was recently purchased by luxotica and like every other company luxotica buys, the quality goes downhill. They are firing 275 out of the 370 employees at the Daytona Beach manufacturing facility. I live in the area and have 2 friends who work for costa soon losing their jobs. My guess is all manufacturing will be moving to China. Customer service is horrible now too. And that's the reason quality is falling off... Really too bad. Another great U.S. company ruined by greed...

[@bryanrutherford516]

wow that's a shame. I haven't heard that yet. I liked them also because they were in Florida. Im sorry for that information being out of date. The last time I dealt with them they were still in there and really the customer service was outstanding. but that was a while ago now. sad to hear. I'm going to look into that more. Yeah I lived in Melbourne, Fl for 13 years. We fished the same waters.

[@alexkid2437]

Just terrible...

[@tomdavis3038]

I was quite unhappy to hear that Costa is now in the Lux fold. It was even more disappointing to hear how they treated the employees in Florida. Truth be told Costa has been going downhill ever since being bought out by Essilor a few years back. But, that said, I personally still prefer the 580G to Maui Jim. I do not like gradient or bi gradient mirrors. Both Maui and Costa GLASS lenses are top notch. On last of, Maui is superior due to being Trivex as opposed to Costa being polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is not a premium lens material (sorry Oakley) Cheers

[@DropTheBunny]

Even Maui Jim has been sold now, Kering (a french company I believe) bought them.

[@treydrier3169]

@@tomdavis3038 Polycarbonate is preferred for many uses, particularly sports. Glass lenses are heavy. I have a pair of Maui's and never wear them. Too heavy and they refuse to stay in place with minimal sweat. Oakley's polycarbonate is strong and can take a beating when working or playing a sport. Maui Jim is more of a lifestyle frame vs Oakley which is known for fishing and sports.

[@VincentTipaldo]

I found this video super helpful in assessing Maui Jim and Costa "side by side." It was way better than reddit comments and a lot of the articles. Thanks Bryan. (FYI, it was good at 1.5x speed)

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you and your most welcome. Yes I have a tendency to make longer videos haha.

[@darrenwillis9611]

Awesome review!!! Thanks for the info. I've had both pairs also and you are right, both are great.

[@davidroberts4658]

Love my Diego and permit 580g the clarity is just exceptional can't get no better than that 👍🏼 Costa

[@treydrier3169]

I have 2 pairs of Maui Jim sunglasses. The one pair kept breaking and I don't beat on expensive sunglasses. I give Maui Jim kudos for fixing the frame at no cost (other than shipping). The other is similar to Bryan's in this video but honestly they feel heavy and get uncomfortable after an hour or so. The lenses are glass. I do not own Costa's but I do own Oakley's and I swear by them. The Prism lens is just as good as Maui Jim and they are lighter and can take a beating when I play in my softball league (I have never used the Maui's playing softball). I may try Costa just because I live on the water in SW Florida but Oakley is my go-to brand.

[@jasonsloan1991]

I have multiple pairs of each .. the old Maui 10 plus years ago A+.. last 2 pair i bought has definitely convinced me to stay away the super thin glass these days are just to damn thin imo .. I am with costa now 💯 if you have a big head they offer more for you and if your active ( construction, outdoors etc ) Costa all day

[@christhompson6010]

Great review. for some reason I get a headache when wearing Maui Jim's vs the Costa's. The retailer mentioned there is a slight gradience in the Jim's that affects certain people. Because of that for me it was the Costa Blue 580 aviators with titanium frame. Best I've ever had. Both are great.

[@PosledenMail]

I got headaches from Maui Jim too

[@countygoon92]

maui Jim prides themselves on having higher quality materials and glass. If you look it up they have the highest level of polarization. That’s why there price is what it is. Unfortunately while costa is close they aren’t built to the standard of maui. i’ve had multiple of both and will never wear anything but maui again. costa is more for sport and water. maui aims to cover everything but of course everyone’s eye sees something different.

[@wjolly1824]

Im sorry but you can't beat the 580g clarity of Costas especially on the water

[@el34glo59]

@@wjolly1824 disagree.

[@evertrules24]

I started off with costa, I own 4 pairs in my prescription in glass lenses. From the blue mirror to the green mirror. I swore by them until I got my first pair of Maui Jim’s. It’s nice to have glass but they’d get heavy after being out on the water a few hours, and the Maui brilliant lens is just amazing. Just as clear as the costa glass but brings everything to life just a little more. I now own 7 pairs of mauis in my prescription, my latest one being the Peahi frame you have with the Hawaii lava lens which is based off the hcl bronze. They are my favorite by far

[@krbassin2465]

What moui lens are good for bass an inshore fishing

[@mikebartelt]

Maui Jim.... because they're replacing the lenses on a pair of sunglasses that have been discontinued for at least 5-6 years. I bought them in 2011... first lens replacement in 2019, and they're in the mail again from being dropped.

[@tonychristensen6714]

I have a 2 year old pair of mj peahi with the glass lenses , i dropped them aswell and they have been scratched , i wasnt aware that maui jim would replace the lenses for free under warranty even though i caused the damage by dropping them? I asked my local maui stockist what it would be worth to have them replaced and they said aud $150 , i told them o dropped them ect , they didnt mention anything about mj replacing them for free

[@skyshade9106]

@@tonychristensen6714 maui jim will replace them for free mj is the best when it comes to customer service and the best in general they replace glasses that are 25 years old and hook you up with a whole new pair for free just give them a call and they will be glad to do anything

[@shila999]

@@skyshade9106 I broke one of my Maui JIm sunglasses, and sent it to repair and had to pay 80€! They didn't do it for free..... Both glasses had scratches and they changed both.

[@skyshade9106]

@@shila999 ouch that really surprises me I’m sorry you had that experience that definitely took a hit in Maui Jim customer service for me what frames where they?

[@davidcoleman2796]

I have two pair of Ray-Bans and a pair of Maui Jim . I like them . The Maui Jim are my beach/ water sunglasses.

[@subhashatluri8840]

i loved your sunglasses PEAHI (curve/wrap) .. ... only issue is the temple is little short for me... which would be another MAUI JIM sunglasses with a similar wrap fit as PEAHI but a little longer Temple that you would recommend ??

[@lisaw7633]

I have got to invest in a pair of Maui Jim's. Love the styling

[@dixonallen2610]

I've owned both and for fishing, especially offshore fishing, Costas are better lenses and more durable too. I work part time for Bass Pro Shop Daytona Beach on the weekends in the fishing dept. (retired otherwise) and I always tell the customer we should go outside and try them on. And I'm perhaps a little biased because Costa has sponsored us in offshore fishing tournaments ( Wahoo) about ten years ago lol...

[@BC08]

Anytime I’ve made Costa fans try a head to head they usually switch away. Costa lens are overrated as heck

[@Daegdon]

The Costa did not appear to cut the sunlight as well as the Maui's even if the clarity of the white lines in the street was more visible. I think the overall visual acuity of the Maui's is way better and will allow you to pick up the street lines adequately and reduce the haze and fatigue from that natural light. ... Am I seeing this properly; any opinions please?

[@apom316]

Great video, I just got pair prescription Costa Rinconcito in Blue. Love them and they do the job while fishing, I am also a photographer and it helps me so much when I do my environmental recon.

[@bryanrutherford516]

Yes me as well. Im glad you see the benefits in photography.

[@bykelyfe1376]

My two favorite sunglass brands😎

[@Gil-p4r]

Newsflash Costa has given you brand new pairs, Costa does not REPAIR ANYTHING.

[@xylliiiking]

Great video

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you

[@tamilhoward9708]

this video is so awesome. I am a photographer too and my Revos of 10 plus years have finally died. So checking out Costa Del Mars vs Maui Jims.

[@hunterbull7804]

My dad swears by his Maui Jim’s. I need prescription lenses and Maui’s are insanely expensive. I just ordered a pair of Costas at LensCrafters’s and I’m excited to see how they stack up!

[@bryanrutherford516]

I hope they are great for you.

[@blazerman61]

Avoid the rimless models and you'll be fine..rimless with scripts don't last at all

[@tomdavis3038]

@@blazerman61 rimless is also going to be a plastic lens. If that matters to you Cheers

[@chrisgreco4834]

Costa isn’t the same anymore. The frames feel kinda cheap on the newer ones compared to the older ones. I just returned costas and ended up getting Maui’s. Green are for inshore and blue are for offshore fishing. Costa does have spring hinges also but frames feels flimsy now. I don’t think the comparison you did is apples to apples due to having older costas and lens colors being different. I compared the Maui to the costas I returned in bass pro and the Maui blew my mind. Hands down Maui is a better sunglass nowadays and I too have been a costa person up until this last pair.

[@bryanrutherford516]

I'll have to look at that when I get back in. I do think maui is a little better with that quality. Even with the older ones.

[@Joetrout]

I have both an maui is alot better clarity. Especially fishing the flats in the bronze lens they are amazing. No more costas for me

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Luxottica :(

[@skyshade9106]

@@Joetrout yea maui jim is really something special costa again quality has gone down mj is truly the best randolph engeerning and sergenite are great too but mj is just fantastic

[@diegos2594]

The most pleasant 'n relaxing review : )

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you

[@what-mu7xv]

Thanks for the comparison. I've always gone with Maui/Serengeti. Always wanted to try Costa but couldn't find an in depth review let alone someone who owns both to be able to give an opinion. Awesome job! Ps.give the blue Hawaii glass lens from maui.has a similar brownish grey tinted like your costas.

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you, I'll be getting another pair of maui im sure. Great quality and I'll check out the blue!

[@lenmil8421]

For me, I own both Serengeti and Maui. It don't get much better than that. A plus, their not owned by luxottica.

[@davidroberts4658]

Did some research on Maui Jim found a pair that would fit me going with the Big wave in the Hawaii blue thanks for the informative video 👍🏼

[@marknkatherine]

Thanks for the review. You did a great job. Although I do not see how they compare to Maui Jim’s glass. Personal opinion maybe. But not close enough to compare.

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you Mark, Yes just an opinion. That's all I have sometimes haha. I just give the clarity of the glass to Costa by really nit-picking the quality of polarization. Just about everything else to Maui. Both really are great and I have learned since making the video that Costa isn't as good as they used to be like when I got them.

[@videojoe7]

@@bryanrutherford516 I think he meant there's no water in Arizona. (lakes & rivers)

[@svenkle]

Thanks for the review. I don’t think you mentioned specifically which lens tints you have, but looks like the Costa is green mirror copper, and the Maui is HCl bronze. I agree with you hundred percent that the Costa Green is superior to the Maui bronze. But that said, the Maui bronze is my least favorite tint that they offer. Where Maui really stands out in my opinion is with their gray lenses. Comparing Maui gray to Costa Grey, the tables turn. Maui has more clarity, and the color pop is insane. Costa may perform a bit better from an eye fatigue standpoint with the blue mirrored gray when used in open water.

[@tomdavis3038]

I agree to a point. IMHO they are 2 of the best 3 glass lens sunglasses (Serengeti is the other) and color of lens is largely a personal preference, even on the water. I also feel you cannot go wing with either. For me there are 2 big factors. One is the frame fit. While I slightly prefer Maui Jim lenses (very slightly) I’ve yet to find a frame I love (same with Serengeti) Costas just fit me better. The other is the Luxottica factor. As you may know Costa is now under the Luxottica umbrella and most people don’t think that is a good thing. They essentially closed their Daytona beach operations, which is cutting ties with their roots. Also the blue and green mirrors on Costa 589g lenses do distort colors. Only had silver mirrors with MJ so can’t compare. These are great glass lenses, so IMHO it’s a win-win from the eyes standpoint. Cheers

[@caferacergaming5104]

I love Maui Jims, but I'm from the south and Costas are the reigning Champs. I live in Oregon now and Maui jims are the Champs. I think it's really based on region on who loves which brand. I don't think Costa is a bad brand they are awesome but I stand by Maui jims

[@bryanrutherford516]

That's actually a good point. I'm here in Arizona now and Okley is king. Polarization isn't priority. I've even asked how the Polarization is on the "P" series they are wearing. One asked what's Polarization? I just walked away..

[@denonepson]

Very very nice detailed vid

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you!

[@nivenniven9108]

Thx you sir from Mauritius island wao nice what you teach

[@bryanrutherford516]

My pleasure

[@time4jesus]

I'm not really into photography as such but I am into sunglasses. (That's how I stumbled here!) This is one of the best reviews I've seen. Could this be a side project for you? Big love from Australia!

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thank you.. really I'm not much if a review guy even though the videos do well.

[@hectorrivera4347]

Mi opinion Costa is the closed to Maui Jim, but after I tried a lot , Jim are the best and the customer service big time

[@CrashCarson14]

I don’t find much of a difference in any of the “clarity” of Costa, Maui, or even Oakley. It’s all in the color ways (frame, lens coat color, lens base color), and more specifically the polarization. Maui is made very good, the polarization is very wide and cuts everything out, but not many color options/combos. Costa is all around good too with more color ways, and good mirror. Oakley has the most options of lenses/frame colors, all safety not all is polarized (unlike Maui and Costa) glass (polycarb), but weaker polarization, and ultimately less appealing frame styles (to me). Polycarbonate/glass is just matter of price, and scratch vs shatter resistant.

[@BC08]

Costa clarity - including 580G - has never been good, IMO. I’ve always seen a notable clarity difference between the Costa 580G and Maui Jim, Randolph, and even the higher tier glass lens Ray-Bans.

[@CrashCarson14]

@@BC08 I think Ray ban is the worst though I’ve never looked through a good quality glass. I think the lens color enhancements are the most dull to look through

[@BC08]

@@CrashCarson14 Ray Ban is all over the place - but when they do a polarized glass lens with anti reflective coating a find them pretty good.

[@CrashCarson14]

@@BC08 I’ll have to take a look at the store

[@larceny3092]

What model of maui jims are the ones you have

[@larceny3092]

His parrot was named Jimmy that is how the name was created

[@larceny3092]

Just got my lens changed got 1 replaced under warranty

[@larceny3092]

The Pehi can get different color lens

[@billscully2521]

Thoughts on costa 580 g (blue ) lense vs maui jim glass (blue) lense

[@bryanrutherford516]

I dont own the maui but Im sure someone here may have input.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Old school Jims had thick glass lenses. Seems they sold out as of 2023

[@larceny3092]

The super thin glass

[@shila999]

I have 7 Maui JIm glasses, and I'm really happy with them. But maybe I'll give a chance with Costa.... just one.... :P

[@tomdavis3038]

Honestly I think that would be a step backward. Costa quality has taken a hit in the last few years, especially since the Luxotica takeover. Now Maui has cheapened you a bit as well recently with nit including a case with purchase and done if the new frames seem flimsy. Lens wise, I’d give Maui a slight advantage overall especially with their plastic lenses. It’s hard to quantify and maybe it’s just a bias, but my gut feeling is that Lux is ruining Costa. It’s what they do. They look at their brands as cash cows. The only thing I can say that is a clear victory for Costa is that you can get legitimate Costas at significant discounts whereas Maui is pretty much MSRP. If you get Costas cheap they may be a better VALUE, but overall Maui is the better lens/frame. One thing I’ve noticed about Costas more than other brands is “ghosting” (double images in certain lighting) with their mirrored lenses. I’ve not noticed that from and a Vuarnet, Serengeti, or Maui Jim’s that I’ve owned. I’m actually in the process of selling most of my Costas because, being somewhat sunglass obsessed (I live at 7000’ and sunglasses are essential where I live) and the brand just doesn’t seem to be interested in any kind of quality or improvement. Jay said, they do make a great lens so I’m not totally knocking the brand. Also if you have experience with Maui, Costa has no equivalent to the Maui Rose lens and I like the Maui HT better than the Costa Sunrise Silver Mirror. Green vs yellow. Cheers

[@bryanrutherford516]

@@tomdavis3038 yeah I have learned through the comments that the take over happened. I didn't know that at the time of making the video. I do have the original Coastas and that makes a difference apparently.

[@shila999]

@@tomdavis3038 thank you for your comment. I’ll keep buying Maui then..😅.

[@Pillsbury666]

smith optics are no slouch!

[@RTO1019]

Nice review! God bless

[@midlifemike4916]

I used Costa primarily for work. They just don't hold up. And are very tight around your head giving me a headache. I purchased a pair of Ray-Ban and for me they are far superior Glasses.

[@La-huh]

Muijim is sooo much better than costa. Muijim glass quality hands down much better.

[@miketorre16]

what about Smith and their Chromapop lense? anyone?

[@Riseupfromtherubble]

Glass chromapops are on par with costa and Maui. I found the bronze base from Smith to let in too much light compared to the other two, which leads to squinting at mid day on a Florida grass flat. Costa Green Mirror glass and Maui green mirror glass are a small notch ahead for fishing in my opinion, own multiple pairs of all of them though. I reach for the smiths on overcast days

[@cdean2789]

My MJs say Made In Italy.

[@chrispresley7212]

Maui Jim only has a 2 year warranty

[@larceny3092]

I have the same sunglasses best customer service

[@alban-5wr]

Je lis tellement d'avis qui ne reposent sur rien ! Ni expérience ! Ni compétences .Tout le monde à un avis sur tout à notre époque, avec une population de plus en plus ignorante. J'ai été pendant 20 ans guide de pêche avec 12 années non stop aux States 12 mois par an avec +de 60.000 kilomètres de route par an et 90.000 heures de pêche, dans ma vie. Ce qui va suivre c'est du "Solide" pas du blablabla ! Je ne représente aucune marque et suis sponsorisé par personne ! je suis libre et impartial. C'est juste mon avis personnel ! * Les meilleures marques sont: Maui Jim et Vuarnet et après Costa Del Mar et Julbo et rien de plus ! Tout le reste c'est de la "daube" ou alors au mieux ! le prix ne vaut pas le produit . J'ai essayé durant 25 ans, les 25 + grandes marques du marché grâce à un amis qui distribue 25.000 paires par an aux USA. il est enchanté car je suis pour lui un utilisateur de premier choix vue ma vie. Choisissez un verre "minéral ou polycarbonate"... Le minéral c'est 100% qualité exceptionnelle mais c'est fragile ! donc cassable ! (sauf certains verres minéraux de chez Vuarnet "incassable et inrayable") les seuls a faire cela ! Le verre minéral en général avec le temps des rayures apparaissent sur tous les verres minéraux.... les rayures sur les Costa del mar et les Maui jim ne se voient pas quand on pose ses lunettes sur le nez. Le polycarbonate c'est 80% qualité. C'est du plastique donc presque incassable ! mais les rayures se voient quand on les portes sur le nez. * Maui jim sont les + performantes au niveaux de la restitution des couleurs et la polarisation. * Costa Del Mar en verre minéral et polycarbonate sont de 15% moins bien que les Maui Jim en " terme de restitution des couleurs" la polarisation est bonne. Les Costa sont les + vendues aux USA, car tous les guides de pêche sportive Pro reçoivent une paire de lunettes gratuite par l'enseigne et par la suite des fortes réductions de prix. Donc les clients suivent l'avis des guides comme parole biblique * Vuarnet avec leurs verres minéraux sont incomparables sur la " réverbération de la neige" et la "lumière ultra forte" ( glacier/mer) La marque "Julbo" fait des produits pour toutes les d'activités sportives spécifiques à l'inverse des 3 leaders et de + ils sont les moins cher. J'ai 1 modèle: Vuarnet en minéral en catégorie #4 pour glaciers, désert et haute mer..... le Top dans les cas extrêmes uniquement ! Vuarnet fait également les meilleures lunettes de voiture sur le marché ( le modéle: District 1618 couleur 0016 8184.) La seule marque a faire des "verres minéraux en jaune" blindés. Le Graal absolu ! pour ceux qui veulent le meilleur contre le brouillard, la pluie et èclaircir le paysage de manière significative et sécurisante. (A ne porter que le soir/nuit) Ce sont également les meilleures lunettes pour les "pêcheurs à la mouche" en soirée/temps ou temps couvert. Pour la journée c'est Mau Jim, le top. BREF.......Vuarnet, Maui Jim, Costal Del Mar et Julbo vous avez la "créme de la créme". MA SELECTION PERSO EN VOYAGE ET EN FRANCE * MAUI JIM (verres minéraux) 1 noir : pour soleil fort en protection #3 (ex: modèle: Byron-bay noir mat thing glass 74602MR) 1 paire en verre "marron-brun" en protection #3 ( tout temps: extérieur et voiture) * VUARNET (verres minéraux) 1 paire protection #0 (ex: modéle District 1618 couleur 0016 8184 ) pour la "conduite de nuit" et la" pêche à la mouche pour le soir" 1 paire en Protection #4 Vuarnet Pouilloux référence VL0121RO1A. là ou lumière est la + nocive et la + dangereuse. * JULBO (polycarbonate) 1 paire en protection #3 de couleur noir avec 1 modéle qui flotte sur l'eau (bateau, canoe kayak ou float tube ou la plage) sans jamais les perdre. Julbo c'est le top pour ceux qui aiment les verres photochromiques. En revanche les montures ne sont pas des ht de gamme comme les 3 autres. * EN RESUME Si vous ne souhaitez pas avoir autant de modèles que moi ! mais une 1 paire passe partout, prenez les "verres photochromiques" de chez JULBO de protection de #1 à # 3 (du ciel gris à beau soleil) Vous savez maintenant faire des choix efficaces et performants sans écouter des vendeurs qui n'y connaissent rien pour la majorité !

[@larceny3092]

Ask maui jim will send you rite case

[@chuckp4710]

Is there anywhere that a guy can get a decent discount on maui Jims??? I like them and want a pair but not willing to spend $349.99. They may be nice but they are waaaay overpriced sunglasses.

[@bryanrutherford516]

I am not sure of a good place for discounts. I am usually is spontaneous buyer and get taken advantage of for that reason. LOL

[@gsm96817]

Try Costco - they carry discontinued models at substantial discount.

[@chrisgreco4834]

I got my Maui Jim makoa from America sunglass.com they had a 20% off code that they actually allowed being used on Maui’s and no sales tax and free shipping so it only costed me 200 flat. I also checked Maui Jim’s website and they are an authorized retailer so you know there stuff is authentic.

[@skyshade9106]

They are not overpriced they are priced propely you get what you pay for i drop 450 dollars on maui jims becuase they are worth it if there is discounts that means they overoprice there stuff

[@isaacserna7593]

I got new pair of MAUI JIM POLARIZED PEAHI 202-35UTD Black Matte Manchester United Grey Glass , might sell 150 $ new box

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Hawaiians and hard working have never been used in the same sentence.

[@jessicaslocum3661]

You have a decent amount of mis information in this video

[@bryanrutherford516]

Thanks for commenting. Its mostly just about my opinion on the 2.