Costa Sunglasses introduced Pilothouse PRO, a semi-rimless shield style that marks the brand’s return to shield eyewear for the first time in 15 years. Designed to deliver a “full-screen” high-wrap field of view, Pilothouse PRO is engineered to provide expanded coverage and clarity on the water. The company said the design draws inspiration from a boat’s control center.
The model retails from $280 to $301 and is available in multiple lens options, including Blue & Gold Mirror, Copper, Gray, Rose 580P, and Clear.
Protection and Performance
The launch expands Costa’s PRO Series as the first from Costa’s lineup to meet the American National Standard for Occupational Eye and Face Protection Devices (Z87.1+ safety rating). According to the company, the frame passed impact testing as well as high-velocity and high-mass trials, offering an added layer of protection.
“Designing a semi-rimless shield with ANSI (American National Standards Institute)-level impact protection was the biggest challenge, and the biggest breakthrough,” says David Fried, product manager at Costa Sunglasses. “We engineered Pilothouse PRO to maximize field of view while still meeting rigorous safety standards, then layered in airflow, drainage, and retention based on real time feedback on the water with our Costa Pros.”
Constructed from injected bio-resin, Pilothouse PRO also integrates airflow channels in both the frame and lens for ventilation to help manage heat and fog. The design also incorporates an anti-skid top brow, Hydrolite retention temples, and an integrated drainage system intended to prevent sweat buildup and maintain visual clarity in humid or high-spray conditions.
Brand Collaboration
Costa partnered with Miami-based waterman, angler, and creator Emmanuel Williams to debut Pilothouse PRO. “Emmanuel represents the kind of waterman Costa builds for, someone who understands the realities of purpose, conditions, and responsibility on the water,” said Robbie LaBelle, vice president, Global Marketing at Costa Sunglasses.
Founded in 1983, Costa is known for its all-polarized glass lenses and performance-driven eyewear portfolio, which now includes optical frames and prescription options.