Costa Introduces Pilothouse PRO Shield Sunglasses with Z87.1+ Safety Rating

Costa Sunglasses has released the Pilothouse PRO, a new semi‑rimless shield model designed to provide anglers with an expanded field of view and increased eye protection on the water. The launch marks Costa’s first return to shield‑style eyewear in 15 years.

The Pilothouse PRO is the first model in Costa’s PRO Series to meet the ANSI Z87.1+ standard for occupational eye and face protection. To earn the rating, the frame and lens system passed high‑mass and high‑velocity impact tests, including a ¼‑inch steel ball striking the lens at 150 feet per second.

The frame is built from injected bio‑resin and incorporates ventilation channels in both the chassis and lens to reduce heat and fogging. Additional features include an anti‑skid brow, Hydrolite temples for grip in wet conditions, and an integrated drainage system intended to prevent sweat from pooling along the lens.

“Designing a semi-rimless shield with ANSI-level impact protection was the biggest challenge, and the biggest breakthrough,” Costa product manager David Fried said in a press release. “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. The result is a design built around function first, because at the end of the day, clarity and protection are non-negotiables.”

Costa partnered with Miami‑based angler and content creator Emmanuel Williams, known for his iBelongOutdoors YouTube channel, to debut the new model. Williams frequently fishes from a personal watercraft and emphasizes safety and visibility in tight or fast‑moving environments.

The Pilothouse PRO is available now in multiple lens options, including Blue Mirror, Gold Mirror, Copper, Gray, Rose 580P, and Clear. Retail pricing ranges from $280 to $301.

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