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The Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina 9117 sunglasses bring back a legend. First introduced in the late 1980s and worn by saltwater fly fishing icons like Flip Pallot, Jose Wejebe, and Stu Apte, this heritage aviator frame returns with modern performance upgrades that honor Costa's 40-year legacy on the water.
A Classic Aviator Shape, Reimagined for Performance
The Grand Catalina features the beloved double-bridge aviator silhouette that made it famous, now updated with Costa's Pathfinder Series DNA. The full-rim acetate frame includes removable side shields that give you two distinct looks: attach them for maximum light blocking and wind protection while fishing, or remove them for a more casual, laid-back style on land. Spring hinges provide a personalized fit across different face shapes, while the large lens front is designed to fit those with wider heads comfortably.
What sets this frame apart are the thoughtful performance details. Sweat management channels built into the frame redirect perspiration away from your eyes and down the temple arms—a game-changer in hot, humid conditions. Vented adjustable nose pads prevent fogging and allow you to dial in your perfect fit. Eyewire drains keep water and sweat from pooling inside the frame. These aren't just sunglasses; they're precision fishing tools built for serious anglers who spend long days under the sun.
Costa 580 Glass Lenses: Optical Clarity That Cuts Through Glare
All Grand Catalina models come equipped with Costa's premium 580G polarized glass lenses, featuring multi-patented technology that manages light in ways standard polarized lenses can't match. The 580 lens filters out harsh yellow light at 580nm on the visible spectrum while blocking 100% of UV light and harmful high-energy blue (HEV) light. This selective filtering boosts reds, greens, and blues naturally, enhancing color and contrast so you can spot fish in the shallows or read water structure with exceptional clarity.
Costa's 580G glass lenses deliver 99.9% polarization efficiency—among the best glare reduction available—and are 20% thinner and 22% lighter than typical polarized glass. The C-Wall coating adds scratch resistance and repels water, oil, and sweat for easy cleaning. Choose from multiple lens colors optimized for different conditions: Blue Mirror for bright offshore sun, Green Mirror for inshore and flats, Gold Mirror for varying light and stream fishing, Copper Silver Mirror for enhanced contrast, Gray for everyday versatility, or Sunrise Silver Mirror for low-light dawn and dusk.
Prescription-Ready and Built to Last
The Grand Catalina is prescription-ready, accommodating most Rx lenses so you don't have to choose between clear vision and performance on the water. The durable acetate construction withstands the rigors of fishing—salt spray, drops, and constant UV exposure—while maintaining its structural integrity season after season.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
06S9117Shape
PilotGender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsColor Code
911709Color Description
Hull WhiteLens Color
Blue MirrorLens Features
polarized
Color Code
911710Color Description
Matte OliveLens Color
GrayLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911705Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
Gold MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911701Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
Blue MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911702Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
Green MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911704Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
Sunrise Silver MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911703Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
Copper Silver MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911707Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
GrayLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911706Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
GrayLens Features
polarized
Color Code
911708Color Description
Hull WhiteLens Color
GrayLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
911711Color Description
Matte TortoiseLens Color
Gold MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
911713Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
RoseLens Features
polarized
Color Code
911712Color Description
Deep Water CamoLens Color
Blue MirrorLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
911714Color Description
Matte Brown SmokeLens Color
GrayLens Features
polarized
Frame Color
CopperColor Code
911715Color Description
Matte Terra CottaLens Color
Gold MirrorLens Features
polarized
Size Details
Size DetailsBridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Bridge Width
15.00Temple Length
138.00Size
5915-138
Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina 9117 Sunglasses
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Costa Grand Catalina 9117 sunglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the Costa Grand Catalina 9117 sunglasses are prescription-ready and can accommodate most prescription lenses. The acetate frame material allows for easy adjustment to fit your custom Rx lenses, so you can enjoy Costa's premium 580 polarized lens technology with your vision correction.
What is Costa 580G lens technology and how does it work?
Costa 580G lenses feature multi-patented technology that filters out harsh yellow light at 580nm and blocks harmful high-energy blue (HEV) light while providing 100% UV protection. This selective filtering enhances reds, greens, and blues, boosting color and contrast for superior clarity. The 580G glass lenses offer 99.9% polarization efficiency and are 20% thinner and 22% lighter than typical polarized glass.
How do the removable side shields work on the Grand Catalina?
The Grand Catalina features removable side shields that attach to the frame for enhanced light blocking and wind protection—ideal for fishing and outdoor activities. When you want a more casual aviator look for everyday wear, simply remove the side shields. This gives you two distinct styles in one pair of sunglasses, making them versatile for both performance and lifestyle use.
What size head do the Grand Catalina sunglasses fit?
The Costa Grand Catalina 9117 features a large lens front (59mm) designed to fit those with wider heads. The frame includes spring hinges for a personalized fit and adjustable nose pads that allow you to customize the fit further. If you typically struggle to find sunglasses that fit comfortably, the Grand Catalina's XL sizing should work well.
Which Costa lens color is best for fishing?
The best lens color depends on your fishing environment. Blue Mirror is ideal for bright, full-sun offshore conditions. Green Mirror and Copper work well for inshore and flats fishing. Gold Mirror suits stream fishing and varying light conditions. Gray lenses are the most versatile for everyday use on and off the water. Sunrise Silver Mirror is designed for low-light conditions at dawn or dusk.
What are the sweat management features on the Grand Catalina?
The Grand Catalina includes several sweat management features from Costa's Pathfinder Series: built-in sweat channels that redirect perspiration away from your eyes and down the temple arms, vented adjustable nose pads that promote airflow and reduce fogging, and eyewire drains designed to prevent water and sweat from pooling inside the frame. These features keep you comfortable during long days in hot, humid conditions.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina 9117 Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Slightly lower price point ($179-$296)
- Proven, popular XL frame with years of customer feedback
- Same 580G lens technology and polarization
- Similar price range ($199-$296)
- Costa 580 polarized lens technology
- Performance-focused design for fishing
- Lower price point ($133.55-$281)
- Iconic, timeless aviator design recognized worldwide
- Lightweight metal construction
Read the full comparison
Costa Grand Catalina vs. Rincon: Heritage Aviator or Modern Rectangle?
Both the Grand Catalina and the Costa Rincon 9018 are designed for anglers with larger heads, and both feature Costa's premium 580G polarized glass lenses with 99.9% polarization efficiency. The key difference is style and versatility.
The Grand Catalina offers a heritage aviator shape with removable side shields, giving you two looks in one frame—performance fishing mode with shields attached, or casual aviator style without them. It also includes Pathfinder Series DNA with sweat management channels, vented nose pads, and eyewire drains. The Rincon, by contrast, features a rectangular wrap design with HydroLite rubber grips for a secure, non-slip fit. It's been a proven bestseller for years and comes in at a slightly lower price point.
Choose the Grand Catalina if you want the iconic aviator aesthetic, removable side shields for versatility, and the latest sweat management technology. Choose the Rincon if you prefer a modern rectangular shape and want a frame with a long track record of customer satisfaction.
Costa Grand Catalina vs. Ray-Ban Aviator 3025: Fishing Performance or Classic Style?
The Ray-Ban Aviator 3025 is the most iconic aviator frame ever made, and it shares the classic teardrop shape with the Grand Catalina. But that's where the similarities end.
The Grand Catalina is purpose-built for fishing and outdoor performance. Its 580G glass lenses filter out yellow and blue light to enhance color and contrast, making it easier to spot fish and read water. The acetate frame includes removable side shields, sweat channels, vented nose pads, and eyewire drains—features designed for long days on the water. The Ray-Ban Aviator, while timeless and stylish, uses standard polarized lenses (if you opt for polarization) and a lightweight metal frame better suited for everyday wear than rugged fishing conditions.
Choose the Grand Catalina if you're an angler or outdoor enthusiast who needs maximum optical performance and fishing-specific features. Choose the Ray-Ban Aviator if you want the classic aviator look for everyday style at a lower price point.
At a Glance
Costa Del Mar Rincon 9018 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Slightly lower price point ($179-$296)
- Proven, popular XL frame with years of customer feedback
- Same 580G lens technology and polarization
- HydroLite rubber grips for secure, non-slip fit
Cons:
- No removable side shields (less versatile styling)
- Lacks the heritage aviator aesthetic
- No sweat management channels like Pathfinder Series DNA
- Rectangular shape vs. classic aviator pilot shape
Costa Del Mar Fisch 9054 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Similar price range ($199-$296)
- Costa 580 polarized lens technology
- Performance-focused design for fishing
- Full-rim acetate construction
Cons:
- Different frame shape (not aviator/pilot style)
- No removable side shields for style versatility
- Lacks the iconic heritage design and history
- Different fit profile may not suit all face shapes
Ray-Ban RB 3025 Aviator Large Metal Sunglasses
Pros:
- Lower price point ($133.55-$281)
- Iconic, timeless aviator design recognized worldwide
- Lightweight metal construction
- Available in polarized options
Cons:
- Standard polarized lenses lack Costa 580 color-enhancement technology
- No fishing-specific performance features (sweat channels, side shields, vented nose pads)
- Metal frame less durable for rugged outdoor/fishing use
- No prescription-ready acetate frame for easy Rx fitting