Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Costa Del Mar King Tide 6 sunglasses available with prescription lenses?
What's the difference between the King Tide 6 and King Tide 8?
Do the removable side shields really prevent fogging?
What is Costa 580G lens technology and why is it better for fishing?
Which lens color is best for fishing in the King Tide 6?
Are the King Tide 6 sunglasses worth the price for serious anglers?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Costa Del Mar King Tide 6 9112 Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Wide temples provide excellent side light blocking for sight fishing
- Part of the proven PRO Series with adjustable vented nose pads
- Lower price point ($272-$309) compared to King Tide 6
- Largest frame in the PRO Series—ideal for bigger head sizes
- Extra coverage and increased sweat management
- Lower price point ($196.87-$309) than King Tide 6
- Lower price point ($196.87-$309) compared to King Tide 6
- PRO Series features including adjustable vented nose pads
- Available in 13 color combinations for more variety
Read the full comparison
Costa Del Mar King Tide 6 vs Other Costa Fishing Sunglasses
Choosing between Costa's premium fishing sunglasses? The King Tide 6 sits at the top of Costa's lineup as their most advanced frame, but several PRO Series models offer compelling alternatives depending on your priorities and budget.
King Tide 6 vs Blackfin Pro
The Blackfin Pro ($272-$309) is a proven favorite among bass and shallow water anglers, known for its wide temples that block side light—critical for sight fishing. Like the King Tide 6, it features adjustable vented nose pads, Hydrolite grips, and Costa's 580G glass lenses. However, the Blackfin Pro lacks the King Tide's signature removable side shields, which means you're locked into a performance-fishing look. The King Tide 6's side shields snap off for a cleaner aesthetic around town, making it more versatile. The King Tide also incorporates shark gill-inspired venting throughout the frame and dedicated sweat management channels that the Blackfin Pro doesn't have. If you want the absolute latest technology and dual-purpose versatility, the King Tide 6 justifies its premium. If you prioritize value and don't need removable shields, the Blackfin Pro delivers excellent performance.
King Tide 6 vs Fantail Pro
The Fantail Pro ($196.87-$309) is Costa's largest PRO Series frame, designed specifically for anglers with bigger head sizes or those who want maximum coverage in hot, humid conditions. It offers extra sweat management and a full 8-base wrap. The King Tide 6, with its medium 6-base wrap, provides a more relaxed fit that works for a wider range of face shapes. The Fantail Pro's fixed design means it's purely a fishing frame, while the King Tide 6's removable side shields let you transition from boat to bar. The King Tide also represents four years of development—Costa's most advanced engineering to date—versus the Fantail Pro's earlier PRO Series technology. Choose the Fantail Pro if you need the largest possible frame and maximum coverage. Choose the King Tide 6 if you want the latest flagship features and lifestyle versatility.
King Tide 6 vs Reefton Pro
The Reefton Pro ($196.87-$309) is a solid all-around fishing frame with PRO Series features including adjustable vented nose pads and 580G lenses. It's available in 13 color combinations—more variety than the King Tide 6's eight options. However, like other PRO Series models, it lacks the King Tide's removable side shields and advanced shark gill venting system. The Reefton Pro is a great choice for anglers who want proven PRO Series performance at a lower price point and don't need the King Tide's specialized light management features. The King Tide 6 is the better choice if you're a serious angler who demands the absolute best technology and versatility, or if you fish in conditions where peripheral light intrusion and fogging are major concerns.
The Verdict
The King Tide 6 earned its Best of Category award at ICAST 2023 for good reason—it's Costa's most thoroughly engineered frame, combining removable side shields, zero-fog venting, and lifestyle versatility that no other Costa model offers. The PRO Series models (Blackfin, Fantail, Reefton) deliver excellent performance at lower price points but represent earlier technology without the King Tide's flagship innovations. For serious anglers who spend significant time on the water and want one pair that does it all, the King Tide 6 is worth the investment.
At a Glance
Costa Del Mar Blackfin Pro 9078 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Wide temples provide excellent side light blocking for sight fishing
- Part of the proven PRO Series with adjustable vented nose pads
- Lower price point ($272-$309) compared to King Tide 6
- Established favorite among bass and shallow water anglers
Cons:
- No removable side shields—less versatile for off-water wear
- Lacks the shark gill venting system of the King Tide 6
- Fixed temple design without the King Tide's sweat management channels
- Not the latest flagship technology (King Tide represents 4 years of development)
Costa Del Mar Fantail Pro 9079 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Largest frame in the PRO Series—ideal for bigger head sizes
- Extra coverage and increased sweat management
- Lower price point ($196.87-$309) than King Tide 6
- Proven PRO Series features including adjustable nose pads and Hydrolite grips
Cons:
- No removable side shields for versatility
- Larger, more aggressive look may not suit all face shapes
- Lacks the King Tide's advanced shark gill venting system
- Not the latest flagship engineering (King Tide is Costa's most advanced frame to date)
Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro 9080 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Lower price point ($196.87-$309) compared to King Tide 6
- PRO Series features including adjustable vented nose pads
- Available in 13 color combinations for more variety
- Proven performance for inshore and offshore fishing
Cons:
- No removable side shields—less adaptable for lifestyle wear
- Lacks the King Tide's shark gill-inspired venting system
- Not the flagship model—King Tide represents Costa's most advanced engineering
- Fewer specialized features for extreme light management



