Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Costa Pilothouse Pro 9137 sunglasses prescription-ready?
What is Costa 580 lens technology and how does it work?
What does ANSI Z87.1+ safety rating mean for the Pilothouse Pro?
How does the semi-rimless design affect performance compared to traditional Costa frames?
What size is the Pilothouse Pro 9137 and who does it fit best?
What's the difference between 580P and 580G lenses?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Costa Del Mar Pilothouse Pro 9137 Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Classic full-frame design with proven track record among anglers
- Lower price point ($163.54–$296.0 vs $248.0–$301.0)
- Traditional styling that works both on and off the water
- Full-frame design with side shields and hooding blocks more light from below and sides
- All PRO Series features: adjustable nose pads, sweat channels, eyewire drains
- Enhanced Hydrolite rubber grips and metal keeper slots
- Lower starting price ($199.0–$296.0) than Pilothouse Pro
- Full-wrap design provides excellent coverage for offshore conditions
- Proven design trusted by serious offshore anglers
Read the full comparison
Costa Pilothouse Pro vs. Other Costa Fishing Sunglasses
The Pilothouse Pro 9137 stands apart in Costa's lineup as the brand's first semi-rimless shield design, but how does it compare to other popular Costa fishing frames?
Pilothouse Pro vs. Fantail 9006
The Costa Fantail 9006 represents Costa's classic full-frame approach to fishing sunglasses. While the Fantail offers proven performance at a lower price point ($163.54–$296.0), it lacks the Pilothouse Pro's innovative semi-rimless design that dramatically opens up peripheral vision. The Pilothouse Pro also adds ANSI Z87.1+ safety certification and enhanced PRO Series features like advanced ventilation and sweat management that the standard Fantail doesn't offer. Choose the Fantail if you want a traditional, versatile frame that works on and off the water; choose the Pilothouse Pro if you prioritize maximum field of view and cutting-edge performance features for serious fishing.
Pilothouse Pro vs. Blackfin Pro 9078
The Costa Blackfin Pro 9078 is the Pilothouse Pro's closest sibling in the PRO Series lineup. Both share the same advanced features—adjustable nose pads, enhanced Hydrolite grips, sweat channels, eyewire drains, and metal keeper slots. The critical difference is design philosophy: the Blackfin Pro uses a traditional full frame with side shields and hooding to block light from every angle, while the Pilothouse Pro removes the lower frame for an unobstructed view. As one reviewer noted, the Pilothouse Pro's open design improves peripheral vision for tracking underwater movement, but traditional PRO frames like the Blackfin Pro provide better light control from below. If you fish in extremely bright, high-glare conditions and want maximum light blocking, the Blackfin Pro is the choice. If you want the widest possible field of view and don't mind some light leak from below, the Pilothouse Pro delivers a unique advantage.
Pilothouse Pro vs. Tuna Alley 9009
The Costa Tuna Alley 9009 is a full-wrap offshore favorite at a lower starting price ($199.0–$296.0). While both frames offer excellent coverage for open-water fishing, the Pilothouse Pro's PRO Series upgrades—adjustable nose pads, enhanced ventilation, ANSI Z87.1+ safety rating, and the semi-rimless shield design—justify the premium. The Tuna Alley is a solid choice for anglers who want proven Costa performance without the advanced features, but the Pilothouse Pro is built for those who demand the latest technology and maximum customization for all-day comfort in demanding conditions.
Our recommendation: The Pilothouse Pro 9137 is the right choice for serious anglers who fish long hours in bright conditions and want the widest possible field of view combined with PRO Series performance features. Its semi-rimless design is genuinely innovative and offers a different fishing experience than traditional Costa frames. If you prioritize peripheral vision and cutting-edge features, the Pilothouse Pro is worth the investment.
At a Glance
Costa Del Mar Fantail 9006 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Classic full-frame design with proven track record among anglers
- Lower price point ($163.54–$296.0 vs $248.0–$301.0)
- Traditional styling that works both on and off the water
- Available in multiple fit sizes (narrow, regular, wide)
Cons:
- Standard frame design provides less peripheral vision than Pilothouse Pro's semi-rimless shield
- No ANSI Z87.1+ safety certification
- Less ventilation compared to PRO Series models
- Not part of the advanced PRO Series with enhanced features
Costa Del Mar Blackfin Pro 9078 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Full-frame design with side shields and hooding blocks more light from below and sides
- All PRO Series features: adjustable nose pads, sweat channels, eyewire drains
- Enhanced Hydrolite rubber grips and metal keeper slots
- Similar price range ($272.0–$309.0) with comparable performance features
Cons:
- Traditional frame design reduces peripheral vision compared to Pilothouse Pro's open shield
- Slightly higher starting price than Pilothouse Pro
- More frame material in field of view
- Heavier feel due to full-frame construction
Costa Del Mar Tuna Alley 9009 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Lower starting price ($199.0–$296.0) than Pilothouse Pro
- Full-wrap design provides excellent coverage for offshore conditions
- Proven design trusted by serious offshore anglers
- Available in wide range of lens colors and frame options
Cons:
- Not part of the PRO Series—lacks advanced features like adjustable nose pads and enhanced ventilation
- No ANSI Z87.1+ safety certification
- Traditional frame design without the Pilothouse Pro's innovative semi-rimless field of view
- Standard Hydrolite grips instead of enhanced PRO Series version



