Share your thoughts on Flying Sunglasses

[mckpickle]

Re: Serengeti

I would take a good look at the Seregenti Aviator's or any other Serengeti with the same lense. I have been using them since 1986 and haven't found anything that comes close. You can find them on eBay for around $50.00. I use the medium aviator as I find the large just too big.

Typhoonpilot

SOme days the Serengeti's can make the diference between seeing somthing (like another a/c) and not. Wouldn't fly without them.

Revos are nice but polarized. The reason why many don't wear poalarided besides the windscreen is that anyone in a glass cockpit cannot wear them. Seems that the LCD displays of modern a/c are on the same wavelength as the polarization. And when your head it turned a certain direction the screens go blank.

Try it with you cell phone. Put said polarized glasses on. Hold Cell at 45 degrees (in you right hand, 2 o'clock) not turn the cell phone and watch it go blank. Neat stuff.

 

[taloft]

Might want to stay away from polarized if seaplanes are in your future.

Sure, polarized cut down the glare, but sometimes glare is good: like when judging your height above water.

 

[crowbar]

Smith & Wesson Phantom Smoke Lens price: $7.50
Work as well as any $200 glasses

http://www.eyesafety.4ursafety.com/newsafetglasses/phantom.jpg

 

[91100 100 set]

A few years back, I was told there are 2 things you do want to invest in if you're going down this road. Sunglasses and Luggage.

I only agree with the luggage part. Get some cheap sunglasses, because you're gonna lose 'em or they'll get smashed up in a flight bag.

 

[squale]

Well little feedback on the sunglass hunt, I went into the local sunglasses store, I tried on many different pair of glasses.

The oakleys, I really didn't like how they fit my head, so I am not going to go with them.

I actually liked the SERENGETI'S the best. But I DON'T like the Aviators because they are just too big on my face. Instead, the "Drivers" series I really like. The specific model that I really like was:

Prato
http://www.serengeti-eyewear.com/drivers/drivers_3.htm

But after trying these on, I have a couple concerns..

1.) The Prato's have a frame on the sides "bow" out and I think this might cause a problem with my headset? What do you guys think?

2.) Since the Prato is a member of the "Drivers" series of lenses, they DON'T have the "Drivers Gradient" like the Aviator's have. Instead the lens is the same shade the whole way through. As compared to the Aviator's where the top of the lens is darker and the bottom of the lens is lighter thus allowing you to see instruments clearer. So do you guys think that this will be a problem going with the Prato and not having a Gradient lens?

PS.. I tried on some of the polarized ones and looked at my cell phone's screen, wow, that's NOT a good thing!

 

[Illini Pilot]

my $15 dollar "ray-bans" that i bought in the carribbean 5 years ago are working just fine still, though i also have a pair of i think ralph lauren's that are prescription. one thing i would recommend is making sure that you dont get too dark of a shade. my prescription ones are REALLY dark compared to the cheapy ones, and when there are shadows in the cockpit, its tough to see the instrument panel etc.

 

[squale]

what do you guys think about the earpiece of like the Randolphs versus something like the Serengeti Aviators?

do you think that the Randolphs will fit much nicer and more comfortable under a headset?

How abuot the quality of the lenses between these two?

I have read that the Randolphs are the USAF standard issue sunglasses for all the pilots, and there must be a reason for it, so I am wondering what is the better choice out of the two?

 

[CatYaaak]

You don't have to buy super-expensive glasses, but make sure to get ones that have UV protection which usually rules out the very cheap kind which are worse than not wearing sunglasses at all. Spend the $$ to ensure this, because dark lenses that dilate your pupil but don't at the same time filter UV aren't good for your eyeballs. There's a reason why your pupils turn into a tiny pinholes in the sun.

UV protection isn't the same thing as "polarized". Get UV protection but avoid polarized lenses for the reasons stated by others.

The "brown" shades of lenses are superior to the "Gray" shades where you need clarity most; in hazy, lower light conditions.

If looking cool is of primary importance, then don't buy sunglasses at all, but rather, get an eye patch. They're the coolest.

 

[Fly2Scuba]

best all around sunglasses IMHO

Nike Interchangeable sunglasses = great lightweight sunglasses for flying that completely wrap around the eye socket and are great for any outdoor activity (especially sports). They come with grey and orange lenses, and you can purchase other shades to interchange. I bought the brown tinted lenses and use those mostly, then pop in the orange lenses when its overcast/late in the day. You can buy the main frame and inital lenses for $100 at Sunglass Hut or www.ejsunglasses.com and ejs sells all the different color lenses for $20 poloroid $60.

 

[Sphincter Boy]

Check out Rudy Projects

 

[FlyChicaga]

I go through a new pair of sunglasses like every 6 months. Either somehow they get broken, bent, scratched, etc. Go with a $20-30 pair of Fossil sunglasses. You can find them at JCPenney, Carson Pirie Scott, Bergners, Famous Barr, any variation of those stores. Also at the Fossil stores.

Don't go spending $100 on sunglasses. Maybe for a pair that you aren't going to fly with. I just don't like being at work trying to do my job being concerned about scratching or bending my sunglasses.

 

[Big Duke Six]

To answer the Q on the Serengeti gradients vs not, it's really not a problem. I've had both, and the solid lens still worked well because they are not super-dark to begin with. There was no problem seeing things below the glareshield.

FlyChicagee, no offense but that sounds 'backerds to me brother! Use the GOOD ones for flying, the beaters for around town! MHO.

 

[squale]

yeah I guess I am just having a hard time decided what will be the most comfortable UNDER my headset. Since I am going to buy online, I really don't have the chance to try all the different models on, since my local SH doesn't carry all of them.

But this is why I am basically comparing the Serengetis and the Randolphs. The Randolphs look like they "MAY" be more comfortable for use under a headset because of the flat spatula earpieces that DONT' wrap around your ears.

And the Serengetis DO wrap around your ears.. yeah they look thin, but still that piece of metal behind your eye might bother you when the headset is on because the headset will be smushing the metal between your ear and scalp. I just don't know...
maybe somebody can share their thoughts on the comfortable level of these different glasses.

I have the David Clark H20-10XL Headset by the way, if that makes a difference..


Oh yeah.. On a side note, does anybody think the Serengeti Prato's would work well under a headset? the earpiece frames sort of "bow" out around your temple, so I am not sure if this would be a problem. check them out and let me know... I do like how they look though..

 

[FlyChicaga]

FlyChicagee, no offense but that sounds 'backerds to me brother! Use the GOOD ones for flying, the beaters for around town! MHO.

But if I do that, then people will think I'm overpaid!

 

[skydash]

Glasses

I say buy the best you can get your hands on. I've been wearing REVO's since they were introduced back in the 80's and have been totally satisfied. They were originally developed for astronauts,are ground to telescope specs.,and are multilayered with every filter known to man. The acid test...... I started wearing them in '88, I'm now 42 and still have 20/15,and no hint of macular degeneration. You've only got one pair of eyes,and if you fly for a living,it's vital that you protect them with the best thing on the market. My .02.....

 

[Sean]

Seregenti

Hands down the Seregenti's are the best I have used...Seregenti's are crisp, clear, and unlike anything I have ever used. You still can get the big one's that Duke Six used to have....they do cost a hell of a lot of money...but I borrowed a friends and within 2 days I went out and bought my own!

 

[squale]

Re: Seregenti

Hands down the Seregenti's are the best I have used...Seregenti's are crisp, clear, and unlike anything I have ever used. You still can get the big one's that Duke Six used to have....they do cost a hell of a lot of money...but I borrowed a friends and within 2 days I went out and bought my own!

When you say the "big ones" are you talking about the Serengeti Aviators??

 

[Sean]

Seregenti's

Yes...

Go to a Sun Glass hut in the mall, they have many sizes and the last time I was there to get mine you had (2) colors, green, or brown to pick from

When you go make sure you ask to see the write-ups...

 

[squale]

what are "write-ups" and why would I need them?

 

[Jedi_Cheese]

I think he is talking about the comparison articles mentioned above.