Share your thoughts on Flying Sunglasses

[USMCAirWinger]

I second the Okleys stright jacket with gold iridium. I also did a research and that's what I ended up with.

 

[squale]

Thanks guys for all the great info and recommendations.. I really like to hear everybodies thoughts. About the money thing, I agree with some of the posters that eyes are very very important and I will spend the extra money on a GOOD pair of sunglasses becauase I know they will protect me....

Just a few questions...

1.) It seems that some recommend POLARIZED and some don't. I know Polarized lenses are more expensive than Iridium lenses, but I really don't know waht they do for you? Can somebody explain the difference and uses from polarized versus iridium lenses?

2.) The lens color also seems to be another big factor when buying a good set of flying sunglasses. One person said NOT to get Blue or Green lenses because they make the White airplanes blend into the clouds and sky. Well I was wondering what exactly is the BEST color lenses to get for flying? Should I go with Gold, Fire, etc? And what do the different colors do for you? like what are the uses of them?

3.) Should you get a pair of lenses that have more or less light transmission? and should they be a Neutral Transmission or an Increased Contract transmission?

4.) being a new Pilot and not having much experience up there yet, is the sun much much stronger while flying? and can it actually damage your eyes without wearing sunglasses? I am just wondering how much stronger the sun is between 5-10K feet versus at ground level?


Thanks again guys.. I appreciate all the helpful advice and feedback!

 

[Big Duke Six]

Good questions! In order:

1) As far as I know, polarized lenses cut reflected glare, i.e. from water, snow, or cowlings. They do help somewhat with that, but the drawbacks in flying are what has already been stated: Can't see through heated windshields, can't read some LCD screens. I do think there is a reg against using them, but I'm not positive. I used a pair once, flying freight, and they were a huge pain in the a$$ when compared to other good types. So, since they are a pain in the a$$ in certain situations, I can't think of a good reason to pay extra for the priviledge. MHO.

2 and 3) Get a lens color that enhances contrast/color, like the Serengeti or the Oakley Gold Iridium (i.e. brown-ish colored lenses). The Fire lens may be good too, (not sure though) but I think it allows more light through and would not be dark enough for me. Try them out. Have the sales girl walk outside with you while you compare them directly to each other, looking at clouds and sky. Hold them up to the sky, next to each other. The Ray Ban G-15, while a standard for decades, tends to flatten objects and diminish contrast in comparison. You don't want that. As a funny example, I went looking at a used car to buy once, back when I had my Serengeti's. It was a silver car, and the whole rear end of the car was a different color than the front WHEN I HAD THE SUNGLASSES ON! Without them, the colors were identical, and the casual observer would never known the car had been severely rear-ended at some point in its life. I asked the seller to explain it (he was the first and only owner), but he still pleaded ignorance until I made him put on my shades and look for himself. He quickly 'fessed up! I had my old backup pair of Ray Bans in my glovebox and tried them. The car looked fine! I was amazed. Serengeti's to the rescue!

It's a balance between being dark enough and too dark to wear when cloudy. I think being able to wear them even when it's overcast (not dark overcast) is a great advantage because it really does make your depth perception and color discrimmination better. Translation: clouds, traffic and terrrain take on a whole new life. So does Autumn.

4) Yes, altitude makes a big difference. It's not too noticable at low altitudes, i.e. 5-10K ft, but it is still there - just to a lesser degree. In the Air Force they issued Randolphs, which seemed OK until you noticed guys walking around with sunburned eyes after flying big jets all day. Nobody really made the connection back then, nor did I because I didn't know any better. Now I do, so I'll happily pass on my experience to anyone who asks! BTW, I still have my issue pair of Randolphs, and I still wear them on occasion (not flying) when I want a different look. Just a nostalgia thing I guess.

OK, one last item. Not a factor for you yet, but maybe in the future: If you plan on pulling any serious G's, find something lightweight or has good ear hooks. Nothing worse when maneuvering hard than to have your shades go sliding off your sweaty head and nose. Don't worry about it now, that'll be for later...

 

[CFI'er]

Do not buy Polarized. It will not allow vision through the plastic covers on instruments and windshield. I will try and find the various resources and articles that explain why it is bad to have Polorized lenses. If you now own a pair, OK for driving but bad for flying.

 

[squale]

thanks for the replies guys.. very helpful.

Yeah I was searching online and also found that it's a bad idea to go polarized for flying... that's fine with me.. less money to spend, lol.

Yeah I think I will go with the Oakley Square Wire 2.0's in either Gold or Fire lenses. I have to try them on and see how they feel.

I am a bit concerned with them being uncomfortable wearing a headset because the other day while flying, I had my cheapy sunglasses on, and wow, that headset just dug those earpieces right into my scalp... ouch!

I am sure the Serengeti's are good, but they are just too big for my taste. I also want these sunglasses for regular use to go out with and go boating with etc... I just think I will look funny in the Serengeti's!

Just hope the Oakleys are big enough!

 

[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]

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