Aviators - but not sure about brand

[jimbo123]

Hi guys,

I mainly signed up to this forum to ask this question. But it seems like a pretty good place to get overall fashion advice so I'll probably stick around longer and see what else I can learn/offer.

So... I want to get some (polarized) aviators but I'm not sure which brand to go for. The first brand which was recommended to me was Ray-Bans but I really don't like the logo they have on the lens. Having a look at past threads I also get the impression that Ray-Bans aren't as good quality as other brands? As far as I know Persol or Oakley don't do aviator styles that I want.

So to sum up:

1. I want aviators that have this exact type of shape (I hate variations)



2. Without a logo on the lens

3. With a very good quality, good for the eyes, polarized lense.

Anyone know any good brands?

 

[T4phage]

If you want the 'real' aviators, check out Randolph Engineering. The Concorde has the same shape sans logo.

 

[jimbo123]

Originally Posted by T4phage

If you want the 'real' aviators, check out Randolph Engineering. The Concorde has the same shape sans logo.
Nice I'll give their range a look if I find it next time I go shopping.

Anyone got any other ideas? I'm not against the idea of buying online but I would like to try them on first in the shops - and I mostly go shopping in London.

 

[jimbo123]

bumpety bump

 

[zyg0te]

Personally I'm looking at the kaenon basis (i know, not really aviators) and some mosley tribes frames.

Mosley tribes look great, however they don't come polarized, most (if not all) of the time its gradient tint.

 

[GuidoWongolini]

you can remove the logo - I have with all my RBs.

Also, the Randolph E are the original & only glasses certified for flying by the USAF - RayBans got their boost from Top Gun.

 

[tiecollector]

The Randolph E don't have as many colors as the Ray Bans. I really like the silver frames, but I may go for the OG gold ones with the grey lenses. The knock off pair I have now are probably similar to the Crew Chief, maybe I'll get a pair of Concordes with the tan lenses. http://www.randolphusa.com/c-2-aviation.aspx

 

[kcc]

Have you tried Revo?

 

[UTVol085]

Unless you insist on having polarizedthe best Aviator sunglasse are the Ray-Ban Ambermatic and the Ray-Ban Photogrey lenses. I have a pair of Ambermatics from the 1970's and they're the best lenses ever made, imo. I also have a pair of Ray-Bans from 1973 with rose colored lenses that turn dark grey in the sun but they're extremely rare, given to my by an old optician, and a tad too pink.

All three can be worn day and night, changing color depending on the temperature and lighting conditions. With the cable (hook style) temples they're more comfortable and almost impossible to knock off. The only downside is the cost, due to collectors driving up prices. Was lucky enough to bet mine for $60 off eBay. You're also unlikely to see anyone else wearing them.

Ray-Ban got their boost from WWII US fighter pilots...they were around and very popular for a long time before Top Gun.

Anyways if you're looking for cool Aviators go vintage. Ray-bans before 1980 have no logo on the lenses. Make sure not to get any made in Italy by Luxottica, as the US-made B&Ls are of better quality.

 

[Master-Classter]

Maui Jim's Some of the best lenses around (all polarized). Note - they're pretty much all glass, so a bit more care is required.

http://www.mauijim.com/mjweb/public/...HAPEID=AVIATOR

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by UTVol085

Unless you insist on having polarizedthe best Aviator sunglasse are the Ray-Ban Ambermatic and the Ray-Ban Photogrey lenses. I have a pair of Ambermatics from the 1970's and they're the best lenses ever made, imo. I also have a pair of Ray-Bans from 1973 with rose colored lenses that turn dark grey in the sun but they're extremely rare, given to my by an old optician, and a tad too pink. All three can be worn day and night, changing color depending on the temperature and lighting conditions. With the cable (hook style) temples they're more comfortable and almost impossible to knock off. The only downside is the cost, due to collectors driving up prices. Was lucky enough to bet mine for $60 off eBay. You're also unlikely to see anyone else wearing them. Ray-Ban got their boost from WWII US fighter pilots...they were around and very popular for a long time before Top Gun. Anyways if you're looking for cool Aviators go vintage. Ray-bans before 1980 have no logo on the lenses. Make sure not to get any made in Italy by Luxottica, as the US-made B&Ls are of better quality.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-B-L-RAY-...QQcmdZViewItem Good info and quite pricey. I am seeing a lot of 62mm on ebay, I think I need the 58mm. I like the idea of the cable ones, though Randolph Engineering only has cable models available in the aviators and I'm thinking about getting the Concordes since they are only $71 and look similar, though not *quite* as cool, but still pretty cool since they are the official ones.

http://randolphusa.com/pc-42-2-concorde.aspx Notice Randolph also has the logo, but I'm sure a shop could take it off for you.

 

[UTVol085]

Randolphs are really cool and priced better since they aren't as heavily marketed. They have a really nice lense; high contrast tan would be similar to the color of Ambers in cold sun.

Try looking around at older, established opticians. Sometimes they have a lot of great parts of glasses (extra pairs of lenses, etc) that were sold years ago. NOS cable temples can be found quite easily. That's the good thing about the model staying the same for 50 years. The sweat guard is also cool, although without it less "old".

BL didnt let the patent for "Changeable" lenses go to the new owner. They came in many colors: ambermatic and photo -green, -grey, and -brown. Blue and pink were the first 2 "test" colors. Only glass transitioning lenses ever.The early 70s...

 

[tiecollector]

Originally Posted by UTVol085

Randolphs are really cool and priced better since they aren't as heavily marketed. They have a really nice lense; high contrast tan would be similar to the color of Ambers in cold sun.

Try looking around at older, established opticians. Sometimes they have a lot of great parts of glasses (extra pairs of lenses, etc) that were sold years ago. NOS cable temples can be found quite easily. That's the good thing about the model staying the same for 50 years. The sweat guard is also cool, although without it less "old".

BL didnt let the patent for "Changeable" lenses go to the new owner. They came in many colors: ambermatic and photo -green, -grey, and -brown. Blue and pink were the first 2 "test" colors. Only glass transitioning lenses ever.The early 70s...

What is NOS? I'm sure I could get my optical shop friend to put whatever lenses I wanted in there. But for $75 for the Randolphs I get made in the USA, don't have to wait and it will be cheaper.

 

[montecristo#4]

I bought a pair of Randolphs and ended up sending them back because they just didn't fit (oddly, the ear thingies didn't extend back far enough on my head -- never had that problem with glasses before).

In any case, the Randolphs were old school. Made to last. Seriously the heaviest and sturdiest sunglasses I've ever seen.

 

[montecristo#4]

Originally Posted by el Guapo WOngO!

you can remove the logo - I have with all my RBs.


How? Please do tell, I would actually buy a pair but for the logo. I hate logos.