It’s too bad it’s rainy in Manhattan today. Otherwise, I’d be wearing my new aviators from Randolph Enginnering.
These are a substantive upgrade over my old Ray-Ban 3026′s. First and foremost, I like the design better. The lenses are spaced further apart by a wider bridge, which better suits my broader face and flatter nose, and their angled shape is more flattering to my block of a head. Also, since each pair is made-to-order, I was able to specify the exact combination of frame (polished chrome, aviator style), lens (tan polarized, 58mm), and temples (bayonets).
Second, the build quality is clearly superior. The metal frame itself is more substantial all around and suffers from less flex, and the hinges are much sturdier. While I understand the desire for light weight in eyewear, you don’t want frames so flimsy that they feel like they’re bouncing around on your face. I was perfectly happy with the 3026′s in that regard until I tried these on. By no means heavy, they feel much more secure and solid when worn. While only time will truly tell how durable these are, there is a lifetime guarantee on the frame’s solder points and individual replacement parts are available for order.
Third, the coolness factor of the Randolph aviators exceeds that of the Ray-Bans by magnitudes of magnitudes. Perhaps it shouldn’t really matter to me from an aesthetic point of view, but I find myself completely smitten with the fact that these are the aviators currently issued to U.S. military pilots and NASA astronauts. Yet, if one concedes that pride in country is integral to personality, I think one would also have to admit it must have a meaningful place in the wardrobe as well.
Now, I admit it was purely geeky to pick the bayonet temples–apparently that’s how the Air Force orders its aviators, as the bayonets are especially designed to fit unobstructively under headgear. Too cool.
In case you had to ask, the Randolphs are U.S.-made. The Ray-Bans are Italian. While I obviously have no problem with Italian-made goods, the red, white, and green don’t signal quite the same level of glory in aviation.
Speaking of Italy, I’m still busy planning how to make the best use of my short visit to Naples next week. Much is still up in the air. However, I’ll certainly be sporting my new aviators with pride.
RE makes great frames. I have an order pending with them.
Shuron is another company that makes very good quality frames and lenses in the USA. They are one of the few companies that make a truly high quality prescription glass lenses. I have two pairs from them – the sidewinders (regular glass lenses for everyday wear) and Sportivos (prescription sunglasses). This company also made frames the US Army and the US Air Force during WW2. Gen. Macarthur wore a pair made by Shuron as well.
A wipe of acetone based nail polish remover will remove the RE logo from the lens. As will a few gentle scrapes with a penny’s edge.
We also love these sunglasses with polarized lenses and hence we wrote a review about the Randolph Engineering Sportsman Sunglasses, that might be of interest to you.
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