Trusted by Military Pilots: Randolph Aviator Sunglasses
Wear what Pilots Wear: Aviator Classics since 1973
If you're in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, and you want a pair that is trusted by the Military and Department of Defense, you can't go wrong with Randolph aviators. Randolph is a leading maker of high-quality sunglasses, and their aviators are some of the most popular on the market- even after 50 years in the game. Aviators never left but they have made a resurgence this year and are some of the top worn shades on the market.
Aviators are modeled after the iconic aviator style worn by pilots in the U.S. Air Force and other military operations. They're meant to last with scratch-resistant and impact-resistant lenses, and should offer 100% UV protection. The frames have to be made of durable metal, and must come in different color options: for each own’s unique style. If you're on the hunt for a new pair of shades, you might be wondering if Randolph engineering is worth the investment. With a pair of shades that covers all the above must-have’s in sunglasses, Randolph is the way to go when grabbing your next pair of aviators.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Randolph’s lineup of shades on their website features some of the most variety we have ever seen in one class of shades. These aviators are perfect for those who want a classic look with a modern twist. The metal frames are available in multiple styles including Aviator, Concorde and P3 shapes. The finishes are more vast than the great plains: From strong Matte Black to delicate 22k Rose Gold, they have 11 unique finishes to choose from, all electroplated for maximum durability and scratch-resistance and then topped with a corrosion-resistant coating for additional frame protection. The same precious metal finishes found on the world’s finest timepieces - applied at up to 5 times the industry standard. They’re electroplated and twice-baked for maximum durability and scratch-resistance. Not to leave out: Randolph SkyTec™ and SkyForce™ lenses are purposefully designed, impact-tested and treated with Vector™ Anti-Reflective, BlueWave™ blue light management, Oleophobic & Hydrophobic coatings. Plus, every lens offers 100% UVA/UVB protection.
Our crew nabbed a pair of the Aviator Military Special Edition Gold frames and Gray lenses. Once our shades arrived the out of the box experience was on point. The case, the weight of the sunglasses in our hands, the carry case, and the info card sharing the deets of our shades- we dug every part of it. The sunglasses felt like they were durable and solidly constructed in our hands, were smooth and easy to open/close the arms when ready to wear. The frame color popped and the coloring was just as the website showcased. The overall feel, weight, texture, coloring, and value from these shades was solid.
Initial duuude Impression: These sunglasses are on a whole other level
TESTING AVIATORS OUT
The authentic Randolph Military Aviator—worn by U.S. Military Pilots for over 40 years. Each pair in this Special Edition Collection comes with embossed military-issued case, custom Randolph dog tag keychain, and military-inspired cleaning cloth. Of course, looks aren't everything. So, we took the Randolph Aviator sunglasses out for a test drive to see how they performed in the real-world. We have to say that our entire crew was very impressed with the results.
Our crew wanted to test-drive these shades in elements we actually would use them in, to see just how these shades hold up- with many of us doing the same basic functions with glasses, we thought we’d test them out while: driving, playing outdoors, and overall life-proofness.
Driving
The shades offer some of the most crisp driving vision we have found with aviator sunglasses. The polarized lenses really do cut the glare and reduce the distractions of other colors the lenses filter out. The signature neutral gray tint lens, originally engineered for military pilots helps to maintains ‘true’ color and contrast distribution throughout all light and terrain conditions. Lightweight and wide field of vision, the stop lights, brightness of the sun, and changes in glare from other cars and road hazards, the shades help up quite nice. Each pair also has SkyTec™ Glass Polarized lenses with Vector™ Anti-Reflective & Blue Wave™ lens technology that we could really see the difference when driving on sunny days and even overcast.
Overall driving experience: 10/10
Playing Outdoors
Our crew likes to hit the open trails, roads, local spots, you name it- we are there. So we need shades that can hang with us. We took these out to a small backyard gathering and while going in and outdoors, sunny spots to shady as the sun came and went over the day- we found ourselves wearing the glasses non-stop. Even while hanging out by the pool, the glare from the water did not bother our eyes one bit. The Bayonet temples specially designed for comfort under headgear really did make for a comforting wear all day long. One review we read said these shades were “built like a tank” and we have to agree- they rarely left our face but when we did take them off and clip on our shirt, they took the frequent use on and off our faces like a boss.
Overall playing outdoor experience: 10/10
Life-Proofness
What the flip is life-proofness? Remember us saying we broke another pair at a picnic? We tend to do that. Not going to lie- we are known for leaving shades on the seat and sitting on them, dropping them A LOT, and tossing into a backpack without a care in the world. WE HAVE DONE IT ALL…Yet, these shades took it and did not show one sign of our abuse. Life is going to happen and you don’t want some flimsy frames or lenses that can’t take your shenanigans. These frames are tougher than tough, are durable and can be worn and handled as you do life.
Overall life-proofness: 10/10
STANDOUT FEATURES
One of the things that sets Randolph engineering apart from other brands is the fact that all of their sunglasses are handcrafted in the USA. They also use precision-machined hinges that provide a smooth opening and closing action, and they offer a lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. With an overall duuude score of 30/30, we would say the shades standout for themselves.
Aviators feature plenty of different styles, shade tints, finishes, and even frame shapes for any and all who want to wear a pair that represents who they are
Trusted by military pilots for over 40 years
Outstanding clarity designed for the highest performance in purposefully engineered lens materials
The designers and engineers spend months crafting and innovating
50 different people cut, mold, stamp, twist, solder, plate and polish - mostly by hand - over six weeks in a process that includes more than 200 steps
BONUS FEATURES
As an added bonus feature, Randolph offers some killer backing to their shades. Military discounts, partnership for prescription lenses, and over 73 (and counting) big name Hollywood Elite have been sighted repping these shades.
After testing out the Randolph Aviator sunglasses, we can confidently say that they're worth every penny. If you're looking for a high-quality pair of shades that will help you look great and keep your eyes protected from the sun's harmful rays, then you can't go wrong with these glasses.
Randolph Engineering Overall duuude Factor: Best Aviators on the Market. Period.
Price: Around $279 for most pairs ***duuude readers take $10 OFF First Order!
BRAND INFO
Randolph Engineering brings more than sunglasses to the market. They bring the style the world could use a little more of these days.
Our founders wanted to leave something behind in their memory. Something to be proud of.
Today, just outside of Boston, you’ll find the same machines, the same families and the same ethics, quietly building the world’s finest eyewear one pair at a time in an unexpected way. Randolph builds eyewear for anyone who expects better.
At Randolph, we create sunglasses that are purposefully engineered and handcrafted to perform at the highest level. For over 40 years we’ve provided the US military with the world’s best Aviators. And that’s just the beginning.