Sunglasses?

KTRN

KTRN

New Member
I need help deciding which brand of sunglasses are the best when flying. The current ones I use aren't very comfortable d/t the headset doesn't completely seal around my ears. I'm guessing Ray Bans might be the best bet but I just want to see what some of you like. Also, I've heard not to get polarized lenses. Is this true?
Thanks, Katie
 
KTRN said:
I need help deciding which brand of sunglasses are the best when flying. The current ones I use aren't very comfortable d/t the headset doesn't completely seal around my ears. I'm guessing Ray Bans might be the best bet but I just want to see what some of you like. Also, I've heard not to get polarized lenses. Is this true?
Thanks, Katie
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Don't get polarized...and just save your money and hit up the walmart or even cheaper the dollar tree sunglass rack.
 
KTRN said:
I need help deciding which brand of sunglasses are the best when flying. The current ones I use aren't very comfortable d/t the headset doesn't completely seal around my ears. I'm guessing Ray Bans might be the best bet but I just want to see what some of you like. Also, I've heard not to get polarized lenses. Is this true?
Thanks, Katie
Click to expand...

Get cheap ones...you'll only lose the expensive ones!

Yep, stay away from Polarized sunglasses, expecially if the windshield is polarized too. You'll get a "rainbow" or "oil slick" effect of distortion when trying to look outside.:insane: Other than that, they're great for glare reduction!
 
Ray Ban, Wafers not the huge ones though
model - RB3132
55/18
strong frame, glass lenses (don't scratch)

hands down best sunglasses man has ever crafted...
 
I don't know if they still make them but I have the Ray Ban Classic Aviators. Had them for about 8 years now and they are awesome. If you can't find those I would just stick with the regular rayban aviators. I think what I like most about them is the little things that go from the lens tot he back of your ear (no idea what that is called). They are very small and wire like and don't interfere with the headset at all.
 
I understand the reasoning behind "get cheap ones", but I sure do miss my Serengeti's I purchased at a high volume warehouse store (lost at a fly-in). They were the bendable titanium wire frames, non-polarized lenses.

Currently I am looking for a new pair and I do not see this model anymore, so I too may seek cheaper, non-polarized sunglasses.

Make sure to get something with a yellow to orange tint to block out blues. This also will add depth and definition to clouds and make it easier to see other aircraft.
 
Just get wire framed glasses(thin earpieces). If you are still flying an aircraft that has a plastic windshield, it won't matter if you get polarized or not. I used polarized sunglasses that cost me $20 that I bought about 5 years ago. They work fine. When I finally start flying something that has windshield heat, I'll have to switch. But they work fine for now.

The issue with the "rainbow" or "oily" windsheild comes into play when you look through glass that has heat. As far as I know, there is no airplane made with a polarized windshield.
 
True about the windshield, but what about the GPS and DME screen on some of these instruments, you have to cock your head sideways to read them if your sunglasses are polarized.
 
jonnydwolf said:
True about the windshield, but what about the GPS and DME screen on some of these instruments, you have to cock your head sideways to read them if your sunglasses are polarized.
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I've never had to (430's, KLN's and King DME). And they work great for spotting fish in the flats (when I lived in FL).

Edit: I do notice that if I look off center at above mentioned I have a hard time reading them though. But I have to almost be looking the other direction.
 
jonnydwolf said:
True about the windshield, but what about the GPS and DME screen on some of these instruments, you have to cock your head sideways to read them if your sunglasses are polarized.
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Never had a problem with the 430 or the like, but the G1000... Good luck seeing that with polerized glasses.
 
i would recommend taking a look at serengeti. They make some quality sunglasses.

These are the type i have,

opplanet-serengeti-s-flex-salto-sunglasses-7012.jpg


great frame and lenses for a reasonable price.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I can't get aviators 'cuz I look ridiculous in them & I want to look somewhat cool. Having a strange shaped face makes shopping for glasses that much harder. So after reading all your recommendations, I think I'll look into Ray Bans & Serengetis.
 
I've been wearing polarized sun glasses for about 4 years now. I have never had a problem looking out the window or looking at a 430, G1000, Avidyne, etc..
 
If you're responsible enough to not lose them, polarized, expensive sunglasses will suit you well in the cockpit.
 
ManlyAKpilot said:
If you're responsible enough to not lose them, polarized, expensive sunglasses will suit you well in the cockpit.
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:yeahthat:

I've been flying w/ somewhat expensive, polarized sunglasses for years. Same pair, not lost or broken. Smith's Fly-By....reasonably stylish too! I do like them although, I'm going to be shopping around for something different. Not really thrilled w/ the arm/ headset interface.

SWFLYBLK.jpg




The cheap/ expensive debate only matters if you're the type of person who loses or breaks things. I don't. If I'm paying for quality, I treat whatever it is accordingly. If you're flying for a living, or plan to do so, and value your eyesight.....IMO, there is no reason to skimp on quality eyewear. YMMV?
 
I always buy the walmart $5 or $10 glasses because invariably 2 weeks later I lose them. But perhaps the reason I lose them is that they are so cheap and aren't on my radar as a valuable object.

I've found the best way not to lose a pair of sunglasses is to have _2_ of them. One you keep in your flight kit and one you keep in your car. It is invariably the transfer between airplane and car or visa versa where they get lost.
 
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