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Randolph Engineering Sunglasses

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Randolph Engineering Sunglasses

Deuley

Apr 19, 2015

For those interested, I've been wearing the American Optical "original pilot" glasses for ~7 years now, and from what I understand, they're precisely the same frames.
These frames and lenses conform to a certain military specification, so any vendor producing them makes the same thing. The nice thing about the AO ones are that you can find them for $60-80 any time. ;-)

IanAnderson

2590

Apr 19, 2015

DeuleyI've owned both AO and RE frames, and although there are many similarities, it is incorrect to say that they are precisely the same frames. This is my opinion, but here are my thoughts:
-IMO, RE has better build quality, finishing, and presentation (better case, etc) -RE is the company that actually has the military contract (in other words, these are what pilots and astronauts actually wear) -RE has better customer support, and more importantly, a better warranty policy - one year warranty, plus all solder joints are guaranteed for life (see this: http://putthison.com/post/6342191236/on-randolph-engineering)
Both are solid products, but I think the price difference between the two is justified.

tyler555

377

Apr 20, 2015

IanAndersonThe RE's are a bit darker tint too vs the AO's aren't they?

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Derrick_B

Jun 18, 2017

IanAndersonBut RE hasn't always had the contract. I've been wearing AO's since they were issued to me on active duty in 2003. I'm not sure when RE took over the contract, but to imply that tens of thousands of US soldiers and airmen didn't wear AO's is false.

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