Serengeti moving away from flying?

[SpyderPig]

After some opinions and advice from guys and gals in the higher ranks of the game. Looking to upgrade my sunglasses and after shopping for some much touted Serengeti's I find that less and less options for non-polarized lenses are available.

Speaking to the sales woman about the need for un-polarized lenses she tried to convince me that the new "PHD polar" lens was just like flying in non-polarized glasses due to "new technology" and I would not encounter traditional polarization issues associated with glass cockpits or heated windscreens. When I asked how she knew the effects I was concerned about (being a GA pilot where the closest thing to glass in my cockpit is my 96c) she said she had sold these new lenses to numerous pilots without complaint.

After research I can find nothing to confirm or deny this and now looking to the community for advice. While flying in polarized glasses is not ideal is anyone having any real issues apart from changing the angle the look at a PFD with? I ask because even thought Im years away from a airliner, Id like to think the hundreds Im spending on my eyes while on a GA wage they might last me a while!

Is anyone wearing the Randolph range? Figure the USAF and NASA cant be too wrong?

[GoDirect]

I've used Randolphs for a long time now and have found them to be excellent. They also have sturdy frames which a lot of others don't. I also like Raybans but seemed to be forever replacing them due to the frames not lasting very long. Now that I've been using the Randolphs for quite a long time and am extremely happy with them, I doubt if I would ever change to any other brand now.

[Jabawocky]

I have both polarised and non. The non are VedaloHD, and a bit like this pair

VedaloHD - (http://www.vedalohd.com/product.aspx?id=95)

or actually these VedaloHD - (http://www.vedalohd.com/product.aspx?id=107)

VERY VERY nice indeed, the frames do not give you headset trouble, they are almost indestructible.

I have Mako polarised for driving boating etc.... they are nicer to fly in, I never have screen or ipad issues, and Mr Pig I think you have seen the screens in the Retard Vehicle.....there are a few :E.

The only downside is they have fat frames/arms and not as good under a head set.

I find it no easier to see traffic in the VedaloHD so the concept of polarised Vs non is one I am yet to be convinced on. I understand the theory behind it, but in practice I can't pick it.

YMMV of course!


PS: These I saw at Oshkosh this year....YOU CAN"T BREAK THEM, you can hitch them up with rope....and pull your plane around with them. No I am not kidding. Completely unreal! VedaloHD - (http://www.vedalohd.com/product.aspx?id=206)

[flyinkiwi]

I recently had my 8 year old pair of Serengeti Velocity's stolen from my car (I use them for both flying and driving). I initially had the same problem you did sourcing a replacement pair but eventually I found some. Checking Serengeti's website they still offer non polarized sunglasses but generally retailers don't stock them because polarized lenses are more popular. If you really want Serengeti you'd probably have to order them in through a retailer or direct from the factory.

[blueloo]

I have a couple of pairs of Serengeti polar Phd sunnies, and they do indeed have all the same effects of polarised sunnies. Don't believe your sales woman.

[NOSIGN]

Mr Pig,

You can buy the non polarized drivers lens on many online sites. I bought mine for about $155 delivered. Genuine too.

Great lens IMO.

[blueloo]

Are you all yanks btw? Whats with the Z :-) or should i say the Zeee

OMG what next. You will be dropping the "u" from color!

[Out there]

Have a look at amozan. They have a non polarized drivers gradient lens which is idea for flying.

[NOSIGN]

Blueloo, it's the "autocorrect" on my iphône sorry. I picked it up but it's a hassle to correct. Probably a secret Yanky method of brainwashing...

[SpyderPig]

Jabba I read about your Velalos and looking at them now. Problem is not many frames fit my big head lol. I just noticed that most of the range now dont have an un-polarized option which is quite annoying!

I thought the lady might have been full of bs when she started saying it dosnt matter anymore with the Polar PHd, easy to say when your trying to make a $400 sale!

Blueloo I did the last half of my secondary schooling in Canada so I relented on most spelling arguments for the sake of marks, with no one to take marks from me these days the odd americanism sneaks through, colour is still colour though lol. :}

[Led Zep]

My Serengeti's are GG6692. Someone with sticky fingers lifted a pair of mine a few years ago and I was in your situation where no one seemed to sell them anymore, as everyone wants polarised lenses and I think what they called "Drivers" graduated lenses - great for driving but not so much for flying above cloud. While waiting to find a replacement pair I tried my trusty polarised Maui Jims - great except for the fact I had a hard time seeing out of the windshield due to the heater elements. Looked like you'd started your Cessna with the oil cap off. :E Finally found the frame number (above) somehow and turns out you can get a decent sunnies shop to order them in for around $340-$380. GG6692...far more important a number than even my ARN. :cool:

[Old Akro]

Randolph are the real deal. The bayonet temples are good for heasets. They are available in 3 frame widths and a number of lens shades, although the mil spec neutral grey is best. There are difficult to buy here, you are better to go online ex the US.

[aussie027]

Go Direct and Old Acro are absolutely correct, Randolph Aviators all the way.
They are Milspec and standard issue for the US military and NASA.
See here-
Sunglasses | Randolph Engineering :: Sunglasses and Shooting Eyewear (http://www.randolphusa.com/product-categories/sunglasses/)

The specs are listed next to the Aviator pics.
I see they are $199 on Randolph US website. I got them cheaper than from Randolph from a US store where I flew and at the time they were about $70-75USD IIRC.
They are real sun "glasses" with mineral crown glass lenses and are bloody tough as nails!!

I had mine for nearly 20 yrs and not a scratch on the lenses despite hard impacts with corner metal airplane parts direct onto the lenses, once or twice with me wearing them,(ouch) and just after I got them they got flung off my face at high speed onto steel decking when a high speed fun ride unexpectedly went upside down.

I expected them to be in a million pieces but the attendant brought them over and not a scratch anywhere, I was absolutely stunned. :ok:
Just looked at them now real closely as I type this and cannot even see any very fine scratches in the lenses like you get over time with polycarbonate.
So long as you dont lose them they will probably be the last sunglasses you ever need to buy.