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JulieFlyGal, I'm sure this has all been said before.
Stay away from polarised lenses. I've flown with them and found it very hard to see instruments; not glass cockpit either. Mirror lenses are a no-no I'm told, but I forget why. I chose a grade 3, brown-tinted lense because all the greys I tried seemed too dark. Some say brown lenses are rubbish for flying but they work for me. Choose a pair with thin arms. Better fit under headset earseals (smaller gaps), therefore better noise reduction. Go to a store to try the sunnies on before you buy them! No good buying what looks good in a photo, only to discover later that you look like a complete pillock with 'em on. :} But most important of all, spend as much as you can possibly afford on a great pair of lenses. Your eyes take a hammering up there. Shell servo sunnies definitely not recommended. :} For what it's worth I wear Ray Ban (the poor man's Serengeti's or Maui Jim's) Sidestreets RB3183 and I'd recommend them. Cheers. |
Useful guide to selecting a pair of aviation sunglasses here at Flight Safety Foundation human factors newsletter.
You will need to register (its free) to access. Worth the trouble for this and other articles. |
If someone hadn't started this thread I would have started it today. By coincidenceI have a very expensive pair of polarised sunglasses (Mako) that are very convenient for fishing and boat manouvering in coral and suchlike. Very restful to look through - or so I thought.
After reading up on UV and cataracts I decided to use sunglasses more - while driving and flying and I tried the Makos for the last month. Results: Found it difficult to see small numbers on gauges - no problem, just look harder; my landings went from merely awful to terrible - couldn't figure it out. Then three near misses while driving in perfect conditions - I didn't see a cyclist and two motorists - couldn't figure it out. Then I wore them all day fishing last week and by the afternoon I was getting annoyed - didn't know why. A Snapper broke off my hook and I went to replace it but couldn't seem to align line with hook eye. Took off glasses - result perfect (if glary) vision. These F^&&*ing overpriced glasses have shocking optics that subtly alter your peripheral vision as well as your focussing ability! I'm going to get Serengetis tomorrow. |
i found some really nice Rudy Project frames, and had Ray Ban 'aviator' tint (green) lenses fitted into them at the optometrist. $50 for the frames, $90 for the lenses. Green is the best colour I reckon - the smoke appears too dark in shadow, and mirror (like Oakley/Adidas etc) don't seem to like swapping from light/dark quickly
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wow, thanks for all the responses. i wasn't expecting so many replies. it will take some time to digest all the good oil from these posts. i'm keen to try serengetis based on ppls recommendations here altho its prolly a bit way past my budget. thanks again for taking the time to respond.
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Originally Posted by Sunfish
(Post 3068771)
I'm going to get Serengetis tomorrow.
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sunnie strings
I swear by the grandma string! I used to drop my sunnies every third pre-flight, chipping the glass until I bought my grandma (or sports) string. I have not scratched my lenses since. I wear it all the time. I have never forgotten my glasses after dinner, left them on a seat to get sat on by the LAME, or dropped them on a pre-flight. Fantastic invention.
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.....SMITHS.....made in Idaho....glass lense,brown(tan) or green(military) ...great for flying,skiing,biking,sailing and slap and tickle marathons(dont fog up)....they fix em for free,...cost $100-160.....PB
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Forget it, its all about looking good and impressing the hosties when they come to the flight deck, with some kick ass designer sunnies (which you actually bought in Bangkok for 300 Baht).
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Serengeti Velocity Titanium, drivers gradient photochromic lenses - $150 at the Bolle Factory outlet - 172 Wellington St. Collingwood. Very restful to the peepers. Thank you! Jobs done!:ok:
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Serengeti's Unbreakable!
Just thought I'd add my bit about Serengeti's, I put them through the ultimate test at Chatswood Grace brothers (remember those days before they were Myers!). Coming down on the escalators I thought it was getting rather hot so i took off my jumper, as I did this I managed to send my sunnies 5 stories down under the influence of gravity!
Expecting the worst I was suprised to find them still intact with not a scratch (that I could see anyhow), the frames were just slightly bent out of shape. I'm on my second pair of serengetis and I know they're expensive but their worth every cent. I'm going to try and look after these ones a little better!:8 |
I have a similar story with my Serengeti's from a couple of years ago. I had a layover of about 48 hours in Vancouver so myself and the other F/O and S/O decided we would go up to Whistler for the night. Anyway to cut a long story short I got pretty intoxicated that night and while staggering back to my room fell flat on my face on brick pavers. There wasn’t a scratch on the Serengeti’s but my nose and left eye didn’t come off so unscathed. Very battered and bruised for a week or so.:ouch:
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Just purchased my third pair of Serengetti Summit 5602 with Driver lenses from Frames Direct in Texas.
AUD $139 Delivered. Fantastic ! |
Expensive sunnies..........can't do it anymore!
Have bought (and broken) them all. Now I just go down to the sevo and pay $20. All tests and surveys say that the cheap ones are as good and sometimes better than the expensive ones. You can buy and trash 15 pairs for one pair of Serengettis. For me, the cheapies last just as long! The last pair of cheap ones I bought, I absolutely hated them as I bought them in a rush but they lasted ages before I finally lost them. Anyone know how much it costs to make a $300 pair of sunnies? my guess is abou $5, if I am wrong I'll bet the normal mark up from manufacturing costs must be at least 3 to 400%. If you check the mirror before you leave home in the morning and say to yourself " Gee I look good in my Serengettis" then go buy some, if you are not so vain, take a trip to the servo! But, if you think all I have said is garbage at least take heed of this.... DO NOT buy Polarised sunnies if you are going to fly an aircraft while wearing them. |
CASA has some good stuff on sunnies in the DAME handbook http://www.casa.gov.au/manuals/regulate/dame/index.htm
2.1.13 Sunglasses Glare is often a cause of significant discomfort when flying above cloud or when flying into the sun. Sunglasses may be required in such circumstances. There are two basic factors to consider when selecting sunglasses, namely the frame and the lenses. Any spectacle frame reduces the field of vision. Narrow frames that carry large lenses are desirable. The most critical problem with frames arises from the presence of wide sidearms which significantly impair the peripheral visual field. Sunglass lenses should protect the eyes from glare while not adversely affecting the visual cues necessary for safe flight. Accordingly, lenses should not be too dark, and should transmit at least 15% of incident light. The tint used should be "neutral density" (N.D.), that is, a greyish tint that does not distort colour perception or adversely affect red signal detection and recognition. The recommended tint is N.D.15. Lenses of polycarbonate are preferred because of their impact-resistance and ability to absorb ultra-violet and infrared rays. However, these lenses can scratch readily and any scratched spectacles should be discarded. To ensure that sunglasses provide adequate protection from solar radiation that may damage the eyes, only those sunglasses that conform to the current Australian Standard should be worn. Sunglasses that conform to the current Australian Standard also meet acceptable standards for lens quality, frame strength and lens retention. For aviation use, those sunglasses marked "Specific Purpose Sunglasses" are recommended, provided their frames are appropriate. The lenses of these sunglasses have been specifically designed for use in conditions of intense glare, such as in flight above cloud. At high altitude, atmospheric absorption of ultra-violet radiation is reduced. Polarising sunglasses should not be used when flying. The polarising filter interacts with the cockpit transparency to produce a distorted and degraded visual field that poses a threat to air safety. The pilot who already wears prescription spectacles for flying can choose from a number of options for glare protection. Prescription sunglasses with N.D.15 lenses can be obtained, or N.D.15 clip-on or flip-up sunglasses may be worn over prescription spectacles. Pilots who require correction of their near vision only and who wear "look-overs" are advised to obtain bifocals and a plano upper segment. Clip-on or flip-up sunglasses can then be worn. However, the dangers of flip-ups previously mentioned should be recalled. |
Where is a good stockist of Serengeti Sunglasses in Melbourne. Is there a factory outlet or something?
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I will only use Zeiss Dark Umbral lenses set in very thin frames with thin side-wings so they don't get pressed into my temples by the headsset.
The lenses are optical glass and therefore rather soft. Any good frames can be used. Most optometrists can order a set of lenses and set them in a frame. Expect $300-330 Aust for the job. Buy a good case to keep them in when not wearing them. A neck-strap is also helpful. |
I find a set of clip on ND15's cut in ~half (at the point where the glareshield meets the sky in the usual ACFT I fly) and clipped to a spectacle frame (even if 0 dioptre lenses) gives the best all round performance.
In VMC, my eyes are protected from the outside glare but I can still see the instruments clearly and when flying IFR in and out of cloud, where it can fluctuate one minute from dead dark to bloody glary (when skimming along through tops) my eyes are still protected and I can still see the instruments despite the fluctuating glare and darkness without putting sunnies on and off. And you can easily flip the clip ons up when you're before the the minima when in poor viz to actually see your landing point! Ordinary sunnies render it fairly difficult to see some non-backlit LCD displays -especially polarised lenses. You have to hunt around for an optometrist that stocks non polarised clip-ons or will order them in - they're quite cheap. The set-up works well but looks bloody dorky, though - don't forget to put on a "proper" pair of cool looking sunnies once on the ground!!:O |
Only one pair of shades for the true aviator ; Oakley gold iridium. Great low level low vis, and in bright conditions .
Used these bush flying all over the world and in airline flying. They are the most important piece of kit I use, including co's. Stop this Serrengeti nonsense now |
I need a new pair of sunnies now. Has anyone bought from United Shades? If so, are they reliable and how long does it take for Fed Ex delivery?
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JulieFlyGal, can't remember where you're from (Syd I think) but try Oakley directly if there if they have an office/showroom close by. Here in Melbourne they provide generous discounts for pilots, 40% off the top of my head which definatly makes it cheaper than buying from the states.
The DFO at Moorabbin Airport also passes this discount on to pilots. Oakley is the Australian distributor for Serengetti if that happens to be your preference. |
1. Rayban Outdoorsman with the grey lense, must be good because somebody decided recently they needed them more than I did. Purchased them in Darwin in the late 80's, one of the best investments ever made. Although during a tax audit the following year, the ATO auditor desperately wanted to knock them back as he stated they might be worn outside of work hours!
2. Randolph Engineering Standard Issue is the replacement for the trusty Rayban's. |
MAN PRADA!!! Hey markmoud?!!:ok::O:8
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I'd rather not order from overseas because I'd like to try them on. tmpffisch, do they sell RayBans with the 40% discount at DFO?
Stationair8, thanks for the recommendation. My first pair were RayBans but would you believe it, I lost them last week and need a new pair. I had a look at the RayBan Outdoorsman but they're not quite my style. I was thinking of getting these RayBans instead. Any thoughts? |
Just checked the DFO website. It's Bolle that distributes Serengetti. They don't stock Ray Ban I don't think.
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Definitely an enormous pair of gold-rimmed traiditional 'aviators'. Probably with a flight suit and leather jacket if you can afford them...and don't forget to get some nice big gold wings to complete the ensemble. :p
In all seriousness, I've found that anything will do, even $12.00 servo sunnies. If you've got money to spare, I recommend some Serengetis or Ray-Bans. Provided you don't lose them, like I always do, they'll serve you well. :ok: |
Oakley Crosshairs.Great with headsets,great lenses.
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The best sunnies that my old man has come across in his 30years of gliding are Eagle Eyes: Eagle Eyes High Performance Eyewear with the brown tint. EXCELLENT for cloud definition. Though looking at their website, the designs look pretty radical (read little odd!) compared to the originals.
I fly with the boring old Serengetties with the rose tint. I find them too excellent for cloud definition. go_soaring! instead |
Definitely an enormous pair of gold-rimmed traiditional 'aviators'. Probably with a flight suit and leather jacket if you can afford them...and don't forget to get some nice big gold wings to complete the ensemble. Actually, honestly, not taking the p!ss. I do wear Ray Ban Aviators. Smaller ones, 56mm (I think) gold rimmed, green glass. I reckon they're fantastic. Just don't wear them after you've shut down if you're flying a 152, or an instructor (unless instructing on Hawks, PC-9s etc) :} |
as long as they dont take any attention off your massive pilots watch anything goes !!!
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That's right J3, it's not the sunnies you wear, it's how you wear them.
Wearing fashionable, understated sunnies doesn't help if you're still a w#nker underneath, just as wearing massive, outlandish Elton John sunnies doesn't change a thing if you're totally freaking awesome. :ok: I like to hedge my bets and wear something that sits nicely in between. :E |
On the polarized lenses. May just depend on the shape of the lense. Had two pairs now. Both polarized, both Oakleys. First pair great for general flying if maybe a little dark, so in low light conditions they had to be placed on top of the head. Also, they were cheapies ($300, I wasnt working in aviation when I bought them) and I experienced the optical illusions when landing.
Second pair are also Oakleys (way more expensive and also bought when working outside aviation) and polarized and in 1000hrs of flying haven't caused any problems (VFR and IFR), with no optical illusions on landing, nil complaints and many compliments from passengers. Both pairs have good eye coverage and thin arms but are a little to big to fit under a headset, solution, put the arms on top of the headset. No problems with the reading of instruments with those ones either. I have experienced the 'blacking out' of LCD screens with them though. Solution to this is to keep the head level. When my head is tilted sideways the polarization must line up (or whatever it does) and causes the screen to go blank or black. Never had any problems with picking up other aircraft or peripherals. I must say that my newer glasses aren't as dark, and I think this an important consideration and they maybe good for outside or high light environments, but look back into the cockpit and you cant see or they are to dark to wear in low light conditions, not good as there can still be lots of glare then. Just my experience. |
Havnt had time to read the whole thread yet to see if this is included, but I am about to buy 2 new sets of prescription glasses, one of which i was going to get with the "Transition" lenses, or possibly even the "DriveWear" lenses, which is basically transition lenses with the photochromatic layer in them.
Does anyone use either of these lenses and if so do they affect your vision through heated screens or black out your LCD equipment? |
Transistions won't affect LCDs, they aren't actually polarising. I quite like them for general use, but mine don't really get dark enough for flying (for my money). Not sure if you can get darker ones.
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Serengetis
I'll have to throw my recommendation in for Serengeti. Got mine from this place in MEL Sunglasses contact lenses spectacles buy discount sunglasses online - best names at the best prices
Good prices and they arrived in three days. |
Back when I didn't need reading glasses, I worked in a country that had malaria. Didn't want it to affect me so took the anti-malarials daily. Went from brands Niviquin, Paludrin, Maloprim etc, whatever was available and effective at the time. Noticed that when I was above cloud that my sunnies weren't as effective, so when I was out on leave bought a darker pair. Then I read an article about the long term effect that continued use of anti-malarials (they didn't actually stop you getting the 'bug', they just suppress the symptoms) could do to your eyes. So I went off the tablets. Later I noticed my new sunnies were now too dark, so went back to the old ones for a while. Seems the iris had been dilated letting in too much light, but over time again it came good, luckily I never did get malaria (touch wood for the future) while in that environment.
Requiring reading focus after age 41, I initially had small look-over lenses as the outside vision was still sharp, but it complicated the sunnie arrangment. One solution was to have a top section shaded but not magnified, graduated to a clear bi-focal prescription segment at the bottom for reading charts and small print. The really important thing I found, was to sit in the aircraft that was mostly flown, and note where the top of the glareshield cut your line of vision in the normal head level position. If you get the position of the segment wrong when drafting the prescription, then you may have hours of neckstrain, just tilting your head forward or back that little bit to get the outside/ inside reationship right, if you can't adjust the glasses just right. The trouble with prescription, as always, is that after a year or three, you have to go through the exercise all over again for another set as your eyes change. One last thing, that has been mentioned, - is the fit of the frame under the headset for long periods. Annoying if you get it wrong there. |
Bump time...
Been a while since this thread was busy so a brief recap of the previous 4 pages: Most people's recommendations were the Serengeti Velocity glasses... photochromatic lenses... people seemed very happy with these... Also people recommending to avoid using polarised sunnies... SO............. I was googling around and came across this pprune thread: http://www.pprune.org/medical-health...unglasses.html regarding photochromatic lenses in the medical-health forum and noticed pretty much every post on there was against the use of photochromatic lenses (which most if not all serengeti sunnies are? at least I think the popular velocity type are...)... I think there are a few references to some theory books in the UK and some CAA advisories that recommend not to wear them while flying (just search "photochromatic" to make skimming through the threads easier). Just thought it was interesting as none of the aussies / kiwis in this thread seemed to mention any bad things regarding photochromatic lenses while the thread posted above had a tonne of it...? |
I used to swear Serengeti's were only for W@#nkers...
now I swear by them... check the link a few posts ago.. this mob was great... |
I'm just wondering why nobody on this thread has mentioned anything bad about photochromatic glasses... I want to be sure that they're fine!
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