does the colour of the lens tint matter?

comparing a brown lens and a gray lens.

assuming both are Number 2 lens, non polarised with 20-30 percent light transmission, which is more suitable for use during flying?

the driver gradient lenses are photo chromatic so does it cause any lightening / darkening problems as mentioned in the posts before this?

No there are no such problems with the serengeti drivers gradient lenses and I agree wholeheartedly with Suvarnabhumi - they are outstanding.

looking to get either the 555nm lenses or drivers / driver's gradient.... undecided though cos of the lens colour (grey vs brown). Serengetis are costly so don't wanna make a wrong purchase :cool:

Polarised Glasses-try this test
 

Try this test:- put on your Polarised Glasses and look at a digital clock by tilting your head to the right...and you will see the screen go completley black. This will also effect your instruments when flying.

Tried and testd:- Polarising sunglasses should not be used when flying. The polarising filter interacts with the cockpit transparency to produce a distorted and degraded visual image.

Ray Bans- boring but they work
 

US airforce made Aviators compulsory for years. + They have been around since the 30's.
http://www.ray-ban.com/

Sunglasses help please folks...
 

I'm about to buy some perscription sunglasses and have a lens choice delema. I have a pair of Sarengetti Aviators which give superb vision inside and out the cockpit, but they've never been comfortable for long periods. Should I go for polarized lenses ? The optician says that polorized lenses are not suitable for inside and outside cockpit vision although I never had any real problems with the Sarengetti brand lenses. Does anyone have any advice on tints etc ?

TFS:cool:

TheFlyingSquirrel,

Dont know if its the same reason but I had to try 4 different pairs of sunglasses as I could not get a good seal around my headset and they were uncomfortable...?

Think thats why good old tom cruise style aviators were made with very thin wire arms (not that I wear any!) but that is what I found I needed...

MADY

Bottom line: Polarised lenses are good if Tuna Spotting in a 500 (because the polarisation works by removing the reflections from the water). Not so good if the aircraft has glass screens (the polarisation filters out many of the onscreen colours).

My recommendation: Serengeti Driver's Gradient lenses in whatever frames have the thinnest arms. These lenses improve contrast in almost all light conditions (except at night!) Particularly good during 'flat light' conditions as often found in the UK.

Prescription Serengetis will cost you several hundreds of pounds/dollars though and will probably have to be sourced from the USA.


HTH,

B73

I think it depends on the type of flying you will be doing. I fly offshore and I tried Serengeti Drivers but found that the gradient lens was not good when a lot of reflection from the sun was coming off the sea. I instead love the pair of Serengettis I have which do not have the gradient lens. They are not polarised but they cut down on glare as good as polarised glasses. I have also found no problem looking at the screens with them.

However, using with a headset (especially as mine is an ANR set), means that I have to make sure that the headset and sits properly with the sunglasses on, as otherwise the ANR doesn't work so well.

I cannot remember the name of the model but the number is 6535.

Hope that helps?

Frankly, I have never seen the need to spend the money dictated by "designer" glasses. The money you spend on them is not necessarily needed to get good quality, frankly.


I found that brown #3 lenses on good quality basic sunglasses works very well, and polaroid glasses should be avoided because of effects from plastic windows and poor visual cues near water.

This place has excellent glasses at good prices, and is the "secret" of many US pilots. They do excellent prescription word, including custom bi-focal segments at the top of the lens for reading overhead switches. I have no interest in this company, this is not a "plug" I am just a satisfied repeat customer:

Hidalgo's

I wear Oakley Why 8.0 frames, they fit like a dream under my headset and are very comfortable.

TiP:ok:

I like Revo. The "blue/purple" lens (with white shirt and bars) seems especially helpful for getting waved by military checkpoints - but in Africa only, in the US they just tell you to take them off ;-(. Note that the weird color is just the outside coating - the lenses themselves are kind of a brown.

I've found the Serengeti's a little on the light side for the glare of offshore flying and glacier work, even the IFR when you're in the sunshine on top of white cloud.

It's going to be a compromise for the darkness of the instrument panel going from out to in. Maybe if everyone painted them light grey it wouldn't be such a black hole of contrast.

Wearing comfort is a major consideration. The bayonet type (Randolph?) seem OK for helmets, though my HGU-55 came with a visor anyway. Normal headsets need a pretty good seal to keep the noise out and therefore have a lot of "clamp" force. Purpose built ANR's, like the Bose, don't rely on a seal and have far less clamping force, and therefore are more tolerant of different sunglass arms.

Malabo

I completely agree with Nick.

The man running Hidalgos has worked offshore.

I called him, Skype, and had a long conversation with him about what I needed and he delivered. At a very good price.

He has glass lenses which most claim not to be available. Use a nose bridge. He will explain all.

Charlie Alexander

I use a ENC headset so my glasses have to be snug on my head otherwise they don't work correctly.
I found a set of Oakleys called 'Crosshair' which are real comfy and the arms are shaped to the headset cups. Bit pricey but worth it!

If you're not certain what you want, try a few clip ons, available, inexpensive. They work very well, and you can try a lot of different colors, shading, gradients, and polarized. I especially like the flip-ups, quick change capacity. I prefer a medium brown, polarized- gives a little better vis in precip.
You may have issues with helmet visors (diffraction color bands, distracting), the occasional plastic windows (twice in 20 years), and gauge face glass. The biggest issue is LCD displays- polarized lenses will conflict with the LCD polarization at some point, or all the time. I carry an extra pair of cheapo non-polarized clip ons.
And a pair of collectible frame RayBans with scrip lenses, when I gotta look like Joe Cool, pro pilot. But not to work in.

Maui Jim. www.mauijim.com

paris catwalk....
 

www.Dior.com....you might like the glasses....i have a male dior, has aside triangle glass piece...slide like a old fasion us randolph...silver frame..at least enjoy the clothes....

I've tried lots of sunglasses over the years, and most of them came from Hidalgo's. He has good products at a good price. For years I used glasses with the thinnest temples I could find so I could get a good seal with my headset, and the best I found were some I got from Hidalgo's, Carlo Bellini brand IIRC, and I don't think they're carried any longer. Now I'm using a set of Randolph Engineering glasses I got free from Professional Pilot mag for returning a survey. I've discovered lightweight in-the-ear headsets, which use foam earplugs, and I can use whatever glasses I like, because there is no heavy, hot dome over my ears. I get better noise reduction than what is advertised by ENC headsets, with Howard Leight Laser Light earplugs giving a NRR of 32. They're light, cool, and quiet, and I don't have to take the button off the top of my cap. There are at least 3 brands available, and Google should turn them up for you.

555nm or driver's gradient ? which one is better ? I m thinking about velocity titanium matte black (mod #6691 ) or lassen titanium (mod #6698) pretty expensive though (270 euros)

With Moderator Bad Medicine's permission a post from 2003.

"Sunglasses are a topic dear to the heart of aviators. There are a number of factors which determine the suitability or otherwise of sunglasses for use in the aviation role.

Narrow frames that carry large lenses are the most desirable from a field of view standpoint. The most critical problem with frames arises from the presence of wide sidearms which can significantly impair the peripheral visual field.

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. Much has been written about the perceived benefits of various coloured lenses, especially in regard to contrast and perceived brightness. Coloured lenses have been shown to reduce the colour information received, and to have a detrimental effect on both perception and reaction time.

Lenses of polycarbonate material are preferred because of their impact-resistance and ability to absorb ultra-violet and infra-red rays. However, these lenses can scratch easily. Harder materials may be suitable, however these may be more prone to shattering in an impact.

Different jurisdictions and countries have standards to which sunglasses are manufactured. Sunglasses should be chosen which conform to the appropriate standard. For example, the current Australian Standard ensures that sunglasses meet acceptable standards for lens quality, frame strength and lens retention and also ensures that sunglasses provide adequate protection from solar radiation.

Polarising sunglasses should not be used when flying. The polarising filter interacts with the cockpit transparency to produce a distorted and degraded visual image. This effect can also be seen with laminated car windscreens. Better keep the polarised lenses for fishing.

Pilots who wear prescription spectacles 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.

Back to the original issue of photochromatic lenses. Photochromatic lenses have several disadvantages that render them unsuitable for use by pilots.

Firstly, their transition times are relatively slow. Photochromatic lenses take about five minutes to increase their density to the level of sunglasses, but more importantly, the bleaching time from maximum to minimum density can be as long as 30 minutes. Although there is a rapid lightening of the lens in the first five minutes, this may be too long when there is a sudden variation in light during a descent into or under cloud, or because of a rapid change in cloud cover.

Their second disadvantage is that, even when fully bleached, photochromic lenses still absorb slightly more light than untinted lenses. Since vision is critically dependent on ambient light levels, even this small decrease of light reaching the eye through photochromatic lenses is undesirable, especially at night or in low light levels. The inherent degradation of these lenses with time causes them to progressively become darker, as they become unable to reach the fully bleached state. This effectively prohibits their use in flying or controlling air traffic.

I hope that "sheds some light" on the subject.

Cheers,

BM"

I think the latest generation of photochromatic lenses have much faster response time, not sure how much though

What's the best Serengeti frame for flying? I've decided on getting the Drivers Gradient lenses, but I'm undecided on the frames. Any thoughts?

eP

Most sunnies have a coated layer of UV ray absorbtion material which fades over time.
As far as I know only Oakley and Serengeti has this UV ray absorbtion material built into the lens, i.e. no degradation on UV ray absorbtion.

And only Oakley lenses claims to eliminate 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays, while Serengeti only claims to eliminate 98.5% UVA and 100% UVB and no mention of UVC.

So it is a no brainer for me, been Oakley or nothing for me for as long as I can remember:ok:

I was a sunglass dealer way back in the day for a few years, so here's my $0.02.

You *may* want to stay away from polarized lenses if the instrument panels on whichever aircraft you fly are polarized... To see the results of two polarized materials, put on the glasses, take out your cell phone, and start to turn the cell phone sideways.. the screen completely dissappears. It doesn't happen on all aircraft however, but it is something that you should check out beforehand.

If you go the polarized route, I blindly recommend anything by Revo or Maui Jim.. two of the best possible lenses ever made. Ray Ban's are very nice as well, but I put them slightly behind Revo's and Maui's.

For the not polarized route, Serrengetti's (possibly not spelled correctly) would be a good bet. They have several lenses available that are photochromic, meaning when exposed to bright light, they darken automatically, when it gets dim (IE clouds, etc) they lighten.

Also, make sure there is an antireflective coating on the inside of the lense, which prevents light from behind you from hitting the glass and bouncing into your eyes.

Not all people enjoy this one, but some lenses are bi-gradient... darker tint at the top and the bottom of the lense. Helps while driving, keeps the sun out of your eyes a little better.

Ok, done boring everyone :)

Cheers,
Mandenbar

Decisions Decisions
 

I'm currently trying to decide between the following

1) Oakley CROSSHAIR™ ACTIVATED BY TRANSITIONS.

2) Serengeti Velocity Titanium with drivers gradient lenses

Any advice would be great the new transition lenses from oakley are relatively new to the market does anyone have an opinion on response time to light changes etc.

I was dead set on the exact pair of Serengeti's as you've stated RHCP. I didnt know about those Oakley CROSSHAIR™ ACTIVATED BY TRANSITIONS you've listed - I've just checked them out and they look great! Choices Choices!

For looks, its the OAKLEY's, but I'll hold off on a purchase to see what peoples opinions are of the OAKLEY transition lenses.

These are the ones I went with:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RAY-BAN-AVIA...QQcmdZViewItem

Feel great and no EFIS problems even though they are polarized.

I think i'll stay away from polarized after all the warnings on this forum just in case.

Try optics-online.com.au,got my Serengeti's about $100 bucks cheaper than sunglasshut,delivered within 2 days.(latest look had them at $231AUD for the Velocity) .Heaps of other brands,or they will get it!

This is all very well and aside from looking cool, can anyone recommend a pair of durable, comfortable, light, non polarizing grey-tint glasses that don't cost a fortune and don't end up on your forehead during aeros ? and will survive at least a 30 second window with a 2 year old ?

Pinkhyppo is correct , my raybans are currently in the process of peeling, which is rather satisfying considering I've had them slightly over a year.

If you can get them to fit your head (they're a bit small) try a pair of Oakley Fives. About £50 in the UK and should meet all your criteria. I was very impressed when I accidentaly dropped them off an 8 storey building, breaking them into the 5 component parts, then found I could put them right back together again as good as new!

Hi all...
in a previous life i used to sell oakley in the outdoor activity industry in the UK's largest oakley retailer.
I've used serrengetti's ray ban etc, but without a doubt Oakley's did the job for me and i haven't looked back!

As others have said, Oakley do claim (and i've seen it proven) that UVA, UVB and UVC are blocked 100%. So you all know; UVC is the "blue light" reflected of snowy surfaces. so ideal for skiing etc.

They use a molecule called iridium which is imcorporated into the polycarbonate, to remove the glare. All UV and IR is removed by the lens material not the "iridium" so if the lenses get scratched, you will still be covered.

They also offer a wide array of lens hues to choose from. my tips for the cockpit would be gold iridium, black iridium (for particularly bright cockpits) and my personal fovourites emerald or Ice....

I haven't read thro all this thread but Oakley have done many comparisons between many manufacturers and surveys have been done in the states i believe for pilots. last time i looked details we're on their website... :cool:

Who is the largest UK Oakley retailer? If you can't advertise, can you PM me please.

Cheers mate :ok:

eP

Actually, UV-C (100 to 280 nm) is totally blocked by the ozone layer. So unless you do alot of skiing on the poles, you don't need UV-C protection at all. Seems to me like it's just to make them sound better.

I recommend Skylet lenses from Carl Zeiss.

You can get them framed from Zeiss or you can buy only the lenses to be mounted in any frame you like. I have mine in a Silhouette Minimal Art. Excellent comfort while wearing a headset.

Regards,

rayban's
 

Hi,

does anyboday have and info on rayban lens, I like rayban glasses and i want buy a pair, with G-15xlt lens, i have a job sailing in greece for the summer so what a pair that are good for that but with a view to using the for flying aswell. thats the dilemma, i dont want to spend a fortune on a pair of polerized for sailing that i cant use for flying! so are G15 good? i hear they are a good alrounder but waondered if any had any experience on the water and in the air?

thanks

Oakleys - wouldn't touch them again. The lenses kept breaking in the only pair I tried to keep. After 4 pairs of lenses and 400 excuses I threw them away. Used raybans for over 30 years with no problems and currently the best I have ever had are Serengetti drivers glasses with the gradient lenses and titanium frames. I have no interest in their looks; only that they're comfortable for up to 8 hours a day, tough and do the job.

Which Lens tint?
 

Oakley offer a million and one different lens tints and colours which would people recommend for up in the skies? bearing in mind i'm based in the Uk...sun cloud sun cloud sun cloud you just never know!

I finally bought some new sunglasses ! How much you ask ? FA ! I bought a new pair of perscription glasses from Boots, and got a free pair of Boots brand perscription aviator sunglasses absolutely free ! I am 100% pleased with them as they do not have those obtrusive nose pads, and instead have continuous,thick plastic plastic V, to mount pressure free on your nose. No need to spend a fortune on sunglasses, as My Lappos advised. My Sarangettis have now been thrown to the back of the drawer.

TFS:cool: