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Does anyone own Randolph Engineering or American Optical sunglasses?

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LookinSharp24

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
i have two pairs of AO and love the look but just can't seem to get them to sit comfortably on my face.

i can really feel the heft, they leave impressions on my nose and start to get uncomfortable after about 10 minutes.

anyone have a similar issue with these admittedly well-built, but heavy, sunglasses?

if so, were you able to rectify by somehow adjusting the arms or nosepads?
 
#2 ·
I've been wearing Randolph Engineering Aviator frames for my Rx lenses and sunglasses ever since the USAF issued me my first pair and have been wearing them most of my adult life. There are none better in my opinion. The key is to get the size frame that actually fits your face. I've worn glasses fitted with the 55mm lenses, but have found that the frames made for the 52mm lenses provide me with the comfortably snug, secure fit that I seek. Good luck in your quest! ;)
 
#3 ·
The heft you mention is probably because of the glass lenses. I didn’t have a problem with that when I had a pair of AO’s, but I’ve never noticed glasses weight. Adjusting the nosepiece might help a little bit, but like Eagle said, I would try different sizes if you can.
 
#4 ·
I own three and my wife has two. Fortunately our daughter works for an optometrist and she adjusted them for us. Most places do it for free.

Also... We have had issues with corrosion on couple of them at the temple area with sweat/salt. RE said send all of them for free upgrade to corrosion free temples.
 
#5 ·
I own a couple of pairs of AOs, and my kids each have a pair. They work great with headsets or helmets or that sort of thing, and you can tell that's what they were designed for.

They aren't my first choice for general wear outside of the cockpit or motorcycle helmet, though.
 
#6 ·
I started wearing Randolphs when I was in college. It was the only type of sunglasses we could get away with in ROTC. I hated the damned things because they weren't cool Oakleys and I pitched them first chance I got.

20 years later, I regret the hell out of that decision -- especially after seeing what they cost new.

...And the fact that I thought Oakleys were cool? Well, that's filed right alongside listening to 311 in my long term memory's "Regrets-of-my-youth" folder.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I am bumping this old thread because I didn't want to create a new thread if I could find an existing one. I bought a pair of AO and I felt they were okay but I really like Randolph and wear them almost exclusively. I had a pair of vintage Ray Ban too (Bausch and Lomb) from 1992 but they too I felt were also just okay.

Ideally for my face, I wear size 57mm or 58mm and maybe get away with a 59mm. I had a pair of 52mm and they were rather snug. I got them new off eBay and kept them for about a year until part of the frame broke off. They had the Corsair style which I liked but they got rid of I guess because it wasn't a particularly hot seller. I never had the chance to buy it. I hair a pair of Dark Ruthenium Archers with blue lenses which feel great.

Try looking on eBay for a discount on the Archer, Concorde, and Aviator. I prefer skull temples too but bayonet works also.
 
#8 ·
I bought the classic AOs a number of years ago as a beater pair of sunglasses but they steadily displaced all my other sunglasses and are now my go-tos in nearly any situation. Through manipulation of the nose pads and temples I've been able to completely ameliorate any issues with regard to sliding down the face. Interestingly, this is something I've been completely unable to do with a significantly more expensive pair of Vuarnets I bought for skiing which might as well be useless.
 
#9 ·
I have worn Randolph Engineering Aviators and Concordes for a few years, and have friends that have worn them for much longer, since they were given them on base in the 80's - without a doubt, they're the best in the business.

My Aviators (55mm) have lightweight lenses and Concordes (57mm) have glass lenses, both superb clarity. If I'm wearing them all day long I prefer the lightweight, but the glass doesn't become uncomfortable and I haven't found them slipping down my nose at all. You can also buy replacement silicone nose pads on their website if they get old and gross.

For the build quality, these guys are the real deal. Good old made in USA. You can feel the difference as soon as take them out of the box. Randolph have been supplying to the US Military since the 70's and still do today. Their attention to detail really is unbeatable, they have a lifetime guarantee and their customer service is outstanding.

In short, Randolph are an independent company, made in the USA with great customer service and they stand behind their product for life. For these reasons, I refuse to shop any other sunglass brand, I'm going to keep building my collection of Randolphs!
 
#10 ·
it05w20 said:
I have worn Randolph Engineering Aviators and Concordes for a few years, and have friends that have worn them for much longer, since they were given them on base in the 80's - without a doubt, they're the best in the business.

My Aviators (55mm) have lightweight lenses and Concordes (57mm) have glass lenses, both superb clarity. If I'm wearing them all day long I prefer the lightweight, but the glass doesn't become uncomfortable and I haven't found them slipping down my nose at all. You can also buy replacement silicone nose pads on their website if they get old and gross.

For the build quality, these guys are the real deal. Good old made in USA. You can feel the difference as soon as take them out of the box. Randolph have been supplying to the US Military since the 70's and still do today. Their attention to detail really is unbeatable, they have a lifetime guarantee and their customer service is outstanding.

In short, Randolph are an independent company, made in the USA with great customer service and they stand behind their product for life. For these reasons, I refuse to shop any other sunglass brand, I'm going to keep building my collection of Randolphs!
Click to expand...
 
#11 ·
LookinSharp24 said:
i have two pairs of AO and love the look but just can't seem to get them to sit comfortably on my face.

i can really feel the heft, they leave impressions on my nose and start to get uncomfortable after about 10 minutes.

anyone have a similar issue with these admittedly well-built, but heavy, sunglasses?

if so, were you able to rectify by somehow adjusting the arms or nosepads?
Click to expand...
I have owned both, but settled for the AO when the Randolph's price became exorbitant. I also found the AO's heavy. When I went to replace them, I found AO had added a polycarbonate lens. You cant even tell you are wearing them they are so light. Even with the more expensive lens, they are still less than one half of the Randolphs. They are all I have worn since.
 
#12 ·
richard1 said:
I have owned both, but settled for the AO when the Randolph's price became exorbitant. I also found the AO's heavy. When I went to replace them, I found AO had added a polycarbonate lens. You cant even tell you are wearing them they are so light. Even with the more expensive lens, they are still less than one half of the Randolphs. They are all I have worn since.
Click to expand...
To put brand pricing into perspective, Randolph Engineering replaces frames and components when they fail under their warranty. They have done so on several occasions for me. To my knowledge, AO will not do that! ;)
 
#13 ·
eagle2250 said:
To put brand pricing into perspective, Randolph Engineering replaces frames and components when they fail under their warranty. They have done so on several occasions for me. To my knowledge, AO will not do that! ;)
Click to expand...
Will they replace lens on a pair that I clumsily dropped and shattered? Never bothered to find out. Quite frankly I prefer my Serengeti's , have at least 6 pair I purchased for myself and my wife and son of various style. In addition, have many Persol and a few other brands, Ray Ban included. Not putting the brand down as I think they are fine glasses, but at their current prices I hesitate to think their worth it. Don't own any AO
but they look quite nice.
 
#14 ·
EclecticSr. said:
Will they replace lens on a pair that I clumsily dropped and shattered? Never bothered to find out. Quite frankly I prefer my Serengeti's , have at least 6 pair I purchased for myself and my wife and son of various style. In addition, have many Persol and a few other brands, Ray Ban included. Not putting the brand down as I think they are fine glasses, but at their current prices I hesitate to think their worth it. Don't own any AO
but they look quite nice.
Click to expand...
As far as I know, Randolph's warranty covers the frames and to a more limited degree, the ear pieces. They do not cover broken lenses With my most recent two purchases I have purchased just the frames from Randolph and had the lenses added by a more reasonably priced provider. ;)
 
#15 ·
richard1 said:
I have owned both, but settled for the AO when the Randolph's price became exorbitant. I also found the AO's heavy. When I went to replace them, I found AO had added a polycarbonate lens. You cant even tell you are wearing them they are so light. Even with the more expensive lens, they are still less than one half of the Randolphs. They are all I have worn since.
Click to expand...
Randolph has a "departure lounge" (sale section) and also you can pick up stuff when they have sales throughout the year such as on Black Friday.
 
#16 ·
richard1 said:
I have owned both, but settled for the AO when the Randolph's price became exorbitant. I also found the AO's heavy. When I went to replace them, I found AO had added a polycarbonate lens. You cant even tell you are wearing them they are so light. Even with the more expensive lens, they are still less than one half of the Randolphs. They are all I have worn since.
Click to expand...
Randolph have their own SkyTec mineral glass and SkyForce lightweight lenses (you can read about them on their lens technology pages). I personally prefer the SkyTec glass because the clarity is unbeatable, but if you're wearing them for a long time (i.e. for flying) the SkyForce lenses are super lightweight and clearer than standard Polycarbonate lenses. If you can spend the extra $ Randolphs are definitely worth it, especially with their warranty and customer service.
 
#17 ·
it05w20 said:
Randolph have their own SkyTec mineral glass and SkyForce lightweight lenses (you can read about them on their lens technology pages). I personally prefer the SkyTec glass because the clarity is unbeatable, but if you're wearing them for a long time (i.e. for flying) the SkyForce lenses are super lightweight and clearer than standard Polycarbonate lenses. If you can spend the extra $ Randolphs are definitely worth it, especially with their warranty and customer service.
Click to expand...
You excavated seven old threads to push Randolphs ?
 
#18 ·
I purchased them around 1980 ish, while in the military.
I own four pair on these type/style of sunglasses: AO, Randolph Engineering and 2 pairs of Ray Bans... all purchased same time period ( years ago!) not for fashion, rather for effectiveness, military wear approved, and affordable.

Check out RE repair policy and the below:

COMPLIMENTARY TUNE-UP SERVICE
Yes we did say complimentary, free, zilch, nada, zero, well, you get the point. For all service requests and warranties we provide a tune-up service at no charge for all Randolph product, which includes a frame fit adjustment, a full cleaning, and shiny new nose pads. We will also do a full evaluation on your glasses and make any repair recommendations that may be needed.
 
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