American Optical vs Randolph Engineering

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks for watching if you are interested in buy a pair for yourself you can do so here: You can use code: SHADEREVIEW10 for 10% off your purchase of a new pair of sunglasses here: bit.ly/RandolphStoreOfficial ►Buy American Optical Original Pilot here: (USA) amzn.to/2Lbc9T3 (UK) amzn.to/2LzhiAN (Canada) amzn.to/2Lzvyte ►Buy Randolph Engineering Aviator here : (USA) amzn.to/2zCG15y (UK) amzn.to/2Nf6Rmm (Canada) amzn.to/2NOgObp

[@TheShooter3006]

Acquired my first pair of AO sunglasses in 1973, while in the Air Force. They were AMAZING! I have since replaced them with a newer pair. I also purchased a pair of Randolphs some time back and now prefer them now for only one reason. The frame curves a little to contour your face and that is the only reason I will continue to wear them. The curve frame fits better in my helmet.

[@ironlady9657]

Got RE now. But my father's 80's AO is still good looking. The frames are gold filled. No deterioration until now. Almost 40 years old.

[@boberjonson8590]

wow

[@MozTS]

not the ones I bought ten years ago, the hinge to the temple snapped recently, and AO's new owners won't sell new parts, only buy a new pair for x3 the price they charge now

[@mkygod]

I had a similar experience with these two brands. I originally bought the AO but was not satisfied with their frame quality so i returned it and upgraded to the Randolph and the frame is way better (not even close). All the lines in the design is sharper and is visually better constructed in terms of things being aligned. It even shows itself in the screws as you can see some tooling marks in the AO screws where screwdriver must've scratched the screws when assembling.

[@thibodaux3424]

This review is spot on. I own a pair of each and everything mentioned I agree with. They're both awesome sunglasses.

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks man!

[@peter-johnlakay5174]

I've always just had Randolph aviators. Being in South Africa makes getting what one wants a bit dufficult. Imported my first pair in '92 (Gold plated) and never looked back. Wearing chrome and matte black these days. It still amazes me that nobody around here knows what I'm wearing

[@DrOfNothing]

Both great, but you can still get vintage AO 5 1/2 Aviators for cheaper than new RE aviators. The AO build quality from the 1960s/1970s is amazing. These days, AO lenses are subcontracted out, and the sunglass division has split off, hence the superiority of RE in the current configuration (they're still all built in Randolph, MA).

[@ShadeReview]

Oh really that’s very interesting I was not aware of that

[@francesco_ricciutelli]

What is the meaning of the number “5 1/2”? Thanks

[@clydechavez3483]

I like the AOs better because they look straight from the top edge to edge as for the REs they are a little turned up from the edges as in a V shape. There for my vote goes to the AOs.

[@tlevans62]

The Randolph’s are better made and come with a lifetime warranty, while the AO is one year, also the Randolph have soft nose pads, which grip your nose better, which is why Randolph won the US Military Contracts, among others. Both are great sunglasses. The Randolph’s are available as prescription lenses as well, also, pilots don’t want polarised sunglasses because you can’t see digital instruments properly in the cockpit.

[@unclemoelester4560]

Trevor Evans wow this is actually a top tier comment

[@tlevans62]

@@unclemoelester4560 thanks.

[@jawtek82]

That is not why Randolph have the military contract (which AO had for many years). There i$ another rea$on.

[@JosephHHHo]

Polarized optics also don't work well with a lot of laminated windows and also reduces glint off of other air traffic pilots are looking for.

[@SirCosmin]

AO comes now with lifetime warranty as well.

[@BSFree]

RE all the way... I got mines and love them!

[@mandh14]

Still wear my mil spec HGU-4P Randolph's from the 90's, no logos on the lenses or near the monoblock hinge. Still look great in 23k.

[@ShadeReview]

That’s awesome!

[@johannstoianow1856]

Do they have the blue wave technology, filtering out the blue light?

[@iamkyleclimer]

Is that your only pair? I want try wearing one pair religiously that are high quality. Instead of a bunch of cheapies.

[@MJagger89]

AO gets my vote. The additional wrap around with RE gives a bug eye look. AO looks better in my opinion.

[@isaiahcurtis8953]

Dunno if you guys cares but if you're stoned like me atm you can watch all of the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Been watching with my girlfriend for the last months =)

[@bradeneliseo5497]

@Isaiah Curtis yea, been watching on Instaflixxer for months myself =)

[@jacksonjeremias3003]

@Isaiah Curtis Yup, have been using instaflixxer for since december myself :D

[@JeffGR4]

The U.S. Air Force uses the government-issued _Randolph_ sunglasses. I saw B-52 bomber pilots and crewmen wearing them whenever the B-52 air force base had an open house on a sunny day, whereby the crews would meet with the public. By the way, this review was excellently done... so, I subscribed to this KZbin channel along with bell notifications.

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks for subscribing and for the information!

[@curlyhairdudeify]

The reason the RE doesn’t compliment you (look good) is because of the lense color, the slightly brownish hue camouflages itself with your hair, beard, and skin tone. While the AO compliments you (looks the best) because the lenses are a smoky dark lense that pops up against your hair, beard, and skin tone creating a beautiful contrast it works on the same principle as Why one should not wear black dress shoes with a brown dress belt, and vice versa. Craftsmanship ship wise I prefer the RE solely based upon the frame, while the lense quality I am sure that it is up to par with one another. The only difference being that from personal experience brown doesn’t look good on me, nor does it compliment you.

[@kittenastrophy5951]

I think the same for tan lens. I'm fascinated by it in the ads photos but think again, it's not match when I wear it.

[@AA-ih6kt]

is lens 58 and 57 interchangeable between re and ao

[@jimhcwang]

Hi, are both of these 58mm?

[@frankieeisenberg6506]

Jimmer Wang I think they’re 57mm if I’m correct.

[@Abudawouds]

Very nice you nailed it man, I say these brands are the best you've reviewed by far, I hope you would next compare the Concord to the general to the rayban aviator that would be a 3 glasses showdown of epicness

[@ShadeReview]

Great Idea thanks!

[@jawtek82]

I own all three. Ray Ban cannot hang. The one area where the Ray Bans excel is that they are much lighter and therefore a bit easier to wear for an extended period. But that is a reflection of the significantly less substantial build quality of the Ray Bans. On the other hand, the AO and the RE are fairly close - the RE are probably a little better all around. Ray Ban charges a serious premium for the name.

[@thepreludeabuser]

Does AO aviator have anti glate coating on the backside of the lens like RE?

[@tommyschlegel5653]

Great video...thanks for the info.

[@hunterwolfe6295]

AO seems more plain looking and the RE stands out almost a retro version of the AO pair. It funny what a slight twist of the lenses will do. imma go with RE for being a little different in a good way

[@Bugatti12563]

Just ordered my RE concorde black frame AGX. These are difficult to obtain in Europe, can't wait!

[@jawtek82]

A year later, in September 2019, that price comparison does not hold anymore. Topped out RE sunglasses on Amazon with polarized glass lenses (a must for driving, and a no-no for flying) are about $300, while the equivalent polarized glass lens model from AO can be had for about $100. IMO, there is no way the RE sunglasses are worth three times the price (or even twice the price) of the AO sunglasses. Maybe worth a 20% premium. Maybe.

[@jawtek82]

​@@diegoalberto1071 Today I'm finding the RE at a best price of $279 and the equivalent AO's at $160. Certainly more favorable to RE than 10 months ago when I made my post. I own both AO and RE, and I like my REs better and wear them more often. But at that price difference, if I could only have one, I would buy the AOs. YMMV, of course. $200 vs $279 is a closer call. Regardless, IMO they are both a lot better than Ray Ban aviators.

[@fassiotheokharisyosuakapoh1845]

does American Optical also have diamond icon in the lenses sometimes?

[@ShadeReview]

No, they never do if it has a diamond logo it is 100% fake

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

I started out with Ray Ban Caravan 55mm then discovered the overbuilt 55mm American Optical pilot in the Duluth Trading catalogue in 2004. Then I discovered Randolph Engineering which are a little better because of the soft slip resistant and higher placed nose pads. The AO nose pads are lower and are a hard plastic that will slip. That’s also why I prefer the skull arm instead of the spatula arm. Another note, I prefer the ordering, polarized lens selection and price of the replacement lenses that AO offers. Randolph just overprices everything and they don’t have the replacement lens options. However, the AO lens will not fit in a Randolph frame even though they are nearly identical. The AO lens is a little taller. With some sand paper on the bottom of the lens you can make them fit. Replacing lenses on these is easy so if you are in a cloudy region get some polarized brown/orange lenses and have a pair of polarized grey handy for sunny days. I also like Randolph’s Intruder and Corsair which they unfortunately discontinued.

[@ShadeReview]

Wow thanks for all the fantastic information!

[@b0ribebe]

Randolph engineering Concorde vs ray ban aviator vs american optical aviator that would be a great review!!!

[@jawtek82]

I own all three. Ray Ban cannot hang. The one area where the Ray Bans excel is that they are much lighter and therefore a bit easier to wear for an extended period. But that is a reflection of the significantly less substantial build quality of the Ray Bans. On the other hand, the AO and the RE are fairly close - the RE are probably a little better all around.

[@clivegeorge9740]

good morning. I have very fair skin that tends to blush or turn pink with the heat, Irish style. I like the rock style. I hesitate between the chrome color and the golden color, what do you advise me in relation to the color of my face and my style? And matte or bright? and for the color of the glasses? I like cobalt, green/grey agx, brown. sorry for my english

[@AA-ih6kt]

Ao 57mm is same as Randolph 58mm i think .. anyone know?

[@jaredsholl2710]

I think this video needs a new updated comparison with the newly relaunched AO line

[@offensivecomment5477]

He could never do that video now because he has a relationship with both companies. so making a comparison would be super risky for him. whats great about this video is he made it before he had a relationship with ether company.... but pretty much randolph for sure will be better but american optical is cheaper with a longer hystory so thats what he would say

[@huanyu8891]

Love my Randolph Engineering glasses!

[@steveflor9942]

The straight temple blades do NOT curve around the ear. I found the Randolphs painful after 10 minutes. The Randolph Aviator I sampled - Right blade - stiff, but closeable Left blade - too stiff, would Not close The Randolph had an awful blue reflection off the back of the lens. How is this possible? anti-reflective coating is not new...

[@mv8313]

i also wear the american optical sunglasses. the quality is much better than ray ban.

[@westallica5150]

What size are those frames? 52mm? 55mm?

[@operamatthew]

love when you talk about the close up detail on eyewear. Randolph looks way better on you

[@WatchReview]

Dope video son , love the randolph engineered 👍

[@ShadeReview]

Thanks son!

[@nr3rful]

@@ShadeReview what the heck is 'dope ?

[@boberjonson8590]

@@nr3rful Wow you are stupid

[@nr3rful]

@@boberjonson8590 Basterdized English

[@jackattack4851]

RE frame is turned a couple of degrees giving it a more mad look, although RE lens are better quality with better Customer Service, i prefer the look and price of AO lens.

[@jadesluv]

Shade: Definitely the AO looks better on you, use to have two pairs of the AO from the PX, I misplaced both over the years, time for another pair.

[@1969jamila]

I got a pair of AO with the comfort curl earguard and I really liked the idea as glasses are always falling off my face. Unfortunately within a year it broke. It also turned green under the rubber before that as did the noseguard mounts. When I went to go fix the comfort curls my optician said this was an old style for Gandhi. Unfortunately after he welded it, again it broke. Most of the gold plate has since gone away and the glasses although they are only worn for about 2 years look ancient (like Gandhi.)So I guess I will bite the bullet and try RE.

[@TheCompleteWeirdo]

What were the measurements on the american optical and randolph engineering sunglasses?

[@usmansabir1407]

I bought AO few years ago. A friend liked them a lot so gave it away. It was fairly cheap for around 100 dollars back the so it didn't hurt. Thought I'd buy again but now the prices a insane. I have a randolph concorde and you can tell right away the quality is absolutely brilliant. I am tempted to buy a randolph pilot but compared to AO it feels a bit more curved (or am I not seeing right ?) . The AO seems to have a less curve and I like that look. Also, I have a spare set of AO bayonet arm and a pair of gradient lenses , if I get randolph they'd go to waste.

[@suweichuang4214]

Don't forget that the AO offers a 55mm, which fits my face much better than the 52, or the 58

[@harm7602vicount-Visconti]

I own the original AO inherited from my father who bought them in 1957 in the States. Sure, they are a bit tattered and ofcource one of the bajonet-legs is a bit greenish from age, but I will never ever get me a pair of RE’s. Just a matter of respect to the original (there is even a pair in the Smithsonian that was a NASA standard issue for the astronauts of Apollo 11 mission) and all those brave testpilots of that time.

[@jimf3932]

They both look fine. Bottom line, whether AO or Randolph, THAT pilot's sunglass design is the best, most functional, classy American sunglass frame and lens design EVER! No self respecting red blooded American man should be without a pair.

[@malleus1881]

Both are very good US-made shades, I've owned both and the quality is comparable. Randolphs come with slightly nicer case and nice little repair kit, but not worth 2x the price IMO. I sold mine and bought a second pair of AOs! An American classic.

[@lex3729]

RE makes a good case for their frames being close to indestructible, able to deal with a lot of abuse, how do the AO frames compare in build quality and durability?

[@ShadeReview]

AO frames are much weaker lots of reports of even bad welds

[@jawtek82]

@@ShadeReview I dunno. Maybe. I'm guessing that might vary from unit to unit. The frame on my AO Original Pilots is rock solid. Maybe I just got a good pair. Either way, the frames on both of them are MILES ahead of the frame on my Ray Ban aviators.

[@TimDaleDrums]

5 years into owning my pair of AO and they're still going strong, not a scratch on the glass lenses and the hinges still feel strong even though they've been dropped way too many times, sat on (which required some DIY bending back into shape), and worn just about every day since purchase doing everything from driving to playing sport. Honestly, worth every penny in terms of build quality.

[@ShadeReview]

Wow that’s incredible! If you don’t mind me asking where did you buy them from back then and how much did they cost?

[@fikodu16]

@@ShadeReview I bought mine on Amazon for 76$ polirized and 50 not polirized in 2015 Now they doubled thé Price :(

[@MrGoudy]

I appreciate your ability to be neutral with Randolph reviews. American Optical are fantastic as well, and both are American made, even so for me Randolph is the only way to go for a navigator style. Both are priced appropriately and you get a solid pair of shades either way.

[@ShadeReview]

Definitely thanks so much for the kind words!

[@Offstar-zk4qn]

He is the GOAT

[@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO]

You Saud nothing about the sizing 5yrs ago. Randolphs used to be 5 1/2 which, I think was a 52mm and then a 52mm andca 58mm, 61mm were made and more recently a 55mm. The AOs I know are in a 55mm and perhaps a 61mm. Not being teardrop lenses, like that on a traditional aviator pair of sunglasses, I believe a 52mm lease pair was standard. The 52mm/5 1/2 is about the same size as a standard Aviator 57mm or so pair. I doubt pilots had a women's 52mm or reading glasses size.

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

Just lost my Randolphs and need to replace them. Holy crap, what happened to the prices?! Also, they told me they only come in bayonet. In the past, the skull temples were available. Now I'm sad....

[@ShadeReview]

ShadeReviewStore.com

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

@@ShadeReview Thanks, man. I'll be in touch!

[@alimudindandang6547]

How to order this Randolph sunglass ?

[@ShadeReview]

What country do you live in?

[@ikozbari]

Are the golden frames actually 24k plated?

[@ShadeReview]

Yes

[@ikozbari]

@@ShadeReview thx for the answer i just realized i didn’t specify, i meant the OAs are they gold plated?

[@AffectionateIslandRetrea-cx7le]

Which one does agent Kellerman from prison break wear?

[@tertuliano1372]

lenses size or browmn

[@michaelh1621]

I have both and the RE get my vote, more comfortable...more wrap around.

[@theichytype]

Are they both same size? I think AO looks better better on you but they're both great.

[@ShadeReview]

The AO is smaller by 4mm I believe

[@theodorepapadopoulos810]

Are they 55s ?

[@ShadeReview]

RE were 58mm in this video and AO 55mm

[@theodorepapadopoulos810]

@@ShadeReview Thank-You!! Interesting that they look almost the same size...probably because the AOs are less curved. I own multiple pairs of both. The selection of RE is great but the shape of AO (although very slightly different) is better IMO. Love your reviews!! 👍

[@nr3rful]

Been using RE for 20 years......will never switch

[@ShadeReview]

You still have your very first pair?

[@nr3rful]

@@ShadeReview Yes have them but now wear different styles

[@ShadeReview]

@@nr3rful Thats awesome!

[@dzna5g986]

They look alike Loved' em both

[@ルールー-v9i]

Nice to meet you, my name is YUZ. I'm Japanese and I love American sunglasses.It's always fun to watch. I have a request. Can you give me a comparison of the american optical original pilots randolph engineering aviator (52mm)

[@balkee42]

I prefer the Randolphs. Dude review the Concorde!

[@ShadeReview]

I have a pair of Concordes! Review coming soon

[@soundknight]

It is absolutely ridiculous that when you would tell us one feels more comfortable than the other do you think that we all have your head shape?

[@churchofmarcus]

I feel like both pairs are two wide. They otherwise look very good.

[@gabrielvazquez7147]

American Optical. One of the most comfortable sunglasses I've ever worn. As a side note, they are the only sunglasses that have gone to the moon with the Applo Astronauts.

[@xanderpaul6491]

You didn’t tell sizr

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

American Op look better EXCEPT for that logo. I swear it just looks like they need to be cleaned .

[@boberjonson8590]

lol

[@shiboutrol]

Randolph looks better, much better

[@rubyduarte6409]

Yo tengo unos lentes americano optical desde el año 1965

[@rodrigovasquez6427]

AO look more squared than the Randolphs, to me. Ain't it??.

[@skyshade9106]

RANDOLPH is awesome!!!

[@skogling]

AO is the orignal and best looking.

[@fikodu16]

Frankly I have both brands and they're exactly the same !

[@ofanning06]

AMERICAN OPTICAL ALL THE WAY!

[@johnvaglica2317]

Randolph

[@bobratu9029]

randolph

[@kyledasilva8525]

Looks alone... American optical for sure 💯💯

[@Offstar-zk4qn]

hmmm ID say RE

[@MozTS]

Modern AO are trash, and the new owners won't sell replacement parts. RE will sell you any piece you need to fix a broken pair

[@santamanone]

The bayonet style is extremely comfortable---unless you wear a hat. Then they’re extremely uncomfortable.

[@Balthazar2242]

Would be nice to get actual opinions and not copy-pasted script bullet points read at an unceasing pace. Just talk about it honestly as an individual who cares about glasses.

[@nishantmodak1]

Randolph Engineering all the way

[@barco581]

These days it is about $320 vs $220.

[@ShadeReview]

Got to love I inflation…

[@totot1881]

Ordered both in 2023, no contest, AO is a joke compared to Randolph. Here in Europe, AO is very expensive as you need to order to AO official website to be sure of what you get (319€), whereas I got the RE 200€. RE quality is much higher and 200 € is still ok for a pair. On the other hand, I would not pay more than 150€ for the AO for sure. Nosepads and temple are a shame on AO's !! Even the green Calobar mineral lenses disappointed: the green effect was almost not here and there was way too much distorsion... RE pleased me whereas AO bothered me 🤬 AO's have been returned immediately !!

[@jacobmorgenstein6788]

A pilot never use polarized lenses

[@ShadeReview]

This is true

[@jawtek82]

And what percentage of prospective buyers here do you imagine are buying these for flying an airplane? Compared to the number who are buying these for driving a motor vehicle (where polarization is important). Like two percent - if that?

[@insanedb]

American Optical look better

[@foreverfrederick]

The Randolph look better on you

[@chrisw7642]

$170 for the Randolphs in 2018, $319 for the Randolphs in 2022. Utter insanity.

[@sebastiandiego8539]

@5:00 and if you completely max out a pair of randolph sunglases its going to run you around $300...

[@chrisw7642]

@@sebastiandiego8539 Yes, but there’s no such thing as a $170 version anymore. Base price is $279. The AOs have radically jumped in price too.

[@sebastiandiego8539]

@@chrisw7642 Well you can thank Biden for that... Also the guy who made the video sells a bunch on his website for sub $200 FYI

[@darrellwhite302]

Yes, a lot of it is because more celebrities are wearing them now, so they are cashing in on that. Plus the lens costs have gone up too with their anti-reflective backside coatings and the aquaphobic coatings on the fronts. I think they switched to the newer lenses in about 2018 also. Back in the 90's, before they became trendy, RE's were about $80.

[@allnighter2011]

Coke and Pepsi

[@tertuliano1372]

hy my brother Internet love sunglasses randolfh I passion númeber 55 medium for donation for me used tanto you

[@atiqkhn0]

AO looks better

[@jamesjannell8706]

Randolph. Lol

[@robertbeatty9563]

american optical look better.

[@arashdavari957]

Ray ban eholone Only

[@antonmarkov1635]

They’re too big for your face. Sizes exist for a reason.

[@antonmarkov1635]

Fernando Lentini Both of them are too big for him. I don’t know why people like looking like horse flies.

[@DomPatek]

AO definitely look better, even though RE are of greater quality.

[@tertuliano1372]

lenses size or browmn