Randolph Engineering vs. American Optical Sunglasses

When searching for high quality, American made sunglasses there aren't many to choose from. Luxottica has a strangle hold on the eyeglass market, yet some heritage brands still exist!
Randolph Engineering and American Optical both have supplied the US Military, both feature all metal construction, but then why is one almost twice the price?
I break down both Randolph Engineering and American Optical in this video and give you my recommendation.
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American Optical: amzn.to/2OfUzuz
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[@clint7312]

epic epic intro haha. amazed how you find these brands.

[@CarlMurawski]

So which would you choose? Randolph or AO? Let me know in the comments below!

[@mikebeavis8929]

AO all the way

[@edgardocenteno4618]

Carl Murawski Hey I know this has nothing to do with the video but I recently bought some Levi's 501 shrink to fit jeans and I was wondering should I shrink them before I start wearing them or should I wear them as much as I can before I shrink them. I ask this because they are very loose in the entire leg section. Thank you for all the effort you put in your videos.

[@danlugo4365]

Gotta go with AO for the history alone. RE are twice the price!!!

[@StacyShepherd11]

Randolph Engineering now .... AO's quality is not what it used to be. AO's Skymaster series from the 1980s/90s were unparralled!! AO has forgotten that!!

[@GBCR]

AO two hands down, mostly for the historic interest, and of course the price. Beware of knock-offs - they look very authentic, and can be had on ebay for under 20 bucks. They're NOT the real thing.

[@sales313]

AO is the original designer, inventor and manufacturer of that "square" shape. It's the model "Original Pilot" originally introduced as Flight Goggle 58 for USAF, NAVY and NASA Astronauts in 1958. It was the successor of drop shaped model "The General". They needed more space in the face for oxygen masks while the bayonet temple is perfect for helmets. So, back in 1958 AO introduced this model while RE was founded only in the 70s.

[@TheMrJurand2]

RE is build by the guy that used works for AO.

[@NoBSBeardReviews]

I’ve had a pair of the square AO’s for about 8 years now. Still going strong without any issues. Great review!

[@CarlMurawski]

Damn, thats sone longevity for sunglasses!

[@NoBSBeardReviews]

Carl Murawski yeah, I don’t wear them daily but when I am suited up which is only once or twice a month.

[@HVrphl]

Both types are available at most military exchanges. At al Udeid air baes they ran out of AO so picked up a set of randels broke them in a week. Forgot about their warranty until you reminded me. Will send them in. Still prefer AO’s. Have regular prescription lenses put in them.

[@josephlinares96]

I'm glad I can start my KZbin research on American made products with your channel, I trust your judgement, keep America great !

[@cytherians]

Do you know if the lifetime warranty requires immediate registration at purchase? Or, can you just send in your damaged RE sunglasses to them and ask RE to fix them up? And is it a conditional warranty where there's a charge for the repair, or is it unconditionally free?

[@SQ8warrior]

Bought AO first, love them for price...bought Randolphs later, build quality is definitely much higher on them, lenses better, but what sets apart is comfort and fit on face. The wrap on temples is much better on Randolph's. If it's a style choice only. Go AO or as back up pair or the history. For daily wear one pair though...pony up for the Randolph's

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Been wearing these (both) probably since 1999. Started with the Ray Ban Caravan 55mm gold frame for years and then found American Optical square Pilot gold in the Duluth Trading catalogue and never looked back. The nice thing about the AO pilot frames is you can order various color polarized lenses in poly or glass for very inexpensive and switch them out easily. Then I discovered Randolph Engineering pilot years later and started collecting multiple frame sizes and colors in 55mm and 58mm. The big difference between American Optical and Randolph Engineering square pilot frames is the nose pads and lens sizes. The nose pads on the RE are more comfortable and a slip resistant rubber which are positioned higher than the AO which are just hard plastic. In addition, the lenses are not interchangeable on the same size frame. The RE lenses are shorter in length and will not fit in the AO frames. However, the AO lenses will fit in the RE frames only when you use sand paper to remove material on the bottom of the lenses to make them fit. I also prefer the traditional skull arms over the straight spatula in which the RE’s win. Now, I was able to score both the AO and RE frames on eBay for very cheap (pre-owned) and just cleaned them up and ordered lenses bringing all of them back to life. And I’ve since added the 58mm RE Intruder and 58mm RE Corsair to the collection. But I keep going back to the original 58mm square pilot. But if you were to purchase new, just go with the American Optical polarized. They can be found for over half the cost as Randolph Engineering and they look just as good (but keep in mind when was buying these AO’s in the early 2000’s they could be had for under $40 for glass polarized and I now have too many in a box just collecting dust).

[@ridercun1]

I've to choose RE Ranger Sporter 62mm lens rim & 170mm temple. AO doesn't have such size...

[@mikebeavis8929]

These are exactly what I was looking for. I’m buying the AO you have, they look great

[@zed625]

Seratoga model is now available again! So that's neat

[@gniewko125]

Hi Carl. Do you find your Randolph's heavy? I bought AO aviators with glass lenses and they dig into my nose so much that I can't stop thinking about them being there and they leave nose indentations for hours. Tried to adjust them as much as I could but to no avail. Now I am looking at Randolph with plastic lenses.

[@CarlMurawski]

I don’t really notice them, and if I did it would drive me crazy. I did notice that the bayonets on the AOs tend to give me a headache over time. Something about the way they sit that really gets bothersome after a while. I’ve worn my Randolph Corsairs all day long and never really thought about them.

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

Is there an advantage in having gold plated? Because I know gold plated really isn't worth anything..but I mean for the sunglasses as far as structure and how they hold up.

[@romariomuhammadamri4595]

Nice Video Carl. Have you heard about LAC La leather jacket? It is very nice if you do review for their leather jackets in the future. I will be very glad to hear your opinion about the quality of their jackets for the price point.

[@CarlMurawski]

I haven’t heard of them but I’ll certainly check them out m!

[@kazmonazzami913]

AO prices have sky rocketed and they have updated their website since this was posted. Saratoga is now available also.

[@cytherians]

Yeah, prices are so close now, it's a no-brainer to go with RE due to the lifetime warranty.

[@altair1983]

My story: When my grandfather died in 1993 (he was 75) I found his eyeglasses and grandma didn't have anything against me keeping them. I was 10 when grandfather died, i didn't know him that well, but he was interesting persona, despite living in communist Yugoslavia (now Croatian part) and being member of the communist party, he liked nice stuff and western products (he also worked abroad). Anyhow, his glasses were in poor shape, ear pieces (straight) disintegrated, but had interesting aviator look. So i started researching and the case gave it away: HGU-4P. Wow, i knew grandad was cool. Anyway, i think it's time to visit amazon.

[@CarlMurawski]

So cool!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@firasal-jubouri1312]

Persol is the one for me, but I agree that when in doubt, just buy the two. Nice video by the way.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! Persol make some great glasses, even better if you can find the old Persol Ratti models before they were bought by Luxottica.

[@caomhan84]

I have both. I prefer the AO's fit and shape. Randolphs are well made, to be sure, but....AO is my Rx pair.

[@phelan771]

I have the AO and my wife has the RE. Both aviator style. Agree with your comments, cant really justify the price difference considering that they are almost 90% identical. My AO is worn daily for driving and have held up great after 4 years of use.

[@thepreludeabuser]

@@phelan771 does AO aviator have the antiglare coating on the backside like on RE

[@HVrphl]

Both American optical and Randal Are available at the BX at al Udeid airbase in Qatar

[@lettertome2453]

H. Vrphl where in qatar?

[@nurmansaptono7201]

I bought both of them as i cant really decided which one is better. But i get AO the square one, i get RE the traditional aviator rounded shape. N im still wear them n still love them....

[@CarlMurawski]

They’re excellent, great choice!

[@SudiptaKarmakar87]

Wow, since this video AO has raised the price and matched the levels of Randolph! Dang, I got my hopes so up.

[@bsh1967]

My pair of Randolph Engineering sunglasses were recently stolen. Jokes on them though because they had prescription progressive lenses in them so good luck to whoever has them. This was a good video as I determine what pair I will get to replace them. One suggestion though is that if you know what size you want you can buy the frames on Ebay and take them to Costco for prescription sunglass lenses.

[@Ladiesandgentlemen121]

Randolph has the 23 ct gold plating 5x more than others and they look it. You can almost bend twist the frames into a pretzel shape and they won't break. I like both companies. My dad wore the Americans serving in Nam. Randolph was issued later when I was in the military. I've seen some real old Americans the gold chipped but never broken frames. The plastic on the ear dry rotted and cracked (still smooth to the touch) but still fully functional. Frame is important but neither company goes in depth enough about the performance of lenses. With this lack of information I am going to have to give my vote to Ray ban. 30 years and I can tell true Ray bans by looking through the lenses alone of any pair. They cool and massage my eyes. Mau Jim, Oakley, Americans nor any other believe it or not Gucci comes close but Ray Ban has the performing lenses in my book. I bought my first pair 34 yrs ago, it was like they massaged my eyes and the new ones still do it today like no other. I don't know what Ray Ban does to their lenses but I sure like it!

[@m.ferreira470]

I used to get Randolph aviators at aviator supply shop for $70 back in the day. Now they got all Hollywood and they're double the price.

[@Murtagh653]

sadly AO are the same in terms of price

[@FandCCD]

Randolph has an amazing selection. I was completely underwhelmed by AO’s selection.

[@skyshade9106]

lol a whole 2 pairs

[@josephwaters94]

FYI, if you compare the frames where they soldered the metal joints the RE's are superior to the AO frames.

[@ThePaPappy]

American Optical sounds like a good choice. But since I wear glasses and those darkening things don't work so well when you drive for a living..... I use Cocoons or JP FitOvers.

[@Murtagh653]

do you mean the polarisation? you can get lenses without it, pilots also don't get polarised lenses because it hinders their ability to read the screens and other things in cockpit

[@MadAzn53]

Awesome intro and AO. History and prices.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! I hoped the humor wouldn't be lost on some, getting all geared up to mow my grass.

[@MadAzn53]

Really enjoyed the intro. Just classic 🤙

[@bobzuidema3560]

I'm just curious how you feel about this vid now after the experience you now have with the RE's? ;-)

[@CarlMurawski]

The RE glasses are just better in so many small ways: the hinges are less stiff, overall build quality is far better, and I appreciate the polarized lenses. I think they're worth the extra money but I also understand that plenty of people can't justify $200 sunglasses. It's got to be a responsible purchase, and if budget only allows the AO's they're a great choice for the money.

[@sweetwater88]

Love the design and shape of the AO General sunglass but the cross bridge on mine broke after 2 years. So the Randolph might be better deal with the warranty but I'm not a fan of the design.

[@kittenastrophy5951]

Love the canted eye socket of RE but prefer the nose rest arm military style in AO and military issued RE.

[@HeathRS]

I’ve owned both. I find for the same 55mm size the AOs are more flat and because of this appear larger on my face. I wear 52mm in AOs. I prefer the fit, finish, and feel of the Randolphs, but they’ve gotten much more expensive. AO is a killer value, but I feel the Randolphs are worth the price. I’ve had the same Randolphs for many many years.

[@robertbeatty9563]

i have a 57 ao skull version and they slide down my face maybe because the glass is heavy. i should have got the bayonet version maybe they would have been tighter.

[@julesgalicano4568]

Who is the best what brand.

[@stevenfredericks9844]

Spot on review. I can't tell the difference either. Never owned the Randolph but I had a pair of AOs that I loved for over 8 years. They were perfect. Too bad I lost them! Waiting to replace next time I get to the Army Navy store in town.

[@parijatnarayan1729]

Carl these are quintessential brands that started off as pilot supplies! Serengeti is out of the Luxotica empire. You have to check out the Serengeti medium size henna aviators.We pilots swear by them! great vid as usual!

[@samcooper430]

How do you protect your sunglasses?

[@CarlMurawski]

I use these neat little folding cases made of aluminum. They're handy because they fold completely flat and are easy to store, so I have a bunch that I leave in different places where I may use my sunglasses.

[@lrlevy]

Do they make them with prescription lenses?

[@CarlMurawski]

I know you can buy the frames raw, so I’m sure they can be outfitted with prescription lenses.

[@maverickfox4102]

Last I checked American Optical does make polarized lenses but it would cost a little more.

[@Wile.e_kyote]

Think things changed. AO is $200 for matching pair of RE that is $300. RE had a better case, better warranty, better options for that $300 including gold. The lenses also are UV safe and offer a anti reflective blue wave backing. Easily can justify buying RE, or in my case, I have 4 now and like them over my 2 Oakleys.

[@rpnp2]

I actually ordered both of the same model long time ago and just thought they were so similar that i returned the Randolph's..

[@CarlMurawski]

They’re so close, it’s hard to tell the difference between the two!

[@lukedileo7372]

FYI i bought a broken pair of AO aviators at a garage sale really cheap. AO replaced the front of the frame for just the shipping fee $5.25 Now For RE. I have two pair that need new lenses. They want over $100 for the lenses and a $25 dollar service plus shipping. I agree AO is the way to go. So It really is a matter of customer service.

[@tungsten8290]

How much would it have cost for AO to replace the lenses? Sounds like you're not giving an apples-to-apples comparison.

[@harryhoudini66]

For anyone wanting the Saratoga, American Optical has brought them back.

[@sk-ub9wi]

I have been using both plus Ray-Ban. They are all great!. Most of Ray-Ban are made in Milano which seems to have more European design. If they were a person, I would say ray ban is stylish fashionable guy. Other two would be cool muscular guy. Personally, I wear Ray-Ban on the ground, wear AO and Randolph in the air. AO is very durable to unexpected impact. Randolph is good looking sunglasses. I can’t pick the best one! Why don’t you guys get cheaper watch and get all 3 instead! I love them all

[@CarlMurawski]

Haha, good analysis! I agree that the AO and Randolphs are much more utilitarian, but I think part of that aesthetic is the metal construction rather than cellulose acetate which has a "softer" look.

[@StacyShepherd11]

Luxottica Ray Ban are rubbish. BL Ray Ban on the other hand were amazing.

[@BeeDedicated]

For me, there's no comparison. That doesn't mean that AO doesn't produce a fine pair of sunglasses. They do. But, the fit, the feel, attention to detail and overall quality of the Randolph's are just on another level. There's a different feel in the hand and on the face. They are just built differently. Period. The glass is very much comparable, if not the same. I won't sit here and tell someone that they are worth $75 to $100 more, but, if you want to feel that something "extra", spend the money and buy the Randolph's.

[@theartistformallyknownasdi5338]

AO, I can see how i could justify the Randolph's.

[@mohammadhussein7215]

Do you advise Ao für longtime Driving , Bild Quality is my priority

[@Murtagh653]

he said build quality is the same. either of these sunglasses are top of the line, though randolph is extremely overpriced. it doesn't really get better than this for the aviator style.

[@mohammadhussein7215]

@@Murtagh653 thanks 🙏

[@zacharyruiz1542]

Randolph’s for me I will say this They have or used to have its been a few years a great Black Friday Cyber Monday sale

[@tertuliano1372]

i love sunglases rabdolfh lenses grey our Brown lenses nunber 55 do you donativos for me glasses used

[@TheRedGlint4427]

Fast forward a tear and polarized AOs are $200

[@Reevos]

Worth noting that my American Opticals have a lifetime warranty as well.

[@user-daviddog]

Why are vintage American optical so expensive on ebay

[@gf4670]

I own both brands as well, and there are some differences. The Randolphs have lenses with more acute angles and they're sort of tilted toward the nose which gives them a more "sleek" look, I suppose. It also makes the nose bridge gap widen more rapidly between the lenses as you go down, so if you have a thin nose or face in general that can come into play. I've also found the AO to be more forgiving in terms of masking facial asymmetry that can make glasses sit a bit "wonky" on some faces - maybe the smoother, more rounded lines have something to do with it. I also tend to prefer the spatula temples in both brands opposed to the bayonets; the bayonet temples will actually make the glasses sit about 1/8 inch higher on the face and the difference can actually be noticeable. And the Randolphs do have a bit more of a base curve on them opposed to the flatter base of the AO that don't wrap the face as much (good or bad thing depending on the face). Both super high quality shades that will last years. Overall I do prefer the AO; like you said, you can get two AO for the price of one Randolph pair and over the years I haven't noticed any difference in durability, though I do believe the AO to be somewhat more "rugged" in ways whereas the Randolphs are more "fashion-y" in other ways. Like you said, unless you really want the lifetime warranty or some of the custom options and more "trendy" lines with Randolph, might as well get some AO and save $100.

[@vforvendetta6193]

It's exactly the other way around in terms of durability and precision in the manufacturing process. It's been covered on the internet as well. Where AO has some misalignments with there hinges or screws, RE has this completely covered. AO will loose screws over time, RE won't.

[@gf4670]

@@vforvendetta6193 Probably, but that's more a question of quality control than pure durability. I've had both brands for years and have worn them in some hard places, both in the military and civilian life, and haven't noticed any difference in terms of durability myself. I have no doubt that the odds of getting an AO with some hinge problems is much greater than RE, that's in part where the price comes in a lot (I also believe some of the plating on the frames is probably better in RE than AO, at least with gold), but that's all a matter of probability and quality control in manufacturing, which is hit and miss with every manufactured product to varying degrees. But in terms of everyday wear and tear concerning exposure to the environment, I haven't noticed any difference.

[@FitManStyle]

What? Made right under my nose?!? Looks like a worthy investment

[@CarlMurawski]

Right in your backyard!!!

[@JoJo-st6jk]

Now in 2021, they're roughly the same price.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

I'm solely an American Optical supporter now. Just sent back a pair of Randolph Intruder sunglasses as requested by them only to find out that they won't do anything. I purchased the Intruder's in 2012 and the matte silver frames have oxidized and have turned an almost bronze color. I don't wear them all the time, am not a smoker and they mostly sit in a drawer out of light. I also think that it is absurd to pay nearly $300 for sunglasses. American Optical's are just as tough. My question is how does Randolph Engineering get away with copying the American Optical Pilot sunglasses? I have both and they are the exact same.

[@BC08]

Looking at your later videos it looks like RE won you over big time. Funny how short term and long term experiences sometimes don’t line up. Randolph is something special, IMO

[@CarlMurawski]

They definitely did! I really have become a total fanboy of Randolph, and they're definitely my go-to these days.

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Amazing intro lmao

[@ferasdagar4295]

I had a lot of sweetness. I was a member of the Jordanian Air Force and got one

[@harmanlesli]

Which are more curved and sit closer to the face? Less gap

[@CarlMurawski]

I’d say the Randolph’s sit closer to the face. I can easily rub my eye with a finger when wearing the AOs.

[@GBCR]

Thanks for a great vid. The intro is epic. Just one comment: these are not really "squared off aviators", but Pilots. This model preceded the Aviator model by about 20 years - pilots are from the late 30es, commissioned by the USAF and produced by B&L. The commercial version was named Ray-Ban, later spun off as its own brand. The teardrop design came in the 50es, and renamed Aviators, as pilots became known after WWII. (Although today "Aviator" is often used as a generic term for all such glasses)

[@liudizzle]

Would've been nice to see you model each pair on your face.

[@CarlMurawski]

Trust me, the less you see of my face the better!

[@varun009]

I've always liked the look of Rayban aviators on me (mostly because my girlfriend says I have the cheekbones for it whatever that means). But I've just been so disappointed with the quality. The arms are flimsy wires and the gold plating doesn't last more than 3-6 months of regular use before chipping, scratching and just looking dull and ugly. RE is awesome because of the heritage but are too expensive for me. AO original pilot provides me with what I want - an appealing, high value product for a great price not to mention post purchase customer support. However, my girlfriend doesn't seem to like the square lenses on me. Says they don't fit my face or some shit. So I bought the AO general sunglasses. Similar in general shape to the RB aviators but not as sleek. I wish they could make the Rayban aviator to their standards and with a titanium nitride coating instead of gold.

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

AO must have gone up cause now they cost more than a regular pair of ray bans. I guess you'll be buying Randolph next time.

[@robertbeatty9563]

randolph has more styles than ao. but both are very similar

[@gregs190]

Metal framed aviators don’t stand out, doesn’t matter who makes them.

[@erikkalifornia5182]

I don't really agree at all. If you go to American optical website and customize a pair of Original pilots with glass lenses that are polarized, cost is $244.00 Which is right on par with the Randolphs. Maybe things have changed in the 2 years since this review, but I recall this being the case 2 years ago as well... You're comparing Randolphs w/polarized glass lenses to plastic lensed AO...

[@marytucker9106]

Carl, you cannot compare apples to oranges. RE are a luxury brand for people who care about quality. Do yourself a favor and wear the Randolph's. Mary, Long time Optician

[@satysfakor]

Carl - in 5:17 - you are showing a photo of fake AOs - counterfeit product from Asia - worth around 10$ - just like fake Ray-Bans...

[@hatim1720]

i bought Randolph but i was disappointed because the lenses are not really tinted and therefore it cannot block the sun very well .. i have Ray ban wayfarer which offer good tint much more than Randolph

[@zzz-jj6zh]

Randolph has lifetime warranty, better durability, is used by our military, comes with tool kit, better grip around the nose.

[@balkee42]

DoNKeY exactly

[@tertuliano1372]

its glasses table red Internet like baynette

[@donnygustian6707]

wkwkwkwk

[@G17-911]

And he didn’t even think, to try them on for us.

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

I wear Ray Bans but..cool story Bro.

[@jr4chargers]

These brands totally destroy Ray Ban. lol

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

@@jr4chargers I know. I was just joking. I mean I do only have Ray Bans and haven't branched out yet but yeah I know. I don't know about the original Ray Bans though...they were supposedly pretty good.

[@Richard_Lush]

Randolphs are so so. Ray Bans are better. Just because the military uses them doesn’t make em great. Remember things go to the lowest bidder with the military. I have a pair and the quality is not great. The Ray Bans I have are vastly better. Life time warranty sometimes means, they’re going to break.