Comments on: Randolph Engineering | Made in these United States

By: Snailboy

Snailboy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:58:55 +0000

I’ve been a longtime fan of the Randolf Aviators….Haven’t bought a pair in years and was shocked to hear they are going for $100 now! I used to get them from The Pilot Shop for around $60. Crazy. They are worth the $100 tho….classic “never-goes-out-of-style” shades that are well built and will last years if taken care of. Local too!

By: Nate

Nate — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:19:27 +0000

Fantastic LOOKING but I used these when I was taking flying lessons and they were damn finicky in my opinion. Always loosening and breaking.

–3 pairs later I’m a Rayban guy.

By: J. Scott

J. Scott — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:30:25 +0000

The post linked by William S. is incredible – the photographs of astronauts sporting their aviators are particularly great.

By: kylej85

kylej85 — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:42:11 +0000

I can confirm that Naval Aviators are issued RE silver squared framed aviator sunglasses as part of the package we get after passing the first phase of flight school. This package also includes such items as our flight suits, jackets, boots, etc. I lost my original pair in the Gulf of Mexico while stationed at NAS Pensacola, but got my hands on another pair. I’m sure they are caked in oil at the bottom of the Gulf by now.

By: Logcabineer

Logcabineer — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:34:35 +0000

It took me six months a couple of years ago to track down the swedish agent for Randolph. Turned out he worked full time refueling planes at stockholms second largest airport. I had to pass security and get my pair out of one of his aluminum hardcases. Just perfect.

By: Raf

Raf — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:01:55 +0000

I love these, and yes, it is still possible to buy a pair new for just under $100 at some of the online dealers. Naturally, polarized will cost you more. I just ordered a pair of Intruders as I left my last pair on a bench in the Virgin America terminal at LAX. i hope whoever finds them appreciates them.

By: William S.

William S. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:33:50 +0000

J. Scott / Jason – the “square-ish” model you’re refering to is the HGU-4/P military sunglasses made to mee the MIL-S-25948 specification. This specification was *the only* specification to which military sunglasses were made from 1959 till 2000, though with slight amendments throughout the years. These amendments were the eventual downfall of the specificaiton and the new Air Force Frame sunglasses superceded the old HGU-4/P spec in 2000. The HGU-4/P has continued in service, but are being phased out completely.

As for which company was really supplying the US miltary, the answer is *both*. Throughout the years both companies (among others) have bid on supply contracts. Each has won / been awarded contracts and have supplied the sunglasses. Randolph was actually started by former employees of AO.

If you’re interested in reading more, I posted something about the subject some time ago:

http://billyschorr.webs.com/sunglasseshgu4p.htm

Hope this helps – William S.

By: Hair Loss Resource

Hair Loss Resource — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:13:47 +0000

Thank you for this! Not only is it great to see something made in the USA, but I’ve always been fascinated by the way things are manufactured. I’ve been wishing there was a prime-time TV show that covered nothing but how things are made.

By: david hill

david hill — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:40:02 +0000

American Optical…. the right stuff, no logos… cool as a cucumber.

By: Harry R

Harry R — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:54:11 +0000

Go to eBay. They have numbers of them on sale new in original wrap for less than $50