I've owned two pairs of AO Pilots and one pair of the version produced by Randolph Engineering. The case of the RE's is leatherette with a snap, so it's a little more fancy. But the quality of both glasses themselves appear comparable. The difference is that the AO's are the originals, and they're considerably less expensive. And I can vouch for the optical clarity of the AO lenses. Namely that of my lens of choice, the glass Cosmetans, they are without fault. * The Original Pilot is quite stylish in any setting, but there are a couple of reasons why they may be too specialized to be worn practically during rigorous activity. As noted in the video, the glass lens variants are heavy, which makes the frames prone to slippage, particularly if your head is moving about, or you're sweating. The good thing, is that the metal frame, arms, and nose pads are malleable. So you can gently work them into a more personal fit. * I can't speak for the spatula or cable arms, but the bayonet arms provide only moderate support. As they are designed primarily to be braced by, and worn comfortably beneath helmets/headsets. And in that context, I'm sure their level of support is sufficient… As a side note, I have experienced green oxidation beneath the clear plastic of the bayonet arms, which is a little unsightly, and impossible to get to for cleaning… But factory replacement arms are available. * Also, over time, the light clear coat that is applied to my gold frames has a tendency to flake off. Scraping off loose flakes of clear coat with a fingernail seems to clean it up. And I haven't noticed any adverse wear to the gold finish from this… To AO's credit, they have actually flaked *less* than the nearly identical, and more costly RE frames I had.

You guys are all telling the truth about this shades. I was in the Navy and I've bought one from the Navy base here in Florida, the 52mm, and it was awesome...I only paid for $38.00, it was on sale when I got it. I think this is better than Rayban Aviator when it comes to craftsmanship, quality and value...not to mention, it's made here in US...I've seen some other videos here that Johnny Deep picked this over Rayban...

I've been wearing these since the 70's and throughout my entire police career. I am now retired and still wear these excellent glasses. Love my AO' s and am on my third pair. Buy these glasses from AO. You can't go wrong!

American Optical Company date back to 1833, not 1933!

These sunglasses cost 50 usd 5 yrs ago. Now they are 250 usd. I will buy the replica version now.

at 54 secs..."in 1946 AO donated 20 million pairs of goggles and troops to Allied troops..." - the Second World War was over by May 1945 (in Europe) and by September 2nd 1945 for Asia

gotta love made in the USA

I've been buying these for years. I buy the green glass for the look and the amber for driving. They are great sunglasses. Unfortunately, I have a habit of being rough on my shades. I have accidentally stepped on them, dropped them down the side of a mountain and even had a pair fly off my face while riding a motorcycle and looking backward (into my blind spot) on the Interstate. It gets pretty expensive to have to keep paying this much for sunglasses but I love them so much, I do it anyway.

You surely nailed the marketing and industry points you made but boy those hmm...humm during the whole video.

Great review. I still wear mine that I got a few years ago and they look and perform good as new.

Received my AO yesterday. It's very strongly built and better than rayban when it comes to quality. I also liked the case by the way.

I wouldn't touch Ray Ban (aka RB) with a 50 foot pole these days. The quality is gone! For most of my sunglasses purchases it has mainly been 2 brands - AO and RB. I use some other brands for other reasons - example, I do use Oakley wrap arounds for skiing. I haven't bought a pair of RBs for myself in 20 years because they lasted and never broke. The same with my AOs. I have given AO and RB as gifts. While AO has remained an excellent choice, RB has gone down hill since their sale to Luxotica in 1999. The first 2 years after the sale they were still making quality items....so technically 2001 is the last year I ever bought and gave RBs as a gift. Ever since, it has been AO. Seriously...the RBs fall apart! The frames are flimsy. The lenses go loose and fall out. The funny thing is, once I give a pair of AOs as a gift, people love them! So many people don't know about AO. I then challenge them to compare the AOs vs new RBs and they can tell right away that RB has gone to China. The one thing AO has not done, SADLY, is to offer a wider variety of designs. That is their huge mistake. Someone over there in charge has a very hard head about change.

I sold AO "Sky Masters" in the 70s ...It was the most popular with U S pilots...Super high quality optics....

Just got my pair for Father's Day. Great Glasses!

Great review I am going to really consider these when I get my next pair of sunglasses.

Just wanted to say that through a bit of serendipity, I'm the proud owner of a "new" pair of AO original pilots aviator sunglasses. I bought an old metal Craftsman toolbox from a yard sale. Inside, along with a used piece of sandpaper, three screws, and parts of a dead moth, I found these glasses with their case. I did a little research to find out about them, since they seemed of very good quality. I really can't believe that I haven't heard of AO before...the history is cool and now I know I'm wearing glasses from the same company that supplied Neil Armstrong and maybe even my grandpop (during WWII). My only wish is that my found pair were a little less wide...but I'm sure that will be remedied with my future purchases!

I received mine in the mail and three days later I noticed a hairline crack in the lens. So i called them to find out what to do. The lady had quite an attitude and informed me to fill out the form from their website and not to forget to include $3.95 to cover shipping back to my address. Shipping, with insurance for $110 was $10.95 at USPS. So, yeah, I get to spend an extra $14.90 to get a pair of glasses that arn't broken. Color me happy!!!! I really have to wonder if the knock-off are just as good. Why does Amazon have them 30 and 40 bucks cheaper than American Optical website..... makes me wonder.

My father is group captain and he has the same glasses .... issued by the Air Force

I ordered 55mm green with silver frame, cost me $43 hope worth the money.

Is there any way I can tell if they to tell what year they are from?

Hey one question the glass only name command /usa 23k this is american óptica? O is another name marca diferent only in the glass the name command /usa un dont name the firma you help for me? Thank

great review! Thank you

Are these Pilot Sunglasses available in Dubai..

The only thing Rayban has on these is the weight. These are very heavy and after about a half hour gave me headache from the constant pressure on the bridge of my nose. 10 out of 10 on the looks department though...

I love them but I seem to have lost this pair, can't find it anywhere, I did get an aviator one that's a too difficult on the bridge and feel heavy.

one thing I don't like about this glasses, the bridge. you can compare to Ray Ban bridge and you know what I mean.

Does the bayonet keep them on your head as easily as the spatula?

Hello and thank you for getting the long history of AO correct. They are the premier manufacturer of sunglasses within the United States. I'm Nancy and the Customer Service Manager at AO Eyewear Online. You have provided an excellent overview of the product. You can purchase the AO Original Pilot sunglasses at the AO Eyewear Online store for $58.99. A truly amazing price due to AO not spending money on advertising. AO sunglasses are known and respected within the professional aviation community, both military and civilian. There is no need to advertise the fine qualities of these sunglasses. They are the standard issue to U.S. military pilots and aircrew and were selected by NASA to go to the Moon on the Apollo missions. If your viewers desire to look at our product line, they may visit AOEyewearOnline.COMmercial or call us at (802) 456-1100. Thanks again. You did a great job and the information provided was accurate.

How can I buy thisone form Bangladesh.

0:19

Ao 5 yrs ago cost 60 dollars. 4 yrs ago 100 dollars and now 200 plus. I'm done buying them.

como adquiero unas?... me informas el precio y como seria el envio...

What lenses and frame color is this exactly?

1k Sub contest. How is the polarizing on your mine seems to be very uneven

Not cheap anymore

This is silly . He's 100 years off on the company start date and he's not showing the history or old glasses . Unless you think 1960s is very old.

Who else has got these free from AIR FORCE

Is these sunglassses at aliexpress oferd for 14 15 $ or even much less genuine

I want one average-sized color and black lenses and silver sides, is there for you company in Saudi Arabia, and with the delivery service, I hope you answer my man

Great review!. May I know the color of your lenses and was the frame a matte or silver? Plz do reply

How do you know it's fake? I want to buy a pair second hands, but not sure whether it's fake.

Is there a polarized version of these?

To the moon? Hahahahaha. You re hilariously gullible not my friend.