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.
@brucechavez38249 жыл бұрын
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...
@robertmartinez16459 жыл бұрын
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!
@minty4487 жыл бұрын
robert martinez as
@tomspecs2116 жыл бұрын
American Optical Company date back to 1833, not 1933!
@dennisdesmarais3778 Жыл бұрын
These sunglasses cost 50 usd 5 yrs ago. Now they are 250 usd. I will buy the replica version now.
@forestmat8 жыл бұрын
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
@lex37295 жыл бұрын
So?
@ctn8307 жыл бұрын
gotta love made in the USA
@BooLee016 жыл бұрын
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.
@andrewgaron342810 жыл бұрын
You surely nailed the marketing and industry points you made but boy those hmm...humm during the whole video.
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
You raise a fair point. In my recent videos I've gone to more detailed scripting and editing, I think you'd see an improvement. Thanks for watching!
@phototristan10 жыл бұрын
Great review. I still wear mine that I got a few years ago and they look and perform good as new.
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
Mine have held up very well too, the metal frames are easily adjusted and the glass lenses have survived a few drops. Thanks for watching
@vijeeshmenon19827 жыл бұрын
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.
@bardawulf58279 жыл бұрын
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.
@arhlenitchon87937 жыл бұрын
you can afford to give them as gifts
@johnprendergast133810 ай бұрын
I sold AO "Sky Masters" in the 70s ...It was the most popular with U S pilots...Super high quality optics....
@kittenastrophy5951Ай бұрын
Bought one back in 1994 size 55mm. After a while found not comfortable for me then put in storage since then. Much later time I found out the shape and size of Aviator style 52mm fits me better either made by AO or RE.
@MikeLearned10 жыл бұрын
Just got my pair for Father's Day. Great Glasses!
@gearrunner10 жыл бұрын
Great review I am going to really consider these when I get my next pair of sunglasses.
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
They are an amazing value, I've seen them new on Amazon for like 40 bucks, easily as good of quality as some $200 sunglasses I've handled. Personally I think the pricing for sunglasses is often totally marketing.
@newline244610 жыл бұрын
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!
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
Very cool story, enjoy your new shades!
@kellymason54398 жыл бұрын
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.
@nextgeneration81535 жыл бұрын
My father is group captain and he has the same glasses .... issued by the Air Force
@littlecop19879 жыл бұрын
I ordered 55mm green with silver frame, cost me $43 hope worth the money.
@frankyulloa216 ай бұрын
Is there any way I can tell if they to tell what year they are from?
@Yiyo1862 жыл бұрын
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
@joep.30346 жыл бұрын
great review! Thank you
@renongeder22 жыл бұрын
Are these Pilot Sunglasses available in Dubai..
@Jch795 жыл бұрын
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...
@samlleessaa43476 жыл бұрын
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.
@ModDangFc8 жыл бұрын
one thing I don't like about this glasses, the bridge. you can compare to Ray Ban bridge and you know what I mean.
@surfmorworkless6 жыл бұрын
Does the bayonet keep them on your head as easily as the spatula?
@AOEyewearOnline10 жыл бұрын
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.
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much for your positive comments and sharing your insight working for AO Optics...I have to admit, I'm pretty blown away to get a stamp of approval from AO themselves! I do my best to give detailed and meaningful reviews, so your comment means a lot to me! Best wishes to you Nancy and to American Optical, a great American company. --Andrew at 555 Gear
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
Survival Center Online Thanks for the update!
@larrysmith67977 жыл бұрын
AO Eyewear Online is not affiliated with AO Eyewear. You did not get a stamp of approval from the manufacturer but an ex-dealer.
@trechan6 жыл бұрын
Can they go back to $58.99 and not $100?
@rayhanulislamniloy52914 жыл бұрын
How can I buy thisone form Bangladesh.
@adicynk32233 ай бұрын
0:19
@dennisdesmarais3778 Жыл бұрын
Ao 5 yrs ago cost 60 dollars. 4 yrs ago 100 dollars and now 200 plus. I'm done buying them.
@ricardoerneyclavijomendez6759 жыл бұрын
como adquiero unas?... me informas el precio y como seria el envio...
@Ivanmaradonaaa6 жыл бұрын
R CLAVIJO en Amazon los venden
@chewbacawaka10 жыл бұрын
What lenses and frame color is this exactly?
@nycmaverick10 жыл бұрын
1k Sub contest. How is the polarizing on your mine seems to be very uneven
@555Gear10 жыл бұрын
Mine are unpolarized, thanks for stopping by!
@addicted2baseballrgd21Ай бұрын
Not cheap anymore
@traviswilliam54534 жыл бұрын
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.
@nextgeneration81535 жыл бұрын
Who else has got these free from AIR FORCE
@hayelareed66309 жыл бұрын
Is these sunglassses at aliexpress oferd for 14 15 $ or even much less genuine
@davidspeer82307 жыл бұрын
Those are Chinese Knock-off's. Don't Bother. AO had spring steel like alloy frames and Hardened optical Glass lenses. I have had one Pair for over 20 years and are still going strong. Cannot say that about the knock=off's.
@Misfer9099 жыл бұрын
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
@akki0159 жыл бұрын
Go to ali express. These are available for 6-7$ with worldwide shipping. The only cath is you have to wait for 15-30 days.
@havelock2859 жыл бұрын
+akshay tanwar are they real?
@akki0159 жыл бұрын
Kheltick u can't get real for 6$. they are what you call good fakes. i had to order them bc the real ones weren't available for delivery in my country from amazon.
@buggavenkat8 жыл бұрын
Great review!. May I know the color of your lenses and was the frame a matte or silver? Plz do reply
@clubkboy9 жыл бұрын
How do you know it's fake? I want to buy a pair second hands, but not sure whether it's fake.
@vijeeshmenon19827 жыл бұрын
Brieul : Hello. scan the barcode that you'll observe on the case to know about the whereabouts of the product. It'll give you information on the date and site of manufacturing. That way you'll come to know. Hope this helps.
@kockgunner9 жыл бұрын
Is there a polarized version of these?
@ImplicitFlower9 жыл бұрын
***** Yes
@jdoe66385 жыл бұрын
To the moon? Hahahahaha. You re hilariously gullible not my friend.
@billytoohey88874 жыл бұрын
He's actually correct. So that makes you a fuckwit.