Just realized not too long ago that I might be able to swap arms from a set of Lahaina sunglasses onto the Frigates. Both pairs of rimless sunglasses used the same style of hardware and mounting on them appeared similar. Since I had both pairs, I disassembled them to check and it worked. So now my go to sunglasses are the best of both pairs. Although kind of a pricey setup... But I like the larger lenses of the Frigate and the hinges/arms of the Lahaina. The Frigate arms will fold to the point they rub the inside of the lenses which will lead to damage of the coatings on the backside of the lenses (anti reflective, oleophobic, etc).
I've had a pair of Smith Colson's for the last year. They are fantastic and have I have no complaints about them. Particularly because I got them at an REI garage sale for over half off. Best sunglasses I've ever used and they fit my big head ridiculously well!
I have two pair of prescription shades. One are a pair of Costa Blackfins, and the other are Ray-Ban Predator 2's.
Prescription Oakley Transitions and cheapo Foster Grant Ironman non-prescription. I also have some non-prescription transitions for the bicycle.
Maui Jim Kahi MJ H736-25w Matte Brown Wood Grain polarized They have amber lenses so are great for driving. If you've ever come across the SunBum sunscreen products, their wood grain pattern and color closely match that of the Maui's.
I wear cheap clip-ons that fit over my regular glasses, that way I'm not too bothered if they get scratched, bent, or lost. I keep a pair in the house for when I need to work outside, a pair in the truck for driving, and a pair in my EDC bag for other occasions. They're reasonably durable, and polarized, so I cant really ask for more at less than $10 apiece.
Marsos, Can you give me some of the reasons why (besides the warranty) you like the Randolph's? I'll keep them in mind when I'm in the market again. thanks!
I'll do my best....echo first, they are hand made, and made to your size face, bridge of the nose and and to fit the ear. and if you need help from them to get everything right, they spend as much time with you till you are sure there specs are just correct, I think they spent over 30 minutes with me on the phone helping with everything after all that is done they make your frames.. what it even better that all that is the optics and the quality of the lenses, amazing before i found out about Randolphs I was wearing Costa Del Mar sunglasses and the are also awaesome when i had both companies with the same tint and color lenses and i could do the A/B thing, the Randolphs are the clear winner my brother is also a die hard Costa fan and said no way,, then he did the A/B test, he looked at me and said this is the first sunglasses I ever looked thru that is way better than my Costa's the price difference between the two are not that different. hope this helps
Marsos, thanks very much! I currently have 2 pair of Maui Jims. I like them but am always looking for something superior when the time comes to replace. I had heard of Smith Optics, but never Randolph. I will definitely keep them in mind!
I’ll echo what Marsos says here..., and I’m coming from a point of “experience” in sunglasses...my collection has been over 100 pair and north of $20,000 in total cost at times. I have/have had all major brands, regardless of price, and my collection is moving to being almost exclusively Randolph. Currently have 6 pair in rotation, with 2 more in route. Best quality and overall customer service I’ve had. It’s not often you get to deal directly with the owners of a company, which I’ve had the pleasure of doing for a bit now. But behind Randolph, in terms of quality of the optics, I’d put Kaenon, Smith Optics, and then Maui Jim as my top 4.
Chris, do you think it's safe to buy them, sight-unseen? I mean from the standpoint of fit. Not really any dealers anywhere near me (NJ). I avoid going into Manhattan if at all possible. It's a pain in the a**, pure and simple.
I think so, as long as you have a current pair of a similar style, any brand, that you know the measurements of (lens width, bridge width, and temple length) and can match up closely with an offering from Randolph. One beauty of Randolph is that they usually offer multiple sizes in their models, especially the staples/most popular models like the Aviator and the Concorde.
Here in Northern Virginia it seems we've bypassed spring and are into early summer... this week I've broken out the mirrored Ray Ban aviators. Go rather well with my white straw Stetson... Boss Hawg would be so proud of me, as would the Gator (aka Burt Reynolds). Am Yisrael Chai! Moshe ben David
