Randolph Engineering Aviator review

Randolph Engineering is the most complete answer for a buyer who wants a classic teardrop aviator built to last. The company describes its frames as military spec and handcrafted in 200 steps, and says it has been a family business for more than 50 years. The Aviator in Gunmetal with AGX lenses starts at $265, and Randolph lists AGX as a polarized glass lens, so the starting pair already has glass and polarization. Its Aviator II product page offers four widths, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm and 61mm, which matters for aviators because the large lens can overwhelm a narrow face or sit tight on a wide one. Randolph covers non-prescription eyewear for 3 years on just about everything, covers solder joints for the lifetime of the frame and gives one free Tune-Up in the first year. The trade-offs are price, since gold-plated versions run to $345 and more, and a warranty that needs proof of purchase from an authorized seller. We compared documented features and published prices; Randolph ranks first for its glass lenses, size range and warranty.

Who it is for

buyers who want the best-made classic metal aviator

Price

Aviator Gunmetal & AGX from $265; Aviator II 23k Gold & AGX $345.

AVIATOR Gunmetal & AGX From $265
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• AGX lens listed as a polarized glass lens
• Aviator II offered in Small (52mm), Regular (55mm), Large (58mm) and XL (61mm)
• Randolph describes the frames as military spec and handcrafted in 200 steps
• Personalized engraving of up to 20 characters on the Aviator II
• One complimentary Tune-Up for eyewear bought within the past year

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 3-year warranty on non-prescription eyewear, with solder joints covered for the lifetime of the frame
• Strength: Four lens widths from 52mm to 61mm
• Strength: In-house repair and tune-up service
• Weakness: Costs more than the Ray-Ban RB3025 and American Optical's nylon version
• Weakness: Gold-plated versions cost more, such as the Aviator II 23k Gold & AGX at $345
• Weakness: Warranty is valid only with proof of purchase from randolphusa.com or an authorized dealer

Key facts

• Starting price: Aviator Gunmetal & AGX, from $265
• Lens: AGX polarized glass
• Sizes: 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 61mm
• Warranty: 3 years; lifetime on solder joints
• Free service: One Tune-Up in the first year

Where it ranks

Randolph Engineering Aviator is No. 1 in our Best Aviator Sunglasses verdict.