BUYER'S GUIDE
BUYER'S GUIDE
Looking for more detail on our policies or more information?
All Flying Eyes are prescription compatible! For optimum clarity and safety, we recommend asking your optician to use Trivex lenses – an exceptionally clear, lightweight, and impact-resistant material – a perfect complement lens to your Flying Eyes.
Product FAQs
I (fly airplanes, ride motorcycles, etc…), and I’m wondering which frame style would be best for me?
All of our glasses are designed specifically for use with a headset or helmet. They’re all extremely comfortable, so it just comes down to personal preference. See the Style Guide below for some advice based on activity or give us a call/text at (512) 213-2390 for some live human help. All of our glasses are guaranteed to be perfect for you. So, when you receive your Flying Eyes glasses, once you try them on, if you decide that you’d prefer another style, just send them back and we’ll happily exchange them. The only cost would be any difference in the frame cost compared to the version you initially purchased.
Are Flying Eyes available for men and women?
Yes! All of our frame styles look great on both men and women.
Can you do prescription lenses in house?
Yes! Putting prescription lenses into sunglass frames is complicated since the lenses have many curves to them. Because of this, it requires additional measurements that must be done while wearing the glasses. It’s for this reason that it’s much easier to have a local optician manage the entire process, but we do offer prescription lenses for those who can't have it done locally or would prefer to do it online.
Visit our Prescription Support page for more information.
I have a large/small head, which frames would be best for me?
See our sizing guide. In general, for wide heads & faces we recommend the Kingfisher, Cooper Aviator, or Luzon. For narrow heads & faces we recommend the Kestrel Aviator or the narrow Golden Eagle frames. We are always working to expand our lineup, so if you can't find a good fit right now, stay tuned for future releases!
Are Flying Eyes available with Polarized lenses?
Yes, we do have some polarized lens options. However, we advise against their use by pilots as they can interfere with viewing PFDs, MFDs and PDAs. While Polarization is excellent for cutting down on glare in places like when on the water, they provide no additional protection from UV rays. And, all of our lenses (even our clear bifocals) already include UV400 protection.
What’s the difference between Solid and Gradient Tint lenses?
The Solid tint lenses are the same amount of tint color and density throughout the entire lens, while the Gradient tint lenses are darker than standard at the top and lighter than standard at the bottom. The gradient is subtle, so outwardly people won’t really notice, but the gradient is very useful for viewing an instrument panel, kneeboard, iPad, etc. while at the same time blocking harsh sunlight through the windshield.
lens guide
While the focus of our mission is frames that fit comfortably and seamlessly under headsets and helmets, we also make sure that we're offering quality lenses that are safe, clear, and true to color.
We strive to provide lenses with excellent clarity without sacrificing durability or color accuracy. Glass tends to be fragile, so we use shatterproof polycarbonate for all of our lenses.
All of our non-prescription lenses are made of shatterproof polycarbonate and are 100% UVA/UVB blocking (even the clear and yellow tints).
Polycarbonate Lenses
WITHOUT TINT
WITH TINT
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The gray hue provides undisturbed color vision while blocking visible light.
VLT: 15.20% (8.43% at top)
Slightly lighter than standard sunglasses with a high contrast, neutral gray tint.
VLT: 14.77%
A darker solid gray tint with a lower visible light transmittance. more similar to a standard sunglass tint.
VLT: 11.41%
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The copper/amber hue provides a reduction in visible light without the darkness of a gray tint.
VLT: 14.59% (10.61% at top)
Solid amber/copper tinting provides a reduction in visible light without the darkness of a gray tint.
VLT: ~13%
Commonly used in the military, this subtle green lens provides solid tinting with minor effect to color vision.
VLT: 15% (Fun Fact: This VLT is what gives the G15 its name!)
Dark blue mirrored lenses from the outside, with a high contrast gradient amber tint on the inside. This lens looks similar to the gradient copper lenses from the inside, and thus allows more visible light penetration than gray lenses.
VLT: 21.14% (12.05% at top)
Dark blue mirrored lenses from the outside, with a high contrast amber tint on the inside. Looks similar to the solid copper lenses from the inside, and thus allows more visible light penetration than gray lenses.
VLT: 12.65%
An angle-specific mirrored red/pink/purple exterior with a light, incredibly-neutral gray interior for accurate color vision and minor reduction of visible light.
VLT: 14.94%
Radiant green mirrored lenses with a reflection similar to an aurora borealis. Color vision looking out from the interior is unaffected by a neutral gray tint.
VLT: 14.57%
Silver mirrored lenses shine like a polished metallic shield protecting your eyesight. Color vision looking out from the interior is unaffected by a dark neutral gray tint. The darker tint provides more relief for sensitivity in bright conditions.
VLT: 12.99%
An angle-specific mirrored red/orange/yellow exterior with a high contrast, neutral rose interior.
The rosy tint makes this lens great for cutting haze and increasing object contrast during activities such as shooting and golfing.
VLT: 15.60%
An angle-specific mirrored purple/green exterior with a high contrast, neutral gray interior.
VLT: 14.94%
Whether you need clear lenses for our Z.87 Safety Rated Golden Eagle Sport or a Blue Blocking clear lens for our Eyeglasses or non-wrap around sunglasses frames, our Clear polycarbonate lenses offer the same UV 400 protection as the rest of our line while giving you a full un-tinted view of the world around you.
*Blue Blocking clear lenses only available in Kestrel, Cooper, Kingfisher, Osprey, and all Clip-On Compatible frames.
VLT: 89.92%
Polarized lenses with a neutral gray tint for blocking glare.
Not recommended for pilots, as they do not provide any additional visible light or UV protections (compared to solid gray lenses), can interfere with panel screens, and can make it difficult to see other aircraft.
VLT: 13.37%
When you don't have a glass panel to worry about, polarized copper lenses can block glare off the road or water. The copper tint allows for a higher light transmittance than a gray lens to make sure you can see in lower-light conditions.
VLT: ~12%
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The gray hue provides undisturbed color vision while blocking visible light.
And with the added benefit of a Bifocal near the bottom of the lens, it can make it easier to read your panel without having to move your head. Bifocal height can be changed in-house if that is something you find that you need once purchased.
+2.0 Bifocal pictured, available in +1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 in all frames
VLT: 15.20% (8.43% at top)
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The copper/amber hue provides a reduction in visible light without the darkness of a gray tint.
And with the added benefit of a Bifocal near the bottom of the lens, it can make it easier to read your panel without having to move your head. Bifocal height can be changed in-house if that is something you find that you need once purchased.
+2.5 Bifocal pictured, available in +1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 in all frames
VLT: 14.59% (10.61% at top)
Dark blue mirrored lenses from the outside, with a high contrast gradient amber tint on the inside. This lens looks similar to the gradient copper lenses from the inside, and thus allows more visible light penetration than gray lenses.
And with the added benefit of a Bifocal near the bottom of the lens, it can make it easier to read your panel without having to move your head. Bifocal height can be changed in-house if that is something you find that you need once purchased.
+1.5 Bifocal pictured, available in +1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 in all frames
VLT: 21.14% (12.05% at top)
Typically purchased in our Ophthalmic frames which have the Magnetic Clip-On sunglass attachments for the outdoors, the Clear Bifocals offer the comfort of having the light weight and flexibility of Flying Eyes glasses when you're not in need of blocking sunlight. Made of polycarbonate, they still offer the same UV 400 protection of our other lenses, and when combined with the Ophthalmic frames, they offer the option to move from indoors to outdoors comfortably just by putting a Clip-On Sunglass attachment on the front of the frame.
+1.0 Bifocal pictured, +1.0 available in our Ophthalmic eyeglasses line as well as +1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 in all frames.
VLT: 89.92%
Clip-On Lens Tints
Gradient Gray Clip
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The gray hue provides undisturbed color vision while blocking visible light.
VLT: estimated 15% (8% at top)
Solid Gray Clip
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The copper/amber hue provides a reduction in visible light without the darkness of a gray tint.
VLT: estimated 16%
Gradient Copper Clip
With a standard tint in the middle, a darker tint to block harsh sunlight at the top, and a lighter tint to make your panel/dashboard more visible, gradient lenses are a popular choice for pilots and drivers. The copper/amber hue provides a reduction in visible light without the darkness of a gray tint.
VLT: 13% (10% at top)
Mirrored Cobalt Clip
With a similar exterior tint as the sunglass Mirrored Sapphire tint, this clip-on version of our mirrored blue lens has a neutral gray interior.
VLT: 17%
Mirrored Ember Clip
With a similar exterior tint as the sunglass Mirrored Rose lenses, this clip-on version of our mirrored red/orange lenses has a neutral gray interior.
VLT: 13.5%
Mirrored Jade
With a similar exterior tint as the sunglass Mirrored Emerald tint, this clip-on version of our mirrored green lens has a neutral gray interior.
VLT: 9%
Polarized Solid Gray
Polarized lenses with a neutral gray tint for blocking glare.
Not recommended for pilots, as they do not provide any additional visible light or UV protections (compared to solid gray lenses), can interfere with panel screens, and can make it difficult to see other aircraft.
VLT: 15.40%
Prescription Try-on Kits
We are excited to be able to offer potential customers the opportunity to try different styles and sizes of our eyewear to find the right fit and test our claims! To ensure your try-on process goes smoothly, please be sure to read and understand the following.
How It Works:
- Pick your try-on kit. We offer a variety of kits so that you can try the pairs you think may fit you and your style the best. Add the relevant kit to your cart for $30 (plus shipping) and check out. Make sure you've created and are logged into your account, as the $30 store credit you'll receive after your purchase will only apply if you are logged in with the same email as your Try-On Kit purchase.
- You will have one week once the shipment is marked as delivered to try them on and send them back. Try-on boxes not in shipment after one week may incur additional charges up to the cost of all four pairs in your kit.
- While you have your kit, use the included Prescription Marking Instructions and provided demo lenses to mark your pupil locations directly on the clear demo lenses of your chosen pair(s) before sending them back. Go ahead and do this if you think you may want to buy such a pair later, and we'll keep your measurements on file so you don't have to start over later! Let us know if you have any issues or questions about this part, and we'll be happy to assist.
- Use the enclosed return shipping label to send the entire kit back to us. If you decide to buy, you'll get a brand new pair and the included kit (hard case, microfiber bag/cloth for storage and cleaning, an informational card, and a Flying Eyes sticker). The pairs we send to try on are genuine Flying Eyes frames, but they are not your final product. You MUST send the entire kit and its contents back to us in excellent condition.
- You will receive a $30 store credit after purchasing a try-on box. You can use this store credit for your future purchase only if you are logged in to the same account on which you purchased the Try-On kit. (Reminder that the $30 charge for this item is non-refundable once your try-on box has been shipped.)
Once we've received your kit back, and made your purchase, we will begin creating your brand new pair of Flying Eyes glasses, customized for you! With this pair of glasses you will receive the full care kit to call your own!
**Unfortunately we cannot ship try-on kits to non-US addresses due to the high cost of shipping, both in postage and customs fees. We're very sorry for the inconvenience. Please use our Find A Store page to see if there is an international retailer near you where you can try on pairs!**
Prescription Try-on Kits
We are excited to be able to offer potential customers the opportunity to try different styles and sizes of our eyewear to find the right fit and test our claims! To ensure your try-on process goes smoothly, please be sure to read and understand the following.
How It Works:
1. Pick your try-on kit. We offer a variety of kits so that you can try the pairs you think may fit you and your style the best. Add the relevant kit to your cart for $30 (plus shipping) and check out. Make sure you've created and are logged into your account, as the $30 store credit you'll receive after your purchase will only apply if you are logged in with the same email as your Try-On Kit purchase.
2. You will have one week once the shipment is marked as delivered to try them on and send them back. Try-on boxes not in shipment after one week may incur additional charges up to the cost of all four pairs in your kit.
3. While you have your kit, use the included Prescription Marking Instructions and provided demo lenses to mark your pupil locations directly on the clear demo lenses of your chosen pair(s) before sending them back. Go ahead and do this if you think you may want to buy such a pair later, and we'll keep your measurements on file so you don't have to start over later! Let us know if you have any issues or questions about this part, and we'll be happy to assist.
4. Use the enclosed return shipping label to send the entire kit back to us. If you decide to buy, you'll get a brand new pair and the included kit (hard case, microfiber bag/cloth for storage and cleaning, an informational card, and a Flying Eyes sticker). The pairs we send to try on are genuine Flying Eyes frames, but they are not your final product. You MUST send the entire kit and its contents back to us in excellent condition.
5. You will receive a $30 store credit after purchasing a try-on box. You can use this store credit for your future purchase only if you are logged in to the same account on which you purchased the Try-On kit. (Reminder that the $30 charge for this item is non-refundable once your try-on box has been shipped.)
Once we've received your kit back, and made your purchase, we will begin creating your brand new pair of Flying Eyes glasses, customized for you! With this pair of glasses you will receive the full care kit to call your own!
Blue skies, tailwinds, and a quiet, comfortable ride!
**Unfortunately we cannot ship try-on kits to non-US addresses due to the high cost of shipping, both in postage and customs fees. We're very sorry for the inconvenience. Please use our Find A Store page to see if there is an international retailer near you where you can try on pairs!**