Persol 649 Original vs Randolph Engineering Aviator
Persol 649 Original ($320) vs Randolph Engineering Aviator ($250) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right sunglasses.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Persol 649 Original | Randolph Engineering Aviator |
|---|
| Price | $320 | $250 |
| Weight | 30g | 40g |
| Frame | Acetate + ground cotton | Metal |
| Hinge | Supreme Arrow Meflecto | — |
| Origin | Agordo, Italy | Massachusetts |
| Lens | Crystal or polycarbonate | Glass |
| UV | 100% UV400 | — |
| Heritage | Since 1957 | — |
| Temples | — | Bayonet |
Pros & Cons
Persol 649 Original
- Italian acetate masterpiece
- Meflecto temples reduce fatigue
- Supreme Arrow hinge trademark
- Proven since 1957
- Cotton + acetate lightweight
- $320 premium
- Keyhole bridge polarizing fit
- Dark lenses limited indoors
Randolph Engineering Aviator
- US military contract
- Glass lenses
- Lifetime warranty
- Heavy
- Aviator style polarizing
Randolph Engineering Aviator is the better value at $250. If weight matters most, Persol 649 Original carries lighter at 30g. Both are part of our curated sunglasses index — tap through to check current pricing.