But gradient lenses don't look as cool as mirror.

I'm all seriousness where is everyone getting their serengetis? I feel that sunglasses are something you have to try on before a purchase and I don't see them in retail anywhere.

 

Flight Sunglasses | Serengeti Sunglasses | Pilot & Driver Sunglasses | Free Shipping

Serengeti Velocity Drivers Gradient Non-Polarized

 

I use Rudy rydons with light brown none polarized.

 

Oakley vr28 iridiums. Do not try to wear polarized in anything past a light twin. Nothing against Serengeti's but...

 

+1 Oakley VR28 non-polarized.

They've got a great LE/Military program. AD/Guard/Reserve/Retired are eligible. Steep discount on prescription/non-prescription lenses.

Oakley Military & Government Sales

 

Photo-chromatic lenses? I know Oakley makes them for many frames. Basically transition lenses. Expensive, but at least in changing sunlight throughout the day, it would adjust.
Personally I currently use the mirror raybans, but the shade of the lenses is actually a light grey, but mirror on the outside. Good enough shade for me when in bright light, not too dark for when in indirect light, like at high noon. Nothing I have ever tried has worked "good" when flying right at the sun, or with the sun over my should blasting glare on the PFD. Just gotta deal with it.
As for polarized, dont get them. Electrically heated windshields will look like an oil spill, and they can also mess with what you see electronic displays. Not 100% sure how, but they do. They also reduce or rather block all shimmer/shine of objects. Great for fishing on a sunny day, sucks for finding airplanes visually in busy airspace. So that along with the windshield thing makes them impractical in modern airliners.

 

So where's everyone trying on their serengetis?

 

http://flightsunglasses.com

I just ordered some from there. A WN guy runs it, I talked to him on the phone for a little, nice guy. He has good prices and ships for free, he mentioned he has a few mini stores in some WN hubs. I've tried a few on in the past from other pilots, obviously you can't do that online...

 

Do you know which WN hubs he has stores in?

 

I've been wearing polarized in the bus for over a year with no problems. Sometimes get the oil spill at altitude but that's it. Work great on T/O and landing.