| If you're not familiar with the Australian-made
Eagle Eyes sunglasses, designed specifically for soaring pilots, you
need to know that they've been around since the early '80s, are the
absolute dog's parts in terms of pilot-friendly eye protection and
superb clarity, and are again being imported into the UK, by Johnny
Carr.
The Eagle Eyes fomula is a tint specification aimed at protecting
the eyes from the high levels of radiation found at altitude, while
improving the visibility of cloud formations. The lenses give 100%
UV and 80% infra-red blocking, but the enhanced view of the sky
has to be seen to be believed. Until recenty the frames were of
the utilatarian variety, but the most recent ones will cut it in
any fashion-conscious environment.
The latest model to arrive is a close-fitting goggle with an elasticated
strap. These really hug the head, rather in the manner of swimming
goggles, and admit no light that isn't filtered. The view is the
usual spectacular accentuation of cloudscapes, with uniform greys
and whites turning into infinitely detailed densities with sharp
outlines. Sailplane pilots have been using shades like these, such
as 'Suntigers', for years, and they really do increase your perception
of any cloud mass.
The goggles are comfortable to wear, and look pretty cool if like
the Everest look.
These goggles are the usual, excellent Eagle Eyes prescription
in a new format. They are superb at what they do and won't fall
off, though they may not fit round every helmet configuration. They'll
probably double very well as skiing goggles. I've used Eagle Eyes
for years and I really rate them, as so a large number of British
Championship pilots.
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