When it comes to gray lenses, the Randolph American Gray checks all the right boxes. It’s not a game-changer, but it delivers exactly what you expect — true-to-life color, balanced contrast, and dependable sun protection.
Check out the American Gray lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Randolph's website).
If you want to know more about how gray lenses work, click here.
In This Review
Lens Specs | Randolph Engineering American Gray |
Technology | SkyTech Glass |
Lens Color | Gray |
Mirror Color | N/A |
VLT | Polarized 15%, Non-Polarized 18% Category 3 |
ABBE | 58 |
Coatings | Anti-reflective, Scratch-resistant, Oleophobic, Hydrophobic, UV, Infrared and Blue-light blocking |
Material | Glass |
Weight | Moderate |
Scratch Resistance | High |
Prescription Available | Yes, but not in glass |
3 |
The clarity of the American Gray lens is top-notch, Randolph does a great job with their glass lenses.
The lens has every coating you could ask for, and some other ones, too: anti-reflective, Scratch-resistant, Oleophobic (oil repellent), Hydrophobic (water repellent), UV, and Blue-light blocking.
It also included Infrared blocking, which is not typical for most other premium brands but doesn't really provide much of a proven benefit. Most sunglass lenses naturally block a portion of infrared radiation, especially glass lenses. Unlike UV rays, IR radiation does not cause sunburn or cataracts. The eye’s natural lens and cornea already filter out much of the IR radiation, so the added benefit for eye health is minimal. IR blocking can reduce the sensation of heat on your face and around your eyes, which might feel more comfortable on hot days. For most users, the benefit is subtle. If you’re in a hot, sunny environment for extended periods (like deserts, snowfields, or high elevations), you might feel cooler with IR-blocking lenses. But for everyday use, it’s unlikely you’ll notice a big difference compared to standard polarized or UV-blocking lenses. Either way, there is no harm in having it included.
Unlike other brands like Serengeti, Maui Jim, and Costa, Randolph does not say anywhere that they use thinner-than-average glass lenses to reduce weight. Though they are by no means feather-light, they are not particularly heavy.
There is no color-enhancing tech in the lenses, but for a classic gray lens that doesn't matter very much, as the point is to get a natural, neutral view.
Is it eligible for prescription?
Yes, Randolph recently began offering prescription lenses. They have options for polycarbonate, Trivex, and High Index, with their coatings included.
For non-prescription, Check out the American Gray lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Randolph's website).
How does the lens look?
The front has a standard gray look, with no mirror.
The back has a blue shine from the anti-reflective coating. The view through the lens is a classic gray, with no tilting towards blue or green like other grays may do. I often use this lens to show people what a classic gray lens with premium materials and coatings looks like.
What does the view look like?
This is, in my opinion, the quintessential gray lens. There is no color-enhancing tech, and no tint tilt towards blue, gray, or rose like some other brands have. This is a smooth, classic gray that removes glare and keeps the view perfectly neutral.
The visible light transmission of the American Gray is slightly on the higher side, meaning it is not a very dark lens. Non-polarized at 18% and polarized at 15% means this lens has a bit of variability to it, as it will not be the darkest lens in high sunlight when you might want that, but will be light enough that slightly cloudy conditions do not feel too dark.
This makes sense to me because most gray lenses are on the darker side and only work well in full bright sun but perform poorly anywhere else. For someone who doesn't want the color altering of a brown or rose lens, which typically work better in variable conditions, this lens is a good option.
Sunny Conditions
These photos are what Randolph has used to show the view. Keep in mind that photos will never look as good as the real view looking through the sunglasses with your own eyes.
Interested in experiencing the American Gray lens for yourself? Check out the lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Randolph's website).
The above is from the simulation for the Atlantic Blue lens (which is the same view as the Gray lens, as the mirror has no optical effect here). The sky will be a bit darker in reality.
These photos are accurate to what the view is. A classic gray.
Cloudy Conditions
Gray lenses aren't the best choice for overcast or mixed lighting. Since they dim light without enhancing colors, they can make the environment feel flat and lifeless. That being said, as mentioned above, the American Gray, even in polarized, let in a higher amount of light than other gray lenses and will do better in brighter overcast conditions.
Optimal and Suboptimal Viewing Conditions
Gray lenses excel in bright, sunny conditions, providing consistent comfort over extended periods. Unlike other tints, gray lenses preserve true-to-life color perception, reducing the need for your brain to "recalibrate" how objects appear. This natural alignment with our color memory minimizes eye fatigue, making gray lenses feel more natural, even after hours of wear. The American Gray lens stands out as one of the best for this purpose.
Color memory refers to our brain's ability to remember how objects are supposed to look and automatically adjust for them. Since gray lenses maintain accurate color perception, they prevent dissonance in how we see familiar objects, like the sky or greenery. Other tints, like amber or green, can make colors look warmer or cooler than usual, which can be disorienting over time. This is one of the key reasons gray lenses feel so “right” during prolonged use.
The American Gray lens works well in full sun but struggles a bit in cloudy or mixed-light conditions. Gray lenses reduce brightness without enhancing contrast or color, which can make overcast days feel flat and lifeless. For driving, this can be a drawback since weather conditions often change on the road. Warmer tints or contrast-enhancing lenses (like copper, brown, or rose) keep you more alert by improving depth perception and clarity in variable lighting. However, if you live in a hot, sunny climate where clear skies are the norm, the American Gray can be a reliable all-day driving lens.
Beaches, deserts, and other sun-drenched environments are where the American Gray lens truly shines. It’s a no-fuss option for all-day wear, especially for those who aren't particularly sensitive to bright light. Unlike high-contrast or intensely polarized lenses, which can feel "too strong," gray lenses strike a balance between protection and natural vision. For vacationers and beachgoers, they offer dependable comfort without the visual fatigue that other tints can cause.
The American Gray lens is a classic, versatile option for full-sun environments. While it’s not the best for overcast weather or mixed lighting, it’s a top-tier choice for long, bright days. If you drive frequently in unpredictable weather, consider a warmer tint or a mirrored gray lens. But if your world is mostly sun-soaked, the American Gray could be the only lens you’ll ever need.
Personally, I find the American Gray not ideal for me, but not because it is bad in any way. I own so many lenses of so much variety that I prefer to wear darker lenses in bright sun, and warmer lenses like brown or rose in overcast. But if I only owned one lens and I lived in a mostly sunny place, I don't think it would occur to me to even look for anything different. Even now, I still wear this lens fairly often because the style of the aviator is so cool.
Sports
In full sun, gray lenses are fine for sports but not the best choice. Since gray lenses are neutral, they don’t evoke feelings of energy or warmth. When playing sports, you want a lens that makes everything feel vibrant and dynamic. For this, a brown or rose lens is a better option. Brown and rose lenses also provide a lot more color enhancement and contrast which are advantageous for sports.
Gray lenses shine in water sports and fishing. Their true color clarity and glare reduction (especially when polarized) make it easier to spot fish beneath the water's surface. The natural color balance also reduces eye strain during long hours on reflective water, keeping your vision sharp and your eyes comfortable.
While glass lenses offer exceptional clarity and scratch resistance, they aren't the safest option for sports. Glass is more prone to shattering on impact, posing a potential hazard to your eyes. For sports, polycarbonate or Trivex lenses are a better choice since they’re lightweight, impact-resistant, and provide excellent optical clarity.
Interested in experiencing the American Gray lens for yourself? Click here to buy on Amazon.
Comparison to the same brand - Randolph Engineering
Randolph Engineering AGX/Cobalt
A dark, soothing green lens that works better than the Gray in full sun, but performs poorly in overcast conditions. I really enjoy the AGX/Cobalt in very bright sun. The Cobalt is the AGX with a spectacular blue mirror on top. The mirror does not change the view.
Randolph Engineering American Tan
American Tan is a reddish brown lens that has a low VLT (11%) while still adding significant contrast. In full sun it works well, though feels much too hot in comparison to the Gray. The Tan performs much better than the Gray in overcast conditions, but only average compared to other brown lenses, thriving in bright haze or mostly sunny with passing clouds.
Randolph Engineering Atlantic Blue
Also a neutral gray view, as the mirror has no effect on the view, the Atlantic Blue has a beautiful blue mirror with nylon SkyForce lenses instead of glass. If you want a Randolph, and want a gray lens view, and do not want glass, this is the lens for you.
Comparison to Gray Lenses of Different Brands
Maui Jim Neutral Grey
The Neutral Grey lens is arguably the best gray lens available on the market with greens, reds, and blues all boosted with exceptional clarity. That feat is very hard to do on a gray lens as there is no natural color shift that a color tint would normally provide. It is still not that far off from the American Gray, as both have premium glass and all coatings. I own both and I usually choose between them mainly based on frame choice, as they are both great gray lenses.
See here for the full Maui Jim Neutral Grey review.
Costa Del Mar 580G Grey
Unlike many brands that focus primarily on enhancing the visual spectrum for picturesque views, Costa prioritizes comfort in extremely bright environments. The way the Costa Grey lens removes glare is fantastic, and it is among the best gray lenses I have tried. It will be more comfortable than the Randolph in full sun, but less useful in mixed conditions. The 10% visible light transmission feels even darker than that.
See here for the full Costa Del Mar 580 Grey review.
Smith Chromapop Glass Grey
Very Similar to the Costa grey lens, an excellent color-boosting lens with exceptional clarity. If you want the lens but do not like any Costa frames, this can be a great alternative.
Conclusion - Randolph American Gray Lens Review - Should you buy it?
The Randolph American Gray lens is a classic, no-nonsense option for those seeking true-to-life color, exceptional clarity, and reliable sun protection. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it delivers on everything you expect from a high-quality gray lens. Its natural color balance minimizes eye strain, making it comfortable for long-term wear in bright, sunny conditions.
If you’re looking for an all-weather, all-purpose lens, there may be better choices — especially if you drive frequently in mixed light or cloudy conditions. But for those who prioritize natural, neutral color perception and a classic aesthetic, the American Gray lens is a timeless choice. It’s a lens that stays true to its roots — clean, clear, and consistent.
If you're interested in trying out the American Gray lens, you can find it on Amazon, often at a lower price than Randolph's official website.
