I was seriously following this thread for headset recommendations. But, it has morphed into the funniest thread I’ve read this week. I hadn’t thought about flashlights, but now I want the one Chris linked.
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Since sunglasses came up, I will share that I do wear prescription sunglasses. I used non-polarized so as to not interfere with the LCD screens and I have gradient tint lenses, which means that the lenses are darker not he top portion than they are on the bottom portion. I really like this as it blocks out more of the light from outside, but when I look down at the instruments it lets more light in and I can see them more clearly. I never wore this type when I flew Boeings, but Airbus screens seem to be dimmer, so I find that this helps.
Chris
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Brian,
I am glad we could bring some levity to this. As you can see, pilots are passionate about their headsets, flashlights, and especially their watches.
Chris
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Chris,
I rock a gradient/non-polarized lens as well when it comes to my sunglasses. I think it’s important to have some protection to the eyes, they’re important to us. On days when it’s cloudy and then you get above the overcast layer, it’s bright…the sunglasses help with adjusting I think.
Brady
Ok I’ll jump in on the sunglasses. Full disclosure, I LOVE sunglasses! Honestly I don’t know how many pairs I have but it’s alot! As all have said non-polarized is key and I also prefer straight temples so they can easily slide on and off with a headset on.
When it comes to brands as I said I have alot and that includes everything from Ray-Ban’s to Maui Jim’s to Oakley’s, etc etc etc. It’s really a personal preference and what you think looks cool but my favs for the cockpit are actually my Serengeti’s. They come in a variety of styles but I find their Driver lenses work best in a variety of conditions and do an exceptional job of cutting glare.
Who’s next?
Adam
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Adam,
I checked out the Serengeti’s, they’re pretty cool. It would only make sense that you have the Maui Jim’s that your based in Hawaii, I looked them up as well and they look pretty sweet. How do they fit/feel when wearing them? I have the Flying Eyes’ Kingfisher, super thin and lightweight…they fit really well under my David Clarke headset 
.
Brady
Brady,
Both Maui Jim and Serengeti have a large variety of styles which obviously will vary in fit and comfort. It’s really a matter of finding the ones you like.
Adam
What’s an affordable option to start with as far as headsets other than Bose?
Marwan,
I am a big fan of the David Clarke headsets, they are far more affordable and are of good quality.
Chris
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Thank you Chris
To bring back the watch discussion; I recently just learned about modern pilot watches. I had no idea such things existed. To be clear, I would mercilessly mock any First Officer that showed up wearing one of these, but I would also secretly want to try it out.
Powerful aviation features
Garmin’s popular direct-to navigation is one touch away, and the Nearest feature finds the closest airport in seconds. A color moving map display shows nearby navaids, airspace, intersections, and ground features—even NEXRAD radar and METARs when connected to your smartphone. You can wirelessly transfer flight plans from the Garmin Pilot app to the MARQ Aviator so you’re always in sync, then navigate with a dedicated HSI screen and automatically log your flight for viewing on flyGarmin.com. It’s like having a full aviation GPS on your wrist.
- Aviation functions include dynamic color mapping, NEXRAD weather, airport data, automatic flight logging, alerts, connectivity with select avionics and more
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You’re a Boeing Capt making the big bucks, go for it!
Adam
Ooo, that’s pretty cool. I’m a tech nerd though 
I even found a female version for all the lady aviators
Hannah, I’m not sure that’s appro…ahhhh who I’m I kidding. 
Adam
@Adam the tech is cool but I won’t be wearing that brick on my wrist! Hah good on Garmin for making an alternative:)
Hannah I understand. Years ago I wanted a Breitling Emergency. Don’t know if you’re familiar but it’s got a built in ELT. Problem is to activate it, you need to pull out a 6’ antenna that’s spooled inside the watch so the watch sat a good inch off your wrist and weighed a ton. I passed.
Adam
Actually, I bought my Captain watch last summer, a Vacheron Constantin Overseas.
Stock photo of caseback
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Very shnazzy! But you can never have too many!
Adam