Ray Ban Aviator Large Metal Sunglasses
The Original Aviator, Built for More Than Style
The Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal is the frame that started it all. Originally engineered in 1937 to protect US military pilots from high-altitude glare, the Aviator has since become one of the most recognized silhouettes in eyewear history. This is not a trend piece. It is a precision-made metal frame that earns its place on any face, at any altitude, in any light.
The teardrop pilot lens profile delivers generous coverage, while the slim metal construction keeps the frame lightweight and refined. Adjustable nose pads let you dial in a personalized fit, and the classic double bridge is as functional as it is iconic.
Metal Frame Construction
The frame is built entirely from metal, giving it the durability and flexibility to handle daily wear without adding unnecessary bulk. The slim temples terminate in clear comfort tips, and the barrel hinges are engineered to hold their tension over years of use. The pilot (teardrop) shape sits comfortably on a wide range of face shapes, offering broad lens coverage without overwhelming proportions.
Lens Options and Light Control
The Aviator Large Metal is offered with several distinct lens treatments, each suited to different light environments and aesthetic preferences.
Mirror lenses add a reflective coating over the base lens, reducing visible light transmission and providing extra protection in bright, open environments like the beach, water, or high-altitude settings. The mirrored surface also gives the wearer a bold, statement look that has defined the Aviator's modern identity.
Gradient lenses transition from a darker tint at the top of the lens to a lighter tint at the bottom, offering natural light management that suits driving and general outdoor use.
Crystal lenses (such as the G-15 green and crystal brown options) are ground from optical-grade glass, delivering exceptional optical clarity and color fidelity. The G-15 lens, in particular, has been a Ray-Ban signature for decades, transmitting only 15% of light while maintaining true color perception.
Frame Dimensions
The Large Metal is sized to deliver substantial coverage. The hinge-to-hinge measurement is 137mm, the lens height is 50.1mm, the bridge width is 58/14mm, and the temple length is 135mm. These proportions make it the Aviator for wearers who prefer a more commanding, face-filling fit.
Why Buy from Island Water Sports
Island Water Sports has carried premium eyewear for decades, serving South Florida's water-focused community with brands that perform in real sun and surf conditions. Ray-Ban is the global leader in the premium eyewear market, and the Aviator Large Metal is available in store and online with the full range of frame and lens configurations.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
Returns are eligible within 30 days of receiving your order. Return shipping labels are FREE for IWS Beach Club Members. See more
Specifications
- Model
- Aviator Large Metal (RB3025)
- Frame Shape
- Pilot (teardrop)
- Frame Material
- Metal
- Fitting
- Regular
- Hinge to Hinge
- 137mm
- Lens Height
- 50.1mm
- Bridge Width
- 58/14mm
- Temple Length
- 135mm
- Nose Pads
- Adjustable
- Heritage
- Original design 1937, US military pilot eyewear
- Brand
- Ray-Ban
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal sunglasses polarized?
- Select lens configurations of the Aviator Large Metal are available with polarized lenses. The variant picker on this page shows the specific lens treatment for each option. Polarized lenses eliminate horizontal glare reflected off water, roads, and other flat surfaces, making them a strong choice for boating, fishing, and driving.
- What is the difference between the Aviator Large Metal and the Aviator Large Metal II?
- The Aviator Large Metal (RB3025) and Aviator Large Metal II (RB3026) share the same iconic pilot silhouette and metal construction. The RB3026 features a slightly larger lens size, making it the bigger of the two frames. Both use the same adjustable nose pad system and double-bridge design.
- What does the G-15 lens in the Aviator mean?
- G-15 refers to a specific lens formulation that transmits approximately 15% of visible light. It is ground from optical-quality glass and delivers outstanding color accuracy and optical clarity. The G-15 green tint is one of Ray-Ban's original and most storied lens options, developed alongside the Aviator frame itself.
- What is the difference between mirror and gradient lenses on the Aviator?
- Mirror lenses feature a reflective coating that bounces light away from the eye, reducing overall light transmission and providing strong protection in high-glare environments. Gradient lenses are darker at the top and progressively lighter toward the bottom, which suits everyday outdoor use and driving while allowing clearer downward vision.
- How do I adjust the fit of the Aviator Large Metal?
- The Aviator Large Metal features adjustable nose pads that can be gently repositioned to customize the frame's sit on the bridge of your nose. For more significant adjustments to the temple angle or bridge width, any optical professional or eyewear retailer can make precise metal-frame adjustments.
- What is the frame measurement of the Aviator Large Metal?
- The Aviator Large Metal has a hinge-to-hinge width of 137mm, a lens height of 50.1mm, a bridge width of 58/14mm, and temple lengths of 135mm. These dimensions make it a generous, face-filling fit within the Aviator family.
- Where can I buy Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal sunglasses?
- The Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal is available through Island Water Sports in store and online. Island Water Sports has served South Florida's eyewear and water-sports community for decades and carries the full range of Aviator frame and lens combinations.