Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal Sunglasses - Your choice in color and frame size $69 free shipping!

so.. what's a good alternative?

I agree. Their "expertise" is really Marketing AND Monopoly. When Ray-Ban lenses were made by Bausch and Lomb, they were some of the best lenses around. Now, they put in decent lenses but the prices are even higher, even accounting for inflation. It's a huge Monopoly they are running by cornering the "eyewear" market.

FYI, Costco is a good place to get sunglasses, if you find a style you like. Typical Ray Bans are 60-80 dollars. They have a large assortment of brands (sadly, most by Luxottica), so almost no matter what you buy, you are buying this company's brand.

Go to Costco (their membership is worth it). They actually have many of the top brands their, including Ray Bans at this price. I personally like Maui Jims. MJ lens are all polarized and usually about $80-100 at Costco. If you like driving glasses, Serrengetti have polarized and photochromatic lens for about $80 too (retails for twice that).

Not a fan of warehouse clubs. You end up spending more than saving. Nobody just goes in there and buys only what they need. Plus, to pay to shop is ridiculous. Never will join Sams, Costco, whatever. I also have a tough time believe they have this Rayban model in stock for $69.

confirmed, glasses are the real deal