Due to some interesting medical procedures UV exposure is a "bad
thing" for me. Based on this and the fact we fly higher in the
atmosphere here in Colorado I decided to replace my canopy with one of
Ray Poquette's 98% UV blocking canopies. When I ordered it Ray
talked me into getting a fairly dark brown tint as well. I have
actually been very pleased with it. It does a very nice job of
keeping the cockpit a bit cooler, especially since I tend to fly in
the hotter parts of the west. As noted I find it easier to see my PDA
and I have had no problems seeing my instruments. When I talked to
Ray he thought the tint would "shorten the day" by about 15 min due to
the tint. I think this is pretty accurate. I still wear sunglasses,
but since they don't need to be as dark as before I have a lot more
options on the ones I can use as my eyes have always been a bit
sensitive to bright light.

For a while I had a bit of trouble closing my canopy on hot days. But
I figured out that the new installation was a little tight around the
forward canopy bow. Once I made sure there was a 1/16 inch gap on a
70 degree day with a bit of sanding, I have not had any more
problems. (I do keep a canopy cover on it until I am ready to fly.)

Besides, my daughter thinks my ship looks "really cool" with the dark
canopy

AA