The ultimate swimming googles buying guide
Choosing a pair of goggles can be hard. There are plenty of goggles to choose from, having a variety of choices is great, but a wide selection can also be overwhelming. To help you choose the perfect goggles, I have listed a few things to keep in mind as you buy your next pair of goggles. Here are some key factors worth considering while shopping for your next pair of goggles:
Swimming Goggles Use
Use is the first factor that helps buyers determine which swimming goggles to purchase. Manufacturers often produce goggles specifically for competition or training. Learning the difference between these types of swimming goggles can help swimmers choose the right one for different occasions.
Competition
Performance takes priority when it comes to competition goggles. In order to swim as fast as possible, swimmers need to have the least water resistance possible. Competitive swimming goggles therefore have a very low profile, including a narrow frame the eyes and lenses that are close to the eye sockets. This design can put a lot of tension on the eye sockets over a long time, but this factor does often not imply on competitive goggles because they are only used for short periods of time.
Training
Training swimming goggles draw attention to comfort over performance when it comes to their fit. They often have soft, flat silicone outside of the eye sockets, relieving pressure on the sockets while keeping water out of the goggles. This causes the goggles to produce more water drag. If the swimmer is not racing, the time it adds is often not a problem.
Goggle Size
Goggles come in all shapes and sizes. These classifications reflect both socket size and lens.
Socket size indicates the size of the goggle lens.. Some goggles have a smaller eye socket. Some swimmers do not prefer small eye socket goggles (like, Swedish goggles) because they can be harsh on the nose bone. Large eye socket goggles do not fit into your eye socket, they therefore rely on some kind of function device (e.g. silicone, foam, rubber). My personal preference is a large socket because the small socket can cause pain on the orbital bone, but I encourage you to try both socket sizes before making a final decision.
Lens size is the size of the lens through which the swimmer sees. A larger lens allows swimmers to see more, they allow a wide angle view (a more “natural vision”). Small lenses allow the swimmer to focus more on e.g. their race by limiting their field of vision.
Sight
Nearly all googles come with anti-fog and UV protection. The final thing to consider while buying new goggles is the color of the lens.
Clear- These are designed for low light, overcast conditions where maximum visibility is required. Suited for indoor use.
Lilac- Designed for the best contrast for objects against blue and green objects. Suited for both indoor and outdoor use.
Smoke- designed to reduce light transmission and lower the overall brightness. Best suited to outdoor swimming – perfect in the sun.
Amber – designed to enhance vision in low-light levels and reduce glare in high light levels. Suited to indoor or outdoor use.
Blue – designed to allow a moderate level of light into the eye but maintain protection from glare in bright conditions. Suited to indoor or outdoor use.
Mirrored – designed to reduce brightness and glare with mirrored coated applied to tinted lens. Suited to outdoor use.
Summary
So when browsing for new goggles, ask yourself these questions:
What is most comfortable?
How much do I need to see to feel comfortable in practice or a race?
Will I wear these goggles to race or to train?
The answers to these questions will help you in selecting the perfect goggles.
Down below, I offer you a simple list where I have listed some of my favorite googles:
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