I finally got sick of my goggles and caved and bought one of these. my initial reaction was that it did look kinda funny, but i went with the mirrored lenses to make up some of the “dorkyness”
once i got in the water though, i dont care WHAT they look like…they were amazing!!!
i could see! it was a huge change. i havent done an outdoor triathlon before, but i think i will be glad this summer after buying these.
anyone had any problems with them that i should watch out for? or any special ways to care for them to make them last longer?
Get the photochromatic lense for all light conditions. Rinse well after the pool to keep the chlorine from prematurely damaging the seals. I’ve been using my Seal goggle for over 2 years and still going strong.
I would say to anyone thinking about getting these, be sure to borrow a pair and go for a quick swim with them… I bought a pair and they leaked all of the time… I tried to sell them to a friend of mine but they leaked like crazy for him too.
The people that like them… they work really really well… if they don’t fit you might as well wear nothing…
anyone want to buy a photochromic lense seal mask?
I have had many pairs of Seal masks over the past few years (5 or 6 years) and I must say that out of the 10 pairs I had, about 3 were leaking and the others were fine. When you go to the shop, try all the pairs and see which one “sucks” best to your face. That’ll prevent you in most cases from buying one of the “bad” ones.
I don’t have an explanation for this though.
Laurent
Taku enters a bar and the bartender offers him a drink. Taku answers “sure, as long as it doesn’t leak”.
In addition to the Seal Mask, you might also want to check out the Kaimen goggle from Aqua Sphere. It offers similar visibility in a smaller goggle. I’ve used both and think they’re great. Many smaller adults also report being able to use the kids size Kaimen goggle.
Don’t work well with very narrow thin face(the seal seems to leak). They don’t last long if used in clorine, I get about 3 months then they leak. The other people I swim with have had the same experiences. I did try the TYR brand it seals alot worse, I never could get it to work on my narrow face
I have been looking for a pair of goggles that wont leak. I have a narrow face also and have thought of trying the kaiman goggles. Anyone else have any good suggestions of what might work well? Thanks for the help.
The seal mask is the only thing that has never leaked for me. I tried a half dozen or so different kinds of regular goggles from various mfg and they all leaked. I’ve been using the mask for about 2 years and never any problems. They’re great in open water swims too. When mine finally wear out I will get the photochromatic.
Contact Aquasphere, you can either exchange them for a different type of goggle, like the Kaiman, or get a brand new pair, or maybe get a refund (I can’t remember if I was offered one). I talked to them last fall about my leaky goggles, and their customer service was great. They should do something to make you happy.
Kevin, I felt the same way you did, I may look like a bug but I am a whole lot more comfortable, and no Racoon eyes at work. The only problem is finding a suitable case to protect them in my bag. I am going by a dive shop today I will stop in and ask if they have something that will work.
I had a pair, and they worked great for awhile, but they eventually warped just slightly enough to leak. I think they’re pretty sensitive to heat.
I’ve since switched to the Aquasphere Kaimans, and I love them. But since they’re made out of the same stuff, they have a similar heat-sensitivity, so I try to keep them cool.
I’ve been using my current pair seal mask in the pool for about a year now, with no leaks. I usually take them into the shower and wash them off with soap to get all the chlorine off. Word of caution- if you soap them up you can pop the lens out and they are an absolute PAIN to get back in. I got so frustrated the second time this happend that I almost threw them away and bought a new pair. Just rub the lenses gently and you should be OK. The only other probem that I’ve had is some fogging because they trap such a large volume of air. A little spit usually fixes this problem, though.
I have a narrow face and had problems with the Seal Mask leaking. I loved the size and visibility of the Kaimens but they leaked for me also. Finally I found Lane 4 Oxygen Ice. These things are great: they fit my face, which Tom will tell you is important. They have fairly deep sockets, so if a little water does get in it tends not to splash around my eyes, which is good because I wear contacts and can’t afford to lose one in the wash. They have good all around visibility with just enough shading for bright light situations, like when the sun is coming up on your right side and you’re a right side breather. Love’em.
I only used mine for a couple of months, but the leaking was due to my inadequately sized face, not chlorine breakdown. I don’t think I’d race in something I didn’t train in. Since I found the Lane 4 goggles, I haven’t had any goggle problems.
I’ve been using my latest pair in the pools for over 2 years now with no problems with chlorine breakdown, although I do wash them off after each use. I’m not sure if the washing off does anything or not but it only takes a few seconds.