Alrighty… not as much fun or sexy as bike stuff, watches/computers/power meters, hell even the Womens seem to have lively discussions on cute race outfits, so here I go.
Goggles. Yep, those.
I’ve had the same pair for four years now and I think they are on their way out. They were decent for pool and great for open water and they are not made anymore. I figure when you leave the pool looking like you went 10 rounds w/ Marriweather (looks like I have two black eyes!) from having them on so tight to TRY to prevent leaks and failing, it’s time to let go and move on.
Coming from a lil bit of a swimming background, I can’t bring myself to get the aqua sphere mask-y thingies. i’ve kinda got a wide face, so there needs to be some adjustability in the nose piece.
So now that’s all out of the way, what goggles do you swear by!?!
They come with a set of different size nose bidges, so you can get a perfect fit. Very comfy, great water seal, and very good sunlight reflection without being dark to see through.
I’d recommend buying a few different models from different manufacturers and seeing what you like. You always need a back up pair of goggles anyhow, so they won’t go to waste.
Second the Aquasphere Kaimans; comfortable, not prone to leaking and an expanded field of view. Pricey, though, when compared to the default Speedo goggles I used to use ($12 compared to $19-24).
Another vote for the Speedo Vanquishers. I use the Women’s Vanquisher, my daughter uses the Vanquisher Jr., and my son uses the regular Vanquishers. They’re comfortable, have multiple nosepieces, and wear like iron. They fit multiple face types, and also look good (for goggles, at least).
I’ve been using the Tusa View Liberators with prescription lenses, they’re my favorite goggle in 40 years of swimming… current pair is 5+ years old and still fit perfectly, dry and comfortable.
At goggle replacement time, I always used to have to run through 3-4 pairs to find one that worked, now I just keep buying these. Just hope they don’t change the design on me…
Swedish, definitely. I went to a great swim shop (Austin has, in addition to several fantastic bike and running shoe shops, a great swim shop) and tried on about 20 pairs of goggles until finding that the swedish goggles were perfect. I need to go pick up another couple pairs. They really are SO comfortable.