Ive been running and riding casually for awhile now. This will be my first year in tri though, so that means “learning” how to swim. So I need advice on goggles. I know that this is an individual preference, but are there two or three brands/models that are pretty much used by everyone? I dont want to have to go through ten pair if most people use brand x because they work the best for most people. Thanks.
do a search. you’ll find many threads on this. the hardcore swimmers seem to prefer the “Swedes”, although not usually for racing for potential injury reasons. some also endorse the new TYR version of the Swedes that have a small gasket. I think the most popular is the Aquasphere line. I use the Aquasphere Kaimans and like them a lot. Good visibility and they never leak (on my face). Some prefer the Seal Mask, which is much bigger, like a scuba mask. Whatever fits your face.
I’ve been swimming for almost my entire life and I’ve never liked the swedes…they hurt me. Goggles, thankfully, aren’t really that expensive (say, in comparison to our other gear), so afford yourself a little flex and get a couple of pairs.
in recent years I’ve found great success with TYR (although I’m a speedo die hard, it’s true), but this year found great delight in a pair of speedos that have a slim double strap (that goes around the head) and a considerable eye casket made of plastic or silicone. the lens is amber so it makes for a sunny day even when it’s not. anyway, if you can go to a big sporting goods store, or to your local swim shop they can help you out. don’t be afraid to buy a few pairs. it’s fun to use different goggles. also keep in mind that some of us have been swimming forever and never have felt that they’ve “arrived” in terms of goggles. ( i prefer that actually as it keeps it interesting). I will tell you though that the amber is all new to me and is the perfect rememdy for winter swimming reluctance.
good luck, and have fun shopping and swimming!
kittycat (who likes to get wet)
It has to do with bone structure in your face, and since everyone’s slightly different in that regard.
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Go to a sporting goods place that lets you take goggles out of the box.
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Take random goggles out of box, press eyecups firmly (but not so firmly it’s painful) around eyes, do not put head strap on
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Goggles have a reasonably good chance of fitting your face when you can feel the eyepieces correctly form a seal around your eye sockets so that they feel like they’re staying in place even without the head strap
(And yeah, I’m part of the cult of the swede, though they’re probably not the best goggle type to start with.)
yes, and in regards to number 1, a good local swim shop (one that stocks suits and all things swim related) should help you in this regards. they are supportive of allowing a try on with goggles and can tell you all about the features. it’s a good thing. jill is telling you right about how they should fit on your face, that is really some of the best advice–probably the only advice you need.
If you go with a pair of hard goggles like swedes, I’d get a pair with a softer edge as well for races. Getting kicked in the face with hard goggles is no fun. I have a pair of kaimans and some tyr socket rockets which are like swedes with a little bit of rubber around the edge.