Sealmask XPs, blue frame, clear lens. Yes, I did the bad thing. . .new gear on race day. . .but hey. . .gotta live once. . .
The swim was 1500m in heavy rollers with a bit of chop. Nothing too terrible, but definitely a sighting challenge all the same. The XPs allowed excellent visibility, no different from their larger cousins. My only issue turned out because I forgot Tom’s advice in his second post on these. . .put the goggles on first, THEN the swim cap. They initially leaked during my warm-up. . .because the cap broke the seal. Swap it around and no issues despite being buffeted heavily from the rough water. The goggles were VERY comfortable and caused no face “hot-spots” like standard goggles tend to do with me. I cannot stress enough the large field of view. It makes sighting nearly effortless, even in heavier chop and surf. I liked the reduction in bulk over the standard Sealmask as well.
I have both these blue frame/clear goggles as well as a set of black frame/photochromic lenses. I’ll report on the photochromic lenses after my next open water swim, though I’ve already used a full seal mask with them and thought they were not exactly necessary unless you are swimming mid-day, open water, for extended periods. I’m not sure I’ll ever have call to use them for 0700/0800 wave start times. . .
As a formerly visual acuity challenged person. . .I’d recommend looking into PRK or Lasik. More expensive than Rx goggles and Oakleys? Hell yes, by a long shot. But it is life changing. I can’t believe I waited as long as I did to get it done. Given the choice between $2k on a new P2k or getting Lasik or PRK? The choice is Lasik or PRK by a country mile. You can’t begin to fathom the change in your life. A few moments or days of discomfort vs never having to deal with glasses or contacts issues again. You don’t have any real reference on how much those issues play in your life until you don’t have to deal with them anymore. . .
Being a doc I’m a little nervous about someone cutting and lasing my eyes…one of these days??
A couple of ophthalmologist friends of mine continue to wear glasses/contacts, because of similar fears.
Have to concur with your report - they are great! Raced with mine this weekend; only the third time wearing them. Super visability both for sighting and finding quick feet. They were super comfortable and got me 5th in the age group for the swim, so they can’t be too much of a drag.
If you like the regular Seal mask you’ll love the xp. Just put on the goggles first.