Swimming is both an enjoyable activity and an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or the ocean, you need the right equipment to maximize your swimming experience. One of the most important pieces of equipment is swimming goggles.
They protect your eyes from the irritating effects of water while providing clear underwater vision. However, there are many different swimming goggle models on the market, and choosing the right one can be challenging. In this blog post, we’ll cover all the important factors to consider when choosing swimming goggles.
1. Pay Attention to Your Face Shape and Glasses Fit
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing swimming goggles is your face shape and the fit. The goggles should fit snugly and be watertight. Otherwise, your swimming experience may be compromised and your performance may be negatively impacted.
- Eyeglass frames: It’s important to choose a frame that matches your face shape. Different frames are available for oval, round, square, and triangular face shapes.
- Goggle gasket: The goggle gasket should fit snugly against your face and create a watertight seal. Silicone gaskets are generally softer and provide a better fit.
- Nose bridge: The nose bridge should be adjustable and fit your face perfectly. Some glasses have interchangeable nose bridges, giving you more flexibility.
2. Examine Lens Material and Properties
The lenses of your swimming goggles are the most important factor affecting your vision. The lens material and properties can significantly impact your swimming experience.
- Polycarbonate lenses: Durable and impact resistant, polycarbonate lenses are used in most swimming goggles.
- Cellulose acetate lenses: Cellulose acetate lenses are softer and more flexible than polycarbonate lenses and can provide more comfortable wear.
- UV protection: Choose lenses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is especially important if you’re swimming outdoors.
- Anti-fog coating: Anti-fog coating prevents lenses from fogging, ensuring clear vision. This feature is especially useful if you swim in indoor pools.
- Polarized lenses: Polarized lenses improve visibility by reducing glare on the water’s surface. This can be helpful if you’re swimming outdoors or in bright light.
- Tinted lenses: Different tinted lenses are available to suit different lighting conditions. For example, dark lenses are suitable for outdoor swimming and light lenses for indoor pools.
3. Choose Goggles Appropriate for the Swimming Environment
When choosing swimming goggles, it is important to consider where you will be swimming.
- Indoor pool: Goggles with light-colored lenses and anti-fog coating are generally preferred for indoor pools.
- Outdoors: For outdoor swimming, dark-tinted or polarized lenses with UV protection may be more appropriate.
- Sea: For sea swimming, it’s important to choose goggles that are resistant to waves and saltwater. Polarized lenses can also be helpful for improving vision.
- Racing: For racing, goggles with a hydrodynamic design and a low profile are preferred. These goggles reduce water resistance, helping you swim faster.
4. Comfort and Adjustability Are Important
It’s crucial that your swimming goggles are comfortable and fit snugly. Adjustable straps and nose bridges allow you to customize them to your face.
- Strap: The strap should fit comfortably behind your head and hold the goggles in place. Adjustable straps accommodate different head sizes.
- Buckle: The buckle should be easy to use and allow you to put on and take off your glasses quickly.
- Seals: Seals should provide a comfortable seal around the eye. Silicone seals are generally more comfortable than latex seals.
5. Explore Different Types of Swimming Goggles
There are various types of swimming goggles available on the market to suit different needs and swimming styles.
- Racing goggles: Racing goggles with a hydrodynamic design and low profile help you swim faster by reducing water resistance.
- Training glasses: Training glasses provide a wider field of vision and a more comfortable fit.
- Open water goggles: Open water goggles provide protection from waves and sunlight. They may include features like polarized lenses and UV protection.
- Children’s glasses: Glasses specifically designed for children are smaller in size and made from more flexible materials.
- Snorkel goggles: Snorkel goggles protect both your eyes and nose while snorkeling.
6. Compare Brands and Prices
When choosing swimming goggles, it’s important to compare different brands and prices. Well-known brands generally offer better quality and durability. However, it’s also possible to find goggles that fit your budget.
- Speedo, Arena, TYR: These brands are known for their high-quality swimming goggles.
- Decathlon: Decathlon offers affordable, quality swimming goggles.
- Online stores: Online stores typically offer a wider selection of products and more competitive prices.
7. Use and Care for Your Swimming Goggles Properly
To extend the life of your swimming goggles and maintain their performance, it is important to use and maintain them correctly.
- Putting on and taking off: Be careful when putting on and taking off the glasses, do not pull or bend the seal.
- Cleaning: After each use, rinse the glasses with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners.
- Storage: Do not place the glasses on a hard surface or place anything heavy on them. It is best to store them in a glasses case.
- Anti-fog: You can prevent lenses from fogging by using anti-fog spray or drops.
8. Additional Tips for Choosing Swimming Goggles
- Try on the goggles: Before purchasing the swimming goggles, be sure to try them on and make sure they fit your face properly.
- Consider your swimming style: Different goggles may be more suitable for different swimming styles.
- Prescription lenses: If you wear prescription lenses, prescription swimming goggles are also available.
- Warranty: Check the warranty period of the glasses.
- Read reviews: You can learn about different glasses by reading reviews from other users.
Conclusion
Choosing swimming goggles is a decision that can significantly impact your swimming experience. By considering the factors we’ve discussed in this blog post, you can choose the goggles that best suit your needs and swimming style. Remember, with the right goggles, you’ll enjoy the water more and improve your performance.
