What To Look For
Goggles protect swimmers' eyes from chlorine. They also provide swimmers a clear view of their surroundings in the pool. Look for anti-fog swimming goggles that offer UV protection from the sun. The goggles should have sufficient suction and eye cushioning. An adjustable nose piece and adjustable straps are also impotant.
Common Pitfalls
Try the goggles on before buying them and adjust the straps to your preference. This will make sure you can adjust them to the right fit in the pool. Make sure the eyepieces hold fast to your face without the straps for a couple of seconds.
Where To Buy
Online stores such as Radiant Gear Swimming and Swim Outlet offer a variety of swim goggles, including prescription goggles. The prescriptions are available from a negative 1.5 to negative 8. Many swimwear stores do as well. T & T Swimming and Lancaster Scuba, both in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offer prescription goggles as well. Both carry such top brands as Speedo, Aqua Sphere, Barracuda, and Finis. Check for swim stores in your area for similar products.
Cost
Goggles range in price from $5 -- $29.99. Prices are current as of September 2010 but may vary from vendor to vendor.
Comparison Shopping
The Barracuda Standard Goggles leave no red marks around the eye areas and are comfortable. However, the goggles require tweaking to keep the water out. The Nike Swift Strapless Goggle has no head strap or nose guard but can cause that red circle around the eyes. Swedish goggles are packaged as two hard-plastic eyecups, a latex cord, a small plastic tube, and a bit of string. Tyr Nest Pro Goggle have an interesting look with a grid like pattern around the eyepiece. They keep out the water and fog but the suction is too strong. These are okay for recreational swimmers but are not recommended by Slate Magazine for competitive swimmers. The Speedo Speed Socket was comfortable. The red eye effect was very minimal, and you can customize the nose piece.
Member Comments