PRO Expert “Sportmaster PRO”
“Swimming is not only a pleasant pastime, but also an effective physical activity. However, to make it comfortable and safe, you need the right accessories. For example, special swimming goggles. How to choose them for children and adults for pool and open water activities?
Correctly selected swimming goggles protect your eyes from chlorinated pool water and salt water in the sea. They also neutralize the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Here we are, of course, talking about open water training.
What else makes them a necessary accessory? Goggles significantly improve visibility underwater. This is especially important for training and competition. Ill-fitting or poorly fitting goggles can irritate the skin, cause discomfort and reduce the enjoyment of swimming, and interfere with your ability to focus on technique and performance.
Types of swimming goggles: overview of the main types
When choosing swimming goggles, it is important to understand that different types are designed for different purposes and differ from each other in design features, materials and functions. Let’s talk about each of them in more detail.
Photo: Alexander Shelegov / istockphoto.com
training glasses
Designed primarily for pool swimming. Designed for extended wear and comfort during extended workouts.
These glasses are equipped with silicone or rubber gaskets that provide a comfortable fit to the face and minimize pressure on the skin.
The lenses of training goggles usually have a large surface area, which allows for good vision underwater. For adjustment, a strap system is used, which allows you to quickly adjust the accessory to the size of your head.
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Competence points
As the name suggests, models of this type are specifically designed for competitions where speed and minimal water resistance are important.
These goggles have compact dimensions and allow the soft part to fit snugly against the skin. This reduces water resistance and helps the swimmer move faster. Often, competition goggles do not have soft silicone gaskets, which allows them to sit closer to the eyes. At the same time, the accessory is lightweight and has a miniature silhouette, allowing the swimmer to fully concentrate on the technique.
open water goggles
Designed for swimming in lakes, rivers, seas and oceans. Designed to navigate in variable light conditions and varied weather conditions.
Open water goggles typically have large lenses that provide a wide view and allow the swimmer to see the surrounding environment, including landmarks on the shoreline. The lenses often come with UV protection, which is important when swimming in the sun. Many models also have anti-fog, mirrored, or tinted coatings to protect your eyes from bright light and reflection off the water.
Photo: Imgorthand / istockphoto.com
glasses for kids
Designed specifically for little swimmers and therefore takes into account the structural characteristics of their face and the need for eye protection.
Children’s goggles are custom-fitted to the size of the child’s head and face, ensuring a secure fit and preventing water from entering. Children’s goggles are often made from soft, hypoallergenic materials (such as silicone) to prevent skin irritation and provide comfort.
Half masks
An intermediate option between goggles and classic masks that completely cover the face. They provide a wide vision and are used both in swimming pools and in open water.
Half masks cover most of the face, providing protection from water and improving visibility. Wide lenses provide excellent visibility, which is useful when sailing in conditions of limited visibility. At the same time, the models are equipped with wider straps and solid frames for a perfect fit and to prevent leaks.
Photo: Roman Seliutin / istockphoto.com
diopter glasses
Designed for people with visual impairments. They correct vision in the same way as regular glasses or contact lenses. Even an individual approach is possible here. Manufacturers often allow replacing lenses or adjusting diopters.
Size and fit: how to choose the right glasses
Correct goggle size and fit is the key to swimming comfort and training efficiency.
The accessory should fit snugly against the skin around your eyes without causing any discomfort. To make sure that the glasses fit you well and have the necessary seal, it is necessary to try them on before buying. Moreover, this should be done as follows: we apply the seals (soft parts) to the eyes, without passing the strap over the head, and press lightly to create a vacuum. If the glasses can stay on your eyes for a few seconds, then they are suitable for you and will not leak.
For people with wide-set eyes, a wide or narrow face or a hump on the nose, glasses with an adjustable or replaceable nose bridge are suitable, which will help to better adjust the accessory.
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Lens and frame material: which one to choose
The materials used in lenses and frames play an important role in the comfort and durability of your glasses.
Glasses
Made of polycarbonate, resistant to impacts and scratches. For swimming in open water, it is best to choose goggles with lenses that protect against ultraviolet radiation and reflect light.
Structure
Silicone frames are the most comfortable and durable, do not cause allergies and fit perfectly to the face. Rubber and plastic are cheaper, but less comfortable during prolonged use.
Photo: technotr / istockphoto.com
Additional options
First of all, when choosing glasses according to the usage scenario, you need to look at the lenses.
For open water, mirrored lenses are suitable. Gold, silver, with red accents, pink, orange, blue, green, yellow. The colors in this list are ranked from the best light transmission to the worst.
For bad weather, choose clearer lenses or those with yellow and orange tones. They have a revealing effect and increase image contrast.
Additionally, modern swimming goggles often come with additional features that increase their comfort and functionality.
Sun protection. Particularly important for open water swimming, lenses with UV protection and a mirror coating will help reduce eye strain.Anti-fog coating. A special coating on the lenses prevents fogging, allowing you to maintain clear vision while swimming. However, it can wear out over time, so it is recommended to periodically refresh it with special sprays.Ease of adjustment. Goggles should be easily adjustable to fit your head, especially if you plan to wear them for a long time. Many models have strap adjustment using clips or clasps, which simplifies the adjustment process.
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Best brands
There are many brands on the market that offer quality swimming goggles. Among them there are several.
Speedometer. Offering a wide range of goggles for different types of swimming, Speedo goggles are renowned for their quality, durability and comfort.Sand. A popular brand among professional swimmers, Arena goggles are often used in competitions and have excellent fit and hydrodynamic characteristics.TYR. American brand that offers accessories for both training and competition. The glasses are distinguished by high-quality materials and a variety of models.Zoggs. Another popular brand, especially among swimmers, Zoggs goggles often have advanced features, such as UV-protected lenses and anti-fog coatings.
Best models
Budget
Speedo Jet V2 — beginner’s goggles with hypoallergenic strap and adjustable deflector.ROW Horizon – a universal model that can be used for training and for beach holidays.Joss Triton —The blue lenses have an anti-fog coating and the soft seal leaves no marks on the face.
Photo: Wavebreakmedia / istockphoto.com
Mid-price segment
Panoramic Row – a half mask that provides maximum visibility.TYR Blackops 140 EV Racing — racing glasses with minimal water resistance.Mad Wave Breaks Rainbow Records — a universal model, suitable for both training and competition.
Professional
Speedo Fastskin Pure Focus Mirror — the structure of the model follows the contours of the face, ensuring the most comfortable fit.Zoggs Predator Flex Reactor – Special lenses darken in bright light and become transparent in the shade.Speedo Fastskin Hyper Elite Mirror — These goggles provide minimal water resistance and excellent peripheral vision.
Photo: mediaphotos/istockphoto.com
Recommendations for the care of glasses
To ensure that your swimming goggles last a long time and maintain their best performance, it is important to take proper care of them.
It is recommended to rinse glasses with fresh water after each use. This will remove traces of chlorine, salt and other contaminants. Glasses should be stored in a protective case. This will prevent scratches on the lenses. Also, do not store glasses in direct sunlight, as this can damage the materials.
Finally, do not rub your lenses with your hands. This could damage the anti-fog coating. It is better to use special cleaning products or a soft cloth.
Choosing swimming goggles is not that difficult. Just consider the type of shell, select the size and fit, decide on materials and additional options. This way you can find the perfect pair that will provide you with comfort and eye protection. And of course, remember that goggles require proper care. Then they will last much longer.
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