How to Choose the Right Swimming Goggles: Tips and Tricks

Opening your eyes under the water can be a difficult task, especially if you are a beginner. To make things easy, you need the best swimming goggles!

Aside from clarity of vision, swimming goggles also protect the eyes from irritation caused by chlorine and other chemicals in the water. It can also have a special coating for superior UV protection. It makes you more comfortable under the water while also enhancing your performance.

To fully enjoy these benefits, make sure that you know how to choose the right swimming goggles. If you have no idea how to do this, keep on reading and allow us to extend a helping hand.

How to Choose the Right Swimming Goggles: Tips and Tricks

Choosing the Right Swimming Goggles

Fit

Types of Goggles

Lens

Straps

Gaskets

Tips for Using Swimming Goggles

Put It on Properly

Prevent Goggles from Fogging Up

Pay Attention to Care and Maintenance

Conclusion

Choosing the Right Swimming Goggles

The options can be overwhelming. For the uninitiated, it is easy to be lured into low prices. If you want to make the right decision, however, go beyond the price. This section briefly talks about the most important things you need to consider.

Fit

One of the first things to consider is how the goggles fit. If it is too loose, it will fall off your face. Worse, water can get in your eyes. On the other hand, when the fit is too tight, you might end up compromising your comfort.

The fit of your goggles will depend on the seal that it creates around the eyes and not on the strap. It must follow the natural contour of the face to create a tight fit. In turn, this also creates a tight seal to keep water away from your eyes.

The most popular option for swimming goggles is one that is oval-shaped and has a silicone gasket. The latter is the one responsible for sealing.

You also have to consider the nose bridge of the goggles as you try to evaluate its fit. It should be made of a flexible material so that it can comfortably mold based on the shape of your nose or face.

It will also be good to conduct the leak-proof test to determine if the fit is right. Stick the goggles on your face without putting the strap on your head. Press firmly. The fit is right if the goggles stay on its place. If it falls, this is an indication that the size is not suitable for the user.

Types of Goggles

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Be familiar with the types of goggles available and decide which one is most suitable for your needs.

• Competition Goggles: It has a low profile and fits closely to the eye socket, which is also the one responsible for the reduction of drag. It is meant for racing. When used for everyday swimming, it will end up being uncomfortable.
• Practice Goggles: With a less technical design compared to competition goggles, this is the ideal option for everyday use. It is built to offer the best in terms of comfort. It usually has a rubber gasket that creates a tight but comfortable seal around your eyes.
• Recreational Goggles: If you are swimming for a short time, this affordable option for swimming goggles can do the job. If you are an occasional swimmer on a budget, this is a decent option for you.
• Prescription Goggles: This is the best choice if you have vision problems and you need prescription lenses.
• Swim Masks: This is the biggest of the options mentioned. This is not for regular swimming. Instead, it is designed for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Lens

The color of the lens is an important consideration as it directly impacts your clarity of vision. This is an important consideration especially for people who have vision problems. The following are the types of lenses available:

• Clear Lenses: Designed to provide the best in terms of visibility, this is a great choice if you are swimming in low-light conditions.
• Polarized Lenses: If glare protection is an important consideration, this is the right choice of lens for you. This is great for triathlons and swimming in open water.
• Mirrored Lenses: It is effective for glare protection and reduction of brightness. If you participate in indoor swim races, this is a good choice.
• Blue Lenses: If you are looking for an all-around lens that you can use for both indoor and outdoor swimming, this is a good pick.

Straps

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Consider the material used in the strap. It should be flexible so that you can pull it off easily. The material should also demonstrate exceptional longevity. Most importantly, it is important to have an adjustable strap. This will allow you to customize the fit of the goggles depending on what you find to be the most comfortable.

Gaskets

The gaskets or sockets are important because they are the ones that create a tight seal around the eyes. If they are ineffective, water can get in, and this is sure to be uncomfortable.

The classic goggles are equipped with foam sockets. They are comfortable around the eyes and have no hard suction. They are gentle, making it the perfect option for people with sensitive skin.

Silicone is another popular material for the gasket of swim goggles. It is often injection-molded and known for being an incredibly soft material.

Tips for Using Swimming Goggles

To make the most out of your swimming goggles, take note of the tips mentioned below.

Put It on Properly

This is one of the secrets for maximizing the benefits of using swimming goggles. Start by positioning the lenses on your eye socket. Hold it using your one hand. Use the other hand to pull the strap to the back of your head. Readjust the lens properly. There should be even pressure and slight suction.

Prevent Goggles from Fogging Up

The easiest solution to this problem is to ensure the right fit. By creating a tight seal around the eyes, water and air won’t be able to enter. This prevents condensation, and hence, you can expect that the goggles will stay clear when you are swimming.

Pay Attention to Care and Maintenance

To extend the lifespan of the goggles, you must emphasize care and maintenance. Use the pouch that comes with the goggles to protect it from dust and dirt. Avoid touching or rubbing the lenses. Dry it out thoroughly before storage. Keep it out of the sun and a place where it can get moist.

Conclusion

Swimming goggles are must-haves when you are under the water. They make you comfortable, making it easier to unleash your best performance. Not all goggles, however, can deliver exceptional benefits. Be careful about what you choose. From the fit to the materials, consider the factors mentioned above