The Best Swimming Goggles of 2021

Best Swimming Goggles Buying Guide & Reviews of 2020

Backstroke, Butterfly, Freestyle; sound familiar, right? Yes, we are talking about swimming. Though it is a relishing experience, it has some risks associated as well. If you are leaving the pool with bloodshot eyes or with irritation perpetrating in them, it’s time for you to look after them. Don’t worry, goggles are there to give you a soothing swimming experience. This buying guide gives an insight into different swimming goggles available along with some tips to choose the right pair.

Types Of Swimming Goggles

With a wide range of goggles available in the market, finding the right pair is a process of trial and error. The first thing to think about is the type of swimming you’re doing. Diverse goggles serve various purposes. Here are the types of goggles classified based on purpose.

Competition Goggles: Whether at swim meets or any open water events,  competition/racing swimming goggles must fulfill the following needs. One, to provide a clear vision in water. Two, to create a little drag possible. These goggles generally fit close to the eye socket. This closer proximity helps you be hydrodynamic. Racing is what they serve for; therefore, might cause you discomfort if brought in daily use.

The lens of racing goggles is round and bigger than full-frame goggles providing clear vision due to their transparent sides. The frame colors range from light, dark, color-tinted to mirrored and their price ranges from mid-range to expensive. The high-quality goggles in this type are the Oakley swimming goggles.

Open Water Goggles: Also known as triathlon swimming goggles, these are the most comfortable type of goggles, especially for beginners and triathletes. Goggles in this range are large in size and can be conveniently fitted for even extended periods. They can withstand harsh open water circumstances well and are much cheaper than racing goggles. Usually sold as leisure goggles, open water goggles have more gasket rubber which softens the pressure against your eyes.

Swedish Type Goggles: Also used for racing, they do not offer soft-sealing; therefore, they fall into a distinct category. The frame and the lens in Swedish goggles are all a separate piece of plastic which is small when worn. These are the smallest swimming goggles and come only in one size.

Though the visibility is unparalleled when compared to the other types, the rigid plastic shell can be a reason for damage during the mass start as the wearer can suffer a kick to the face. So, only profoundly experienced open water swimmers bring them into use. Surprisingly, Swedish goggles are economical, though they are used by marathon swimmers.

Swim Masks: Often used for scuba diving and snorkeling, swim masks are least used by normal swimmers. Having an integrated nose cover, they are the largest and heaviest goggles. They are occasionally preferred by some open water swimmers who find them comfortable for swimming long distances.

Types Of Lenses

Not only is it important to know the types of swimming goggles, but it’s also imperative to know the types of lenses. There are all sorts of different colored lenses available in the market which block or let the light in.

Metallic Lenses: Best suited for frequent use, metallic or mirrored lenses are the dark-tinted ones, which suits best if you do your swim at noon. Metallic lenses are the best choice if you excessively swim backstroke. Your visibility gets limited when you use them in a dark-lit pool.

Clear/Light Coloured Lenses: Clear lenses lets the maximum amount of light in. These lenses turn out to be extremely convenient when you swim indoors or during the morning sessions. They come in various colors, but for enhanced visibility orange lenses are preferred. Also, Keep in mind that clear lenses don’t work on a bright day, you’ll be squinting in the bright light.

Dark Coloured Lenses: Available in black and blue colors, the sun is clearly visible through these lenses and they let you see the water as it is. They work fine in indoor pools that have enough light and are meant for casual swims.

How To Choose Your Swimming Goggles

Comfort Is The Priority: If your swimming time lasts for more than an hour, you’ll need as comfortable goggles as possible. The best way to say which is best is by trying them. If you’re wearing an uncomfortable one, it doesn’t just irritate you but also hurt you for long.

Check For The Right Fit: To avoid the risk of your goggles falling off while swimming, make sure there are no gaps in the gasket where the goggles touch your face. Some of them do not have any gasket rubber; instead, they create a seal to your eye socket. You have to try on and check for the apt fit.

Anti-Fog Goggles: High humidity environments develop more moisture, which in turn creates fogging. Additionally, high heat and strenuous activity can also add moisture. So, many of the companies manufacture goggles that are anti-fog excepting some. Check for the anti-fog feature while you purchase your pair for clear visibility in any circumstance.

Straps: The straps on goggles differ for different types. Though the buckle system is widely used to adjust the length, some of them use a piece of plastic tied at the right length. The leisure goggles have a push button to enable quick loosening but they cost more. Currently, goggles are available with split straps at the back of the head to give better hold.

Price

On average, the price of adult swimming goggles ranges from $10 to $460 while kids goggles are available from $6 to $40.

Conclusion

With enough of goggle knowledge, now you can easily find the apt pair, especially on the top ten list of swimming goggles listed above. Sometimes women struggle to find the perfect fit, then you have to be tricky. For instance, if you have small eyes, kid’s goggles can do for you and if you have bigger then go for men’s goggles. Pick the best and have joyous swimming.