For many consumers, buying swim goggles is an annual occurrence for casual use at the beach or local pool. For avid swimmers, however, finding the right pair of goggles is of the utmost importance. These apparatuses will be used on a regular basis and need to meet the needs of the swimmer in question.
When you begin the quest to find your next pair of swim goggles, here are seven things you should consider.
IMAGE: PIXABAY
Your Eyesight
When you’re swimming as someone who usually wears glasses, your options for vision correction are limited. Some people choose to wear contacts in the water but this is unsafe due to an increased likelihood of contracting serious eye infections. While swimming without vision correction is a minor inconvenience for some, it can be quite challenging for others. If this applies to you, consider ordering prescription swim goggles. Prescription swim goggles can help you see where you’re going, a benefit that speaks for itself.
Your Surroundings
Do you typically swim indoors, outdoors or a combination of the two? Perhaps you spend the winters training indoors then hit the lake in the summer months. Maybe the majority of your triathlon training takes place in a pool, but the race you’re working toward is outside. If you will be spending time outdoors, be sure to look for goggles that offer UV protection. The sun’s rays reflecting off the water can be particularly damaging to your eyes. You can find tinted goggles or even ones with photochromic lenses as well.
Lens Sizing
If you swim competitively or are dedicated to swimming as your main form of exercise, the size of your lenses matter. The larger your lenses, the more resistance in the water. However, if smaller lenses tend to feel uncomfortable on your eyes, buy something you know won’t bother you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the shape of your face.
What’s Touching Your Skin?
To work properly, the goggles you wear have to make a proper seal on your skin and also be comfortable so you can wear them for extended periods. Rubber and plastic are common choices, as they produce a decent seal. Silicone is a premium material that often works better but costs a little more.
What Kind Of Straps?
Knowing what kind of straps the goggles have is extremely important, especially if you’re buying them online. Are they adjustable, so that they’ll fit your head properly? Does the band look durable enough to last, or more like the cheap elastic you often get in the seasonal section of department stores? You want a product that will last.
Look At The Nose Area
If there is going to be any discomfort, it’s usually around the nose area. How are the goggles built to fit on one’s nose? Does it look like they could be annoying or pinchy? If you have a larger or smaller nose than the average person, this could be an important feature when it comes to fit and comfort.
Read The Reviews
What are other swimmers saying? Are there any reviews from customers who share your passion for aquatic fitness? If online reviews don’t do it for you, ask around and get recommendations from the people in your community. Ask your swimming instructor what they use. Send the local swim team coach a message on social media to see what his or her team uses most often. Get the right swimming goggles, and you’ll be swimming like a fish in no time!
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels then we have a lot to choose from.
COMMENTS