Choosing the Best Swimming Goggles

September 11th, 2017

Choosing the Best Swimming Goggles

Whether you are a novice or an experienced swimmer, making sure you have proper swimwear and accompanying gear is essential. And among the various swimming accessories out there, almost nothing is perhaps as crucial as swimming goggles. Not only do they allow you to see clearly when you’re underwater (which is highly beneficial when you’re swimming), but also, they help protect your eyes from harmful bacteria and excessive chlorine. So, considering that the choices are innumerable, how do you choose the right pair?

Here are some of the aspects that you should consider before picking one –

1) Fit

This one is probably the most important aspect of all, as the goggles should fit your eye socket securely in order for it to not leak or fall off. The fit must be perfect enough to allow the goggles to create an air tight seal and prevent any gaps in the gasket. It is always better to first try a pair of goggles on before you buy them, so you can be sure that it conforms to the shape of your face and eyes.

2) Comfort

Apart from being a great fit, a good pair of goggles needs to be comfortable (and not unnecessarily tight). If the goggles apply too much pressure over the eyes or on the nose, it can cause severe discomfort. A pair of goggles that has an adjustable nose piece and split straps is better at remaining comfortably in place without hurting you.

3) Visibility 

As we have established earlier, one of the main reasons why you should use goggles is that it allows you to see underwater. Therefore, it’s ideal choose a pair that offers maximum visibility. Many goggles have an oval-shaped window, which only allows you to look straight ahead. This might be sufficient if you’re swimming in a pool, but when it comes to swimming in open water such as lakes or ponds, a pair of goggles that does not distort your peripheral vision is the way to go.

4) Clarity

 Aside from providing you with a larger field of vision, a good pair of goggles allows you to see clearly underwater. Due to the variation in the temperature of your body, the air, and the water, goggles usually tend to fog up and blur or block your vision. Choosing a pair of goggles that comes equipped with an anti-fog coating makes sure that they don’t hinder your ability to see properly underwater.

5) Lens Color 

The color of the lenses extends quite an influence on making your swim pleasant. Choosing the color of the lens should be based on where you decide to take a swim. Clear and light-yellow lenses are best-equipped for low-light conditions (such as indoor pools), as they don’t block any light. Mirrored and darker lenses that filter out the light from the sun and reduce brightness and glare are best-suited for outdoor and brightly-lit environments as they help shield your eyes from excess light.

These are only some of the important factors that you need to consider while choosing a pair of swimming goggles that is best suited to you. All in all, as goggles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, choosing the best ones ultimately boils down to a matter of personal preference, swimming style, and location. Happy swimming!