The right swim goggles are absolutely crucial when doing open water swimming, whether that’s doing your first triathlon or ocean swimming.
Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, give you maximum visibility, and help you sight so that you can stay on track when swimming.
According to the experts we spoke to for this guide, including former and current national level swimmers and triathletes, the key things to look for include comfort, field of vision, price, lens, and of course, the color and tint of the goggle.
Whether you are stepping into the chilly ocean for a swim, or doing a tri, here is our expert-driven guide to the best open water swim goggles.
1. The Magic5 Swim Goggles
These swim goggles were featured on the show Shark Tank, where investors Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec invested a cool $1,000,000 into this revolutionary company that makes truly customized swim goggles.
The Magic5 Swim Goggles use a smartphone app that scans your face (using your phone’s camera) to build a 3D mask that is uploaded to the Magic5. From there, they build a custom goggle gasket based on the measurements from the face scan.
Presto—swim goggles that are specifically designed for the measurements of your face and eye socket arrive on your doorstep a little while later.
“The custom fit means they don’t have to be worn super tight,” notes former competitive swimmer Olivier Poirier-Leroy from YourSwimLog.com. “This is much more comfortable than traditional open water swim goggles.”
The Magic5 Swim Goggles retail for around $65-90 depending on the tint and color you choose, are available at a discount in bulk, and are sold exclusively via the Magic5 website.
Where to Buy: Magic5 Official Website
2. Arena Cobra Tri Ultra Swipe Swim Goggles
The Arena Cobra Tri Swim Goggles are a slick set of goggles that have a proprietary anti-fog technology that actually resets itself each time your swim goggles get foggy.
Seriously—when your swim goggles start to fog up during those open water swims, wipe the inside gently five times, and boom, clear vision again.
“These are definitely a premium racing open water swim goggle,” notes Poirier-Leroy. “The Cobra Tri has an extraordinarily thin gasket—much thinner than your typical open water swim goggle—and that anti-fog is a lifesaver during long open water swims.”
The Cobra Tri Goggle is priced higher than most open water swim goggles, but the combination of premium anti-fog, the hydrodynamic design, and the polarized lenses make it an excellent goggle choice for the serious open water swimmer.
Where to Buy: Arena Cobra Swipe Tri Swim Goggle @ Swim Outlet
3. Aqua Sphere Kayenne
Open water swim goggles should have a wide range of peripheral vision, not only so that you can see to the side when swimming—watching out for other swimmers, boats, and so on—but so that you can see ahead when sighting.
The Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles are another popular option among triathletes and open water swimmers as they have an extra wide lens that is perfect for maximum vision out on the water.
“Open water swim goggles can be really bulky at times,” says Poirier-Leroy. “The Kayennes balance the added field of vision with a gasket that isn’t too cumbersome or bulky.”
Where to Buy: Aqua Sphere Kayenne Polarized Swim Goggles at Swim Outlet
4. Speedo Biofuse Swim Goggle
It wouldn’t be a list of the best swim goggles without an appearance by Speedo, the most recognizable swim brand associated with swimming.
According to the crew of current and former swimmers at TheSwimList.com, the Biofuse goggle is an excellent all-around goggle for swimming in the ocean.
“The gasket on the Biofuse is extra large, giving you a secure but gentle connection between goggle and skin,” says Alex Heyward, writer at TheSwimList. “The goggles are easy to adjust as they are right at the temple, too.”
Speedo offers them in a variety of colors and tints (go for the polarized lens to reduce glare), the straps are made of long-lasting silicone, and the price is right at around $30 or so per set.
Where to buy: Speedo Biofuse Swim Goggles at Amazon
How to Choose the Perfect Set of Open Water Swim Goggles
Choosing the right open water swim goggles can significantly affect your swimming experience, performance, and safety.
According to our experts, here are the key things to keep in mind when selecting the best swim goggles for open water swimming:
Polarized lens: A polarized goggle lens reduces eye strain from the sun as well as the glare from the surface of the water. For sunny days and squint-free swimming, choose a set of open-water swim goggles with polarized lenses.
Visibility: Good visibility is critical for open water swimming, especially in changing light conditions or murky waters. Look for goggles with wide lenses, anti-fog coating, and tinted or mirrored lenses to reduce glare and improve contrast.
Comfort and Fit: A comfortable and secure fit is essential to prevent leaks, fogging, or discomfort during long swims. Choose goggles with adjustable straps, soft silicone seals, and nose bridges that fit your face shape and size. The Magic5 goggle stands alone in terms of comfort, making it an excellent choice for long-distance swimmers.
Durability: Open-water swimming can expose your goggles to harsh conditions, such as saltwater, sand, or rocks. Consider goggles made of high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate lenses and sturdy frames, that can withstand wear and tear. Additionally, if you plan on doing pool swimming with the goggles, look for silicone head straps as they last significantly longer compared to latex or rubber straps.
Peripheral vision: Open water swimming requires a broader field of vision than pool swimming, as you need to navigate your surroundings and spot other swimmers or obstacles. Choose goggles with a wide and unobstructed view that allows you to see clearly in all directions.
By considering these key factors, you can choose the best open-water swim goggles that fit your needs and preferences, and enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable swimming experience out on open water.
What are the Best Swim Goggles for Open Water Swim Goggles?
The right goggle comes down to your goals and needs in the water.
To recap our experts’ top recommendations:
- The Magic5 Swim Goggles are the best open water goggles for comfort and a leak-free fit.
- The Arena Cobra Ultra Swipe Tri Goggle is a premium goggle that will help you crush it on race day and also eliminate foggy goggles.
Choose the right swim goggle for you and swim on!
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Original Source of the original story >> The Best Open Water Swim Goggles According to Experts
