Goggles

What type of goggles are there?
Competition Goggles: They are generally low profile, technical, and fit close to the eye socket. The close proximity to the socket reduces drag, making you more hydrodynamic. They’re meant for racing and many swimmers do practice in them.

Practice Goggles: Meant for everyday use, practice goggles are less technical than competition goggles. Even so, the goggles are well-made and high quality. Since they’re meant to be worn more frequently and for longer durations than competition goggles, they’re generally more comfortable. They usually have more gasket rubber. This softens the pressure against your eyes while creating a good seal.

Prescription Goggles: These have prescriptive lenses for people who wear glasses, with some coming as a kit that you fit together yourself. Prescriptive goggles are both cheaper and easier to get hold of than they used to be, and come in a range of styles, although inevitably you won’t have quite so much choice when it comes to frame shape and lens tint.

Children’s Goggles: Swimming goggles can be essential for kids, especially those who feel the stinging effects of chlorinated water and who don’t like putting their head under water. There are various types available, but comfort is ther biggest priority here.

How important is the lens colour?
Clear lenses are good for indoor and outdoor swimming in low light or on overcast days.
Smoke lenses reduce overall brightness, making them good for outdoor swimming on sunnier days.
Amber lenses improve vision at low light levels, as well as reducing glare in bright conditions, making them a good choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

What should I consider when choosing a pair of swimming goggles?
Make sure the seal is good (put the goggles on your eyes without using the strap and press them gently against your eyes to test the suction) and check that the straps fit well. Your goggles should have an anti-fog, anti-scratch lens as standard and, if you’re an outdoor swimmer, you may want UV protection too.