Swimming Goggles Buyers Guide

If you have ever experienced irritation in your eyes or blurry vision underwater, then it is high time to get a good pair of swimming goggles. With these goggles, you can protect your eyes from direct exposure to the pool water while having a clear vision in the water.

Everyone from professionals to practicing swimmers should get a pair of swimming goggles as it is essential swimming equipment to purchase. But how to purchase swimming goggles?

Can you purchase just any pair you like? No! So, how to buy it?

To purchase the best swimming goggles, you need assistance from this buyer's guide. The guide contains everything you should know about swimming goggles before investing your hard-earned money buying a pair.

Let’s find out how many types of swimming goggles are there, and how to buy the best one.

Benefits of using swimming goggles

There might be some reasons why everyone you see around the pool is wearing a pair of swimming goggles! Below we have explained those reasons that are enough to prove why you need swimming goggles today.

Better vision

Without swimming goggles, you won't be able to see clearly underwater, and you may agree with this because everyone tries to swim without goggles. To get a clear vision, you need to keep the eyes open, which is only possible with swimming goggles.

The lens acts as a barrier between the water and your eyes, so you get a crystal clear vision by wearing goggles.

No irritations

The chlorine and other such chemicals present in water can lead to irritation in the eyes. If you practice in public pools, then annoyances are common since the pool water is filled with a lot of chemicals to keep it clean.

While wearing swimming goggles, you can bid goodbye to allergies and irritations in your eyes. The layer around the lens keeps the water away from the eyes, so you get better vision, and there are least chances of irritations.

UV protection

Just pool water isn't the only thing you have to deal with, as the next is UV rays. Wearing swimming goggles with UV protection safeguards you from the harmful UV rays. The lenses have excellent UV resistance, and the rays get reflected back into the atmosphere to protect your eyes.

Factors to consider when buying swimming goggles

The list of factors mentioned here is classified accordingly so you can note down the points for comparing different swimming goggles. Furthermore, you will find a lot of tips also that will make it easier for you to settle down with the best swimming goggles.

What’s your skill level?

You should start by considering your level! If you are a beginner, then there's no reason to go for a high-end professional pair of goggles. Moreover, considering the goggles as per your level will reward you with comfort, and you can prevent overspending.

Beginner

Swimming goggles for beginners should be highly comfortable so that you can wear them for a prolonged time. Everything from the notched nose bridge to the straps should be durable and comfortable. You can even opt for a swimming mask as these are easy to wear and highly stable on the face.

These goggles may not have the best UV protection of colored lenses, as you don't need those features. Lastly, swimming goggles for beginners are usually affordable, so starting with the basic goggles will be beneficial for your pocket as well.

Intermediate

Swimming goggles for intermediate swimmers have flexible nose bridges with narrow FOV (field of vision). These are easily adjustable, and you can wear the goggles for taking multiple laps with ultimate stability.

You can even go for some swimming masks, but for intermediate swimmers, we recommend the use of goggles. Also, you will find curved and colored lenses in these goggles. And another benefit is UV protection.

Experts

Swimming goggles form experts have excellent stability on the face, and you don't have to adjust them multiple times while taking laps. The hydrodynamic design, colored lens, and highly stable nose bridge make them perfect for swimmers with advanced skill levels.

Furthermore, the clarity of the lens is fantastic, and you will get superb comfort that’s required while swimming.

Types of swimming goggles

Choosing the right type of swimming goggles is as important as choosing the right one, depending on your skill level. If you are into practicing, then there is no reason to buy goggles that are suitable for competition.

Similarly, you cannot use your practice goggles in the competition. Below listed are the common types of swimming goggles you will find on the market.

Practice goggles

Practice goggles are suitable for everyday use, and you can wear them while practicing. The durability of these goggles is excellent, and these are comfortable to wear for a prolonged time. However, you won't see technical features in these goggles as these features are only available in the competition counterparts.

Competition goggles

The hydrodynamic design of competition swimming goggles makes them highly beneficial for professional swimmers. The narrow shape and fit of the goggles reduced the drag, and you get an edge while swimming.

You can also use competition goggles for some laps while practicing, but wearing them for a long time can be uncomfortable.

Recreational goggles

If you are looking for a pair of goggles to use for normal use like taking a tip into the pool or ocean, then go for recreational swimming goggles. The goggles are cheaper than practice goggles, and you can wear them quickly before taking a dip.

The only problem with these swimming goggles is comfort. You cannot wear recreational goggles for a prolonged time due to the design.

Swedish –style goggles

If you need swimming goggles with the least drag, then Swedish-style goggles should be your choice. There is no gasket attached to the goggles, and the plastic lens will fit on your eyes directly. The size of the goggles is small, and that's why these are ideal for competition and other professional purposes.

Prescription goggles

Precipitation swimming glasses are specially designed for swimmers with eye-related problems. The goggle’s lenses are made on the basis of the prescription to help the swimmer with better vision.

Swim masks

If you need swimming goggles for snorkeling, go for swim masks as these are highly conformable and supple. The bigger size of the goggles protects the eyes, and you can use them while swimming in oceans and pools. The one-piece lens of these goggles is mostly transparent, so these are ideal for recreational purposes only.

Color of lens

The color of the lens plays a vital role in enhancing visibility. If the water is dark, then you can face difficulties with goggles with dark-colored lenses. The choice of color relies on the lighting conditions of the area or the swimming pool.

Lighter colors are ideal for indoor use, whereas dark colors are excellent to curtail the sunlight. The choice of color will impact the vision so it is an important decision when buying swimming goggles.

Check out some common colors you will see in multiple types of swimming goggles.

Mirrored/ metallic lens

If you need swimming goggles for outdoor pools or in bright lighting, goggles with mirrored lenses will be the best choice. The lenses reduce the glare caused by the light, and you can even swim in direct sunlight. Also, the color offers excellent visibility underwater.

Your eyes won’t be visible to anyone due to the mirror coating, and that’s why professional swimmers love to use them in competitions.

Light-colored lens

The light color commonly includes pale to make the goggles efficient in areas with low brightness. When the water is dark, or there is less availability of light, go for swimming goggles with light-colored lenses. You will get excellent visibility all the time.

Furthermore, if visibility is your top priority, then also you should choose these goggles.

Photo-chromatic lens

These goggles are just like the auto-dimming mirror or your car. The color of the lens gets darker in more light and becomes lighter in low light. The color adjusts automatically to help you with exceptional vision.

Another benefit of using these lenses is the reduction in eye fatigue. However, swimming goggles with photo-chromatic lenses can be pricey, but you will find them in practice and competition versions.

Clear lens

If you don't want the colors to distort your vision, then you can opt for goggles with clear lenses. The goggles are ideal for keeping your eyes protected from water and don't offer any reduction in the light. You can only use clear lenses in low light conditions as these are not suitable to use in direct sunlight.

Mostly, you will see clear lenses in recreational goggles and swim masks.

Violet and blue lens

We suggest a violet and blue lens for low light conditions as these can reduce the glare up to a great extent. Furthermore, kids can also use these swimming goggles due to the protection against direct exposure of light.

You will find these lenses mostly in practice goggles.

Straps

The straps are an essential component of the goggles. You should always buy swimming goggles with comfortable straps for prolonged use. Also, the quality of the straps should be top-notch. The standard materials used by most manufacturers are silicone, rubber, and other elastic materials.

Additionally, the strap should be elastic, so it doesn't break while fitting. Buying swimming goggles with adjustable strap will give you the benefit to adjust it as per your comfort. Check the buckles as well that attach the strap to the lens.

If possible, buy goggles with double straps, as these offer a snuggly fit, and the elasticity of the strap won't get affected even after multiple uses.

Gaskets

The gasket is the soft layer that acts as a barrier between your eyes and water by creating a tight seal. You will find swimming goggles with two types of gaskets i.e., goggles with gaskets outside of the eye socket and goggles with gaskets around the eye socket.

The choice is up to you and why you need a pair of swimming goggles. The gasket should be comfortable so that you can wear the goggles for a long time. Go for a material that's highly durable and gentle to the skin, such as silicone.

Also, check the gasket size and make sure that it fits you nicely, as improper fitting goggles will be of no use.

Frame

The swimming goggles frame has to keep the lenses in place, so it should be durable and comfortable. You will find many goggles made with resin and silicone as these are two highly common materials used to manufacture frames.

The entire frame should be soft, including the nosepiece that will fit on your nose, so comfort is a necessity. You can even look for an exchangeable nosepiece as some frames allow you to change the nosepiece.

UV protection

If you need swimming goggles for outdoor use under direct sunlight, then look for UV protection. Some lenses come with UV protection coating that reflects the UV rays and prevents them from irritating you while swimming.

There is no standard UV rating in swimming goggles, but you should check if the goggles offer UV protection or not. We recommend you to buy lenses with dark colors or goggles with mirror lenses as these can reflect the UV rays and you won't feel any irritations while swimming.

Anti-fog lens

Swimming goggles with untreated lens mist up while swimming, and it can block your vision. Most manufacturers are using an anti-fog treatment on the lens that prevents the formation of mist, so you don't have to keep rubbing the lenses to clean them.

Furthermore, with anti-fog lenses, there are no hassles of blurry vision, and you can swim with ultimate clarity even underwater.

A pro tip: Avoid rubbing, touching, or wiping the inner part of the lens as it can damage the coating. You cannot repair damaged coating, so take care of it to enhance your swimming goggles' longevity.

Curved lens

If you are a professional swimmer, then goggles with a curved lens could be an excellent choice. The curvedness of the lens gives a better field of vision so you can keep an eye on your competitors.

Adjustable

Adjustability is another essential factor you should check before buying swimming goggles. Check if the straps are adjustable so that you get the best fit. Also, the nosepiece should be adjustable to give you a comfortable feeling.

Swimming goggles with interchangeable nose bridges are the best, and some manufacturers even offer some spare nose pieces so you can change them as per your requirements.

Size

Swimming goggles come in a plethora of options ranging from small to large. You should choose the size based on the dimensions of your face. If you have a broad face, then go for bigger goggles with adjustable straps.

Choosing the ideal size is essential to get a good fit, else water will seep into the lens, and you won't get any benefits of wearing swimming goggles. Always refer to the size chart before making your decision.

Profile

The profile of the swimming goggles is how far the goggles stick out of your face. There are two ways to classify the profile i.e., low and high. Goggles with a high profile aren't that great while diving as the goggles can displace from your face due to the jerk or water, so you have to adjust the position again.

Low profile goggles are good for diving, and these won't get away from your eyes to the force exerted by water. If you are buying swimming goggles for recreational purposes, then high profile design is the best choice, as you won’t be diving with them.

FAQs: Best Swimming Goggles

Q: Do prescription swim goggles really work?

A: Yes, prescription swimming goggles really work as the lenses are designed and manufactured based on the details you have provided to the manufacturer. However, it depends on the brand, so always go for trusted brands and upload the latest prescription based on the latest condition of the eyes.

Q: Are swimming goggles dangerous?

A: No, swimming goggles aren't dangerous provided that you are using them the right way. There are no sharp and pointed objects, so they are not harmful to the kids.

Q: Which gasket material is the best?

A: We recommend buying swim goggles with a silicone gasket as the material is durable and highly water-resistant. Also, you will get ultimate comfort with silicone gaskets, and these will keep the water out of the goggles.

Q: Should I spit on the lens?

A: You might have seen professional swimmers doing that as putting saliva on the lens adds a layer on it, which prevents condensation. Also, it helps clean the inner of the lens, and that's why many swimmers prefer to do it.

You can also give it a try as there are no harms of spitting on the goggles.

Q: How long does a pair of swim goggles last?

A: The life of the pair depends on how frequently you use it, and the quality of the material. If you swim regularly, then the goggles can last somewhere around six months or less. Also, chlorine deteriorates the lenses, so the vision gets degraded with time, and you need a replacement.

Q: Can I wear swimming goggles over glasses?

A: No, you cannot use swimming goggles with regular glasses. The best way is getting prescription goggles, so you don't need your glasses to see clearly.

Q: How do I choose the best swim goggles?

A: To choose the best swim goggles, you should read this buyer's guide. The definite guide contains complete information you should know before buying these goggles. Just go through this guide and buy the best pair of swimming goggles.

Q: Should I swim without goggles?

A: We don't recommend swimming without goggles as the chlorine and other chemicals present in water can result in irritation and redness in the eye. Get a good pair that protects your eyes from water, and you get excellent visibility underwater.

Q: How tight should the goggles be?

A: The swimming goggles should be moderately tight so that it prevents water from touching your eyes while keeping you comfortable. Goggles that are too tight can be uncomfortable, so check the size chart before clicking the buy now button.

Q: How to stop my goggles from fogging up?

A: Buy a pair of goggles with anti-fog treatment as it is the best way to keep fog away. There are many demerits of fog, such as blurred vision, so look for swim goggles with anti-fog coating and swim without any hassles.

In case you don't want to buy a new pair, then follow these defogging tips to get rid of the fog.

• Spit on the lens and rub it gently to clean the fog. The thin layer of the saliva will prevent condensation, so there will be no fogging.
• Use a tiny dab of toothpaste and rub it on the lens. Now buff it with a soft cloth, and you are good to go.
• Using a small drop of your favorite shaving cream will heal the issue of a foggy lens. Rinse the cream and then buff the lenses with a soft cloth.

A pro tip: While using any of these DIY methods, make sure to be gentle as being too hard can damage the lens. Use little quantities and don't use excessive creams or saliva. Let the lens dry, and then you can swim with it.

Conclusion

Buying the best pair of swimming goggles will be easy with this swimming goggles buyer’s guide. Make a list of the top goggles you like and then compare them based on these factors. Don't forget to check the FAQ section, where you will find some useful tips about swim goggles.

Before clicking the buy now button, check the size chart, and buy goggles that suit your needs. Lastly, go for trusted brands only, which are preferred by thousands of buyers.

Have fun swimming with your mates!