Whether you are a novice or professional swimmer, you need to use the best swimming goggles for protecting your eyes when underwater. It is important that you understand the different types of safety eyewear for swimming, or goggles, available in the market, and compare the features of each. Make sure that you purchase a pair of swimming goggles that meets your specific needs and preferences.
A Look at the Types of Swimming Goggles
When shopping for the perfect pair of goggles, it helps to know more about the choices you will encounter. The following are among the most common types, including their features and uses.
1. Recreational Goggles
If you look for cost-effective, yet comfortable safety eyewear for swimming, then this is the perfect item for you. Recreational goggles are ideal to use when you have no plans of swimming for long hours. While the lenses come with anti-fog film, this component wears off with frequent use. You may wish to consider purchasing another type of goggles when you intend to spend a longer time underwater.
2. Competition Goggles
Competitive and professional swimmers use this type of goggles because of their high-quality features and benefits for intense swimming. These goggles are lightweight and have proximity to your eyes, so you will experience greater comfort when swimming. However, these are not the ideal swimming gear for regular use because they can cause a certain degree of discomfort with extended use.
3. Gasket Goggles
Most swimmers prefer to use gasket goggles because of their durable quality and convenience. You can choose one of two types, silicon or foam. In addition, you can find a wide variety of sizes of gasket-type goggles. Children and adults with small facial frames should consider using oval-shaped gasket goggles for a comfortable fit.
Common Types of Lens Material
The type of lens material is an important consideration in choosing the best swimming goggles for your specific needs, as it affects the overall quality of the product. The common options that you can find in the market include anti-fog, clear, optical grade, and polycarbonate.
1. Anti-Fog Lenses
This type of lens contains a special surface treatment that prevents fogging for greater clarity and visibility when underwater. You can also purchase anti-fog drops and apply them to the lenses to maintain the high quality of the goggles.
2. Clear Lenses
If you plan to swim in low-light conditions, make sure you wear goggles with clear lenses. You will have an enhanced swimming experience because the lenses help you have accurate vision.
3. Optical-Grade Lenses
When you need a pair of goggles with lightweight and scratch-resistant lenses, then you should go for optical-grade lenses. The high-grade plastic used in this type of lens is similar with the ones used in prescription glasses. Furthermore, optical-grade goggles prevent distortion, so you can see clearly underwater.
4. Polycarbonate Lenses
Beginners and professionals prefer to use goggles with polycarbonate lenses. The material has superb strength and versatility. You can also choose from different shades that match your preferences. Also, the lenses have anti-fog features and UV protection.
Top Brands of Swimming Goggles
Several renowned brands of goggles for swimmers include TYR, Zoggs, and Barracuda Goggles.
The brand preferred by most professional swimmers is the Barracuda because of its excellent features and material. They offer a comprehensive range of goggles for competitive swimming such as suction seal, wire and positive pressure seal.
TYR is very popular brand that provides various types ideal for triathlon, training, racing and recreation. The company distributes quality goggles in about 40 countries all over the world.
Zoggs is another highly reputed brand of swimming goggles, currently available in four countries, and especially Australia where the brand originated. The different types offered by Zoggs include goggles for children, adults, and active fitness or competition.
As you shop for the best swimming goggles to suit your specific and needs and preferences, make sure you pay particular attention to the material and features of the different types available. Consider all the factors above before you decide to purchase your first or next pair of goggles.
Jim Tschritter has had extensive experience managing sports and recreational facilities in Canada, interacting with some of the top swimmers and coaches.