Best Swim Goggles 2018 – Comprehensive Guide
I’m certain you are fond of swimming but despise the time when your vision underwater becomes unclear, or when dirt enters your eyes, or when you develop sore eyes from swimming too long. We hate it when we struggle with our sight. This is when swim goggles come in to save the day.
Swim goggles are needed for competitive and noncompetitive swimmers in order to be able to put their face in the water for hours without developing sore eyes. The right goggles should fit comfortably over the eyes and the bridge of the nose. They’re your eye-savers underneath the water. They keep your eyes safe from saltwater and chlorine while you bask in the joys of refreshing water or swim in competitions. They improve your vision underwater as well. With the various types of swim goggles available, I’m certain you can find one that’s perfect for you.
| MODEL | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | ITEM WEIGHT | USER RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aegend Clear Swimming Goggles No Leaking Anti Fog UV Protection | Flexible silicone frame; Polycarbonate lenses; UV protection and anti-fog coating; Light blue and clear lens | 4.8 ounces | 4.6/5 | $$ Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggle | Training and performance goggle; Wide panoramic lenses; Anti-Fog coating, UV protected lenses | 1 ounce | 4.3/5 | $$$$ Check Latest Price on Amazon |
i SWIM PRO Swimming Goggles | Anti-fog protection; Anti-shatter lenses; Water tight; Comfortable | 4.3/5 | $ Check Latest Price on Amazon |
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Speedo Hydrospex Swim Goggle | Soft, comfortable TPR frame; Anti-fog protection; PVC Frame & Silicone Strap; One piece hypoallergenic flexible; Shatter resistant lexan lens frame; | 1 ounce | 4.3/5 | $$$ Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggle | Clear lenses; Oversized, ultra durable Plexisol lens; hydrodynamic microframe; Anti-fog and scratch resistant lens | 4 ounces | 4.2/5 | $$$$$ Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Top Swim Goggles Reviewed
So what is the best swim goggles? That depends entirely on what you need and prefer. Read the swim goggles reviews we’ve provided just for you and find the best!
#1 Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggle – The Best Of The Best
The Vanquisher 2.0 provides a sleek, snug, ultra-low profile inner eye fit and features wide panoramic lenses with 25% more peripheral vision and cushioned silicone seals for better clarity, vision, and comfortable swimming!
It also highlights its Anti-Fog coating that prevents the condensation of water and its UV protected lenses that block the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s truly the best swim goggles for the money. It’s the same classic original fit with soft silicone eye seals, only that this time, it’s better.
The box includes the goggles, a protective black fishnet bag, three alternate nose pieces of different sizes, and safety instructions and goggles adjustment instructions.
You’ll love how its eye cups provide good vision to the front and sides. And thanks to the low profile, it won’t slip off during dives or fast turns—which is very much beneficial. It’s also comfortable to wear!
However, it’s not the perfect goggles, I mean, nothing is. One of its drawbacks is its eye cups that fog up quickly. Another is that the gaskets which could have been a little more watertight. Nonetheless, it’s still worth the 16-dollar price tag.
#2 Aegend Clear Swimming Goggles No Leaking Anti Fog UV Protection
Comfortable. Effective. Clear.
A lot of customers can attest to that since this is the best seller on Amazon. It features its famous polycarbonate lenses that stay strong even in the toughest conditions and are perfect for any swimming activity.
Comfortable. Thanks to its flexible silicone frame and gasket, you can experience optimum comfort. Its larger clear lens and quality sealing surface ensure that you feel comfortable putting your eyes underwater. You can also swim with ease knowing that this is leakage-proof and doesn’t leave a line and add excess pressure to maintain a good seal.
Effective. It has UV protection and anti-fog coating that enhances every swimming experience. Because of its well-designed clasp, it’s easy to put on and off. The straps have a buckle that makes putting on and taking off so easy without pulling your hair, because honestly, that’s annoying especially for people with long hair.
Clear. The light blue and clear lens provide better clarity.
You just have to take note that it’s not recommended to people with over 100 degrees myopia eyes.
The only drawback is that it gets a little blurry at times. Nonetheless, it’s a great buy and it’s one of the best.
#3 Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggle
These Italy-made, 23-dollar priced goggles are among the quality ones you can find on the market today. Thanks to Aqua Sphere’s patented curved lens design, easily adjustable strap buckles, and ergonomic designs, you can get the most out of it.
It features lenses that provide the greatest visibility indoors or in low light; oversized, ultra durable Plexisol lens for 4-point expanded, 180-degree visibility; one-piece, hydrodynamic microframe made of hypoallergenic Softeril; One-touch, Quick-Fit Buckle for perfect fit with simple adjustments; and anti-fog and scratch resistant lens.
Aqua Sphere even provides different types of lenses for their customers. The clear lens is for indoor pools and dark conditions. They’re ideal for low light, overcast conditions where maximum visibility is required. They provide accurate vision. The dark lensis for outdoor, sunny conditions because they reduce light transmission to the eye and even the brightness and glare. This way, they protect the eyes. They’re ideal for conditions with direct sunshine or high light levels. The polarized lens filter light and block the glare reflected off shiny surfaces and increase the color contrast for sharper vision and improved perception. Like the dark lens, it’s ideal for sunny conditions as well. Lastly, the mirrored lens is applied on top of a dark lens in order to reduce the light transmission to the eye. It’s also ideal for outdoor use.
However, a few customers mentioned that the strap isn’t durable, breaking after only a few uses, while some also complained about the leaks.
#4 i SWIM PRO Swimming Goggles
These swim goggles are one of the most loved by customers. Because they’re coated with the latest anti-fog protection with specially designed, anti-shatter lenses, you can be certain that you’ll have a fog-free, crystal clear vision.
The unique, cushioned design of its gaskets create a perfect seal around the eyes, making sure that not even a drop of water will flow in. It’s water tight! The fully adjustable straps with a minimum circumference of 14.5 inches / 37.5cm and a maximum circumference of 25 inches / 62.5cm make sure your eyes won’t be annoyed by the water.
It also highlights a new level of comfort because of its soft silicone gaskets that leave no red marks, aches, or irritation. The nose piece flexes perfectly to fit any face as well. And the quick release clasp at the back ensures your hair won’t get tangled when you take it off.
They also pride themselves on their excellent customer service and the full warranty that comes with the goggles. Honestly, you’ll be blown away by how great they are.
On the other hand, you might hate the ear plugs because they’re irritating and cheap according to some customers. Other complaints were about the leaks, discomfort, and the clips that break easily.
#5 Speedo Hydrospex Swim Goggle
The last one on this list is by the famous Speedo again. With its 15-dollar price, you can get commendable and comfortable goggles. If you want to swim with performance-ready goggles, then the Speedo Hydrospex is just waiting for you to grab it.
It highlights a soft, one-piece, flexible, hypoallergenic PVC frame; a split silicone headstrap; and quick-adjust speed feet clips. Aside from that, your eyes will definitely appreciate the 95% UV protection and anti-fog features. In addition, it also has a universal gasket shapethat can fit any adult. It’s also latex free! It even comes with a six-month manufacturers defect warranty. If you want reliable and secure goggles, then let Speedo take you to the next level of swimming.
A number of customers lauded the durability of the Hydrospex. They say the goggles look simple but work extraordinarily. They also loved how functional and economical these are. What some disliked, however, were the straps that can be easily broken and the fog it builds up.
Swim Goggles Buying Guide
1. Price and Brand
- Swim goggles range from $2 to $210 depending on the type of lens, the brand, and the flexibility.
- If your budget is limited, then opt for goggles that fit your price range.
- With an unlimited budget, you can choose the best one according to what you need and prefer.
- The best brands in the industry are Aegend, Aqua Sphere, Blueseventy, i Swim, Sable Water, and Speedo.
2. Type
- Goggles can either be leisure or open water goggles, training or competition goggles, or Swedish type goggles.
- Open water goggles are also known as frame goggles and are considered the most comfortable. Its lenses are flat and mounted into a socket within a frame surrounding it, that’s why it’s referred to as frame goggles. They’re perfect for beginners and intermediate swimmers, as well as for some triathletes. There is a larger silicon gasket which is found in the frame as well. The frame and the nose bridge usually come as a single component. The nose bridge cannot be adjusted, but some goggles come with interchangeable nose bridges that can fit different face types. Its large gasket, though tested to last long, is prone to accidents because they eventually lose their ability to seal.
- Competition goggles have bigger and more rounded lenses. They offer better vision because of their transparent sides. The sealing gasket is smaller but it always is enough. They also look smaller once they’re worn. Their lenses can be clear, dark, polarized, or mirrored. The most common for pool swimmers during competitions are the tinted lenses or the polarized ones. Unlike the first type, the nose bridge of these goggles is adjustable. These goggles are ideal for rough waters as well and are very much comfortable to use especially during training sessions.
- Swedish type goggles or competition/racing goggles are the smallest ones around. They frame and lens of this type is a single unit of hard plastic. The hard plastic lens is placed directly against the skin which creates the seal. Unlike the first two, these goggles do not have a rubber gasket. They are extremely effective and durable. They’re the most reliable goggles on the mark.
3. The Fit
- You have to make sure that the goggles seal perfectly for you. To know if it does, make sure you try it on before buying. If you’re going to shop online, check if you can return it in case it doesn’t fit.
- Oval-shaped goggles are the most popular ones, they have a silicone gasket seal. The seal should give a split-second suction. If it doesn’t, it will let the water in.
- However, don’t pick goggles that are too tight, they can leave marks and be uncomfortable to wear.
4. The Comfort
- Aside from the security that the seal can bring around your eyes, you should also be mindful of the comfort it brings to your nose which can be annoying if neglected.
- There are goggles which have adjustable nose pieces but if it’s too tight or it’s rubbing against the bridge of your nose, that means you need to try another pair of goggles.
- Though the strap of your goggles has little to do with the seal, it still keeps them in place.
- Wearing goggles that are too tight will only add pressure to the sensitive parts of your eyes and you wouldn’t want that.
- Most goggles now, quality ones, have split straps which are better at holding them in place, allowing you to swim or turn faster in the water.
5. The Sight
- All branded goggles come with an anti-fog and UV protection. But some goggles with no name also come with the two.
- The color of the lens is also something you should consider.
- Clear lenses areideal for indoors, or low light, overcast conditions. They’re perfect for placed where you need maximum visibility.
- Amber lenses are designed to improve vision in low-light levels and reduce glare in high light levels. They can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Lilac lenses are for indoor and outdoor use as well. They are designed for the best contrast for objects against green or blue backgrounds.
- Smoke lenses reduce light transmission and lower the overall brightness of your environment. They’re recommended for swimming under direct sunlight.
- Blue lenses allow a moderate level of light into the eyes but still protects the eye from glare in bright conditions. These are ideal for indoor and outdoor swimming.
- Mirrored lenses reduce glare and brightness with mirror coated applied to the tinted lens. They’re suited to outdoor use.
6. Profile
- The profile refers to how far the goggle sticks out from your face.
- It can be classified as low or high.
- Your goggle’s profile affects the appearance of your goggles and influence how your goggles function.
- Depending on the type of your face, a high profile goggle may or may not leak or fall off upon entry into the water, this is true especially if you’re always diving.
- Different profiles are meant for different motives, so be sure to use the correct profile that suits your swimming activities.
Conclusion
Swimming goggles may need to be replaced every 5-6 months especially if you swim every day or every other day. This is because chlorine will eventually break down the material of your goggles, causing them to lose their seal. Plus, the anti-fog coating will also wear off over time which leaves you with no choice but to buy a new pair.
No matter how high the quality of your goggles seems to be, always remember that you still have to take care of it like a pair of eyeglasses. Preserve the life of your goggles by rinsing them in cold water every after use. This way, you’ll remove chlorine, salt, and sand effectively. Don’t forget to dry it out naturally as well and when drying, don’t keep it under direct sunlight. Never rub the inside of the lenses because doing so will rub off the anti-fog coating, too. Lastly, keep them in a protective case.
There are so many choices to choose from. The prices, the colors, and the features can be overwhelming. With proper guidance and with sufficient knowledge, however, selecting would be less complicated.
I hope I’ve made it easier for you to decide. If you’re still having trouble choosing, I suggest you read the feedback of customers regarding the product you have in mind.
Happy goggling!
