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Swim Goggles

All year long you've yearned for this moment. Little Jimmy, your one and only son is finally ready to join the middle school swim team. He's been ranting and raving about his 100 they could save a swimming career. Like any modern Goggle Construction * '''Gaskets''' ** Gaskets are essentially what is attached to the back of the goggle lens. It is the part of the goggle that comes into contact with your face. For a long time, all goggles had foam gasketing. ** Recently a curved rubber gasket has become quite popular. This new gasket appeals to many because it is hypoallergenic and over time it will not detach from the rest of the goggle. The foam gasket has a tendency to do this. * '''Straps''' ** Originally, all goggles came with a single rubber strap that ran across the back of the head. This strap was functional, but there was clearly room for improvement. Often it failed to hold the lens in contact with the face and water would enter a swimmer's line of vision. ** Most of the new makes use a double strap that provides more balance. It reduces movement and helps prevent leakage. * '''Lenses''' ** Simply put, lenses are what you see through. They allow your vision underwater to be clear and they keep you safe from chlorine and infection-producing bacteria that could potentially enter your eyes. ** Most goggle companies produce a variety of lenses that cater to any swimming experience. They make sportspecific goggles for competitive swimming. They also design indoor and outdoor goggles that differ in tint. ** If you wear glasses, you need to make sure that the goggles you purchase can be fitted with a prescription. It is important to note that many goggle companies do not offer this feature.

Goggle Styles

There are hundreds of different makes of goggles, and no one type is necessarily better than another. Here are a few of the more conventional and popular frames that you may want to check out.

Children's Goggles

* Some goggles are specifically designed for kids. They are smaller in diameter and they may have neat design on the trim, such as shark or a dolphin. * Children will frequently damage or lose their goggles. Spending an inordinate amount of money on your child's swim gear might not necessarily be a terrific idea. Swimming at a young age is generally for recreation and less expensive goggles that do not burn a whole in your pocket are probably a wise investment. * When searching for a pair of adequate goggles, make sure the main elements are intact. The strap on the goggles must be stable, and the nose piece should have little or no stretch to it. * If the goggles come with a foam gasket, make sure that it is secured. Check to see if there are any gaps between the lens material and the foam. If there are gaps, chances are the goggles are poorly made.

Adult Goggles

* Make sure that the goggles fit properly. You will know this once you have used them in the water. They may feel secure on your face at first, but if they leak underwater, they become virtually useless. * Once you have adjusted the center piece of the goggles to your face, make sure that it does not cut the skin on your nose. It must feel comfortable and secure at the same time. * If the goggles use foam, make sure that it is sufficient enough to provide both a seal and a cushion at the sharp edges. Otherwise, you may get significant leakage. * Make sure that the goggles are appropriate for the environment you are swimming in. For bright or well-lit areas, you will need a darker lens; for dark or indoor areas, you will need a lighter lens. * When testing the durability of a strap, you are looking for an elasticity that matches that of a strong rubber band. Too stiff means little flexibility, and too elastic means that it will break easily. * Find out whether the lenses are shatter-resistant. If they are not, it may create a potential health hazard.

Major Manufacturers

* Aquasphere * Lane 4 * Nike * Speedo * TYR

Related Products

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