Outdoor swimming specialist, Rowan Clarke, picks her top six swimming goggles for open water.The Best Swimming Goggles for open water swimming
\nFrom pool training to open water swimming, good goggles are essential. Get it wrong and leaks, fogging or discomfort could spoil your swim. Get it right and comfortable, well-fitting goggles will greatly improve your swim experience.
\nThe choice of goggles is bewildering. There are different sizes, fits and lenses to choose from. And then there are all sorts of extras. I\u2019ve explained how to shop for goggles in the buyer\u2019s guide below, but in short, I\u2019m looking for:<\/p>\n
Fit: Goggles should fit closely to avoid leaks
\nComfort: The gasket should have a bit of suction without feeling too tight
\nVisibility: The correct lens tint, protection, field of vision and anti-fogging<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve chosen your goggles, look after them well. Rinse them with clean water after every use. And no more tears baby shampoo is great for a gentle clean. Plus, keeping them in a soft bag or case will guard against scratched lenses.
\nAnd yet, no matter how well you care for your goggles, they will wear with use. That\u2019s why I look for brands that sell spare parts like replacement straps and gaskets and invest in antifogging spray.
\nI always keep spares in my kit bag plus I have goggles for different weather and for wearing at the pool. But, my best open water goggles are the pairs I reach for time and again \u2013 and these are the goggles I\u2019ve shared.
\nAt a glance:
\nBest swim mask:<\/p>\n
Best all-rounders: Swans Ascender Open Water Goggles<\/p>\n
Best open water goggles for women: Speedo Women\u2019s Biofuse 2.0 Mirror Goggles<\/p>\n
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Soul Cap Kellerman Mirror Goggles
\nBest low-profile swimming goggles
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Streamlined fit
\nUV-protective mirrored lenses
\nSkin-friendly silicone
\nEasy to adjust with a quick-release LatchLock
\nCurved lenses for enhanced peripheral vision
\n4 interchangeable nosepieces (XS, S, M and L)<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Curved lenses for great peripheral vision,\u00a04 interchangeable nose pieces,\u00a0UV-protective mirrored lenses for protection
\nReasons to avoid: Tight fitting around your eye-sockets
\nLow-profile goggles are great for racing because they create minimal drag. In open water, the low profile also means they stay put throughout your swim \u2013 which is especially important in choppy water. But there\u2019s an inevitable trade-off with breadth of vision. The Kellermans counter this with curved lenses \u2013 they\u2019re not as broad as other goggles, but impressive for such a low-profile fit.
\nSaying that, I don\u2019t find many low-profile goggles comfortable. But I quickly got used to the Kellermans thanks to super soft silicone gaskets that didn\u2019t leave those dreaded goggle rings \u2013 even after an hour-long sea swim. You can choose the nose piece that best suits your face. Super easy to clip in and out, it means that these goggles work for all face shapes.
\nWith absolutely no leaks or misting up, the Kellermans are among my favourites. Even better, they\u2019re made by Soul Cap, a fantastic socially-minded brand that brings inclusivity and accessibility to swimming for all.<\/p>\n
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Orca Killa Comfort Swimming Goggles
\nMost comfortable open water swimming goggles
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Soft, comfortable silicone
\nUV-protective mirrored lenses
\nWide field of vision
\nAnti-fog coating
\nClip-on closure for easy fitting and adjustment
\nThree-dimensional gasket to improve water-tightness and reduce pressure
\nDifferent lens tints are available<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Wide lenses for great vision, super-soft silicone gaskets, UV-protective mirrored lenses
\nReasons to avoid: One size fits all
\nKilla Comfort by name, killer comfort by nature. You\u2019ll forget you\u2019re wearing these fantastic all-rounders.
\nNamed after the ocean\u2019s ultimate apex predator, Orca is renowned among open water swimmers for quality, functional products \u2013 and these goggles are no exception.
\nTheir beauty is their simplicity. No gimmicks, no fancy features, just great goggles. They only come in one size, but they worked just as well on my narrow face as they did on my swim buddy\u2019s wide face. Plus, their nifty ergonomic, three-dimensional gasket fits to your face to reduce pressure around the eye meaning that they left no marks.
\nThey fit flush to your face minimising drag and the breadth of vision is fantastic for sighting. There were no leaks, no misting up and I appreciated the anti-glare mirrored lenses on a sunny day.
\nAvailable in three lens-tint options, it\u2019s very tempting to collect them all.
\nBuy them here<\/p>\n
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HUUB Ryft Open Water Photochromic Swim Mask
\nBest swim mask
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Wide peripheral lenses
\nLight reactive lenses
\nSoft, durable silicone head strap
\nComfortable, leak-resistant silicone skirt
\nUV protection
\nDurable polycarbonate lenses with anti-fog and scratch-resistant coating<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Light-reactive photochromatic lenses, wide vision, soft silicone for comfort
\nReasons to avoid: They don\u2019t work for every face shape or with moisturiser
\nI love a swim mask because you can\u2019t beat it for vision, especially when swimming outdoors in clear water. Masks also cover more of your face. This takes the pressure off your delicate eye area and minimises brain freeze in cold water.
\nBut swim masks can feel cumbersome. Not HUUB\u2019s, though. True to form, this excellent brand known for creating high-performing open water swimming gear has nailed swim mask design.
\nBecause it\u2019s as low-profile as it can be, it created minimal drag as I swam front crawl for an hour in the choppy Adriatic sea. That meant enjoying the exceptional breadth of vision without the usual mask-related issues. I was careful, though \u2013 I made sure that the edge of my swim hat and sun cream didn\u2019t interfere with how the silicone sealed around my face. And some smaller faces may find that it doesn\u2019t fit at all.
\nFor a superb field of vision above and below the water with minimal trade-off for streamlining, the Ryft is the best swim mask I\u2019ve tried.<\/p>\n
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Swans Ascender Open Water Goggles
\nBest all-rounders
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Premium anti-fog lenses.
\n100% UVA and UVB protection.
\nInterchangeable nose bridges (S, M, L).
\nDouble silicone strap for a secure fit.
\nReplacement parts available.<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: UV-protective mirrored lenses, wide lenses for good vision, 3 Interchangeable nose bridges (S, M, L)
\nReasons to avoid: Fiddly to adjust
\nComfortable, adjustable and with great vision \u2013 the Swans Ascenders are my go-to goggles.
\nDesigned for open water and triathlon swimming, the Ascenders are perfect for outdoor adventures. With a traditional double silicone strap and interchangeable nose pieces, you get a comfortable fit and no budging, even in choppy conditions.
\nWide, curved and patented scratch-resistant, anti-fogging lenses give superb peripheral vision and clarity. I went for the mirrored lenses, not just because they\u2019re a little bit disco, but also because they offer UV and glare protection.
\nSwans goggles are durable, too \u2013 they last for ages and survive being bunged into a kit bag. I also love that they sell replacement nose pieces, gaskets and straps as well as anti-fogging spray and a snazzy case to make them last even longer. A great sustainable choice.<\/p>\n
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Speedo Women\u2019s Biofuse 2.0 Mirror Goggles
\nBest women\u2019s open water goggles
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Super-soft flexible seals
\nFlexible external frame adapts to the contours of your face
\nDesigned for the female face
\nWide Vision lenses
\nPatent-pending push button adjuster
\nAnti-fog coated lenses with 100% UV Protection against UVA & UVB<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Super-soft flexible seals, designed for women\u2019s faces, wide vision lenses, push button adjuster for those with longer nails
\nReasons to avoid: Perhaps a little flimsy
\nI tested the open water version made for women\u2019s face shapes. They offer anti-fog coated lenses with total UV protection against harmful UVA and UVB radiation and fantastic wide vision.
\nBest of all, they\u2019re made for women. Thankfully, that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re pink \u2013 just that they fit female faces comfortably. They also have a push button mechanism on the strap, which is great if you have long nails. You can get them in men\u2019s and children\u2019s versions and with different lens tints.
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BEEWAY Swimming Goggles with attached Ear Plugs
\nBest budget open water goggles
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Anti-fog coated lenses.
\nUVA protection
\nEasy fit clip clasp
\nIntegrated earplugs<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: UV-protective mirrored lenses, wide lenses, connected earplugs, great value
\nReasons to avoid: Anti-fog coating wears off, plastic nose piece can dig in, poor eco credentials
\nIf you\u2019re the kind of person who loses their goggles (or earplugs), the Beeways are great. They\u2019re cheap but also function very well.
\nThese goggles fit nicely. The quick-release clip at the back makes them easy to put on and take off, even with cold hands. Although they weren\u2019t as soft and comfortable as other goggles, they didn\u2019t leak or mist up. That said, the antifogging coating wore off quite quickly and the hard plastic nose-piece started digging in. And, with nowhere to get spare parts, I had to throw them away.
\nI rate the Beeway goggles for value, integrated earplugs and surprising durability. They come in a plastic case (a bit like a glasses case) and have earplugs attached, which makes them perfect as my kit bag spares. However, the sustainable credentials are awful, so if you can afford to spend your money with a better brand, do.<\/p>\n
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How to choose the best swimming goggles
\nWhen shopping for swimming goggles, you need to consider three factors:<\/p>\n
Your face shape
\nHow you\u2019ll use the goggles
\nYour preferences<\/p>\n
Goggles to fit your face shape
\nMost adult goggles come in one size, but we all have different face sizes and shapes. So, it would be great if we could try before we buy. However, that\u2019s rarely possible. Instead, look for goggles with good adjustability.
\nFor example, one big face-shape variable is the space between our eyes. Goggles with interchangeable nose bridges account for this. Another is face size, which is why you get goggles designed specifically for men or women. If you\u2019re still struggling with fit, custom goggles might be a wise investment.
\nHow you use the goggles
\nMany swimmers have more than one pair of goggles. I have a swim mask, racing goggles, polarized open water goggles, UVA protective blue tinted goggles for duller days and clear goggles for indoor pool swimming or night swimming!
\nHow you plan on using your goggles will dictate the lens colour, breadth of vision and profile. For example, if you like dipping in the sea on holiday, choose a polarized swim mask. If you race in the pool, go for clear, low-profile goggles. Generally speaking, the brighter the sky, the darker the lens. The faster you swim, the lower the profile. And, for open water, choose a broad range of vision.
\nYour preferences: optional extras
\nOnce you know what fit and lens to choose, think about what extra features you want. This might be a prescription lens if you normally wear contacts or glasses. You can also get goggles with in-built displays that show your swim speed and distance. You can spend upwards of \u00a3300 if you want \u2013 just don\u2019t drop them in the ocean.
\n6 More swim goggles you might want to consider\u2026
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Speedo Fastskin Speedsocket 2 Mirror Goggles
\nBest swimming goggles for open water competitive\u00a0swimming
\nReasons to Buy: great slim design, mirrored lenses, anti-fog
\nReasons to Avoid: expensive
\nSpecifications:
\n\u2022 Sizes: One size
\n\u2022 Colours: black, green
\n\u2022 Lenses: mirror
\nSpeedo\u2019s Fastskin goes straight to the top of the class for serious swimmers \u2013 this premium goggle is a great choice for athletes. The sleek goggle is designed to reduce drag in the water, while mirrored lenses are ideal for bright sunlight if you\u2019re swimming outdoors in endurance events or competing in a triathlon. These goggles also had some of the best anti-fog treatment we tested, and stretchy straps and goggle seals mould nicely to the face and head and stay put as you move. If you take swimming seriously, invest in the Fastskin.
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Aqua Sphere Vista Goggles
\nBest swimming goggles for open water leisure swimming
\nReasons to Buy: great leak-free seal, large field of vision
\nReasons to Avoid: too bulky for competitive swimming
\nSpecifications
\n\u2022 Sizes: one size
\n\u2022 Colours: five available
\n\u2022 Lenses: clear
\nIf you\u2019re sick of goggles that let water leak in over time, try on Aqua Sphere\u2019s Vista for size. This was the most reliable goggle we tested for getting a comfy but leak-free seal around your eyes for casual swimming, and the clear lenses are a good choice for going deeper underwater \u2013 wear these goggles for wild swimming adventures and exploring the ocean during fitness and endurance swims. Anti-fog technology keeps things clear in changeable weather conditions.
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Speedo Aquapulse Pro Mirror
\nBest light weight swimming goggles for pools swimmers\u00a0
\nReasons to Buy: great comfort, light weight, mirrored lenses
\nReasons to Avoid: outdoor swimmers may want bigger lenses
\nSpecifications:
\n\u2022 Sizes: One size
\n\u2022 Colours: black
\n\u2022 Lens colour: black\/gold
\nMeet the goggle you\u2019ll barely even notice you have on. Speedo\u2019s Aquapulse is pleasingly slim, streamlined and lightweight, with thin but effective adjustable silicone straps and super-comfortable and soft suction cups that fit nicely around the eyes and doesn\u2019t leave angry red marks. The orange and gold mirrored lenses effectively reduce glare outdoors but can also be worn indoors, and while the lenses don\u2019t look big, they still offer decent vision for fitness swimming. A great all-rounder, especially if you find most goggles uncomfortable.
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Decathlon Swimdow
\nBest swimming goggles for open water swimmers on a budget
\nReasons to Buy: wide field of vision, good strap, versatile clear lens
\nReasons to Avoid: bulky design
\nSpecifications
\n\u2022 Sizes: One size
\n\u2022 Colours: white, blue, black
\n\u2022 Lenses: clear
\nBeginner swimmer or shopping on a budget? Goggles needn\u2019t cost a lot \u2013 Decathlon do models starting from just \u00a35.99. Our pick for newbies is the Swimdow 100, which is simple and functional but comfortable. Clear lenses will suit both indoor and outdoor swim sessions, and the oversized mask-like goggles offer a brilliant wide field of vision and can even double up as a snorkel mask if you want to check out what lies beneath the waves. The thick adjustable strap stays snug on the head, but these goggles are bulkier and less streamlined than more expensive, sporty models.
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Zoggs Predator Flex Reactor Goggles
\nBest swimming goggles to cut glare in open water
\nReasons to Buy: two sizes available, ideal for sunny weather, comfortable
\nReasons to Avoid: less useful indoors
\nSpecifications:
\n\u2022 Sizes: Small or regular
\n\u2022 Colours: white
\n\u2022 Lenses: polarized grey
\nIf you\u2019re a budding triathlete or love to train in open water, you\u2019ll need a goggle that can cut the sun\u2019s glare and offer clear vision. The Predator really stood out on test in sunny conditions \u2013 the polarised lenses work like sunglasses and the oversized sockets offer great vision even if you\u2019re in and out of murky water. Anti-fog technology does a great job of keeping lenses clear even in different weather conditions and temperatures, and a flexible frame hugs the face nicely, while two sizes makes it easier to get the right model for you. Top marks, and a good price point too.
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Swans Prescription Goggles
\nBest swimming goggles for open water swimmers with eye wear prescriptions
\nReasons to Buy: both lenses customisable, great fit, different nose bridges included
\nReasons to Avoid: smoke lens won\u2019t suit low light
\nSpecifications
\n\u2022 Sizes: one size
\n\u2022 Colours: black
\n\u2022 Lenses: orange smoke
\nSee clearly now with prescription goggles \u2013 our top pick for glasses wearers who want good vision underwater are designs from Swans, who were the first manufacturers to introduce prescription swimming goggles to the market. You can customise both left and right lenses to suit you when you order, and the smoke\/orange lens colour of this goggle cuts glare nicely without impeding vision, so it\u2019s a good all-rounder for both indoor and outdoor swimming sessions. Swans also include four different nose bridges with each goggle model, so it\u2019s easy to get a snug customised fit on this sleek design, which doesn\u2019t feel bulky to wear.
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\nThe post Best goggles: 6 of the best for open water swimming appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Outdoor swimming specialist, Rowan Clarke, picks her top six swimming goggles for open water.The Best Swimming Goggles for open water swimming From pool training to open water swimming, good goggles are essential. Get it wrong and leaks, fogging or discomfort … <\/p>\n