Goggles for open water swim

bluebbe

Just wondered what kind of goggles everyone uses for open water swims.  I have been using cheap speedo goggles but have only done a couple open water tri's and the swims were only 750 meters.  I would like to try something a little more sturdy if anyone has suggestions. 

Thanks.

mattsull

I use the same goggles in open water that I do in the pool - Speedo Speedsockets. I don't think sturdiness will be an issue with your goggles. Sometimes goggles get dislodged at the swim start but it's not that common, IMHO. One consideration is using something tinted or mirrored in case it's sunny out.

 

Christy Beal

I use tinted Aqua Sphere Kaiman's for open water, and clear ones for in the pool. I have never had a problem with them leaking. Before my A races I normally buy a new pair and use them a few times to be sure they fit right. Then the anti-fog is still new for the race.

jburbatt

I use the Aqua Sphere Kaiman's. I find them to be pretty sturdy, plus they do come in mirrored and about 4 other kinds of "tint" if you wanted to get real specific. I like the mirrored ones for sunny days.

GMAN 19030

I have been on a quest for the perfect goggle (for me) for about four years now. I had a few that worked well but not great (Tyr Technoflex 4, Aqua Sphere Kayenne) but they had their flaws. The Kayenne is awesome assuming it seals right, otherwise it's useless. I got to where I could get them to seal most of the time but most of the time isn't good enough.



I switched to the Aqua Sphere Vista this year. Love it! No worries about sealing as it seals like a champ. It's basically a small mask with a goggle sized lens... so the profile isn't that much larger than the Kayenne.



http://www.aquasphereswim.com/us/index.php/products/eye-protection/75

Lens comes in clear, smoke and blue.

TerryO

Sable water optics. Absolutely incredible goggles. They are expensive so I only use them in open water. Perfect optics, never leaked a drop, never fog. Worth every dime.

Scott Alexander

I used the Aquasphere Kaimans as well, until I tested the Aquasphere Kayennes - which are slightly bigger/wider versions of the Kaimans for us fat-headed folks. I love them!!!

I agree with Matt S, no need to have a pool goggle and an open water goggle. I don't want to add to the complexity and admin of swimming.

Tyler Robinson

I bought a couple of pairs of Sables last year sight unseen based on the great reviews and ended up hating them.  I tried all the included nose bridges, adjusted them in every possible way and still couldn't get them to seal properly.  Plus, I found that they started to fog after the fourth trip to the pool (and no, I didn't touch them, rub them, put anything in them or otherwise do anything to anger the Sable gods).  Last month we were in Maui and I bought a pair of Aqua Sphere Kayennes primarly to keep up with my 4-year old in the pool since I forgot mine at home.  They.  Are.  Awesome.    Super wide field of vision, no fogging and best of all, no leaking.   I bought a second pair on the way to the airport our last day since they are around $45 a pair back home and can't imagine ever going back to traditional socket-style goggles. 

Cyclingmaniac

I use the same goggles are use in training in the pool.   I check them about 3 to 4 weeks before the event to determine if they need to be replaced.  Gives me enough time to break them in.   If I loose them in transition, no big loss!   After volunteering in swim area at IM AZ, I go in expensive.  It is amazing what people drop or leave behind.  Before, during and after coming out of the water. 

 

 

mattsull

I did not have good luck with the AquaSphere Kaiman's. I went through many pairs. I found that they consistently started to leak after about three-four months of use.

Jeff Unruh

I wanna see a triathlete wearing swedish googles at a race

It seems the Kaiman is very popluar on here and at our local pool.

I have heard (read) very good things about the Sable Optics as well.

I just bought a pair of Speedo Vanquisher - not sure if I like them or not...

ironmtngrl

I used to have special goggles (Aqua sphere I think) for doing open water. Problem was they always leaked! So I just switched to using the regular goggles (TYR) I always use at the pool. I use those so often that I know they are adjusted right and don't leak. Haven't noticed that it is any harder to sight in open water with these vs. the special goggles.  A couple of tips I've heard which sounded really good.  1) wear your goggle straps underneath your swim cap so that they won't get knocked off of you and get lost.  2) stuff an extra pair of goggles in your swim suit in case you lose your goggles.

Nemo Brauch

Aqua Sphere Kaiman's in the Jr size. Wear them in the pool and open water. They are the only thing that fits my face.

Michael Byerts

I use the same goggles for training and racing. Never had a problem and I have been in some fairly rough swim starts. I do, however, bring 2 pairs to every race, one clear and one tinted so that I can choose which to wear based on the day.
@ Jeff. No problem. Here's a link to a photo of a triathlete wearing swedish goggles during a race.
http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=63447&ID=92061286

Tyler Robinson

+1 on Beverly's tip about putting the strap under your swim cap.  Saved my butt at last year's Escape from Alcatraz when my face had a very unexpected and abrupt introduction to some guy's foot.

murphy.m.j

I would like to say that my TYR Tracer opticals are the best goggles i have ever used. I swim alot over many years, these are competition goggles and really work well. I will also have a tinted pair for when i do IM WI 11, just in case.

Paul Hough

@ Bob - I have the AquaSphere Kayennes and the same experience as you...it's a crap shoot whether they will leak or not so I quit using them in races. I have a pair of Blue Seventy something or other that I race in now. I loved the view from the Kayenne though and heard they have a smaller fitting version out...I may give them another try.

GMAN 19030

Paul, give the Vista a try. They're a little larger than most goggles but they seal great because of the mask interface and they're very comfortable. The view is great because the goggle lens is probably 10% larger than the Kayenne.

kmepham

+1 to Aquasphere Vista.

robin sarner

speedo sengar.   low profile.  good vision.   no moving parts.  

[Deleted User]

Training - Speedo vanquisher
Race - Sable 101