I am looking to get a new pair of "off-the-shelf" (non-custom ground) optical goggles and wonder if anyone has suggestions.
I have been using AquaGoggles (http://www.aquagoggles.com), but they have a weak point at the attachment of the strap to the lenses and they break there far too often. Other than that, I'd be happy to stick with them, but I'm afraid that one day they will break 30 seconds before the start of a major race. I have also used View goggles (problem: piece across nose bridge rubs), Kiefers (problem: not UV protective), Speedo (problem: not UV protective) and Barracudas (problem: over-engineered crap).
Ideally, here is what I'm looking for in order of importance:
1) UV protective
2) Silicone gaskets & strap.
3) Amber/yellow tint or, failing that, darker tint. (Don't want clear.)
4) Antifogging material on the inside.
It would also be nice if they allow you to order them with different lens powers, although I would buy 2 pair and mix-and-match if not.
I can't wear contacts so that option is out as well.
Anyone have any suggestions?
-LBJ
Well, you have pretty much gone through all of the optical goggles that I have tried over the years and if you can’t find a model that works, I can only offer one other suggestion. However, I have not personally tried it, so I can’t vouch for any success stories.
Have you tried to find a pair of regular goggles you like and then apply optical press-ins? I think 3-M makes them, but it has been a year or so since I ran across the information.
I have used Water Gear for several years. I buy two pair at a time and mix and match to get the right lens combination. I use one pair for practice and one pair for meets (strap tight for diving). This works well for me. I like having the meet goggles already tightened correctly so I can dive with confidence. They last about year. I buy them so infrequently that I am not sure how often.
Betsy Durrant
Well darn Leonard, I was going to say that I really like my View goggles... they are lasting a lot longer that I expected. Any way you could change the nose piece on the View goggles or get uv filter applied to the others?
I was just in buying a new pair of glasses and noticed a little sign for prescription goggles but didn't pay much attention to it... don't know if they were 'off the shelf' genertic kinda lenses, or actually ground to exact prescription. Wouldn't hurt to stop by an optical shop.
Here is another suggestion, more expensive but worth it, especially since all prescription goggles do not fit my face at all:
Try Lasik. I was -6.5 and -6.75, and now I see 20/15. :)
(but the close in stuff is a little harder to focus on :( )
Leonard,
Have you tried Water Gear Optical Goggles? They meet each and every one of your requirements. I am not sure about amber tint, but I know they come in smoke because I just sold a customer some the other day.
In fact, the customer was Big Dave, who occasionally posts on this forum. If you would like, I am sure I can put you in touch with him as I swim with him regularly.
-justin
I use the WaterGear goggles Justin mentioned. I have one pair that I've used just about every day for a year and a half -- they don't show any sign of wearing out. They have an adjustable nose piece. As far as I know they only come in smoke. They're about $32 from World Wide Aquatics (www.worldwideaquatics.com).
Hi Leonard,
After 5 years of frustration in not seeing the pace clock or the work out board adequately, I finally purchased some optical
Water Gear goggles.
I have to say so far (2 workouts) I'm very pleased with the seal
and the additional vision capability. Not only can I see the clocks
at the close end of the pool but the far end as well. Reading the workout board is not a problem now.
The only thing that I would like to try is an optional clear view as
the smoke lens is relatively dark. Maybe it will just take some
getting used to. Thumbs up.
Dave Dickson
Thanks to all for the replies. I'm going to give the Water Gear goggles a try. No Lasik, thank you - I saw a video of how it is done and almost puked. The 3M press-ins are also intriguing and I'm going to look into those as well.
-LBJ
