Best goggle types

From msgrupp: a surgeon told me the skin around my eyes was breaking down. I'm really curious what the surgeon noticed about the skin and what was happening to that area. Can you expand on the statement? Thanks. Jim

I would wear what feels comfortable and stays ON. The marketers of the various swim goggles have people thinking that specific types are for specific uses (means you'll buy more). Sure--some are fitted closer to the face BUT if YOUR face doesn't fit --then why buy them? Don't let the marketing people fool you. Wear what you want, when you want. You may find, however, that very large, oversized goggles might make more drag BUT if you're happy with them--why change? I used to wear Speedos. Then a surgeon told me the skin around my eyes was breaking down. Changed to Barracudas. When I DO do a meet--I have a few pairs of some off brand that are much like speedos. I wear those for the longer races as sometimes the Barracudas leak and it's misery for long distances. Depending on my mood and the current fit of my usual "swimwear"--I just wear what's comfortable.

Jim the Speedo Hydro Specs are fairly low in profile and drag. Since you are happy with them and they work for you they may be your best bet. You might try the sweedish type ..They are cheap (about 4 dollars) and have no gaskets..Very low profile and drag Lots of speed swimmers swear by them. They might be good for meets.

I was using a plastic surgeon for some other problems and he noticed, when I had my glasses off, that the skin was losing the fat pad from the pressure (daily) of the goggles. And I guess the skin seemed thinner than the rest of my face (which eye skin is normally but I guess mine was even thinner than normal). I had to press the goggles into the eye socket and I always had racoon eye from the pressure. I was in my late 30s early 40s at the time. The goggles had just a plastic gasket around the eyes and the fit wasn't quite right. I switched to a speedo padded type (black open cell foam) and developed an allergy to it. I finally went to a Baraccuda and now it doesn't look (face wise) as if I've been swimming. I haven't had an allergic reaction to their closed cell foam BUT I do wash it down with Phisoderm every couple of weeks. I wasn't looking to have cosmetic eye surgery in the next 10-15 years so I changed goggles.

Thank you msgrupp for the explanation. I actually prefer View goggles or Speedo Vanquishers. They both seal with neoprene gaskets and are relatively easy to keep sealed. The challenge is (for me) to keep my head down during competiton starts long enough that I don't draw in water, so, generally, I'll cinch 'em up somewaht for meets, then uncinch for workouts. Jim

I believe you should wear what's comfortable, and what works for you! I personally like Speedo Futurity Jr. goggles, they are small and stay put no matter what!:D

I have tried several different goggles in the year and a half since I started swimming, but the best for me is the Baracuda with the black foam gasket. They are leak proof without cutting off the circulation to my brain. All of the others I had to cinch down so tight I would get headaches after about 30 minutes. Of course, there are those who might tell you there is no circulation to my brain anyway!:eek:

Well. It's been over a year since I, or anybody else, mentioned the Kaiman goggles made by AquaSphere in Italy. They are great and have recently introduced the same great quality in a smaller, yet still adult size. I use the smaller size in competition, and the original larger size in practice. The lenses are unique in a way that must be seen to be appreciated. A backstroker, without turning the head, can see both lane lines clearly. They come in clear, smoke, or colored lenses, all with sun protection. I have no financial interest in them or their dealers.