Well, they are.
I've been swimming pretty regularly now for nearly two months. I can swim freestyle pretty good, but I still get tired easily. For the first time, I asked someone if I could share a lap lane with them. I wore out my previously brand-new swimming suit, and have to buy another. My swimcap is still hanging in there. People have told me that I smell like chlorine. And I found out that earplugs are a great way to prevent ear infections. I now have a blue Nalgene bottle that guards my lap lane when I am swimming. And I've learned how to dive off the board (stand backwards on the very edge of the board, then lean over backwards, hands over head, knees straight, and just plop into the water). Also learned that I have a slight dermatological reaction to chlorine, so I have to put itch-stuff on my arms after I'm done swimming.
The above is my swimmy progress report.
Everything is great except for MY EVIL GOGGLES.
They are nice goggles. They have silicon gaskets and a one-piece nosebridge thing. I think they cost $7 at the time. I bought them when I was a swimming newbie and was like "Oh look, GOGGLES". But they absolutely suck at keeping water out of my eyes for any length of time. Every two laps or so, or after every dive, I have to take my goggles off, try to get the water out of my eyes, and readjust.
I want to buy new goggles, but I don't know what ones to get. The guy at the store gave me funny looks when I was trying to break into a goggle case to try them on. Trying them on (the stick 'em to your face suction test) in the store doesn't seem useful.
I think my goggle problem lies within the gasket, which appears to be failing in its job of sticking to my face. In your experience, do molded (silicon) gaskets work better (keep water out and stick to your face) than foam gaskets? And does an adjustable nose-piece help goggles fit better? My face is sorta broad.
What goggles do you use?
Need gogglehelp :confused:
Swedish goggles are my favorite! They are very comfortable. You should try them. You can adjust them to fit your face perfectly. I have several pairs.
Swimmy :)
Former Member
The swedish goggles kinda look like they could hurt .I never tried them but they look cool to me, very simple and small - just what I like.Those of you who wear the swedes, do you get any discomfort or pain because of them or have you ever experienced that with them but got used to it?
Former Member
Originally posted by swimlong
I wear the Speedo hydrospecs - about $20 Canadian. They come in jr and sr sizes - the jr seem to fit smaller faces better. Many people in my club wear them.
Here's a tip: a dab of Ultra Swim shampoo swished around in the goggles and ten rinsed out keeps them fog free all practice.
I just lick the inside of the lenses and they never fog. Yay for saliva. ;)
Former Member
OK, i'm curious about Swedish goggles now.
How do they keep water out of your eyes? From what I can see and hear, they have no gasket to speak of, just two plastic eyecup things. Do they suction, positive seal, or just get pressed into your face so hard that no water may pass?
Former Member
I wear them; they just sort of sit there... They're really not uncomfortable and they are one of the few brands which don't leak for me (you basically assemble them yourself, so you can get a perfect fit). They're also really cheap!
But I can understand how some people don't like them.
Nah, they don't hurt... It may take a day to get used to them; actually, come to think of it, when I used to wear the Speedos, I would get like an ache around my eyes similiar to a sinus ache; it stopped when I started wearing the swedes...
Originally posted by knelson
I'll also admit I think the Barracuda goggles are just plain weird looking. I'd never use them.
I, too, have this opinion. I don't train with anyone who wears Barracudas. When I see folks with them they are constantly tinkering with the straps, nose area, etc. And, they cost a fortune. I can buy 10 pairs of perfectly fine Kiefer goggles for the price of one pair of leaky cumbersome Barracudas.
add another vote to the swedish-wearing masters! i've been wearing them for about 13 years and at this point i have issues with any other kind of goggles. the fact that they are without gaskets is perfect for me- i have contact dermatitis so the foam and neoprene (or whatever the rubbery stuff is!) irritates the heck out of my face.
and for all of you indoor swimming mirrored goggle wearers, i have a question... how on earth can you see where you're swimming??? i can barely see the wall with mirrored ones if we're inside. although, being able to confuse people about where you're looking is a fun game to play! ;)
I've only recently tried the gasket goggles (Speedo Vanquisher) and I like them. I don't think they seal any better, but the gasket doesn't deform over time like the foam does.
I think the most critical part of goggles is the nosepiece. If the size is wrong the goggles won't fit your head right and they will leak.
I'll also add I love the silicone straps. The old style latex straps don't last nearly as long. The Speedo Vanquisher and GCG are both pretty expensive, but worth it, IMO.
I personally never liked the Swedes, but I know a lot of people love 'em. I'll also admit I think the Barracuda goggles are just plain weird looking. I'd never use them.
Former Member
I tend to agree with what everyone has said too,
goggles are a trial and error thing. For me the Barracuda's leak, and are more trouble than they're worth.
I Love the Speedo "Ultra Vision" goggles --one piece, NEVER comes off during a dive or race. Runner up in this category is the Swedish goggle --mirrored in indoor swimming here.
I do have a goggle graveyard with spare parts so sometimes I create a new never before seen goggle that gets some looks. One red eye piece, one blue, depending one the mood... It changes up the workouts!
:cool:
Former Member
My favorite.. funky foamy Barracuda Standards teamed with a white bubble crepe strap swim cap and a inner swim band. in true "Swim Nurd" fashion! A water proof combo . The new black foam on the Barracudas is a better fit then ever. No Red marks, circles ect. They do have to be adjusted.. but they are comfortable..could care less what the "Hollywood Heads Up" pretty swimmers think! Let them go round raccoon eyed! LOL
Plus the "Cudas" can have new foam gaskets put on with the repair kit for about 6 dollars
All that said no goggles including Barracudas ect fit every one. You may have to try out more then a few pairs to see what works for you.
And what does not work out get rid of em on Ebay. Really pool fees are the biggest expense in swimming. 35 dollars for a pair of goggles that will last for years is cheap! How about 200 dollars for a nice tennis racket? Not to include the tennis togs!
