I am new at Masters swimming and have been enjoying the blogs. I have tried a few different types of goggles but haven't yet found the best combination of comfort, air-tightness, and visibility underwater. What do experienced swimmers believe is the best brand and style?
I would visit a swim shop and let them help you. Tell them what googles didn't work for you.
Try the googles on before you buy; if you press the google against your face and it creates a vaccum (seal) it should work for you.
my favorite is TYR T-72 femme Petite. I don't think they make them anymore so when my backstock is gone I will be back to square 1.
Sports Authority (I'm in Arizona) carries the TYR T-72 Femme Petite. I just bought a pair in their store today and there were several pairs on the rack. I also checked the TYR website and they still carry them, so it looks like you're safe, Bobinator. :)
I tried swedes. They were OK if I kept the straps loose but had trouble with them going off the blocks. Tried different styles until I stumbled on Speedo Vanquishers and Tyr Tracers. Very happy with both models, the fit me well and seem to be equally durable.
If you find a pair that you really like take some old sage advice and buy a couple pairs in case they stop making them.
.....buy a couple or more of pairs for WHEN they stop making them.
Believe me, the moment they hear hat "somebody" anybody, likes a model, they'll discontinue it.
Case in point, Nike uptakes (if memory serves).
Speed sockets all the time - worn loose for training and tighter for racing. Also have a pair of Shinari Views.
I've got a big old nose and the shape of the bridge piece on speed sockets stops me getting a red mark.
Best for me are the View Snyper's. I swim over 200 days a year and these goggles last seemingly forever. Sometimes I can get a full year out of one pair. Only bad part is they only come in smoke, blue or amber. Wish they made clear.
Speed sockets for me...I own three pairs; Clear for evening or indoor workout, mirrored for daytime workout and a pristine pair of mirrored for racing.
I have a big noggin and like that they can be adjusted for the bridge of your nose.
Swedes are the best for me.
A close second are the TYR Socket Rockets. They are just like Swedes, but they have a rubber gasket covering the hard plastic around the eye piece. The bad thing about these are if not dried properly, mold and nasty black gunk will build up between the gasket and the plastic.
My go-to's for meets and open water are a pair of The View goggles. I won those 9 years ago at the 2 miler down here in Newport Beach. I can't remember the exact model name, but I know they are made by The View and have a really good suction for race starts.
