I'm a very beginner swimmer, started about 3 months ago and could barely struggle 100 meters before having to stop and gasp. Now I'm fairly comfortable doing 2k or so in the pool; of course slowly. Anyway, I'm training for some triathlons this summer and did my first OWS last weekend. Had a terrible time with sighting; not actually going through the motions of it but actually seeing anything when I was doing it. I was wondering if anybody has any experience or opinions about trying the bigger goggles that have a seal around much more of your face. See here: www.aquasphereswim.com/.../sealxp_clr_transblu.html
Any comments?
I'm a big fan of the Aquasphere XP as well. I have a rather narrow face, and was using a super tight pair of women's goggles for a long time. I was finding that I was water retention in my eyelids because the goggles were problematic. I actually had a doctor tell me it could be permanent if I didn't change my goggles.
Thus, the XP--which makes me feel like I look like an idiot, but I don't have that weird eyelid swelling. Isn't swimming glamourous??
I use the Seal XP for both pool and open water swimming, since I'm not fast enough to be seriously concerned about the miniscule drag factor. Several of my teammates have also switched as well, largely because of the visibility factor.
Good luck, and enjoy your open water swims! It's the best part of the triathlon!
Former Member
Aqua Sphere googles give a greater field of view and enable me to navigate without having to raise my head ( thus lowering my hips) far out of the water. I have a bad time with getting water in my nose, so I bought some snorkeling googles....."Spora Sub ". I love them!
Former Member
I'm a relatively new swimmer too and use Aquasphere Seal XP both in the pool and in open water. Regular goggles never seem to fit me right and they give me a horrible headache. The Aquasphere goggles are very comfortable, don't leak and don't give me headaches. I have a clear pair and a dark pair. Also, check out the new Aquasphere Vista model.
Don't worry about the drag they create. With everything else that goes on while swimming, goggle drag is way down on the list.
Former Member
Thanks for your feedback. I'm going to try them out. I think with better sighting it will save time versus any drag that they create. Also I've been experiencing headaches from my regular goggles too. I'm hoping these will alleviate that too.
Former Member
As with many things in swimming, it's a matter of personal preference. I do use Aquasphere for open water swimming. Someone once told me that they cause more drag than regular goggles. But I don't care; I'd rather have a wide field of vision so I can see where I am and where I'm going.
JIM
Former Member
I use the Aqua Sphere Vista and have been happy with them. They have a lower profile than the other model. Try both and go with the ones that fit best. I've actually worn them bodysurfing and they amazingly enough stay on in the surf.
Former Member
One more thing about the XP is that they distribute pressure across your forehead and cheek bones so they are super comfortable just like a good quality scuba mask. No headaches and no problems with leaking. Try the XP or the Vista, you will love them.
Former Member
I just got back from my first swim with these goggles. They aren't aquasphere but a brand from Australia that is essentially the same thing. Since I live in Japan they were easier to get. Anyway the difference in visibility that they provide is amazing. I couldn't believe it. Didn't really matter much in the pool of course but I think in the open water they will help tremendously. I would recommend trying them to anybody.
