My main issue currently is fog and I believe the mirrored vanquishers may be causing a headache after more than 2 hours. Any recommendations for the best goggle for 4-5 hour freshwater swims?
I am really happy with these goggles. Comfortable fit, no leakage, and since they are optical I can actually see! I have logged close to 17 miles freshwater, 2.5 miles ocean, and 8 miles pool this summer and the antifog is still going strong (give them a nice cold water dunk after use).
Great price, and I'm sure that you can find a non-optical version on the website. Best goggles I have used so far in respect to fogging, and the smoked lenses are sufficient even on the brightest days. :bliss:
My main issue currently is fog and I believe the mirrored vanquishers may be causing a headache after more than 2 hours. Any recommendations for the best goggle for 4-5 hour freshwater swims?
The best marathon OW goggle is the goggle that is most comfortable to you generally.
If mirrored Vanqs are your preference, there's no reason you can't use them for a marathon swim. I've used traditional Swedes in all my marathon swims (up to 9 hours). Not more than 9 hours, just because I've never done a swim longer than 9 hours.
If headache is an issue, try loosening the straps. No block starts in most marathon swims.
New googles might take care of the fog (I'm pretty sure those anti-fog coatings wear off after about 100 miles). Loosen your new pair up a bit, but your eyes are also working on their endurance. After a couple of hours that new pair is going to feel like it's trying to fuse itself painfully onto your skull; but don't worry, assimilation is inevitable, the next time you head out you'll hit 3 hours before they start cutting through your skin... then 4, then 5, and so on... actually I've never gone longer than 4 so I shouldn't make that promise... but you're good up to 4 at least! Those rings will go away... when OW season is over.
I soak my goggles in a lite solution of baby shampoo and water in between swims. This seems to help ward off the fog and keeps them clear.
For swims without a block start or flip turns I wear them very loose to ward off head-aches.
I just wear the same type I use for the pool (Speedo GCsomething with neoprene gaskets) but I always crack open a brand new pair for a long, or otherwise worthy swim! no fog. Of course they're never as good after the first wear.
I too have found that the first couple of times I wear a new pair there are usually no major fog issues. I was using some anti fog drops from a major brand but they didn't work too well. I was talking to a guy after a recent race and my fogging troubles came up and he told me about Barracuda drops. A month later and I have finally ordered and received them and WOW no fogging my last two times out! :bliss:
