What are the best open water goggles and why?
Like Britt said above…the best goggle is the one that works best for you. For me…and you may want to look at this option…the operative word is not “goggle” but “sport mask” (or “swim mask”). Not to be confused with a “diver’s mask.” Sport masks are a single lens that doesn’t have the nose piece like a diver’s mask. Goggles are fine. But for me, having them press into my eye socket continuously without being able to remove them on long swims (hour plus) becomes painful, and causes headaches. So, I prefer a sport mask similar to the one pictured below. (Because of models being discontinued by the various brands, this is the actual one I’m currently using, but have used other brands/models in the past.) The pressure is outside the eye socket and much less discomforting for me. But, not all sport masks are the same either. It may take you several attempts to find the one that works for you (same if you go with goggles). One thing I will suggest, whether you go with goggles or mask…that is tint of the lens. Unlike swimming in an indoor pool, open water swimmers are frequently confronted with the Sun in their eyes, and glare/reflection off the water. Depending on your swim course, long exposure of that glare can cause discomfort, and impact your navigation. So that’s a couple things to consider. Good luck. — Dan
Like Britt said above…the best goggle is the one that works best for you. For me…and you may want to look at this option…the operative word is not “goggle” but “sport mask” (or “swim mask”). Not to be confused with a “diver’s mask.” Sport masks are a single lens that doesn’t have the nose piece like a diver’s mask. Goggles are fine. But for me, having them press into my eye socket continuously without being able to remove them on long swims (hour plus) becomes painful, and causes headaches. So, I prefer a sport mask similar to the one pictured below. (Because of models being discontinued by the various brands, this is the actual one I’m currently using, but have used other brands/models in the past.) The pressure is outside the eye socket and much less discomforting for me. But, not all sport masks are the same either. It may take you several attempts to find the one that works for you (same if you go with goggles). One thing I will suggest, whether you go with goggles or mask…that is tint of the lens. Unlike swimming in an indoor pool, open water swimmers are frequently confronted with the Sun in their eyes, and glare/reflection off the water. Depending on your swim course, long exposure of that glare can cause discomfort, and impact your navigation. So that’s a couple things to consider. Good luck. — Dan