my goggles are evil

[partyhat]

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:

[msgrupp]

Barracuda (sp?) goggles. I think their headquarters is in Oregon.

They do have a website. The goggles are a tad expensive but after a few wearings to get them to fit your face (and ONLY your face)--they are virtually leakproof.

website is: www.barracudasusa.com

I don't work for the company. Just a happy wearer for about 10 years.

[Kae1]

I noticed in your email something that may be important - the one-piece design. I have a small nose bridge and goggles without an adjustable nose piece just don't work for me. For a long time I was using the Speedo 'sprint' goggles, and tightening the nose piece, but I'd have to cut off part of it with an x-acto blade because it would dig into my nose. Recently, I've found great goggles - the Speedo Vanquisher for Women. TYR makes similar ones (Remora II??) They're designed for women, so the eye pieces are smaller, and come with several pop-in nose pieces, so you can find just the right size for your face, but not have to worry about the tail ends stabbing you in the nose. Plus, they have great visibility. They have silicone gaskets, which I like better than neoprene. Sometimes the trick is to make sure the gaskets are dry and your face is dry (having a chamois-type towel at the end of your lane helps).

When I was competing as a kid, I always wanted Barracuda goggles (all the *cool* kids had them); but they were expensive. When I finally could afford a pair of my own, I found that the round shape didn't work well in my eye sockets.

Hope this helps.

Kae
PS Always buy extra goggle straps, or a second pair of ones that work for you.

[Scansy]

Originally posted by msgrupp
Barracuda (sp?) goggles. I think their headquarters is in Oregon.

They do have a website. The goggles are a tad expensive but after a few wearings to get them to fit your face (and ONLY your face)--they are virtually leakproof.

website is: www.barracudasusa.com

I don't work for the company. Just a happy wearer for about 10 years.

I love my Barracudas as well.

[etrain]

I go for the :Dcheapest:D swedish goggles I can find. Around here it is about $4. You can customize the heck out of the things. No gaskets, no foam, just plain plastic, string for the nosepiece and an elastic band for the keeping them on your head. I usually buy a better band, because they only last about a month in our pool before they become a sticky mess...

Most people who don't wear them think it will hurt there eye sockets, but if you get them adjusted right, then they are the most comfortable goggles to wear.

One thing, if the edges are sharp when you first get them, rub the edges against a concrete wall to remove the edge...

etrain

[valhallan]

The Swedish goggles are like a torture devise if your bone structure has little padding. :eek: I found they have to pulled tight to stop any water from getting in.

I like the Nike Remoras for comfort as well as cost. They don't leak, never fog, and they cost only 11 dollars. Well they do fog...after about three months.

[Guvnah]

There is no one answer, because everyone's face is different.

For me, I have deep eye sockets and a high bridge on my nose. A non-adjustable nose piece does not work for me.

It takes time, and several different attempts at different goggle designs, to find the one that works best for you. I won't even tell you what works for me because likely the factors that matter to me will not matter to you.

I wish there were a way to have access to a dozen different designs and try each for several hundred yards. (Or even for several days.) In my opinion that's really the only way to find what works.

And I apologize for giving you a non-answer.

[blairbecky]

Rubber gaskets feel uncomfortable to me so I prefer foam. These are the goggles that I have loved for awhile now. I swim indoors and I know I look like a dork with my mirrored goggles. Of course I'm oblivious. ;)

http://www.speedousa.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/categoryID/b02b3e57-67ad-4d46-b0db-14d2753c1a2c/productID/216deb3b-bfca-4558-b42f-d6b9104608a3/

[Darrin Class]

For my last goggles, I spent an hour or so at the store, pressing each pair to my face for feel/fit.

Is there a rule, similar to swim suits, that you wear it, it is yours? Seems like you should be able to try the goggles and if they don't work, take them back so long as you haven't damaged them.

[partyhat]

Thanks for all your goggle input! I remember seeing a few of the brands you mentioned.

It would be so cool if the store could let you try goggles before you buy them, i.e. take 'em to the pool for a few laps :cool:

[Gkami]

Swedish vote here. For me they are great becuase they are cheap and after the first couple times using them my face is happy. It sometimes takes a few practices for an affinity to build.

[Karen Duggan]

Nor Cal swim shop in Walnut Creek lets you try them on. I guess that's only helpful if you live around here...

I remember the "Compys". I loved those, and then I think HIND bought them. Those are great for gasket goggles, but I've got to go with my cheap Montebarra Swedish goggles- $3.50. They were uncomfortable for about at day or two, but then I really liked them. The new NIKE goggles are great too. Very comfortable gasket.

[scyfreestyler]

Originally posted by blairbecky
Rubber gaskets feel uncomfortable to me so I prefer foam. These are the goggles that I have loved for awhile now. I swim indoors and I know I look like a dork with my mirrored goggles. Of course I'm oblivious. ;)

http://www.speedousa.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/categoryID/b02b3e57-67ad-4d46-b0db-14d2753c1a2c/productID/216deb3b-bfca-4558-b42f-d6b9104608a3/ I am also a member of the "I wear mirrored goggles at an indoor pool" club. What can I say, they make me happy and that is what matters most right?

[knelson]

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.

[Alicat]

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:

[aquageek]

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.

[Leonard Jansen]

Originally posted by aquageek
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.

Amen. Worst goggles I ever owned - an over-engineered waste of money.

I have a pair of Water Gear optical goggles (that someone here recommended last year) and LOVE them.

-LBJ

[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.

[swimmieAvsFan]

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! ;)

[hooked-on-swimming]

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?

[Swimmy]

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 :)

[blairbecky]

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. ;)

[partyhat]

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?

[etrain]

The do just suction to your face. I would suggest not to wear them during a water polo match...

etrain

[kernow]

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...

[lapswimmr]

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!

[Janis]

If you find a pair of goggles that work for you--buy several pairs if possible because when you need a new pair --they won't be making that model anymore.

[BlackDove]

Originally posted by Janis
If you find a pair of goggles that work for you--buy several pairs if possible because when you need a new pair --they won't be making that model anymore.

So true, Janis. I bought 2 pairs for all available colors (black, blue, amber) for the Super Marlin model by Speedo. It's swedish style and is a great fit for me. Each pair comes with 3 sizes of a nose centerpieces. Just pick one nosepiece and assemble. No tools required. No tying, no knotting. The "medium" size fits me very well.

The great thing with swedish goggles is that the construction is simple. No gaskets or foam to fool around with. Even with an initial perfect fit, I'd bet that with time, gaskets and foam will eventually lose their shape and 'suction' ability. This won't happen with swedish since they're just made of hard plastic and no linings.

The downside is it'll be relatively painful if somebody jabs your face. Luckily for me, there's no crowd at my pool.

On a related note, I've always wondered about the swedish goggles worn by top atheletes which have this loose hanging strands of string at the nose piece. What's up with that? Looks like a worn piece of discarded rope! It looks so totally uncool!

[Sam Perry]

I've been wearing Hind compys since I was 10. Will wear them until I die. No bettter goggle in my opinion and the cost is a whopping $5.00. Hard to find though, last place I got them I bought 20 pairs of them to keep for as long as I can. Never been able to wear any other type of goggle since I started swimming. Speedo tried to make a knock off and someone else did also, but Hind still has the secret recipe. Kind of like Coca Cola I guess...

[NCCswim]

haha i am also a mirrored swede addict. what is it about that mirroring??

i usually switch out the straps around the back of the head with the easily adjusted bungee cord-like straps.

also, i really like the new speedo womens vanquisher. i always keep them around for the occassion that the nose piece on my swedes breaks right before a race or during practice.

[kernow]

Where can I get a set of those bungee cord straps?

[aquageek]

I compete in Swedish goggles because they are leak proof. However, I do not train in them as I cannot keep them fog-free. All my regular tricks for defogging other goggles seem not to work with the Swedish ones (spit, soap, drops). Anyone else have this issue with Swedish goggs?

[fatboy]

Ali,
NCCswim - is that North Central in Naperville?

[chlorine23]

Originally posted by etrain
The do just suction to your face. I would suggest not to wear them during a water polo match...

etrain

Ha! I wore them during a game of Sharks and Minnows. Those things will actually leave cuts on your face if you get hit or kicked!
But I love them anyway!

[Michael Heather]

Although it is way late, I'll weigh in with my 2 cents. I have used the swede goggles, and have not taken the time to adjust them perfectly, but like them for competition.

Foam vs. Silicone gasket. In the real old days when there was a rainbow around every streetlight on the way home from practice, there was ONLY foam if you wore goggles at all. And as the foam gradually shrank and hardened, you tightened your head strap to keep the seal. The same thing does not work for the silicone gasket goggles, as I found after tightening my strap until I was bugeyed.

I had purchased some Rothammer goggles (about 1988) to try, and found that the tighter I pulled the strap, the more they leaked. Not really ready to observe the obvious solution, I pulled the strap even tighter. Much more pain, plenty of leaks. Finally, I just loosened the strap so that the goggles barely felt like they were on my face. Voila! no leaks, plenty comfort, I'm sold for life. I use View goggles now, because I got them for free about 5 years ago.

[Blue Horn]

After reading all of the responses regarding swedish goggles I pulled out the pair I used once that leaked like a sieve. I tweaked them for about 50 yards and voila, leak proof and a great view. Really, I just loosened up the strap and the nose piece like so many people said on this thread. I have the TYR brand that has a bit of rubber around the edges, but not a gasket or anything. Plus, you gotta love all the cool colors to keep things interesting. What a great google, I am hooked.

Hook'em
Blue

[geochuck]

I wish I could get some nod and shake goggles.

George

[Swimmy]

Kernow,
You can get the bungee straps at www.aardvarkswim.com.
I love them.
Swimmy :)