What to Look For in Silicone Swim Goggles
Look for goggles with anti-fog coating and UV protection. Some goggles also come with a split headband for superior fit and comfort.
Competitive swimmers opt for racing-style goggles with a low profile to reduce drag and a mirrored lens for visibility. There are also smart goggles that display workout metrics within the lens for data-oriented athletes.
Comfort
You’ll need swim goggles that are comfortable and durable. Look for ones with soft silicone cushioned frames and flexible nose bridges that adapt to any face shape. The soft silicone seals help prevent chlorine, water and dirt from leaking into your eyes. They also provide UV protection, preventing your eyes from the damaging effects of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
If you’re a serious swimmer who loves data, consider smart goggles that display workout metrics on the inside of your lenses. The FORM swim goggles do just that, with the heads-up display showing your SWOLF Silicone Swim Goggles score, stroke count, distance per lap and more. They also include a case and a subscription program for uploading guided swim workouts from former national-level and Olympic swimmers and coaches.
You can also opt for goggles with anti-fog treatment to stop your lenses from getting steamy and allowing you to see clearly underwater. These are ideal for outdoor swimming and other water-based activities, where lighting conditions change frequently. They also come in tinted, polarized or transition lenses, depending on your preferences and the lighting conditions you swim in most often.
Durability
Despite being soft, silicone swim goggles are very durable and can last for years with proper care. They are resistant to both UV and chlorine exposure, which means they won’t lose their seal or become brittle over time. To increase their lifespan, look for models with anti-fog lenses. These are coated with a special anti-fog coating, which will protect the lenses from water and dirt. To keep them clean, be sure to rinse them off after each use. Avoid wiping them with a towel or shirt, as this can scratch the lens and ruin its anti-fog coating.
Another key aspect of durability is the quality of the silicone used to create the seals and gaskets. Generally, the higher quality the silicone, the better. You also want to look for goggles that have flexible straps and a comfortable, adjustable nose bridge. These goggles will be able to fit any face shape.
FINIS, a company that makes smart swim goggles, faced the challenge of designing a gasket for their new product that could accommodate a small module to count laps and stroke rates. They used 3D printing to prototype the gasket in just days, and were able to test it out in the pool. Watch the video below to learn how they did it.
Adjustability
The fit of a pair of swim goggles is critical to their comfort and performance. Whether you’re an elite swimmer or just starting out, finding the right fit will make all the difference in the water. For an ideal seal, look for silicone goggles that include adjustable straps and nose pieces that adapt to different face shapes. The shape of your eye socket and bridge will also play a role in finding the best goggles for you. If you have a shallow eye socket, try smaller frames or compact goggles; for deep set eyes, larger frame options will work well.
In addition to adjustability, a good pair of goggles will feature anti-fogging lenses and UV protection. Some brands even offer polarized lenses to help cut down on glare and increase visibility in different weather conditions.
A good pair of silicone swim goggles will feature a comfortable, soft silicone gasket and a wide range of lens tints and colors. These include clear, mirrored, and color-tinted options to meet the needs of various pool conditions. They are also typically more affordable than full-frame goggles and are perfect for beginners who want to improve their swimming skills without spending a lot of money.
Silicone 40A resin is a versatile material with an incredibly high elasticity. Beittel explains that this elasticity helped them solve a problem when developing their smart swim goggles. The small module that counts laps, stroke rate, and split times had to fit in the goggle and align with the button on the unit.
Safety
Whether you’re a casual swimmer or a serious competitor, you can enjoy your swim without worrying about discomfort and blurred vision with silicone swim goggles. These goggles are available with a variety of features to suit your needs, including adjustable straps and interchangeable nose bridges to provide a comfortable fit. They’re also designed with anti-fog technology to eliminate fog and ensure clear vision.
You can choose between different tinted lenses to match the lighting conditions of your pool or outdoor environment. Darker tints are best for indoor pools, while lighter ones can help you see better in bright sunlight. In addition, some goggles come with a special photochromatic lens that changes from clear to dark when exposed to light.
Another important safety feature is a leak-proof seal. To ensure this, look for goggles that include soft silicone gaskets that create a watertight seal around your eyes. Also, make sure the seals are thick and durable. A thin seal mask brush factory can leak over time, and this can lead to eye irritation.
If you’re shopping for swim goggles online, make sure the retailer has a good return policy in case they don’t fit well or cause any irritation. Some companies offer free shipping or discounted shipping for their products, which can be a great option when you’re shopping on a budget.