The most common question you might be asking yourself is how tight should swim goggles be. If you are not sure, here are a few things to keep in mind: fit, materials, adjustable nose bridge, mirrored lenses, and more.
Ensure you choose the right ones for you based on the information provided above. This article is not a complete guide to goggles. If you still have questions, check out some of our other articles on the subject.
Fit
When buying swim goggles, fit should be a top priority. The straps should fit comfortably and don’t cause you discomfort or marks around your eyes. Split straps should sit just above the eye, so you can adjust the straps until they’re the perfect fit.
Look for a comfortable nose bridge as well, so they seal out water without causing any irritation to your face. When comparing different brands, look for a good fit and a good seal.
Materials
The materials used for swim goggles are different depending on the type of activity. A pair of goggles can range from small racing goggles to large and bulky diving goggles. Each type of lens will need to be made to fit a specific purpose and may need to be adjusted before use.
To adjust the fit, the swimmer should use one of the goggles’ adjustment mechanisms. Some of the most common adjustment mechanisms are described below.
Adjustable nose bridges
Swim goggles can be adjusted to fit the shape of your nose. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nose bridge 13 comprises a tubular member 130 and two fasteners 131 that are sized to receivable within the member. This enables the nose bridge 13 to be placed at a desired position and to prevent water from leaking. This invention is applicable to all types of swimming goggles.
Mirrored lenses
Mirrored lenses in swim goggles offer maximum light filtering. They provide excellent protection from glare and harmful UV rays and can darken the water to reduce glare. They can also be transparent or dark, depending on the environment. However, it is important to note that mirrored lenses can also appear overly dark. For this reason, some swimmers prefer to choose mirrored lenses when swimming in brighter environments.
Mask-shaped goggles
Choosing the right swimming goggle for you is crucial. It is best to look for one that can seal out water and do not have uncomfortable goggle straps. You may also want a set that has an adjustable nose bridge. You may have difficulty fitting a goggle that is too tight, or you may feel like they press against your eyes. Regardless of how comfortable your goggles feel, they must fit properly to prevent water from getting in and causing pain.
Fit for triathletes
Swim goggles should fit the face of a triathlete properly. Many triathletes like to wear polarized goggles, but these are a liability for triathletes. Polarized goggles can break, and they are difficult to adjust to different face shapes. Many triathletes opt for goggles with bungee cord straps to ensure a secure fit.
Optimal nose bridge size
The most important part of setting up your swim goggles is finding the right nose bridge size. Your goggles should fit comfortably and seal well around your eyes. If they don’t fit correctly, you won’t be able to see properly or focus on your display. If you’re unsure about the nose bridge size of your goggles, try swapping the nose bridges between goggles to determine the ideal fit.
Beau Cormier is a former NCAA I swimmer, US Open National finalist, and swim nerd. When not swimming or working for a data company, you can find him running the trails of the Pacific Northwest with his wife and dogs.