Swimming glasses and masks with diopters

1

Zoggs Phantom Tinted

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2

Speedo Speedsocket Mirror

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3

Arena Cobra

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Swimming goggles are a must-have accessory to protect your eyes. Today it has many additional functions: anti-fog system, self-adjusting nose bridges, UV protection and glare neutralization. The material is also high-tech - it does not break, provides complete flow and fit, and can adapt to the geometry of the face. In addition, there are offers for people with not very sharp eyesight - models equipped with diopters.

The article will discuss how to choose the right goggles for swimming, what nuances you need to pay attention to and how to ensure a good fit. The rating of the best models according to customer reviews left on the sites is given, a brief overview and photo of each of them is given.

How to choose swimming goggles

Price is an important selection criterion. But there are several other points that determine whether the purchase will be successful or not. The most important parameters for choosing swimming goggles:

1. Brand.
2. Landing.
3. View.
4. Lens color.
5. Bridge of the nose.

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Brand

There are many offers on the market. But there are brands that have already proven themselves well. It is important that the company specializes in pool equipment. Then you can be sure that the products meet the requirements for ergonomics, safety and durability.

The best brands that produce a wide range of quality swimming goggles:

• Speedo;
• TYR;
• Arena.

It is advisable to select a brand based on skill level:

• Beginners. Beginner swimmers will find products from the Italian brand Aqua Shape, Spanish Mosconi and Russian MadWave. The product lines of these companies include inexpensive but high-quality products for children and adults of entry-level and intermediate levels.

• Professionals. Experienced athletes with high demands on sports accessories will benefit from products from the Australian brand ZOGGS.

Landing

Before purchasing glasses, be sure to try them on. After all, comfort while swimming is one of the main requirements for each model.

There are several rules for how to “try on” swimming goggles:

• Adjust the elastic so that it does not press and does not create discomfort.
• Glasses are worn under the eyebrows, not above them.
• The elastic runs along the back of the head, and not behind the ears, closer to the neck.

After this, you need to check whether the frame fits well to the area around the eyes. The bridge of the nose should not press or dangle.

Some frames leave noticeable marks around the eyes. This may be due not only to incorrect selection of frames, but also to increased skin sensitivity.

The problem can be solved simply - you need to buy neoprene glasses. Neoprene is a spongy material that adheres well to the skin and does not leave “pressed” circles around the eyes. But this option is difficult to find on sale. There is one more disadvantage - the wear resistance of neoprene is worse than that of silicone analogues.

View

Before you buy suitable glasses, you need to decide for what purpose they are chosen. Swimming goggles come in several types. By age they are divided into 2 categories:

1. Children's. Specially designed for children under 12 years of age. Differ in smaller sizes. From the age of 12 they can buy adult models.
2. Adults. The concept of adult glasses is relative. They are just larger in size and not intended for children.

According to their purpose, all glasses are divided into:

1. Training.
2. Starter or “glasses”.
3. With diopters.
4. For swimming in open water.

Training

Designed for training. They are always equipped with a silicone or rubber seal, anti-fog protection and wide lenses. Adjustable straps allow you to achieve the perfect fit. They are comfortable and provide good visibility due to wide lenses. Almost all models have an anti-fog system that protects against fogging. When choosing this type of glasses, you need to pay attention to the distance between the lenses and clarity of vision.

Starter or “glasses”

Mainly used in competitions. They are distinguished by a rigid fit and the absence of a seal. Designed for high-speed swimming on water. The main goal of these models is increased hydrodynamics, not comfort. Their shape is as close as possible to the geometry of the face, so they provide increased streamlining. But there is a second option - training “glasses”. They have a low profile seal strip.

With diopters

Designed for swimmers who have vision problems. Glasses can be selected according to vision indicators - with the same diopters or different ones for the left and right eyes. When choosing glasses, the diopters should be the same or slightly less than in ordinary glasses that a person wears every day.

For open water swimming

Designed for swimming and diving in open water - in a river, lake, sea. They are called half-mask glasses. They differ from training ones in two parameters:

1. Wider lenses.
2. UV protection.

Polarized and mirror lenses are used for sun protection. Polarized glasses are transparent and do not lose their quality for a long time. And the mirror ones are covered with a reflective coating, which gradually wears off.

Lens color

Lenses can be of different colors. Different colors are not chosen for the purpose of spectacular design. Each shade solves a specific problem:

• Blue. It reduces glare well and provides excellent visibility in artificial light.

• Smoky. Removes completely or significantly reduces glare.

• Pink or purple. Provides better color contrast. An excellent option for swimming in open waters.

• Yellow. Designed for training in swimming pools. Improves the image and mutes the cold spectrum.

• Orange. Improves visibility when underwater.

In addition to colored lenses, there are other types of lenses:

• Transparent. Made of transparent material, they do not give any effects. They simply protect the eyes and provide visibility without distortion.

• Mirrored. Covered with a mirror layer, they look stylish, protect from glare and bright sun.

• Photochromic. They are also called "chameleons". They adapt to the lighting and change the degree of darkness - becoming darker or lighter. Suitable for pools with varying degrees of lighting.

• Polarizing. Neutralizes glare without obscuring the view. An excellent choice for open water swimming.

You need to choose a color depending on the sailing conditions. If it is a pool with dark tiles, then the color of the lenses should be as light as possible. If you plan to relax on the water, it is better to choose mirrored and darkened lenses. And if it is important that the colors are not distorted while swimming, then a smoky color is ideal.

bridge of the nose

It is important to pay attention to the type of nasal bridge, as it provides a tighter fit. Bridges of the nose are made in several versions:

1. Replaceable. The set includes three to five nose bridges of different sizes. One of them is selected that best fits the nose.
2. Adjustable. The bridge of the nose is made in the form of a flexible flagellum. With its help you can adjust the maximum fit.
3. Self-adjusting. They use “smart silicone”. There is no need to adjust them. They themselves adapt to the geometry of the face due to soft silicone. The most popular nose bridge today. But it can only be found in training models.

How to choose?

In addition to taking into account the required optical power (the same as in ordinary life or a little lower - see the previous section of the article), the choice of such glasses should be done in the same way as the choice of ordinary glasses .

I have a separate article devoted to this issue - I recommend you read it.

Let me remind you that the most important thing is that the glasses “stick” to your face and sit on it hermetically, that is, to prevent water leakage . To learn how to check this, read the article at the above link.

Best swimming goggles

Zoggs Phantom Tinted

An excellent option for those who regularly visit the pool. Suitable for water sports and recreation on open water, as well as for aqua fitness. Soft-Seal technology holds glasses in place softly but firmly. The seal is made of thermoplastic rubber. Therefore, water flowing behind the frame is excluded. At the same time, the soft propionate material does not create discomfort during swimming.

Flexible frames allow you to “tailor” the product to your face type as accurately as possible. The lenses are darkened and have an anti-fog coating on top that prevents them from fogging up. The strap is made of silicone. It has good stretch and helps create the perfect fit thanks to the special Quick Fit adjustment system.

Pros: perfect fit, high-quality, soft materials, increased tightness, reliable protection against water leakage, UV filter, anti-fog coating.

Cons: not suitable for pools with too dark tiles.

Speedo Speedsocket Mirror

Speedo Speedsocket Mirror is designed for competition. Made famous by Michael Phelps. It was this model that the multiple Olympic champion chose for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Speedo Speedsocket Mirror provides peripheral vision, fits well and is securely held with a double silicone strap. Replaceable nasal septums allow you to choose the most convenient fixation option for each type of face. The lenses are made of cellulose polymer. A mirror coating is applied to the surface. The reflective layer protects against glare, bright lighting and sunlight. The design has high hydrodynamic properties, provides a rigid, tight fit, and is suitable for performance at high-level competitions.

Pros: suitable for professional competitions and training, does not fog up thanks to the anti-fog system, provides a rigid fit, and includes replaceable nose pads.

Cons: price is above average.

Diopter diving mask: features

Underwater maxis with diopters are made from exactly the same materials as regular masks. The only difference is in the glass. To work on a mask for people with poor vision, special diopter lenses are used to adjust the level of visibility under water. Such lenses are made in the same way as optical lenses used in glasses for everyday wear. However, unlike ordinary glass, they are characterized by increased strength, resistance to scratches and damage, as well as the effects of the aquatic environment. They not only increase the level of comfort while underwater, allowing you to see even the smallest details, but also reliably protect the diver's eyes. Most often, manufacturers offer masks where both lenses have the same performance. However, there are people whose level of vision varies significantly between different eyes. In this case, you can purchase a model with interchangeable lenses. The cost of such a product will be slightly higher, but it will provide the maximum level of comfort. In this case, you will not have to change the mask itself, for example, if your vision suddenly changes. It is enough to change the lenses and continue training with the old mask. The production of masks with diopters for diving occurs according to less stringent requirements. Since such things are not intended for daily wear, the center distance is usually not taken into account when working on them. The variety of models allows you to select masks for people with a wide variety of vision.

Best competition points (starting points)

Arena Cobra

Arena Cobra is the most popular model among water sports products. The brand is Italian, but the glasses are produced in Japan. Experts estimate that about 80% of athletes competed in championships and Olympic games wearing these glasses. The main feature of the product is its versatility. It can be used for training in well-lit pools, open water swimming, and participation in competitions of various levels.

The package includes 5 nose bridges of different sizes. Thanks to the wide selection, you can choose the ideal option for a comfortable fit. The glasses are highly hydrodynamic and literally “stick” to the eyes. Therefore, you don’t have to worry that they will fall out of your sight at the most crucial moment during the competition. Despite good adhesion, after removal there are no marks around the eyes. The lenses are made of polycarbonate, the strap is made of silicone, and the seal is made of thermoplastic elastomer.

Pros: high quality materials, hydrodynamic design, comfort, reliable fixation on the eyes, protection against leakage behind the frame, a set of replaceable nose bridges, mirror coating, comfortable viewing angle, anti-fog coating.

Cons: for a poorly lit pool, it is better to choose another model.

Speedo Fastskeen 3 Elite Mirror

The Speedo Fastskeen 3 Elite Mirror is a professional racing goggle designed for competition. Best suited for short and medium distance swims. They are distinguished by high technology. The design uses modern developments:

• IQ Fit Strap - double strap with markings. Allows you to precisely adjust the degree of tension.
• IQ Fit Seal is a “smart” 3D seal. Designed based on research into the structure of the human head.
• Fit Point Markers are points on the bridge of the nose that you can click on to adjust the perfect fit. Innovation allows you to reduce water resistance and win important fractions of a second in competitions.
• Hydroscopic Lens – compact lenses with a viewing angle of 180⁰. Larger lenses are usually required for this width of view.

The lenses are made of polycarbonate and coated with a mirror layer. They protect well from sunlight and glare, and are equipped with an anti-fog system that prevents fogging. Includes 3 removable nose pads.

Pros: the use of high technology in the design, the ability to determine the degree of load that the strap creates, reliable fixation due to a smart seal.

Cons: high price, not very good vertical view.

Best training goggles for swimming

Joss YD3000

The budget option Joss YD3000 is suitable for swimming and diving in open water. Due to the seal, the frame adheres perfectly to the skin around the eyes. Using the strap, you can adjust the tension and tightness of the fit. The lenses are made of polycarbonate. They do not “sweat” due to the anti-fog coating and protect from bright sun thanks to the UV filter. The nose bridge is flexible, easily adjustable and adapts to different nose shapes.

Pros: Inexpensive price, good quality, protection from glare and bright sun rays, snug fit, adjustable nose bridge and strap.

Cons: designed only for beginner athletes or amateurs.

Best swimming goggles with prescriptions

Mad Wave Optic Envy Automatic

Mad Wave Optic Envy Automatic is designed for people who cannot boast of perfect vision. They provide clear images during swimming and diving. The optical power of the lenses ranges from -1.0 to -9. They are made of polycarbonate and protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Anti-fog coating prevents fogging. The bridge of the nose is an 8-step adjustable thread. Due to the adjustable strap, tight nose bridge, and frame seals, water does not get into the eyes. Mad Wave Optic Envy Automatic is suitable for systematic training in the pool, swimming and relaxing in open water.

Pros: comfortable, provide a tight fit, protect from UV rays, large selection of diopters, easy adjustment.

Cons: not sold in all sports stores.

VIEW Platina V-500A

The classic version from VIEW Platina V-500A with diopters is suitable for professionals and beginners. For a better fit to your facial features, the kit includes 3 nose bridges in sizes S, M, L. The design is made taking into account the anatomical features of the human head. The pressure of the seal on the eye sockets is eliminated, which provides additional comfort. The antifog layer blocks fogging. The lenses are protected from UV rays and glare.

The kit includes 2 diopter lenses:

1. From -1.0 to -10.0,
2. From +1.0 to +6.0.

For the production of VIEW Platina V-500A, 3 types of materials were used:

1. Silicone for strap.
2. Polycarbonate for lenses and strap adjuster.
3. Thermoplastic elastomer for nose bridge, seal, side attachments.

Pros: ability to install lenses with two different diopters, 3 nose bridges of different sizes included, protection against fogging and UV radiation.

Cons: high price.

Whale – 1.5

The Whale – 1.5 model is designed for an optical lens power of 1.5 diopters. The lenses are coated with an anti-fog layer and are equipped with protection against UV rays. The frame and strap are made of silicone. The set includes jumpers of three sizes - S, M, L. This ensures tight fixation of the frame. They are distinguished by a stylish design and good hydrodynamic properties. Can be used in open and closed reservoirs. Unlike other diopter products, this option is affordable and not so difficult to buy from online sports stores.

Pros: reasonable price, tight fit, several sizes of nose bridges.

Cons: each model is suitable only for a certain visual acuity; the kit does not include lenses with other diopters.

Varieties

There are two types of prescription swimming goggles:

1. With fixed lenses of equal optical power.
2. With removable lenses , in which you can put glasses of different optical powers.

Fixed lenses

These models have the following drawback: they contain glasses of the same strength, therefore they are suitable only for people whose both eyes have the same “minus” .

You can find them both in stores and order online, including on Aliexpress. In particular, here is a video review of such a model, ordered online from China:

From my point of view, remote ordering is not very desirable , since there is a possibility that glasses purchased without prior fitting will not fit . If possible, still find a store where you can come and try them on in person.

Glasses with fixed lenses are not only budget-friendly. There are also very high-quality models from leading manufacturers such as MadWave, Speedo, etc.

Here the choice depends on how suitable this or that model is for you, and on your budget.

It should also be noted that swimming masks are also available with diopters. For obvious reasons, they come with a non-replaceable “lens” common to both eyes.

Removable lenses

These are glasses whose frame allows you to change lenses, so when purchasing you can immediately choose the “minus” you need for each eye .

This option is primarily intended for people who need lenses of different strengths for different eyes.

Removable lens with diopters. Manufacturer – Mad Wave

For people with “identical” eyes, this option is also quite suitable; for them, the advantage of such models comes down to the ability to periodically change lenses (if their vision changes or if the old one is scratched or deteriorated, although this is probably not required so often).

Such glasses are produced by many well-known manufacturers - Aqua Sphere (Eagle model), Head Vision, Mad Wave, View and others.

The procedure for installing or replacing a lens is quite simple.

It is clearly demonstrated in this video:

The best children's swimming goggles

Larsen DS7

Larsen DS7 is a simple and convenient model for children. Suitable for active recreation on the water, water aerobics, visiting swimming pools and water parks. Available in two colors: pink and blue. The Antifog coating will provide your child with complete comfort while swimming. In addition, protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays is provided. The lenses are made of polycarbonate, the surface is flat and does not distort the image. The strap can be adjusted on the sides for a better fit. The frame is made of polyvinyl chloride, the strap is made of silicone.

Pros: tight but comfortable fit, adjustable strap, clear lenses, UV protection and anti-fog coating, several colors, beautiful design, soft, child-friendly materials.

Cons: non-adjustable nose bridge.

Water Pro Goggles Intex

The Water Pro Goggles Intex line is designed for children from three to eight years old. Refers to professional accessories for water sports. The strap is adjustable and will help you adjust the frame to the desired fit. The frame is made of soft, hypoallergenic latex. The lenses do not fog up, protect from UV rays, and do not allow water to pass through. Available in several colors: blue, light green, pink. Country of origin: China.

Pros: soft, hypoallergenic materials, adjustable strap, UV protection, anti-fog coating, budget price.

Cons: Molded nose bridge that cannot be adjusted.