How to Buy Swimming Goggles

picasaweb.google.com/.../9IPdK58p64CaH2DrXY9TIg

Whether you are a serious swimmer who competes or a weekend warrior who's in the pool solely for exercise, goggles are an important part of your gear. They not only protect your eyes, but they also allow you to see better under water. You can even find those made with corrective lenses in them.
But don't go out and purchase the first pair of swimming goggles you see. There are some things you need to take into consideration before you make that buy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Custom-made prescription lenses Eye doctor
Custom-made prescription lenses
Eye doctor

Step 1

Choose goggles with a lens size you prefer. Take into account that the smaller the lens, the less resistance you will have swimming in the water.

Step 2

Consider the lens color. Darker-shaded lenses are made for outdoor use in the sunshine and clear colored lenses are made for indoor use. UV protection is only required if you plan on using the goggles outside in the sun.

Step 3

Try the goggles on to see how they fit. If they are tight around your nose, see if they have an adjustable nose piece. If not, don't buy them.

Step 4

Consider the material they are made from, as they could be silicone, rubber, foam or plastic, which dictates their weight and pliability. Don't choose a material to which you are allergic.

Step 5

Test the goggles to see how watertight they are. Put them on and squeeze the eyepieces with the palm of your hand. When you let go, the eye cup should remain in place for a few seconds, which means you probably have a good fit.

Step 6

Try the goggles on to see if they fog up inside the store. Cheaper pairs usually start to fog almost immediately. Spitting into the lens and wiping it around will usually solve this problem.

Step 7

Look for a pair with adjustable straps so you will always be able to adjust them or allow someone with a different-sized head to borrow them.

Step 8

If you would like prescription lenses, visit a sports eyewear specialist. She will be able to make corrective lenses you can insert into a special fixed lens area of your goggles to help you see better.

Step 9

You can also purchase a pair of goggles with pre-made prescription lenses in them if you are purely nearsighted or farsighted.

Tips & Warnings

Never purchase a pair of goggles that are sealed inside of a box that you can't try on. Remember that silicone goggles, though the most expensive versions, may not work better than those made with other materials.

Never purchase a pair of goggles that are sealed inside of a box that you can't try on.

Remember that silicone goggles, though the most expensive versions, may not work better than those made with other materials.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...