What Is The Life Span Of A Pair Of Goggles?

Question

Have a question about swim goggles. I started swimming on a regular basis about two months ago, and I bought a pair of goggles. They worked great for the first few weeks, but lately they've really become cloudy and corroded, and therefore very hard to see through, plus they don't hold a seal around my eyes the way they did when I first got them.

Granted, they're not very expensive (they were about $17.00 and change online, plus S&H), but they worked better for me than a more expensive pair I actually tried on at a swim shop. I followed the directions and rinsed them with plain water after each use, but that hasn't really helped to clean them.

Is there a product I can buy that will help clean the inside and outside of goggles without scratching them? Or is it just time to buy another pair?

Answer 1

i suggest maybe trying a new brand

i always use speedo and my oldest pair is 4 years old and they still work... my theory is i toss them in my bag after wiping with a clean chamois...um there might be a product but I've never used it...

Answer 2

I am a very serious competitive swimmer, and the best goggles I have ever purchased are called "Swedish Goggles".

These are the kind the Michael Phelps, Ian Thorpe, and all the other olympic guys wear (when they're not getting paid for advertisements)

They cost anywhere between $1.25 - $3.50 (No Joke)

Here's a few sites you can try:

http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductBrand.a...

Obviously the metalized cost more. The only difference is a cool shiny look.

I will warn you though, they take some getting used to. Some people complain that they hurt their eyes, but I never had a problem with them, and the people who it did hurt got used to them.

I would also recommend buying a "bungee strap" for the back of it, as chlorine tends to do terrible things to the straps they give you (Basically a good version of a rubber band)

Seeing as how they cost almost nothing, and they are some of the fastest goggles out there (and most reliable in my opinion) I'd say their worth a try.

Added note: They also come available with a thin rubber cushion on the eye piece to make them a little more comfortable (Although I didn't like this myself). I was unable to locate a pair for sale, but just thought you should know that is a possible option as well.

Answer 3

I own and use 3 times a week a pair of prescription goggles that I originally purchased in 1989.  I have replaced the strap about once every 2-3 years, and the nose piece I have replaced only once, and that recently.  I clean them regularly in mild soap and water, but otherwise take no special care with them.

I expect that is at the extreme top end of longevity for swim goggles.  Back in the old days when I was swimming competetively we carved our goggles from quartz crystals and....  no actually, we used cheapo goggles that the swim team bought in bulk and I'd go through 2 or 3 per season, but usually because I lost them, being the irresponsible youth I was.

Rinse the goggles in plain water after every use.  Whenever there is a noticeable build-up on the lenses wash them in mild soap and water.  I know people who use vinegar on a handkerchief to clean the lenses periodically, but I've never had to do that.  You really don't need any special stuff to keep your goggles nice.  (I use a little saliva as a de-fogger now and then).