Prepared for venturing into open-water swimming? Speedo's new swimsuit and mask-style goggles are designed to handle the challenges presented by turbulent waters and hazy open-water conditions.
In the realm of open-water swimming, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here, we explore top-rated goggles and suits that cater to the needs of adventure swimmers, focusing on key features, typical prices, and short comparisons.
GOGGLES
When it comes to open-water goggles, look for large or "bug-eye" lenses for a wide field of view, polarized or mirrored lenses to cut surface glare, and soft, wide gaskets for comfort during long swims. A secure split strap is essential to keep the goggles in place in waves, while multiple nose-bridge sizes or an adjustable nosepiece ensure a snug fit. Anti-fog technology or replaceable anti-fog options are crucial for long sessions.
Top goggle picks include:
- Speedo Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0 - Best overall pick, featuring hydrodynamic mirrored lenses, broad field of view, and three nose bridges for fit. Typically priced around $25–$35.
- Arena Cobra Ultra / Arena Cobra Tri Swipe - Designed for outdoor/open water, these goggles offer swipe anti-fog tech and mirrored options, good field of view, and are priced roughly $35–$50 depending on model.
- Zone3 Volare / Zone3 Vapour - Comfort-oriented, polarized options with high comfort scores, typically priced $40–$55.
- Orca Killa Comfort (or Killa 180°/Killa Comfort) - Big "bug-eye" lenses, soft gaskets, and a wide strap, budget-friendly at around $25.
- FORM Smart Swim 2 - A specialty choice, these goggles offer a heads-up AR display and performance data, but come with a high price point of $200–$250.
WETSUITS
For open-water swimming, consider a wetsuit with a flexible, high-buoyancy wetsuit with good shoulder mobility and durable neoprene. Key features include neoprene thickness distribution (more buoyancy in legs/hips, more flexibility in shoulders/chest), sealed seams for warmth, a durable outer finish to resist abrasion, ankle/hem grip, and a fit that prevents water flushing.
Top wetsuit recommendations include:
- Orca (e.g., Orca Openwater / Orca S7 family) - Known for open-water models that balance buoyancy and flexibility, great for longer adventure swims.
- Zone3 (e.g., Zone3 Aspire/Vanquish depending on model year) - Strong range of suits with shoulder mobility and comfort ratings, popular among open-water and triathlon swimmers.
- Huub / Roka / 2XU - Each offers wetsuits with different trade-offs: Huub often emphasizes rotation and flexibility, Roka targets triathlon-fit performance, and 2XU tends toward higher-buoyancy race suits. Choose by fit and target use.
Prices for consumer wetsuits typically range from $200–$500, while premium race suits can exceed $500. Fit is critical, and many reviewers emphasize trying multiple nose bridges and gasket types (or models with custom fit like Magic5) because a poor seal ruins open-water swims. Anti-fog maintenance is also important, so use models with swipe anti-fog technology or carry anti-fog drops.
For more open-water swimming advice, check out the expert guide to the best open-water swimming gear. Happy swimming!
In the world of lifestyle, focusing on fashion-and-beauty, one might seek out goggles with mirrored lenses and soft gaskets, as perfect for open-water swimming as a chic pair of sunglasses is for a summer day out. Similarly, when redecorating a home-and-garden, consider a wetsuit with sealed seams and a durable outer finish, just as you would choose a sturdy, weather-resistant couch for your living room. When it comes to food-and-drink, opt for a wetsuit with good shoulder mobility and a fit that prevents water flushing, much like selecting a wine based on its body and mouthfeel. Lastly, for sports enthusiasts, engaging in various outdoor activities can benefit from using goggles with swap anti-fog tech, mirrored options, and a secure split strap - traits one might look for in top-performance sports gear.
