Goggles - aquasphere Kaimon or Mask XP?

[Plainsman]

Do any of you use these, and if so, could you offer any pro/con for one vs. the other? I sometimes have trouble getting a good fit because my face is a little smaller than most adult larges, but not small enough to be a small. Guess that makes me a medium :)

[tajsss]

I use the Kaiman. Never tried the other. I like them as they are larger than a regular goggle but not quite the size of a mask. They don't come off as easy when accidently hit or kicked in the water. Plus I have never had a problem leaking which I used to always have with regular goggles. Oh, and they are comfy.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[spiderbike]

swedish goggles = $2.50
- cheap
- olympians use them

[mgbguy]

swedish goggles = $2.50
- cheap
- olympians use them


+1 - I love them.

[Plainsman]

+1 - I love them.

I'm really interested in the Kaimen, but these intrigue me. Do you have a link?

[Plainsman]

I use the Kaiman. Never tried the other. I like them as they are larger than a regular goggle but not quite the size of a mask. They don't come off as easy when accidently hit or kicked in the water. Plus I have never had a problem leaking which I used to always have with regular goggles. Oh, and they are comfy.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Thanks. Leaking is my main concern. I actually picked up a pair of Kaimens last night at, of all places, Walmart. Had them for about $12, but no selection - so I picked up a pair of the large adult tinted with clear frames. The smaller frame looked like it must have been the kids version. I have been holding off on using them (swam this morning with the cheapo speedo training goggles - which leak a little) because when I tried them on they just felt large, but in a different way. I wonder if that's because they wrap around? I'm thinking I may stop by the tri shop and try some others before I commit to these.

[rplong]

I think I have tried on about every pair of goggles out there. I also own many of the ones I have tried on. The best bit of advice I can give you, which someone else gave me, just try them all on. Every package of goggles can be opened and tried on in the store. Stick them on your face w/o using the back strap, and if they stay on your face w/o it, then they fit pretty well. As for the two goggles in question, I have tried and own both. I thought that since the kaimens had such great reviews over at trifuel, the would work for me. The lense is too close to my eye. I have a pair of the xp.seals but have not used them. They suction on my face like a glove and i don't think there is a possible way for them to leak. Which is good b/c I hate chlorine in my eyes with contacts. Anyway good idea on holding off on using them and just go try on as many pairs as you can.

Here are the swedish, which dont' work for me:
http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/1147.htm for the swedish.

[Plainsman]

Thanks rplong. I think I'll take your advice. Thanks for the link as well. Hmmm, assembly required and they fit in your eye sockets? I'm sure they are great, otherwise the pros wouldn't use 'em, but I think I'll stick with something more familiar. Going to try on some others, hopefully tonight.

[mgbguy]

Thanks rplong. I think I'll take your advice. Thanks for the link as well. Hmmm, assembly required and they fit in your eye sockets? I'm sure they are great, otherwise the pros wouldn't use 'em, but I think I'll stick with something more familiar. Going to try on some others, hopefully tonight.

Yeah, you got to tie a string. Major assembly:-) rplong is right, everyone is different. I have 8-10 sets of goggles (most expensive) before I tried these as a lark. Wouldn't use anything else and the bonus is they are cheap! Now I have every color. Stylin'

[Plainsman]

Yeah, you got to tie a string. Major assembly:-) rplong is right, everyone is different. I have 8-10 sets of goggles (most expensive) before I tried these as a lark. Wouldn't use anything else and the bonus is they are cheap! Now I have every color. Stylin'

I know, major assembly (ha ha) :). Seriously though the part I was unsure about was the "fitting in eye sockets". I'm sure I will try them out sometime though, I just have not seen them readily available in shops around here. Checked out a smaller sized Kaiman last night. Argghh. I must be in between sizes. Time to move on to Nike and Speedo I guess. Too bad, because I heard so many awesome reviews of the Kaiman.

[haydock52]

I have tried the Aqua Spere XP Seal Mask. I did not like the fit of the mask and the mask leaked, therefore, I returned the goggles the next day. I currently use the Speedo Baja goggles, they are oversized and comfortable.

[sweetharriet]

I wouldn't wear the Swedes for a race. One misplaced kick and you have serious injury. Dandy for training tho.

[caloso]

I'm no help. I use a cheap pair of Nike goggles that I don't think they make anymore.

[Plainsman]

The search continues. Next stop, Speedo Vanquishers. If I try these things on and they fit (tomorrow night) I'll have one shot to try them out before the race. 15 minutes or so in the pool Friday Morning. Do you chance it with new goggles if they seem good, or stick with the faithful "a little leaky but familiar?"

[tajsss]

I also have the Vanquishers and liked them. I switched to the Kaiman to get a bit bigger and more comfortable mask. I would say if you've swam in them at least once then go for it. Trying a new pair of goggles does not impose as much risk as say trying a whole new diet the night before or say a new bike the day before. I would take both pair you have so you have a backup if you decide to change your mind last minute or a strap breaks or something just before the race.

[bspurrie]

I have the Kaimens and love them. Used to use the cheap goggles and had leaks. These never leak and are very comfortable too.