Jan Doedens tests the newest additions to Aqua Sphere goggle range
He may not be a regular participator in triathlons (although he did complete the London Triathlon) but Jan Doedens, an open water swim specialist, has probably done more open water swimming than most of us. In the last year alone he swam the Gibraltar Straits, the International Lake Zurich Marathon Swim (a mere 26.4km) and the Channel, which sadly he had to pull out of because of sea sickness. The team at Tri247 thought they would be hard pushed to find someone more qualified in testing out the newest addition to the range of goggles from Aqua Sphere.
The Vista goggle is an updated, slimmer-line version of the highly popular Seal and Seal XP masks. Unlike the Seals, the Vista is designed for both in the open-water and for the pool swimming. Jan agreed with the Aqua Sphere marketing team that the goggles really do have 180 degree peripheral vision and the style and comfort are second to none.
Looking at the technical details; the 100% hypo-allergenic silicone creates a leak-free seal and the quick-fit one-touch buckle system makes them very easy to adjust.
The price of a pair of Vistas is £18.99, which Jan suggests is money well spent, but the big question is, as he heads off for his next open water swim challenge (the Rottnest 19.2km Channel Swim, which is the largest open water swim in the southern hemisphere) will he be packing his Vistas? "Most definitely, I wouldn't attempt a 20km swim without them".
For more information go to: www.aquasphereswim.com