[spinandrun]

Anyone use these instead of goggles?<br><br>
Do they cause a lot of drag?<br><br>
I'm starting to see more and more people wearing them in the pool and I'm getting really tired of having racoon-face all of the time.<br><br>
Women, or anyone with a small face, please let me know which type you wear and if you've ever seen people wearing them in OW races.<br><br>
Thanks,<br><br>
Cheryl

 

[Chris the Wheeler]

Are masks and snorkles allowed in Triathlons?<br><br>
My breast stoke is stronger then my back stroke, but I don't have the leg power to pop up for a breath. If I could use a snorkle I could possibly swim faster.

 

[Stitcher]

I'd think snorkles are not permitted........but I don't know for sure.<br><br>
masks are probably ok, but you would have ONLY your mouth to use for breathing....<br>
if that matters.<br><br>
On the other hand, you wouldn't have to worry about water up your nose.

 

[Chris the Wheeler]

Guess I could check the USAT website, but I was looking for a quick answer.

 

[spinandrun]

The new masks are really goggle/mask hybrids - used for swimming only. I wasn't intending to use it with a snorkel. That'd be a DQ for sure.<br><br>
I know aqua sphere makes one as does Tyr.<br><br>
Thanks for the replies.

 

[ForceD]

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';">I use a goggle/mask hybrid almost exclusively. But I have a narrow nose bridge and the only one I've found that'll make a good seal for me is the SPEEDO ES1 Aqua Sport Mask. It’s much more comfortable than traditional goggles...especially on long swims. The silicon is soft enough that it flattens down so its profile isn't so big. Also comes in black silicon/dark lens.</span></span></span><br><br><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:medium;">Dan</span></span></span><br><img alt="" src="http://www.metroswimshop.com/images/7530073-004.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br><br>

 

[hobey]

Tried one. Had to return it. My nose bridge is too flat to get a good seal.

 

[Cashmason]

I have the aqua sphere swim mask. The vista model. Love it. Get great suckage as Tithers would say. Have Tyr's as well. They don't seal as well.<br><br>
I am not a great swimmer, but doesn't feel like any more drag than goggles, better field of view and no racoon eyes for me.

 

[kristine25]

I tried one but it leaked like crazy!!

 

[Econo]

I luv mine. Regular goggles don't seal at all on me.

 

[mmoonptdeux]

Most of the masks didn't fit too well on my face either because of my low nose bridge, but the Barracuda Wire Mask did the trick in my case. Great suckage in this case as well

 

[wyrillco]

Do you find something like this at a sporting goods store, like Dicks or Sports Authority?<br><br>
I was just asking about the racoon eyes last week. But I can't have anything over my nose. Eek. That kind of freaks me out just thinking about it.

 

[Cashmason]

Found mine at Sport Chalet. It goes over the bridge of my nose, but the nostrils and lower half of the nose are in the water, not in the mask.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

I use an <a href="http://www.joessports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=971161" target="_blank">Aqua Sphere Seal</a> mask for open water - goggles in the pool. The mask gives much better visibility - I like seeing the fishes.<br><br>
USAT Rules: "Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face masks."<br><br>
Though anything aiding propulsion (like fins) is specifically forbidden, I don't actually see anything specifically forbidding snorkels. So... Maybe you'd get away with it?!?!?

 

[spinandrun]

Thanks. Which brand do you use? I went through about 9 pair of goggles before finding one type which didn't leak on me (kaimen).<br><br>
Cheryl

 

[spinandrun]

Thanks again for the input, everyone.<br><br>
I guess it's a matter of trial and error. I'm happy to see that so many people are using them, though. Brings down the geek quotient.<br><br>
I never thought about returning them if they didn't fit. My tri store is going to kill me...but these things are pricey!<br><br>
Cheryl

 

[Tithers]

Snorkels ARE legal, but not in an Ironman!

 

[Kate60]

Mine feels big and clunky, also mine does not seal better than regular goggles, I think it is too big. They do make some smaller ones now though.

 

[Chris the Wheeler]

When in doubt... refer to tithers...<br><br>
I'll worry about Ironman when I get to that level.<br><br>
Thanks kiddo.

 

[Econo]

spin&run, I use Aqua Sphere Seal XP. I'm a happy girl now! No more goggle pain! (I got them at Big 5 sporting goods.)