GROUP TEST OPEN-WATER GOGGLES

Finding the right pair of goggles can make or break your open-water swim. Luckily, we have a whopping 14 pairs on test this issue! It can be tempting to skimp on your open-water goggles and just use the same ones you've had in your kit bag all winter for pool swimming.

- HELEN WEBSTER

Do so and you'll be missing a trick, though.

Open-water goggles are designed to make visbility in open-water easier, so you'll find many have larger, curved lenses for better peripheral visibility as well as visibility forward when sighting. The tints will be different to allow for bright sunlight, low light and/or difficult underwater visibility (so think about your race conditions before buying). Many even have polarised, mirrored or chromareactive lenses.

With so much to think about, personal preference plays a part. You want goggles that are comfortable, secure (no slips or leaks to ruin your race!) and which are within your budget. It's worth remembering that, to some extent, you get what you pay for - much like sunglasses - so if you want great visibility as well as more advanced tech, it may be worth investing in a quality pair and making sure you look after them.

Sounds good? On to the testing - and with a huge 14 pairs over the next six pages, we reckon we'll have the set for you....

ORCA KILLA COMFORT £24

orca.com

Orca's Killa range has long been a test team favourite - and now joining them is the new 'Killa Comfort', which offers an open-water version with a larger lens. I found these hit the sweet spot between offering great visibility while still being low profile enough to be a 'race' option. Fit was superb and the large, soft gaskets created a good seal and were comfortable over longer swims, while the split strap kept them in place. I have the mirror/negro option here, which looks stylish and has the advantage of reducing glare, without making things too murky in low light. You can also choose from clear/white and smoke/black, though, if this tint isn't your thing. Finally, there's that price for a good pair of open-water goggles from a premium brand, I'm impressed to see these coming in under £25.