The great thing about Swedes is that you can make them fit perfectly if you are a Cyclops (eyes very close together) or a horse (eyes on the side of your head). They are cheap: you can buy Swedes in quantity for less than five dollars a pair when I last checked. And there is nothing more comfortable, even the best foam goggles. The downside of Swedes is that they tend to break, especially if you leave them in the sun or swim in highly chlorinated pools. I will now go through a step by step process of goggle building, including pictures for reference.
Included in a Swede goggle package are: a long elastic strap, 2 eyepieces, a nose piece and short piece of string (see before/after picture below). Additional items you will need include scissors and an abrasive material like sandpaper or nail file. I will differentiate between how you should build racing goggles and practice goggles. Racing goggles are those that you are counting on to fit perfectly for one or two races and not break. Practice goggles are built to last but may not be as reliable.
Step A – File the eyepieces: Swedes typically have a slight amount of flash (sharp edges) on the outside rim of the eyepiece. This doesn’t really matter on any part of the goggle other than by the nose. Flash by the nose typically digs into the skin and isn’t very comfortable. This problem is easily resolved by taking a nail file or sandpaper and removing the flash. You can lightly polish the area with your fingernail or polish to make it smooth again.
Step B, C, D & E – Fit the eyepieces: Use the scissors to cut the nosepiece to appropriate length (Step B). If you are a Cyclops (eyes close together), you will cut up to a half centimeter off. If you are a Horse, (eyes far apart) you may not need to cut anything. Assemble the eyepieces together using the string and tie the string into a simple knot (Steps C & D). Hold the goggles to your face (Step E). It should feel like they are just a little too close together (the distance will widen when you tighten the knot). Once you have got it right then pull knot tight. Again, check the distance. If they are goggles you intend to race with, the fit should feel perfect. For practice goggles, you want the fit to be a tiny bit tight to the nose to account for the fact that the goggles will loosen over time.
Step F, G & H – Assemble the strap: Bring one loop through both eyepieces, being careful not to twist the elastic in between (Step F). You want this loop to be very tight (for both racing and practice goggles). Fit it around your head. Then, grab hold of the two loose ends and tie around the back of your head (Step G). Remove the goggles and pull on the outer ends of the straps to cinch the knot. Put the goggles back on again and confirm that the fit is right (Step H). Race goggles should be tight, while practice goggles should be snug.
Step I & J – Cut the ends – Use the scissors to cut the nose string (Step I). You want to leave about a half centimeter of loose ends. This distance is important as the knot will slowly loosen over time and so if you leave anything less the goggles may break quickly. If you leave the strings too long they become a visual distraction while swimming. Finally, cut the ends of the elastic strap (Step J). Leave about a centimeter at the ends.
For all of the benefits of Swedes, the drawback is that they break. I had an unfortunate experience with this back at the 2006 Pigman Sprint Triathlon. I made the mistake of using older goggles, and they broke at the nose piece with 30 seconds to go before the race start. It does help to know the sponsors however, many thanks to Kevin O’Connor of Gear West. The start was actually delayed so I could get a replacement pair of goggles. This is the only time I have ever heard this happen for anyone, and I don’t think I will get a second chance again! Ever since, I build new goggles for the first race of every season and for every A-race in the season. I have not had a problem since.
A common concern with switching from foam padding to Swedes is that they feel like they will leak. This is because foam padding keeps water well away from the eyepiece. Non-foam goggles allow water to flow right up to the eyepiece-skin contact. This feels weird for users of foam goggles, who would associate this feeling with leaking goggles.
The reality is that Swedes don’t leak. The hard surface allows the goggle to function like a suction cup over the eye which holds it in place better. This allows for a better fit and makes it more difficult to be torn off your face during a race. Now you know everything you need to know (and a whole lot more!) about Swedish goggles. Until next time, happy training!