By Kyle Johnston 
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Introduction
Swimming, like any other sport, has undergone a significant transformation thanks to advancements in wearable technology. While runners have GPS watches and cyclists have power meters, swimmers have traditionally had fewer options to track their performance in real-time. The FORM Smart Swim Goggles change this narrative, bringing the concept of smart technology to the pool.
Developed by a team of engineers and swimmers, these goggles combine a heads-up display (HUD) with cutting-edge sensors to offer detailed analytics during a swim session. From tracking lap counts to stroke efficiency, the FORM goggles aim to enhance the swimming experience by providing real-time data. But how well do they perform in real-world conditions? Are they the next must-have swimming gadget, or do they fall short? Let’s dive into the review.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that strike you about the FORM Smart Swim Goggles is their sleek and modern design. They resemble typical swim goggles, with one key difference – the heads-up display that is integrated into one side of the lenses. Despite the added tech, they manage to remain lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use in the water.
Build Quality:
- Material: The goggles are made from high-quality silicone and polycarbonate materials that are resistant to both chlorine and saltwater, ensuring durability for swimmers who train in pools and open water. The silicone gasket surrounding the lenses offers a secure and leak-proof fit, which is crucial for uninterrupted swimming.
- Comfort: Comfort is paramount in swim goggles, and FORM does an admirable job in this department. The adjustable straps and ergonomic design ensure that swimmers can customize the fit to their liking. The goggles are relatively light despite the inclusion of tech, and many users report that they are comfortable even during long swims.
- Aesthetics: The FORM goggles feature a sleek black frame with either clear or tinted lenses, giving them a minimalistic but stylish appearance. They don’t scream “smart gadget” and can easily be mistaken for high-end traditional goggles. The understated design will appeal to swimmers who want the tech without sacrificing style.
Lens and HUD:
The most striking feature of the FORM Smart Swim Goggles is the heads-up display. A small screen is located in the right eye lens, showing real-time performance metrics such as lap times, distance, and stroke rate. The HUD is remarkably clear and easy to read, even underwater. The display is adjustable, allowing users to position the data at a comfortable spot in their field of view.
The rest of the lens offers good clarity, with anti-fog coatings applied to prevent misting during intense swimming sessions. The anti-fog feature works well in most cases, but some users have reported occasional fogging after extended periods of use. It’s also worth noting that the goggles come with both clear and tinted lenses, allowing for use in various lighting conditions, from dimly lit indoor pools to bright outdoor environments.
User Interface and Connectivity
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
The HUD is the star of the FORM goggles. It can show various metrics, depending on the swimmer’s preference. This includes lap times, split times, stroke counts, distance swum, and heart rate (if paired with an external monitor). The display is not overly intrusive; it occupies a small section of the lens, and while it may take some getting used to, it doesn’t obstruct vision or become a distraction during the swim.
Swimmers can customize the display to show exactly the data they want to see, and the goggles automatically detect the start and stop of a swim. The HUD is bright enough to be visible underwater but not so bright that it distracts from the swim. The display is well-calibrated for underwater environments, and even when moving quickly through the water, the information remains legible.
Companion App and Integration
The FORM goggles come with a companion app available for both iOS and Android. Once you finish your swim, the goggles sync wirelessly with the app, which logs all your data. The app itself is intuitive and offers a comprehensive breakdown of your swim session, including lap times, distance, stroke analysis, and more.
One of the key features of the app is the ability to set up custom workouts. Users can input their desired swim sets, and the goggles will display the workout in real-time during the swim. This eliminates the need to constantly check a watch or remember specific sets – a great convenience for competitive swimmers or those working on structured training plans.
FORM also supports integration with platforms like Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Apple Health, making it easier for swimmers to incorporate their swim data into broader training and health metrics. This integration ensures that the goggles are part of a larger fitness ecosystem, which will appeal to serious athletes who want all their data in one place.
Performance and Accuracy
Real-Time Metrics
The FORM goggles excel at delivering real-time data to swimmers without interrupting the flow of their workout. Swimmers no longer have to stop at the wall to check a watch or pace clock; they can simply glance at the HUD to see how they’re doing. This can be a significant advantage, particularly for athletes looking to improve their pacing and efficiency.
For example, a swimmer can see their split times after each lap, which helps them gauge whether they are maintaining consistent speed or if they need to adjust their effort. Additionally, the goggles can show stroke rate, which is valuable for optimizing stroke efficiency.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the FORM goggles is generally impressive. Lap counting, distance tracking, and stroke recognition are all highly reliable, with only occasional errors in stroke detection or lap miscounts. These instances are rare and are usually the result of particularly chaotic swim environments (e.g., crowded lanes) rather than inherent flaws in the technology.
For competitive swimmers, the ability to monitor metrics like stroke rate, stroke count, and split times during a swim provides critical insights for fine-tuning performance. The data recorded by the FORM goggles is on par with most high-end swim watches, making them a viable alternative for athletes who prioritize in-the-moment feedback.
Battery Life
The FORM Smart Swim Goggles offer about 16 hours of battery life per charge, which is sufficient for multiple swim sessions before needing a recharge. Charging is straightforward, using a magnetic clip that attaches to the goggles. A full recharge takes around 90 minutes. The battery life is one area where the FORM goggles perform admirably, as they easily last through several days of swimming without needing to be recharged.
Swimming Experience
One of the most significant selling points of the FORM Smart Swim Goggles is the seamlessness of the swimming experience. The HUD, while initially novel, quickly becomes an invaluable tool for monitoring performance. Being able to see your split times, lap count, and other stats in real-time allows swimmers to make adjustments on the fly, improving their technique and pacing without interrupting their workout.
For those who swim in open water, the FORM goggles are compatible with certain smartwatches (e.g., Garmin), allowing users to see GPS data like distance and speed on the HUD. This can be a game-changer for open-water swimmers who typically have to wait until after their swim to review performance data.
Competitive swimmers and triathletes will particularly benefit from the goggles’ ability to show real-time feedback on stroke rate and pacing. However, even casual swimmers can find value in the goggles, as they help with monitoring progress and motivating continuous improvement.
Durability and Longevity
Given the high cost of the FORM Smart Swim Goggles, durability is a critical consideration for potential buyers. Fortunately, FORM has designed the goggles to be robust and resistant to wear and tear. The use of durable materials like polycarbonate lenses and silicone gaskets ensures that the goggles can withstand the rigors of regular swimming.
In terms of longevity, most users report that the goggles hold up well over time. However, as with any wearable device, there are some potential downsides. For example, the anti-fog coating may degrade over time, requiring more frequent use of anti-fog sprays or wipes. Additionally, while the goggles are water-resistant, the electronic components may become more susceptible to wear and tear with prolonged use, especially if the goggles are not properly cared for between sessions.
Pros of FORM Smart Swim Goggles
1. Real-Time Data Tracking
The ability to see your metrics while swimming – including lap times, stroke rate, and distance – without stopping is a game-changer for swimmers. This feature alone sets the FORM goggles apart from traditional swim trackers that only provide data after the workout is complete.
2. Customizable Workouts
The ability to program custom workouts and have them displayed during your swim is incredibly useful for swimmers following structured training plans. This feature helps maintain focus and reduces the need to remember complicated sets.
3. Excellent Build Quality
The goggles are well-constructed and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The use of high-quality materials ensures they are durable and resistant to chlorine and saltwater.
4. Impressive Accuracy
Lap counting, stroke detection, and other metrics are highly accurate, with minimal errors even in crowded pool conditions. The HUD is clear and easy to read underwater, and the data is presented in an intuitive manner.
5. Long Battery Life
With up to 16 hours of battery life per charge, the FORM goggles are dependable for multiple swim sessions before needing a recharge. This makes them suitable for both casual swimmers and serious athletes who train regularly.
6. App Integration and Syncing
The companion app is easy to use and offers detailed post-swim analytics. The integration with platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks ensures that the goggles fit into a broader fitness ecosystem, which is great for athletes who want to keep all their data in one place.
Cons of FORM Smart Swim Goggles
1. Price
The FORM Smart Swim Goggles are expensive compared to traditional swim goggles. While the technology justifies the price to some extent, the cost may be prohibitive for casual swimmers who don’t need real-time data tracking.
2. Learning Curve
Although the HUD is relatively unobtrusive, it may take some time for swimmers to get used to glancing at their metrics while swimming. For some, this could initially feel like a distraction, especially in the first few sessions.
3. Occasional Fogging
While the lenses come with an anti-fog coating, some users have reported that the coating wears off over time, leading to occasional fogging. This can be mitigated with the use of anti-fog sprays, but it’s a minor inconvenience for a premium product.
4. Limited Compatibility with Heart Rate Monitors
Although the goggles can sync with heart rate monitors, the range of compatible devices is somewhat limited. For swimmers who want comprehensive data on their heart rate during workouts, this could be a downside.
5. No Built-In GPS
The goggles do not have a built-in GPS, meaning that for open-water swimmers, you need to pair them with a compatible smartwatch to track distance and other GPS-based metrics. This may be a drawback for swimmers who expect an all-in-one device.
6. Durability Concerns Over Time
While the FORM goggles are generally durable, any device with electronic components is susceptible to wear and tear. Prolonged exposure to chlorine and saltwater may degrade the electronic parts over time, and the anti-fog coating may require frequent reapplication as it wears off.
Conclusion
The FORM Smart Swim Goggles are undoubtedly a cutting-edge piece of technology that fills a previously unmet need in the swimming community. Their ability to deliver real-time performance data without interrupting a workout is a significant step forward for swimmers of all levels. The high build quality, customizable workouts, and accurate tracking make them an invaluable tool for athletes serious about improving their swimming performance.
However, the high price point and occasional issues with fogging and compatibility may deter more casual swimmers from making the investment. For competitive swimmers, triathletes, or tech enthusiasts, the FORM Smart Swim Goggles are an excellent purchase that offers unmatched value in the pool.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in the FORM Smart Swim Goggles comes down to how much value you place on real-time data tracking and your swimming goals. If you are someone who regularly trains in the pool and wants to fine-tune your performance, these goggles will be worth every penny. For more casual swimmers, a traditional swim watch or a simpler set of goggles may suffice.
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