If I wanted, I would love the title of this post to run in another manner. However, let's just leave it like this.
Users have a strong, often polarized, reaction to the FORM Smart Swim Goggles, with many loving the innovative technology and data insights while others find certain aspects frustrating.
Here's a breakdown of why users love or hate them:
Reasons Users LOVE FORM Smart Swim Goggles:
Real-Time Data and Insights: This is the standout feature. Swimmers appreciate having metrics like pace, stroke rate, distance, split times, and heart rate displayed directly in their field of vision. This eliminates the need to stop and check a watch, allowing for continuous training and immediate feedback on technique adjustments.
Improved Training and Motivation: The integrated guided workouts, training plans, and personalized coaching, like HeadCoach, are highly praised. Users report being more focused, motivated, and able to push themselves harder, leading to significant improvements in pace and efficiency. The ability to see progress in real-time is a powerful motivator.
Accurate Tracking: Many users find the goggles to be highly accurate in tracking laps, strokes, and other metrics, often outperforming wrist-based devices for swimming. The automatic stroke and rest detection is a significant convenience.
Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy: The built-in heart rate monitor is often cited as being very accurate, providing reliable data without the dropouts or erratic readings sometimes experienced with wrist-based monitors in the water.
Convenience for Solo Swimmers: For those who train alone without a coach or access to a pace clock, the FORM goggles are seen as a "game-changer," providing essential feedback that would otherwise be unavailable.
Open Water Features: The "SwimStraight" compass feature and the ability to pair with Garmin/Apple watches for GPS data are highly valued by open water swimmers and triathletes.
Customizable Display: Users like that they can choose which metrics to display and where, tailoring the experience to their preferences.
Sleek Design and Build Quality: The goggles are generally seen as well-built, with a premium feel, and the display is noted as being clear and readable. The inclusion of various nose bridges ensures a better fit for many.
Reasons Users HATE FORM Smart Swim Goggles:
Comfort and Fit Issues: This is a major point of contention. Many users find the goggles uncomfortable, especially during longer swims. Leaking is a common complaint, often requiring the straps to be tightened excessively, leading to pressure and pain. Some users have tried multiple nose bridges and still experienced discomfort or leaks.
Limited Peripheral Vision: The heads-up display (HUD) encroaches on peripheral vision, which can be disorienting, especially in crowded lanes or when trying to sight in open water. This can lead to more collisions.
Subscription Model for Full Features: While core tracking is free, many of the advanced coaching features, structured workouts, and some newer functionalities (like SwimStraight in earlier models) require a premium subscription, which many users find expensive.
Display Issues: Some users have reported issues with the display dimming over time or becoming difficult to see, especially in colder water. The head angle metric has also been criticized for being inaccurate or requiring uncomfortable head positions.
Durability Concerns: While some praise the build quality, others have experienced issues with the display fading or hardware malfunctions, sometimes within the warranty period. The charging cable not being USB-C has also been a minor annoyance for some.
Bulkiness: Compared to standard racing goggles, the FORM goggles are bulkier due to the integrated technology.
Cost: They are a significant investment, and for casual swimmers or those not focused on data analysis, the price may be prohibitive for the features offered.
Anti-Fog Performance: While some models have improved anti-fog coatings or come with spray, some users still experience fogging, which can obscure the display.
In summary, the FORM Smart Swim Goggles are a powerful tool for data-driven swimmers looking to optimize their training and performance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the significant cost, the potential for discomfort or fit issues, and the reliance on a subscription for the full suite of features.
NOTE: I love mine even if they're a little too expensive for my liking. They work well, or are as effective as I would love them to be.
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