Aqua Sphere Fastlane swimming goggles review

With the Fastlane, Aqua Sphere offers an entry-level model for daily training, or even competitions. It features “in-house” micro-gaskets with an “asymmetrical anatomical” design, which is supposed to ensure a perfect seal, and curved lenses to see the edge of the pool and competitors without having to turn your head or change your swimming position. Is this the case? The answer after a few lengths of an Olympic pool and sessions in the sea.

By Pierre-Maxime BRANCHE. Photos: 3bikes.fr and Aqua Sphere

Born in 1998 in Genoa, Italy, the Aqua Sphere brand set itself the mission of creating the most comfortable swimming goggles possible. That year, Paolo Ferraro, president of Technisub (a diving brand belonging to the Aqua Lung group) and Giovani Beltranit noticed defects in the fit and seal of swimming goggles at the time. As experts in underwater diving accessories, the two men decided to adapt their sealing technology, usually reserved for diving masks, to the world of swimming and created the first “swimming mask”: the Seal. This innovation made the Aqua Sphere brand known throughout the globe and spread particularly in the world of triathlon. Today, it offers a complete range of swimsuits, wetsuits, goggles, and accessories for swimmers, triathletes, and open water enthusiasts.

The Aqua Sphere Fastlane goggles are an entry-level model priced from 19.90 euros. Although offered for daily training, this pair can be used in competition, as well as in open water and for triathlon. These are the brand’s first compact goggles with micro-gaskets. Their “asymmetrical anatomical” design ensures, according to the manufacturer, a perfect seal. 

Furthermore, the Fastlane are equipped with curved lenses to benefit from an extended field of vision. They also feature a patented strap management system for simple and quick adjustment, as well as four interchangeable nose bridge sizes to ensure the right fit for your face shape. In addition, the Fastlane are compatible with different types of lenses adapted to all weather conditions. All lenses have an anti-fog treatment and protection against scratches and UV rays. Finally, this model is approved by the International Swimming Federation (FINA).

With a verified weight of 34 g, the Fastlane position easily around the eyes and nose. The flexibility of the large “in-house” internal gasket is immediately felt when pre-positioning the lenses. The double-buckle tightening system at the back of the two silicone straps is easy to use. It’s an ultra-classic tightening system that we’re not fans of because you then have to tuck away the superfluous strap ends if you don’t like them – like us –  dangling at the back of your head and the top of your neck, whereas today there are very effective, adjustable, and comfortable ratchet tightening technologies.

The nose bridge is easily interchangeable. You just need to unclip the two attachment points on the ends of the arch. This takes only a few seconds. Aqua Sphere has taken care to provide four widths to find the perfect arch for your nasal morphology, which is very important for the seal of the frame, and therefore for the comfort of your training session or competition.

In the water, the internal gasket still allows a little water to seep in, over the lengths. It’s not possible to do a 1500m – for example – without a small stop at the end of the lane to drain them. It’s not very bothersome, just a few drops. What is a little bothersome is the comfort of this gasket, especially in its lower part, towards the inner eye. After several minutes, both in the pool and in the sea, we felt a pronounced point of tension and pressure that intensified over the minutes. Not to the point of stopping the training; but enough to feel the need to readjust the goggles before diving back in.

On the other hand, no fog came to disturb the training. Similarly, the silver mirror lenses tested attenuate the sun’s rays very well. In the sea, on overcast days and at the end of the day, there is a slight lack of visibility, but it is perfect in the pool whatever the weather conditions. The curvature of the lenses should be a little more pronounced to be able to see the edges of the pool without having to turn your head. Here, the manufacturer’s promise is not entirely kept.

Ultimately, the Aqua Sphere Fastlane are perfect for short daily training sessions. For logging mileage, the internal gasket lacks comfort despite its flexibility and anatomical shape. But for discovering swimming or starting more serious training, this entry-level model is largely sufficient for gliding through the water. If you want to wear them for a triathlon, prioritize short distances, up to Olympic format.

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