TRIATHLON
Product 2017
Woman, Man
Arena has designed a pair of swimming goggles especially for triathlon: the Cobra. With its serpent-eye shape, aggressive, very sleek look, and a lens mirror tint that keeps outsiders from looking in … Top marks for a commercial dream!
Once in the water,… what a disappointment! Ok, we gave it a chance; you shouldn’t jump to conclusions on the first try. We tried seven times before finding the correct watertight adjustment! They were almost stuffed to the back of the cupboard without respite – fortunately we persevered!
In fact, as the Cobra does not cover the eyes as much as a pair of Zoggs for example, the slightest error of positioning, allows water to enter. These goggles HAVE TO BE adjusted to the millimeter to the shape of your face. The solution: try out the three “nose” lengths that come with the goggles, in our case the shortest enabled the perfect fit. The pieces are easily interchangeable. Once the correct size is found, the goggles are very high performance products, and watertight!
The head strap adjustment is simple, a button on either side of the head that releases the elastic. The field of vision is good even if it is less than some other brands. Good lateral vision, and very useful for looking out the corner of your eye at other swimmers when competing.
The adjustment strap is good, holds well over a swim cap or just on your head and spreads the pressure evenly. It is not necessary to tighten the elastic very tightly; the goggles sit in place under gentle pressure. The Japanese TPE joints aren’t sensitive to going moldy; an excellent bonus.
The tinted reflective lenses protect you from the sun’s brightness particularly outside and in an indoor pool it isn’t annoying. The brand states anti-fog treatment, we can verify that it is not very efficient; you have the usual fogging up as all goggles on the market, neither more nor less.
Take care of the exterior coating (the yellow tint), it has a tendency to get scratched, especially on the rounded edges, which are liable to shocks. The Cobra has no protective edges. The textile case that comes with the goggles is fine; you can dry the goggles and store them. But obviously being a soft bag it doesn’t protect them from shocks in your bag.
These are good goggles with a wicked look. You need to take the time to adjust them properly for full performance. They are unique with their ultra-fluid hydrodynamic design although a bit fragile. It is a real pleasure to wear them, sometimes it’s the look that counts the most!
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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