I'll be the first to admit that goggles are a difficult thing to 'test'. A bit like saddles on bikes, the 'best' is generally what fits you the best, and as our faces (in the case of goggles!), are subtly different, what is good for one, may not be good for another.

Ok, disclaimer aside, I'll admit I'm a fan, and a long-term user of Aqua Sphere goggles. For the past eight years, I've used almost exclusively the Seal® Swim Mask. The reason is fairly simple... I used to have problems finding goggles I was comfortable with, and just prior to the ITU World Long Distance Champs in Fredericia, Denmark in 2001 I tried on a pair at the expo. Ignoring all that good advice about 'no new kit on race day', I wore them for the race, and have very rarely used any other model since. They are big, not pretty and certainly not the most hydrodynamic either, but they are comfortable, have a wide field of vision (great for open water swimming) and have suited me fine.

I've tried other Aqua Sphere variants since - the Seal® XP and Vista amongst others, and while they were reasonably good (for me!), I've always gone back to the original 'big' Seal®.

The latest eyewear from Aqua Sphere is the Kayenne, which attempts to combine many of the great features of the 'masks' - most notably the wide field of vision - in a sleeker, smaller goggle, rather than mask style. Aqua Sphere kindly sent in some to get our views.

First off, they look great - important for triathletes, right?! While clearly a goggle rather than mask, they manage to provide excellent vision by using a patented curved lens which claims, and importantly in practice delivers, an undistorted view. Speaking as a 'mask' user, I really appreciate this, as on the odd occasion (forgot to pack my mask!), I've had to borrow some standard goggles, it's always felt like swimming in blinkers. That may be ok for the pool, but in open water and no lane ropes, I want to see a bit more than that, notably who's feet are about to kick me in the head...

Fitting and adjustment is very easy, via the Quick-Fit Buckle™ - simply press the 'button', pull the silicone straps to suit and done, very smooth. It will be interesting to see how this withstands repeated, long-term use, but there was nothing in our testing to suggest it was likely to be a source of failure. Of course, we'll report back if we find otherwise...

The goggles are available in clear (indoors / low light), tinted (outdoors / bright light) and blue (reduce glare) options, so should have most situations covered.

The lenses are scratch resistant and provide 100% UV protection amongst their other features.

As a (possibly now former...) Seal® Swim Mask user, I found the Kayenne's great - comfortble, excellent vision and didn't leak. At around £15 retail, fairly priced too - what's not to like?. They work for me, maybe they will for you too?

For more info click on www.aquasphereswim.co.uk or phone 01254 692200.