Barracuda Predator Goggle–Final Review

We’ve been using goggles from Barracuda for a few months now and this is the final review of the goggles we’ve received.  If you’re interested in seeing the other goggles we’ve reviewed, you can check out the final review for the Hydrobat and the final review for the Barracuda Ultimates.

The final set of goggles we’re reviewing today are the Predator goggles.  You can also check out our initial review of the Predators.

Background on Barracuda:

Based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Barracuda Sports Products and Skyline Northwest manufacture an entire line of swimming gear, including these goggles, swim caps, cases, paddles, shampoo and quite a few other items.

Barracuda goggles were created by Dr. John Runckel after he was unable to find goggles that fit well, didn’t leak, and didn’t leave red rings around his eyes.  Dr. Runckel, a dentist, used his experience taking dental impressions to develop a technique to produce goggle frames that allowed for differing bone structures.  These frames don’t use suction and pressure to seal out water, they use the ergonomic design of the goggle to prevent water intrusion.

Look and Feel:

As we mentioned in the initial review, these are serious looking goggles.  With larger than standard eye cups and the orange lenses, these goggles are pretty tough looking.  The Predator goggles are the largest of the three versions we tested.  They provide a large field of view and fit around your eyes more completely than the smaller Hydrobats or Ultimates.  For one tester with a larger face, this was a great bonus.  Another tester commented that the goggles seemed a bit oversized on her smaller face, but not uncomfortable.

Fit and Comfort:

As we mentioned above, if you have a smaller face, these goggles might not be ideal for you.  Though our testers both found these goggles to be very comfortable and well fitting, those with smaller facial features will be better served with a smaller type of goggles.  Once in the water, these goggles are extremely comfortable.   The positive pressure system is great and really works.  The soft rubber provides a clean and waterproof fit without being too tight or causing rings and pressure headaches.

Final Thoughts:

We have been very pleased with all three goggles from Barracuda.  In all goggles we tested, the positive pressure system kept water out of the eye cups and provided a great fit with little or no redness around the eyes.  These goggles were tested in short and long distance swims, in pools and open water.  In every case, no matter the conditions, temperature, or distance, they fit well and performed perfectly.  We have no hesitation in recommending all three goggles from Barracuda.  The Predators are best for those of you with larger faces or those that prefer the goggles to cover the entire eye socket.