We test the popular TheMagic5 swim goggles against the top-performing Tri-Fit Propel
We test our two best-ever performing swimming goggles at vastly different ends of the price spectrum to find our which comes out on top.
If you’re interested in refreshing your swimming goggles and want to know our all-time favourite pair for pool swimming, we tested the popular TheMagic5 goggles against the high-scoring Tri-Fit Propel swim goggles.
A battle of two swimming goggles built on quality and excellence, we compare the function, features, and comfort of the Magic5 and Propel goggles to find out which one comes out on top.
In our independent reviews of both goggles, we found that price doesn’t always dictate performance. The two pairs both scored impressively high with a huge 95% in testing, so it’s time to find out which is the best pair for swimming comfort, performance, and value.
220 Triathlon editor and expert tester, Helen Webster, put both goggles to the test in a range of swim sessions, conditions, and distances to find out the winner.
Design and key features
When I lifted TheMagic5 goggles out of their oversized case (lined with foam and fitted with ventilation, no less) my immediate reaction was that they didn’t look like anything I’d worn before.
At first glance, the slim lenses and dual strap reminds me of models I’ve used from Swans. However, the lens angle is noticeably different, and the overall size more compact.
TheMagic5 are customised through an app that scans your face, asking you to turn your head so it can capture the necessary angles.
Despite the unusual shape, I was drawn to the gold-and-blue tint on the lenses—it’s exactly the kind of finish I’d pick for racing. TheMagic5 also make goggles with clear or tinted lenses, so they’re suitable for pool or open water.
Personally, I prefer lenses that preserve natural colors while still sharpening detail and cutting glare off the water’s surface.
Where TheMagic5 is all angles, the Tri-Fit Propel is built in one sleek curve. The sharp-looking pair of goggles that immediately give off a high-performance feel.
The relatively wide PC lens is made with UVA/UVB protection, plus a stylish REVO mirrored lens coating to help with glare.
Like TheMagic5 goggles, the Propel are also built with a long and flat plastic ‘arms’ along the side of the goggles before transitioning into the actual silicone split strap.
Adjustment is via a single clip in the middle of the strap, which is easy to do and works if, like me, you don’t usually adjust again on the fly.
Although Tri-Fit only entered the scene in 2017, the brand has rapidly carved out a reputation in the swim goggle market and become a go-to choice for the 220 team in races.
TheMagic5 vs Tri-Fit Propel swim goggles: Specs
In the table below I’ve compared the two goggles, including specifications like strap type, lens options, whether they come with a case, and the tech you get for your money.
Where one feature is objectively better, I’ve bolded it. As you can see, there’s winning specs to be found in both pairs of swim goggles, with other features more of a personal choice, like colour.
The Tr-Fit Propel clearly has a more affordable price point, while TheMagic5 offers more of a personalised fit which will appeal to those who struggle to find the right pair of goggles for their face. Though highly important, choice of lens and style is widely dependant on whether you plan to swim mainly in the pool or open water, as well as personal preference.
| TheMagic5 | Tri-Fit Propel | |
| Price: | $90/£75 | $55 / £40 |
| Buy from: | Buy now from TheMagic5 | Buy now from Tri-Fit |
| Tints: | Blue/gold mirror, blue, smoke, black/silver mirror, pink/gold, clear, purple | Green/purple tint; PC lens with UVA/UVB protection, REVO mirrored lens coating |
| Strap: | Twin with buckle | Twin silicone head strap, adjustable back buckle |
| Case: | Yes | Yes |
| Fit options: | Nose bridges included | Adjustable nose bridge with three sizes |
Performance, lens, and fit
I found that TheMagic5 goggles immediately sat in the right position after tightening the dual straps and sliding them on. Unlike with most pairs, I didn’t have to press them into my eye sockets or shift them around to get a seal.
The extended plastic ‘arms’ along the sides are designed to contour more closely to the face, effectively adding both stability and comfort.
The split strap with its buckle-style adjuster also made it simple to fine-tune the fit before getting in the water.
Once swimming, they can’t really be adjusted on the fly, but that’s not something I ever tend to do. My approach is always to get a proper fit beforehand where possible.
Right from the first swim, once the straps were adjusted, the seal was flawless with no leaks whatsoever.
Comfort-wise, these might be among the best goggles I’ve ever tested, even though the gasket is extremely thin and serves more as a soft buffer against the skin than a watertight barrier.
Admittedly, the pair look unusual on me, though that has more to do with my own facial structure than the design itself. And honestly, appearance doesn’t matter once you’re actually in the water.
Although the lenses are on the smaller side, the way they’re angled gives an impressive range of peripheral vision for such a compact frame.
There was a short adjustment period, as I occasionally noticed reflections along the edges at first, but after a few sessions, those distractions faded away.
The goggles come with optional nose bridges for fine-tuning fit, though ours didn’t need them. The brand backs every purchase with a fit guarantee, and feedback in their Facebook group suggests that issues like leaks are rare and resolved promptly.
For testing, I focused on the mirrored lenses since they’re best suited to outdoor swimming. They immediately cut glare and made sighting in the bright summer sun much easier. The tint shifts colors cooler, which is ideal for racing, though those who prefer natural tones might want to try a different option.
I liked the clear lenses for gloomy days or pool use, while the darker mirrored version worked well in strong light. One advantage of TheMagic5 is that once your face scan is saved, you can order new pairs quickly and accurately… though it’s easy to be tempted by new color releases!
In contrast, the Propel’s lenses are designed in a slim, cat-eye style that extends slightly longer than most pool goggles.
This offers a touch more peripheral vision while also allowing them to sit closer to the face, making them feel stable and less bulky, which is a definite advantage if you’re concerned about knocks or a dive-start shaking them loose.
Clarity is strong overall, though the black inner gaskets are visible at the edges of my vision when glancing side to side. It’s not really an issue in the pool, but if you want completely unobstructed vision for open water, then TheMagic5 is the better option.
Currently, the Propel is available in just one finish: optical-grade PC lenses with HD clarity, the UVA/UVB protection mentioned before, along with REVO mirrored coating. Tri-Fit also claims they’re resistant to scratches, impacts, water, and fingerprints, along with anti-fog treatment.
During several weeks of use, these claims held up. The green-purple tint slightly warmed neutral tones with a pink hue and softened the brightness of pool lighting. I also tested them outdoors and they handled strong spring sunlight well, maintaining clear and comfortable vision.
For fit, I used the smallest of the three nose bridges, which snapped in easily and worked perfectly. The soft gaskets held the goggles securely without leaving deep marks.
The strap’s long plastic sides kept them flush against my head, and the split strap sat comfortably around my bun. A central clip made adjustments simple, and the included hard case keeps them protected when not in use.
Value and verdict
Starting with the biggest price tag of the bunch, TheMagic5 goggles are not exactly budget-friendly at $90/£75, but the RRP sits comfortably alongside other high-end goggles. But it’s hard to put a price on a pair of goggles that seal perfectly thanks to a build that’s completely customised to the wearer’s unique face shape and size.
I know swimmers who have suffered through leaking and foggy goggles for years, TheMagic5 are pretty much guaranteed (or your money back) to avoid leaks, they don’t leave pressure leave marks, nor do they fog. To me, that’s a worthwhile investment.
On the other hand despite being a more ‘off the rack’ option, the Tri-Fit Propel also manages to tick may of the comfort and functionality boxes.
There’s less colour and tint choices, but the purple/green/blue mirrored tint it does come in does an excellent job of neutralising bright hues both under luminous pool lighting and the open water sun. It also comes in a durable hard case, and is built with anti-scratch and anti-fog properties. Plus at $55 / £40, it’s almost half the price.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either of these swimming goggles. Those who are more on a budget and only want to invest in one pair for all swim conditions will enjoy the brilliant value of the Tri-Fit Propel. Whereas those with more spending money who tend to struggle with finding goggles that don’t leak, are comfortable, and don’t fog, may have more chance of a good fit with the customised TheMagic5 goggles.
How we tested these swimming goggles
Each swimming goggle we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous swims of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum. Depending on the goggle, this can include both pool and open water swims. We test against a range of criteria, including comfort, fit, clarity of vision, and value. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon With contributions from
