Tri-fit Volt goggles review: I think these may be my new go-to goggles for training and racing

• $45/£35

I’ve tested a lot of open-water swimming goggles over my years on 220 Triathlon’s test team. I don’t mind sharing that despite the collection in my spare room, I’m very choosy about what I wear to train and race in though.

Yes, it takes a lot to become one of my chosen pairs and with good reason, as minor irritations like leaking or fogging can easily spoil a good swim – or derail your race entirely.

Spoiler alert though: the new Volt goggles ($45/£35) from tri specialists Tri-fit have instantly made it into my favourites.

These were so darned good I took them off following my first test swim in the sea down at Lulworth Cove, carefully rinsed them in some fresh water and popped them safely back in their case and then inside my kit bag. I fully intended to reach for them for my next swim and then for subsequent swims thereafter.

In total I’ve probably swum about 16 times in these in local lakes and in the sea so far, which isn’t bad considering I only started training in earnest a few short weeks ago with temperatures only just starting to creep up.

Unboxing and fitting

The Volt come in a hard plastic case, which is my preference when buying a premium set of goggles, as I know if they don’t I’ll end up scratching them. Inside, the Volt goggles come with a choice of three nose bridges which easily snap in and out to get the right fit.

I started with the medium bridge but found the goggles a little too far apart, so swapped it out for the smallest size which gave a perfect fit. Placing these against my face, a soft and comfortable set of gaskets instantly created a good seal without having to push them too hard against my face.

The straps are chunky and flat with good grip thanks to the eco-friendly silicone head strap with dual headband design to prevent slipping. This is adjusted via two clips, one on each side, which were easy to use.

The strap did a great job of keeping the goggles in place and sat well around my ponytail tucked inside my swim cap.

Lenses and design

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The curved shape of the Volt’s lenses made for a sleek look as well as a wide field of peripheral vision. I like that they are mirrored too – technically this helps to reduce glare, but aesthetically I prefer the way mirrored goggles look, especially on race day (handy if you want to psych out your competitors!).

Tri-fit tell me this design has optical-grade lenses with a scratch-proof, impact-proof, waterproof and fingerprint-free and advanced anti-fog coating included.

Into the water and I’m happy to say these claims rang true in testing. My first swim was on a day in bright sunlight in clear sea water. I found visibility to be superb, with just enough of a tint to take the glare off the bright light while keeping colours true. Swimming both ways along the bay and sighting off small buoys and boats, I found I could see well and the colour contrast was good.

I didn’t experience any leaking or fogging and this remained the case through multiple swims following this first test. I also found the goggles handled low light and gloomy days well – perfect if you may experience changing or uncertain conditions on race day.

I did also try the Volt in the pool, where the tint was a touch dark for me indoors (I need all the help I can get keeping indoor swims motivating!) but still gave good visibility and cut out the glare of the pool lights.

Conclusion

Multiple swims in and the Tri-fit Volt goggles are still performing well. The $45/£35 price tag is in line with what many other brands are charging for quality goggles and offer good value in my opinion, though if you’re on a strict budget obviously there are many less expensive goggles on the market too.

At the moment this black/blue colourway with silver mirrored lenses are the only option, but I’d be keen to see if Tri-fit expand the options available in time. The look, comfort and usability here are top notch but I’d be keen to see an amber tint and/or polarised option down the line.

Need more options? See our best goggles group test for choices for pool and open water swimming.