Revolutionizing Swim Gear: The Elastomeric Technology Collection

Speedo USA Hardgoods Division: Goggles Redefines Comfort and Visibility in Swimming

The Elastomeric Technology Collection was born out of a desire to improve the comfort of swimming goggles. The design team, led by Erika Gentry, Barry Mc Geough, and Craig Stiff, took inspiration from the ridges found on dive masks. These ridges create an accordion effect, allowing the mask to fit comfortably without collapsing and pushing against the face at deep depths. The team transferred this concept to swimming goggles, resulting in the first-ever goggle gasket with ridges that provide both comfort and stability. The Elastomeric gasket contours to the wearer's face and moves fluidly as the facial muscles expand and contract during the breathing cycle.

But comfort was not the only focus of the design team. They also sought to enhance visibility, a critical aspect of swimming. The team developed Clear Sight™ Technology, which uses split-angled lenses to offer 180° peripheral vision with zero distortion. This is a significant improvement over traditional curved lens goggles, which inherently have some degree of distortion that can cause eye fatigue and prevent maximum visibility.

The Elastomeric Technology Collection was realized using a dual injection frame, liquid silicone Elastomeric gaskets, and Clear Sight split-angled lenses. The design process began in August 2012 and the collection was launched in January 2014. The team faced creative challenges in infusing the Elastomeric ridges and grooves into a standard goggle gasket without making the product overly large or bulky. They had to ensure a water-tight seal and comfort against the wearer's orbital bone while maintaining traditional swim goggle sizing.

The Elastomeric Technology Collection has been recognized for its innovative design and contribution to enhancing the swimming experience. It was awarded Platinum in A' Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design Award in 2014. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, contribute to societal wellbeing, and advance the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.

With the Elastomeric Technology Collection, Speedo USA Hardgoods Division: Goggles has redefined the standards of comfort and visibility in swimming. The collection stands as a testament to the power of innovative design in enhancing lifestyle and improving the user experience.