Zoggs Predator Polarized Ultra goggles review

The Predator range from Aussie swim brand Zoggs has been around for a good few years now. Known as a classic for open water and unbeatable for many triathletes, how do the Zoggs Predator Polarized Ultra perform? Plus, what is different to the others in the range?

It’s worth noting to start with the Predator goggle range can be divided into two categories: the ‘Predator Flex’ (£35-60) and the ‘Predator’ (£25-38). The Flex version includes a distinctive ‘X’ design nose bridge which is super-flexible (as the name suggests) as well as a slightly different side and strap configuration.

The Flex also uses an ‘Ultrafit’ gasket and comes in two profiles. There’s regular profile with a slightly larger gasket and higher profile and the smaller profile, which reduces the size of the gasket and situates the lens slightly closer to the eye.

Here I’m testing a pair of goggles from the Predator (not Flex) range. These use a ‘Wiro’ frame, a different nose bridge and a different strap configuration.

First impressions

I’m more accustomed to the Flex range, so these immediately looked a little different. The bridge felt different, less twisty, while the straps are a round version rather than sitting flat against the head.

Niftily, two size options are available. I used the Zoggs app on my phone, which scans your face and reveals which size may suit you better.

I ordered the small size which, taking them out of the packaging and trying them for the first time, fit my face well.

I always like to do a dry ‘suction test’ with my goggles to see how well they fit. Attach them to your eye sockets without using the straps and see how long you can retain a good seal without them falling off.

These easily passed, staying on for a good few seconds before the bridge popped them straight. I think the soft gaskets would have held on for longer individually, though!

The frames were comfortable and flexible thanks to that soft nose piece allowing enough adjustability. The ‘Advanced Ultrafit’ gaskets sat just outside my eye socket and were comfortable.

There’s a fair amount of personal preference with where you like your goggles to sit but these felt like a good halfway house between smaller race goggles and larger, more traditional open water goggles. I would happily wear these for either.

Adjustment was done via a single clip on the back of the double strap. This was pretty intuitive to use, though you can’t alter them on the fly easily like you can with the buttons on either side of the Predator Flex straps.

It’s down to what you prefer though. I never alter my goggles mid-swim anyway and definitely not during a race. Get them right and then leave them alone!

Lenses and colourways

The Polarized Ultras sit at the top end of the Predator range and two colourways are available. The orange seen here, or a lime green. Both feature the same polarized and amber-tinted lenses.

Polarisation works in goggles the same as it would in your sunglasses. It blocks glare (helped by that coppery tint) while also enhancing clarity and detail.

I found I could see much more detail in the water using these and also they made the yellow and orange marker buoys on the swim course much clearer. Ideal if you’re planning to use these for racing.

The curved lens shape meant peripheral vision was great.

The curved lenses weren’t the biggest on test but I didn’t have any issues with the range of vision, and the amber tint with polarised lenses gave superb clarity in most conditions. I’d happily pay the few extra pounds to have polarised lenses in future.

Conclusions

I’ve long thought you can’t go wrong with the Predator range. This new set is superb.

The Predator Ultra Polarized offer a good yet not oversized lens, secure straps and a quality set of lenses that give great depth and clarity to your surroundings.

I’d go as far as to say this is one of my new go-to sets of goggles for both pool and open water use.

Still looking for your perfect goggles? Check out our guide to the best swimming goggles for triathletes.

Price:	£38
Frame options:	Regular or small
Colour options:	Orange or green frames
Lenses:	Copper polarised
Case:	Soft bag