OPEN-WATER TRACKING
WHEN WE REVIEWED the Form Goggles in our January & February issue, we were impressed with the comfortable fit and all the information we could get from these innovative “smart” goggles. That said, we felt that the one thing that was missing was the ability to connect them to a GPS watch so we could get real-time data and information during open-water swims. We predicted that it wouldn’t be long before the engineers at Form would take care of that issue, and we were right – at the end of July, the company released an update that allows you to connect the goggles to select Garmin watches and the Apple Watch that provides real-time GPS metrics and heart rate.
The software update allows you to connect Garmin’s Forerunner 945, Fenix 6 Pro and Fenix 5 Plus to the Form goggles by installing the Form Connect IQ data field on your Garmin. You then use the Form app on your phone to select the metrics you want to see in the heads up display of the goggles, then use the Open-Water swim or Triathlon mode on the watch to start your workout.
The process is similar with the Apple Watch – you install the Form Swim App for Apple Watch, use the app to select the metrics you want, then start an open water swim on the Apple Watch.
The new software isn’t compatible with the excellent Polar OH1+ unit that attaches to the strap on your goggles, so heart rate is tracked through your smartwatch, which is a bit more hit and miss in terms of accuracy.
Being able to keep track of time, distance and heart rate info without having to stop and look at your watch is truly a treat during an open-water swim – this new feature really brings out the best in these goggles. It is nice to be able to keep track of data in a pool, but experienced swimmers are likely just as happy to use a pace clock to keep track of their efforts. We had a former national team swimmer try out the Form goggles in open water, though, and he quickly became a fan.—KM
This year has seen many changes to how we go about our lives, especially endurance athletes used to competing around the world. While many industries have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, cycling has seen a huge spike in popularity. 2020 has been the year of the bike. The bike shortages across the globe show just how many people are taking up cycling during the closure of gyms and fitness facilities.