Form Smart Gen2
One size
Swimming training is getting smarter: Canadian company Form has just unveiled the second generation of its swimming goggles with integrated training control. Among other things, the goggles with an augmented reality display measure your pulse in real time and offer a variety of training plans.
Smart technologies are also finding their way into swimming. The Canadian manufacturer Form has already made a name for itself in the past by displaying training data right in front of swimmers' eyes. The data on the smart goggles has so far included time, pace and distance in real time.
With the second generation of the swimming goggles, the "Smart Gen 2" form, the goggles have been enriched with even more features. The new goggles offer heart rate measurement via a sensor on the temple and a swim straight function that allows you to stay on course in open water.
Through the glasses with AR display, heart rate monitor and integrated motion sensors, you can see your current heart rate, distance, train frequency, pace and splits or break times and intervals, depending on the settings. This means you no longer have to stick your training plans to your water bottle with a piece of paper and look at your smartwatch at every turn to see if your pace is correct.
According to the manufacturer, you can integrate the training data into TrainingPeaks, Apple Health, Garmin, Strava, Final Surge and TriDot. The Form app that comes with the goggles provides you with a detailed analysis of your data after training. When you buy the goggles, you get the app's premium account for free for two months, after which the plan costs €15 per month. The app is currently only available in English.
The second generation of the goggles offers significant innovations, especially for triathlon enthusiasts and open water swimmers. These include the "Swim Straight" function, which uses a compass to show you whether you are staying on your chosen course when swimming in the lake or sea. The second is the head coach, which uses sensors to show you whether your head position and therefore your water position is optimal.
The Form app contains 45 training plans and more than 1500 individual workouts with instructions. You can also create your own workouts or import your workout stored in TrainingPeaks. In addition to the workouts, you receive feedback on your swimming efficiency and suggestions for training sessions and drills.
The Form 2 has been approved for competition by World Triathlon, US Triathlon, the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and Supertri.
According to the manufacturer, the goggles have a battery life of up to 12 hours. Although they have more functions than the previous model, they are 15 per cent smaller.
If you want to do without the open water features, pulse measurement at the temple, head coach and other new functions, the previous model is still available.
You may already be eager to find out how the "Smart Gen 2" mould performs in practice. We are busy testing the smart swimming goggles in open water and in the pool. First impressions are good. You will soon find out more in the detailed test report.
Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.