FORM Smart Swim 2 Review: The Next Frontier in Performance Swimming
Need performance advice right now?
Ask our on-site coach anything about your routines. It's completely free and available immediately right here: 'What are 3 quick exercises for ankle mobility?' Ask Raye for free
What are the press saying?
The swimming world has been abuzz since the launch of the FORM Smart Swim 2. Industry critics and professional triathletes have largely lauded the device, highlighting the seamless integration of the heads-up display (HUD) as a transformative leap for pool-based training. Whilst early versions of smart goggles felt cumbersome, the consensus is that FORM has finally hit the equilibrium between bulky hardware and essential performance metrics.
Critics specifically point to the optical heart rate sensor as a game-changer. For years, triathletes have struggled with the inaccuracies of chest straps whilst swimming; the Smart Swim 2 aims to resolve this with a proprietary sensor embedded directly against the temple. Most performance journals have praised this shift, noting that the data streams are surprisingly consistent during high-intensity interval training.
Comfort & Fit
Comfort is paramount when spending hours in the water, and the Smart Swim 2 has undergone significant ergonomic refinement. The goggles utilise a patented eye-seal design that prioritises pressure distribution, ensuring that the heavy-duty tech inside does not lead to unwanted facial fatigue. The adjustable strap system provides a secure, low-profile fit that remains stable even during aggressive flip turns.
However, the fit is not without its nuances. The larger lens housing required to accommodate the AR display means that swimmers with smaller facial structures might find the field of vision slightly obstructed at the extreme periphery. Despite this, the inclusion of multiple nose bridge sizes allows for a customisable fit that caters to the vast majority of competitive swimmers.
Features to Look out For
The standout feature is undeniably the real-time AR display, which projects your pace, stroke rate, and heart rate directly into your line of sight. This eliminates the need to constantly glance at the pool clock, allowing for an unbroken flow state. Furthermore, the integration with the FORM app facilitates custom workout uploads, where the goggles literally guide you through your set with visual cues.
Beyond the display, the optical heart rate sensor is the primary innovation. By capturing data via the temporal artery, the device provides a level of biometric precision previously reserved for laboratory settings. For the data-driven triathlete, the ability to synchronise this information with platforms like TrainingPeaks or Strava is an essential tool for periodisation and recovery monitoring.
Evolution and History
The trajectory of smart swimming technology has been marked by rapid iteration. The original FORM goggles established the category by proving that a waveguide display could survive the rigours of chlorinated water. The Smart Swim 2 represents the second generation, focusing on miniaturisation and sensor integration.
Need a clear race fuelling strategy?
Get instant, practical advice on hydration and race-day nutrition directly on this page for free. Try asking Raye: 'How many grams of carbs should I take per hour during a half marathon?' Ask for fuelling advice
Previous iterations were praised for their HUD but criticised for their reliance on external heart rate peripherals. The engineering team spent three years perfecting the optical sensor placement to ensure it could bypass the interference of water and movement. This evolution highlights a broader trend in wearable tech: the transition from passive tracking to active, real-time performance coaching.
Special Features & Technical Specifications
Material Composition
The goggles are constructed from high-grade, hypoallergenic silicone gaskets and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses treated with an advanced anti-fog coating. The internal electronics housing is encased in a reinforced, watertight polymer composite.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The device weighs approximately 60 grams, a remarkably light profile given the sophisticated optical sensor array and internal battery. The lens housing measures 45mm by 30mm, designed to minimise drag while maintaining optimal focal distance for the HUD.
Engineering Improvements
Compared to the first generation, the Smart Swim 2 features a 15% reduction in frame profile and a 20% increase in battery longevity. The heart rate sensor has been calibrated for higher sampling rates, ensuring data fidelity during rapid pace changes.
What to Expect in the future?
As we look forward, the integration of artificial intelligence into swimming analytics seems inevitable. We anticipate future firmware updates for the Smart Swim 2 that will offer real-time stroke technique correction, using the internal gyroscope to identify efficiency leaks in your catch or pull. The potential for these goggles to act as a virtual coach is only just beginning to be realised.
Ultimately, the FORM Smart Swim 2 is the definitive choice for triathletes who view data as an essential component of their training regimen. Whilst it represents a significant investment, the ability to refine your pacing and effort in real-time provides a competitive edge that is difficult to replicate with traditional equipment. It is a sophisticated, robust, and undeniably future-proof piece of kit.
