Okay, let’s talk about these NBA Finals goggles.
Why I Even Looked Into Goggles
Saw some players wearing them during the Finals a while back, you know? The big-time guys. Got me thinking. I play ball down at the park, nothing serious, but things can get a little physical sometimes. Elbows fly, fingers go where they shouldn’t. I’ve had a couple close calls, nearly got poked in the eye once. Didn’t want to risk my eyesight just for a pickup game. So, seeing those pros wearing protection, I figured, maybe there’s something to it.
The Search Process
So, I hopped online. Didn’t really know what to search for at first. Started with stuff like “basketball goggles” and then “nba player goggles”. Found out guys like Kareem and Horace Grant made them famous way back. Then I saw some newer players used them too, usually after an injury.
Found a whole mess of options. Some looked like chemistry class safety goggles, real bulky things. Others were sleeker, looked more like sunglasses with straps. Prices were all over the map. Read some reviews, watched a couple videos. Seemed like the biggest complaints were about fogging up and peripheral vision being cut off.
Getting and Trying Them Out
Decided to pull the trigger. Didn’t go for the super expensive pro models, just got a reasonably priced pair that had decent reviews. Something with anti-fog coating, supposedly. They arrived a few days later.
First time putting them on? Felt pretty weird. The strap around the head took some adjusting to get it snug but not too tight. Looking around the room, yeah, you could definitely tell you were looking through plastic. Not quite like normal vision.
On the Court Experience
Took them to my next game. Felt a bit self-conscious walking onto the court, not gonna lie. Got a few looks, maybe a chuckle or two. Whatever.
Started playing. Here’s the breakdown:
- Protection: Honestly, this was the best part. Took an accidental arm to the face near my eye during a rebound. Didn’t feel a thing near the eye itself. The goggles took the hit. That alone made me feel a bit better about wearing them.
- Fogging: Yeah, this was an issue. The “anti-fog” coating helped a bit at first, but once I really started sweating, they definitely fogged up. Had to keep pulling them away from my face to wipe them down between plays. Super annoying.
- Vision: Peripheral vision was noticeably less than normal. You kinda learn to turn your head more. Also, sometimes sweat would drip down the inside of the lens, which was also annoying.
- Comfort: They weren’t uncomfortable, exactly, but you always knew you were wearing them. The strap sometimes felt tight, sometimes loose. The nose piece needed adjusting.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict? It’s a mixed bag. The protection is real. If you’re genuinely worried about eye injuries, especially if you’ve had one before, they do offer peace of mind. Seeing those NBA guys wear them after injuries makes sense.
But the downsides are real too. The fogging is a major pain, especially in humid weather or if you sweat a lot like me. The limited vision takes getting used to. You trade perfect sight and comfort for safety.
For me? I wear them sometimes now, especially if I know the game might get rough. But other times, if it’s just shooting around or a more casual game, I leave them in my bag. They’re a tool, not a perfect solution. Worth trying if you’re concerned, but manage your expectations about comfort and vision.
