New swim gear…to see better, stay warmer, listen to music. s

Sunset, Dec, 1985

Now Mozart can join you for laps in the pool, thanks to the latest developments in specialty swimming equipment. And new versions of more traditional gear help you see better and stay warmer while swimming, and dry off more efficiently when finished. To find his gear, check sporting goods stores that carry swimwear and accessories.

Swimming caps. A silicone swim cap (2, top left) costs more than the popular latex and lycra types--$4.50 to $8 instead of $1 to $5.25--but it doesn't stick to wet or dry hair, nor to itself when it dries out. It stretches readily; you don't have to worry about ripping it when you put it on, and swimmers with lots of hair may find it easier to use. Caps come in nine colors.

To help take the chill out of winter and open-water swimming--you lose the most body heat off the top of your head--try a neoprene swim cap (5, top right). The cap secures under your chin with hook-and-loop (Velcro) fabric fasteners; it costs $26 and comes in red or blue. Goggles. You're warmed up and ready to start going after those laps, and suddenly you can't see: you have to stop to clear your fogged-up goggles. Avoid this tiresome scenario with a new pair of antifog goggles (3, center). Marketed by several firms, these laminated goggles are widely available and cost from $4.95 to $10.95. You can choose from several styles for fit and comfort.

Why take off your sunglasses just to take a dip? Swimmers in bright, sunny climates or who have sensitive eyes will appreciate the added protection of metalized or mirrored goggles (4, top right). These reflect the sun and cut down on glare. At $9.95, they cost $2 to $7 more than conventional goggles.

Waterproof stereo pouch. Just like runners, swimmers can now listen to their favorite tape or radio station while getting a workout. Whether you're searching for inspiration or just need a distraction, this new accessory (1, far left) could jazz up your exercise program.

The water-sport unit can ge used with a radio or cassette player (no larger than 1 by 4 by 5-1/2 inches) that has an earphone jack. A watertigth rubber housing keeps the player dry while you swim. Insulated earphones have two uses: they pipe in music, keep out water. The earphones tend to slip out, however, a swimming cap will help keep them in place. If you don't wear a cap, try wrapping the wires around your goggle straps before inserting the earphones.

The neoprene belt is adjustable and the stereo pouch fits in the small of the back for comfort and the least amount of drag. After use, be careful to dry off the housing (and yourself, so you don't drip on it) before removing the player.

If you can't find one in your area, write to the manufacturer for the name of a distributor near you, or mail-order one ($39.95 plus $2.50 postage). Write to Product Masters, Inc., 1009 Grant St., Denver 80203.

The "Sammy." This new item is a 13- by 17-inch rectangle of machine-washable microporous material. Like a chamois, it can pick up, hold, and wring out more water than an ordinary bath or beach towel. It lets you save space in your gym bag, or save your towel for wrapping up and staying warm once you're dry.

Conventional chamois are also in use for the same purpose. Although less expensive, they tend to weigh more when wet and to crumble more easily.

The Sammy costs $8. If you cant't find it locally, write to The Sammy, 16537 Harbour Lane, Huntington Beach, Calif. 92649, for a distributor near you.