Big swim goggles (like Aquasphere Seal) – do they have any REAL advantages?

For a contact lens wearer, they do provide some advantages. I lot of the smaller goggles make me feel like my contacts are going to pop out when they are seated. I have also began to use the Kaimen goggle which is still big, but smaller than the Seal Mask.

I have a pair of Aqua Sphere Vistas which are a mask type and they work for me much better than my Kaimans. The Kaimans would almost always leak with me after 100 yards or so and I would get incredibly frustrated. I don't think the Kaimans were always so bad and I think the leaks had something to do with both the shape of my face and placement. The other benefit to me is that I find them much more comfortable - there is much less pressure around my eye socket than with other goggles. But they were very expensive ($35) and for some reason my usual technique of spitting and rinsing the lenses to keep the lenses from fogging does not work. My peripheral vision is much better with the mask then socket type lenses also.

I am not sure about any advantages, but to me they fit well and keep the water out. I would say that I have a rather large head and the traditional goggles never really fit me well, to small around the eyes etc. I use Seal XP, I think, and they work well for me, are comfortable, and my eyes never feel like they are going to pop out. They might have a little more drag, but for me that is not a huge concern. Sometimes comfort is worth more than speed.

I like them because they stay on in a race. If someone kicks you or hits you, they do not budge. The only thing I do not like about them is they fog up (at least on me) when I'm swimming in a pool. For races I have not noticed it, maybe because it's not as humid or hot. Give them a try, I think you'll like them.

X2.  I have a big head, wear contacts, and have been punched.  I wear speedo something or others.  Find goggles that fit your face and don't leak and you're golden 

For some people that have a difficult time getting smaller goggles to seal properly these can be a good alternative. I also think you get a little better vision. Lastly, I have been using them in very cold OWS because they cover a little more of my freezing face.

i c wut u did thar

That's pretty much it. Aquaspheres leak less on my face, that's why I use them. Leaks are a real pain.