I swim often.  Usually I do a few laps at the pool to vary my routine.  I am now playing waterpolo once a week as well.  For these activities I prefer briefs for the ease of use, freedom of movement and their no-drag/quick dryness!  But at a more public venue (beach) I wear shorts.  I fell for the TYR tri short and Speedo LZR when I did a triathlon and consider them AWESOME for the cut and fit.
So when I saw these (triangular cut front/NO seems down the front but with a seam down the back) at almost haIf the price I decided to try them out.   They are good for the price (so far) the material is not as quick drying as the bigger brands but the fit is good (not great).
This style is good for when you are active and do not need drag (eg. swim/sports) some guys wouldn''t want these just for a day at the beach. But overall they are ok.