You mean YingFa, sorry I can not comment but I know several have bought.
I have a Yingfa suit and it based on my experience it fits two of the OP's criteria: cheap and durable. I have less of a sense of its performance, though I would probably size down if you want the least drag.
There is so little material in them that I don't know that there is a huge performance difference between between brands of racing jammers. Cost and fit/comfort might ultimately be better criteria for comparison.
Currently I use the Yingfa for all my in-season meets. I probably wouldn't have a problem using it for a taper meet too but I'd have to get a smaller size; right now I have a B70 jammer for taper meets and will use it until it dies.
Click on the link in George's sig if you want more information on the Yingfa. It isn't as if you risk much if you decide to give it a try, and the service is quick.
+1 on the Yingfa and, even better, I like the $28 model (#9205) better than the exorbitantly priced (;)) $33 model (#9402) on http://www.swimdownhill.com/.
I also like the $28 model as patrick mentioned. I have a couple of both, and use them for most meets, including the big meets.
Cheapo works for me. I'd rather swim 0.01 sec. slower at $28 per suit, than 0.01 faster in a $200 or higher suit.
Aquablades are a perfect inbetween suit for $49.99. They seem to last longer than other racing suits too.
The off brand yingsu or whatever is prolly cheaper though, but I can't comment whether it'll last quite as long. I used my a-blade for about 20 meets and its still pretty decent at holding shape.
I think jammers make a big difference over a brief and that's good enough for me.
I think not having to shave the thighs should be case enough for any male to enter jammer land :)
I do 2-3 meets a year, with little to no taper, nor do I shave.
With that in mind, I'd change my answer to your question... there isn't enough to be gained going to a jammer in your situation. Negligible gains, at best.
Question for those who wear jammers.... I have a small waist but thick legs. I prefer wearing a brief for swimming just so I don't have to deal with the tightness on my legs. When I wear bike shorts, I need to wear a size M, just so they'll fit my legs, but they are still extremely tight on my legs, especially at the bottom. But the M bike shorts are very loose at my waist (someone told me to try bib shorts, just haven't yet).
Is there much to be gained in wearing a jammer -v- a tech brief? I wear a Speedo Fastskin brief (got it on clearance for around $15) in a size 28 for meets. It fits fine, I probably could go smaller, but 26 wasn't available at that price, and it would probably be on the fringe for decency.
If I try this Yngfa (or other) jammer, what size should I get?
The thing I like about the Yingfa jammers, is that they are snug at the bottom of the legs, but not so tight and constricting that they are painful. I have used the TYR Fusion 2 jammers, and these ones were tight at the bottom, and a little painful after a while. Yingfa is a good choice.
