I am going to try an experiment and would be curious to hear your experiences as well. According to the mileage in my FLOG, my first Speedo Endurance (50% poly/50% PBT) suit lasted for 297 miles (mostly in saline pools), before the stitching gave way and I had to retire the suit. My second Speedo Endurance suit has lasted for 242 miles (also mostly in saline pools), however, the stitching has started to come out in the neckline. Remembering what happened to my previous suit after getting out of the pool on a cruise ship ( :mooning: :blush: ), I have ordered another suit to have ready for when my Speedo falls apart. (I will be watching the stitching in the bottom carefully, as to avoid a repeat of the unintended mooning I gave the other cruise ship passengers...)
This time, I have ordered the "Blue Streak" (second one down):
www.swimdownhill.com/id54.html
After hearing so many great things about George Park and his Yingfa suits, I thought I would give one a try. Not only was the price right ($28); it included shipping! And, George replied to my e-mails immediately, when I had questions about sizing. He even offered to send me two suits with a return envelope, so I could return the one that didn't fit. George's customer service can't be beat!
I will keep track of my mileage on this suit and report back when it takes a dump. (Stretching out doesn't count; I only retire a suit when it gets to this point: :afraid:)
Meanwhile, has anybody else out there kept track of the durability of their suits? I would be curious to know how long your suits have lasted (mileage, if known, to compare fairly). How do the various brands compare?
Parents
Former Member
Many of the new brand name suits are made with 81% poly/19% chlorine resistant lycra blend or 82% poly/18% chlorine resistant lycra.
Improvements in swimming suit technology have produced polyester, the more durable form of nylon, and the new chlorine resistant lycra (spandex).
Training suits should be comfortable to allow easy movements with good coverage and support.
When selecting a size for competition, it should be snug, but not so tight it puts strain on the shoulders, pinch the body or ride up in the back.
In spite of the advance in fibre technology, chlorine will in time break down the fabric. When it starts to "bag" or stretch out - it is time to replace your racing suit, and use the old one for training.
When trying on these new suits, it is advisable to cover the feet with a plastic bag to insure there will be not damage from toenails etc.
Many of the new brand name suits are made with 81% poly/19% chlorine resistant lycra blend or 82% poly/18% chlorine resistant lycra.
Improvements in swimming suit technology have produced polyester, the more durable form of nylon, and the new chlorine resistant lycra (spandex).
Training suits should be comfortable to allow easy movements with good coverage and support.
When selecting a size for competition, it should be snug, but not so tight it puts strain on the shoulders, pinch the body or ride up in the back.
In spite of the advance in fibre technology, chlorine will in time break down the fabric. When it starts to "bag" or stretch out - it is time to replace your racing suit, and use the old one for training.
When trying on these new suits, it is advisable to cover the feet with a plastic bag to insure there will be not damage from toenails etc.
