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?
Former Member
For workouts I wear what I think is this Speedo Surf Runner.
www.swimoutlet.com/.../9041.htm
I suppose that is ridiculous in these elite masters circles, but I love them. The drag is actually fairly low and they are indestructible. I own two pairs and haven't replaced them since I don't remember, at least 3 years maybe 5 or 10 I don't know.
Plus I can wear them around outside of the pool and not feel like a complete idiot. I think this is the kind of suit that will eventually revolutionize the adult fitness swimming world.
For a meet I wear an off the rack $30 jammer. Maybe I would splurge for more if I was convinced it really made a difference, but I'm still trying to take off seconds not tenths.
I have worn TYR training briefs (sort of a drag suit) for years. Each suit has lasted well over a year (250-275 miles) at least. You cannot kill these suits with an axe!
As you say the stitching is the "first" thing that blows out...usually in the crotch...(sorry for the indecent imagery).
Heres my data over the past year for what its worth swimming in chlorinated pools:
TYR Durafast 73 miles until the straps lost elasticity.
Speedo XTraLife Lycra - not sure on the mileage, but did not last as long as the Durafast.
Speedo Endurance 86 miles and still going.
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:)
Update on the suit: I had ordered the 3XL (:eek:), but George thought it would be too big and suggested the 2XL. The suit arrived, however, I tried it on, and... :afraid:! It looked fine in the front, but the back of the suit was really, really small. Sheeesh, I thought I had a normal sized butt and hips, but the Chinese are TINY! Hey, I'm not exactly over weight either. At 5'71/2" and currently 120 pounds, I'm quite thin.
George was great about sending out the larger size, along with an envelope to return the smaller suit. It just arrived and fits much better! It's still a little small for my taste; the rear of the suit is cut just high enough, but it should work out fine. Otherwise, it's great! I've decided to use it for Nationals and other meets, and use my lycra Speedo for training. So, I won't be able to keep track of the mileage I put on it the way I had planned.
For any of you gals out there considering a Yingfa, keep in mind they run very small. Although I have long legs, my torso is also long at 601/2, putting me into the largest size they sell. :badday:
P.S. I wear a size 6 and a small in women's clothes, so having to order a XXXL is a bit disheartening! :bitching:
Isn't mind numbingly irrelevant dribble like this the reason you have a blog?
I started this thread. Don't read it.
Isn't your post on this thread irrelevant?
I wear TYR Endurance square leg. I bought it for training swims but it has been comfortable and durable enough for 3-4 Tri's a year since 2005. The stiching has bleached out but evertything is intact.
