I've done a bit of research on the new wave of "skinsuits" swimmers are sporting, and now have come to a crossroads as to what I should do for myself...I want to cover my bases in deciding, so please bear with me...
1. A lot of manufacturers seem to say order your normal clothing waist size, when we traditionally have gone down in size in competition suits to avoid bagging and drag. So if I'm a 34, should i really order a 34, or still go 32. I'm kind of a big guy, so I don't know if I lost weight or gained muscle, whether this would stress the fabric too much, or cause looseness. Or are they made to handle this? Does anyone have circulation problems? Men specifically.
2. I've read that breastrokers tend to stay closer to the traditional brief or the kneelength jams. Does it really matter in terms of freedom of movement? Does the compression of the quad/hamstring area help a lot? If so, if we're a bit flabby up top, should we consider the sleeveless neck to knee? does it just hold things in place better? how do people find the leg tights?
3. Does anyone have any knowledge of nike, versus tyr, versus speedo, versus adidas, or arena opinions in performance? How do you feel in general about all this?
I hope someone can help settle these concerns. Most of the information seems to be for skinny young elite swimmers out there. some of us masters could use a little edge as well, i know a lot of it is psychological, but it's not cheap.
thanks, mister
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wanted to say thanks, guys, for helping me out with some first hand answers. i think i've made up my mind. i asked a couple of companies, and they did all say to order your regular size. but this is only in my inquiry into the jams/shorts. i don't think i'm quite ready to invest in a body suit. i do read that sleeveless is recommended more because of freedom, especially for *** and fly strokes. people have also told me that the suits get a little cold between events if you sit in them too long, and impossible to get back on if you slip them off all the way, so that might help others.
something to note from my coach and things i've read...swimming is very much about psyching yourself out and a mental game of wills -off versus on moments. in the end, technique and conditioning will do more for you than any suit, but if the suit helps hold things a bit more together, or helps you feel the water more smoothly, then that's a great extra edge. i guess the more comfortable and natural you feel in the water the better. thought i'd add what i've learned,and thanks for the responses. keep 'em coming, cause i suspect the fast suits aren't meant to last forever, and we'll probably have to keep researching for new ones.
mister
wanted to say thanks, guys, for helping me out with some first hand answers. i think i've made up my mind. i asked a couple of companies, and they did all say to order your regular size. but this is only in my inquiry into the jams/shorts. i don't think i'm quite ready to invest in a body suit. i do read that sleeveless is recommended more because of freedom, especially for *** and fly strokes. people have also told me that the suits get a little cold between events if you sit in them too long, and impossible to get back on if you slip them off all the way, so that might help others.
something to note from my coach and things i've read...swimming is very much about psyching yourself out and a mental game of wills -off versus on moments. in the end, technique and conditioning will do more for you than any suit, but if the suit helps hold things a bit more together, or helps you feel the water more smoothly, then that's a great extra edge. i guess the more comfortable and natural you feel in the water the better. thought i'd add what i've learned,and thanks for the responses. keep 'em coming, cause i suspect the fast suits aren't meant to last forever, and we'll probably have to keep researching for new ones.
mister
