So, I am going to Spring Nats this year and started to look for a new tech suit as I've been using the same one since Nationals in San Antonio in 2015. Does anyone else get sticker shock when you see what the going rate is for these suits? I am absolutely flabbergasted that such a flimsy scrap of fabric, that is only intended to last for a few meets, can cost $300-$400+. When full length suits were legal, I can remember paying around $75-$100 for a suit if I was willing to buy a suit from the previous year's line, but ever since knee-length suits have become the only option, the prices continue to climb. Even clearance and previous generation models run $200-$300. As much as I want to be competitive and use swimwear that will help me perform better, I'm thinking that I'm either going to wear my old almost-transparent tech suit or compete in a workout suit.
I have tried Yingfa, but it has been several years. I ended up having to send the suit back. The hips of the suit were tiny, and once I finally succeeded in getting the suit all the way up, the chest was baggy. Guess they used Barbie for their pattern.
I have tried Yingfa, but it has been several years. I ended up having to send the suit back. The hips of the suit were tiny, and once I finally succeeded in getting the suit all the way up, the chest was baggy. Guess they used Barbie for their pattern.
Their tank suits were definitely cut for the Chinese! I am 5-71/2" and weigh 124; however, I needed a 3XL :afraid:, which was their LARGEST size! Still, it barely covered my butt. :mooning:
:bitching:
Thanks for the suggestion. I just checked, and found one Arena and one Speedo under $100. The comments on the sizes seem all over the map, so I hope that I guessed correctly on my size.
Just looked at swimoutlet.com and they had some very good suits for under $100, such as the Arena Powerskin.
So, I am going to Spring Nats this year and started to look for a new tech suit as I've been using the same one since Nationals in San Antonio in 2015. Does anyone else get sticker shock when you see what the going rate is for these suits? I am absolutely flabbergasted that such a flimsy scrap of fabric, that is only intended to last for a few meets, can cost $300-$400+. When full length suits were legal, I can remember paying around $75-$100 for a suit if I was willing to buy a suit from the previous year's line, but ever since knee-length suits have become the only option, the prices continue to climb. Even clearance and previous generation models run $200-$300. As much as I want to be competitive and use swimwear that will help me perform better, I'm thinking that I'm either going to wear my old almost-transparent tech suit or compete in a workout suit.
Look up Yingfa.com They make reasonable tech suits that are FINA approved. Good as a Speedo for $3-400 no but still slick enough not to feel like a workout suit.
Tech suit search update:
So the suit I ordered was not at all what I was looking for. It was huge, slipped on as easily as a workout suit, and the material didn't feel like a tech suit, more like a workout suit for someone far more modest than I am.
So... back to the drawing board. Anyone have any suggestions? The one that I tried and am sending back was a Speedo Power Plus. I ordered the 26, which, according to the sizing chart, should have been on the small side for my measurements.
From a male perspective, I've always found the TYR Tracer Light to be the best blend of value and performance. I have tried higher cost suits (even some from TYR) and certainly liked them, but haven't found them worth the incremental money. Not sure if the Tracer Light is a great women's suit.
Also, what I typically do is buy my tech suit - either at Nationals (when they typically have deals) or right after I renew my USMS membership (when there are discounts).
KristiLynn you inspired me to write a SFF Tip
forums.usms.org/showthread.php
Basically you can find bargains if you look.
So, I am going to Spring Nats this year and started to look for a new tech suit as I've been using the same one since Nationals in San Antonio in 2015. Does anyone else get sticker shock when you see what the going rate is for these suits? I am absolutely flabbergasted that such a flimsy scrap of fabric, that is only intended to last for a few meets, can cost $300-$400+. When full length suits were legal, I can remember paying around $75-$100 for a suit if I was willing to buy a suit from the previous year's line, but ever since knee-length suits have become the only option, the prices continue to climb. Even clearance and previous generation models run $200-$300. As much as I want to be competitive and use swimwear that will help me perform better, I'm thinking that I'm either going to wear my old almost-transparent tech suit or compete in a workout suit.
I think that the Tracer Light must only be for male suits. I couldn't find a female version, but thank you for the suggestion. I also looked at suits when the membership renewal discounts were in effect, but even with the discount, couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money. I guess that I was hoping that the prices would eventually become more reasonable.
I did find a TYR AP12 (I think that was the name). There is a $100 price difference between the 30 and the 30L. Can anyone comment on how different those sizes are?
