Fastskins

The one thing I found is that when you swim breaststroke, wear the kneeskin. The full length suit does not give you a good push in the legs. for all other strokes, use the full leg suit. Ronald PS these suits only last 5 to 6 meets until they show wear in performance, so use them wise!!

I don't have one. I heard that men should purchase the female suits because they hold you in more. Terry

I bought a Speedo fastskin suit that goes from the neck to the ankles (no sleeves). I got a size large. I am 5'10" and 155lb and it is just the right size. It is tight everywhere and not easy to get on. I think this is the way it should fit. They told me you don't want any parts sagging. I swam in our regional championships with it. I had good times and 2 personal bests. I am not sure if it makes you faster, but I am sure it does not make you slower. :) And, you don't have to shave chest and legs, what a relief. Since I hear the good fit doesn't last long, I think I will just use it for big meets. I am sure not going to spend $250 again for a few years. I think the suit probably helps distance swimmers more than sprinters because it definitely increases bouyancy. You feel like you are floating, like with a wet suit. This doesn't seem to help as much in a sprint, probably because you are already riding high in the water. I think if I had it to do again, I would not buy it, because they results are not as dramatic as I expected.

I'm 6'4" and 204 lbs. and have just completed my first swim meet with my new fast skin. The one I purchased was the same style as splash purchased (full body, no arms). My size is extra large. Now this is tight, it takes me 5-7 minutes to get into it and then I require some assistance in the zip up. I'm a sprinter and I must say that I would be reluctant to race again without this suit. I achieved 3 personal best times by a substantial margin. I felt I had reached my top speed a few years ago and was delighted to do some best times. :D I highly recommend trying the suit, I think it will give you a lift and new confidence. Big Dave

Thanks for the advice. I purchased the legskins but may invest in a full body suit next year. I'm hoping this will compensate for my weak kick.

Serious swiming. But For A faster Second or ? I wonder is it worth the price, and the time to get in and out of the suit ? I saw many people at the nationals, having a hard time getting in and out of their suit. And they also need help.:)

I purchased a speedo fast skin, from the ankles to neck, no sleeves for the Tempe meet. My verdict is still out on whether I like the feel of it or if it did make me faster. My times did drop a good amount, but that could be the result of a good taper. For most part, I liked the fastskin for the spint events, but in my 200yd events, especially the butterfly, I felt as if I was feeling resistance in the shoulders from the fastskin. If I had to do it over again, I would go with the 25 dollar speedo, some razors and shaving creame and do it the old fashion way. There is something about shaving down which not only gives you that certain feel in the water, but also the mental aspect can help fire me up. Two lessons I learned, dont try a fast skin in a big meet, try it out a few times in other meets, the other lesson learned I now know how ladies feel with their suits and the annoying straps across the shoulders :-) greg-see you in NJ with my razors

Greetings - To summarize the points of considerarion: 1. You do not need to shave down ever again:D 2. You will need help getting the suit off:mad: 3. You can only wear it one to two times a year:( 4. You still need to train to get faster. But the biggest thing to consider; When will the next technological break through happen with swimsuits? I have an "Aquablade". It is still a good suit, but old by todays standards. When I bought it 2 years ago the price was half of what is was the previous year ($90 versus $180). It helps in the freestyles sprints. However the suit is better for distance events. Have fun regardless of what suit you choose. CJ OHIO LMSC Secretary

An update on my use of speedo fastskins: My suit tore so I bought a new one and the sales lady told me a large was way to big for me. She sized me down to a small! It is very tight, but she said that is the right size. I am 5'10" 155 lb. The small has almost no folds or wrinkles when I get it on. She said this is the correct fit. Mark