Take a look at the press release posted on swiminfo.com: www.swiminfo.com/.../6949.asp
Here's a quote that bothers me:
By strategically increasing the surface area, TYR has increased his/her ability to pull without increasing any resistance through the recovery. Just think of it as ascending an aquatic ladder.
Should these be allowed? I would guess that they are o.k. as far as current rules read, but I don't like it. I think these sleeves amount to an aid, sort of like wearing paddles. I guess the question is: what constitutes a swimsuit? Obviously caps are o.k., so you can't argue that it must be one piece.
Former Member
I swam next to a 23 year old at our last local meet who had a Fastkin on. Unshaved and untapered he blasted out a 50 in 20.5 seconds. A new national USMS record for the age group I think.
I don't know if the suit really helped, but it sure made me wonder.
Why do technological advances disgust a person? The person still has to swim. Don't fear change, embrace it.
Aren't swimcaps just glorified head bands then since they aren't connected to the suit? If you can cover your head with a detached device, why not the arms?
I like companies that push the limits. Otherwise, it gets dull.
Surely these guys have some inclination that Fina will approve them. What a gamble otherwise. A stupid gamble at that if they didn't do the homework.
Why are sleeves OK if connected to the suit but not OK if they aren't?
"...these new suits where everyone looks like some kind of marine mammal..."
I'm still chuckling about this. "Marine mammal" - I love it. He's right, you know. The full-body suits are not nearly as attractive.
And have you ever noticed that a swimmer in an Aquablade looks just like a speed skater? Or a bobsled/luge athlete? Or a downhill skier? Hmmm.
If they were sleeves, they would BE connected to the suit. They are not connected and therefore are glorified "sweatbands." They push the envelope so far past what is honest and legitimate in this sport that it disgustes me; literally.
Wow, it appears you are victim yourself of marketing. All this suit allegedly does is reduce drag allowing the same pull to be more efficient.
So what anyway? The person still has to swim. If it concerns you that much, go don a pair of beach baggy trunks for the next meet. Might make you yearn for a simple old speedo. Sports is all about he competitive edge. Give into it, don't fear it.
I agree with seltzer. I think the companies are just trying to make us spend more money to make us think we can swim faster. I consider myself a slower swimmer and I don't think any swimsuit is going to help me break any records. If I thought they would then maybe I'll spend the money. But then again maybe everyone else would to and I'll still be the slower swimmer.
Originally posted by SWinkleblech
I agree with seltzer. I think the companies are just trying to make us spend more money to make us think we can swim faster. I consider myself a slower swimmer and I don't think any swimsuit is going to help me break any records. If I thought they would then maybe I'll spend the money. But then again maybe everyone else would to and I'll still be the slower swimmer.
I guess you hadn't heard that these suits are self-propelled (with the optional rotor attachment)--you don't even have to move your arms and legs.
