Hi!
The last "fast" suit I've ever purchased was an aquablade. I know that there are a multitude of new suits out - I'm interested in the ones by TYR and Speedo. I have been out of the water for a bit and need some updating.
Can anyone offer some pros and cons about the Speedo FastskinII and TYR suits (Aquashift and Aquapel)? Price, do they fit small or large, quality - whatever you can offer!
Thanks,
S
There are vast differences in the technology, and fit, of these racing suits. What most swimmers do not appreciate is that all of them are designed and fit differently. The fabric composition of TYR is basically nylon/lycra like the traditional suits. The Speedo suit has alternating strips of water-repellent and water-absorbing fabric to create "vortices." Only Arena is completely hydrophobic and repells all water. Since it is also the lightest weight suit, it fits differently. There is very little compression in the chest, so once the female suit is over the hips, the rest is a breeze. The male suit allows for the more muscular build without binding. The secret is that breathing is not hindered by a tight upper body, but only in the Arena suit. Another secret is that a swimmer should go in "dry" to a race to get the absolute maximum benefit. Why start a race with ballast?
As for buying one at these high prices or not.....if you have lots of stuff that jiggles (like loose skin, lots of hair?) the more benefit you will feel with these suits. However, many breaststrokers want contact with the water inside their legs and many butterfliers need the feel on their chests. That is why there are several styles. If you train hard and put the effort in, you deserve to have the best equipment to allow yourself the opportunity to perform your best and feel the satisfaction of doing so.
There are vast differences in the technology, and fit, of these racing suits. What most swimmers do not appreciate is that all of them are designed and fit differently. The fabric composition of TYR is basically nylon/lycra like the traditional suits. The Speedo suit has alternating strips of water-repellent and water-absorbing fabric to create "vortices." Only Arena is completely hydrophobic and repells all water. Since it is also the lightest weight suit, it fits differently. There is very little compression in the chest, so once the female suit is over the hips, the rest is a breeze. The male suit allows for the more muscular build without binding. The secret is that breathing is not hindered by a tight upper body, but only in the Arena suit. Another secret is that a swimmer should go in "dry" to a race to get the absolute maximum benefit. Why start a race with ballast?
As for buying one at these high prices or not.....if you have lots of stuff that jiggles (like loose skin, lots of hair?) the more benefit you will feel with these suits. However, many breaststrokers want contact with the water inside their legs and many butterfliers need the feel on their chests. That is why there are several styles. If you train hard and put the effort in, you deserve to have the best equipment to allow yourself the opportunity to perform your best and feel the satisfaction of doing so.
