Probably the biggest gripe about the technical suits (Speedo Fastskin, et al) is the cost. With Speedo's introduction of the the new LZR at $550 for the high neck they've ramped the price up substantially over what lots of people already considered "too much."
On the other hand, there seems to be lots of support for swimmers being able to extend their careers by going pro. Lots of today's great swimmers would probably be out of the sport today if it weren't for lucrative contracts from the likes of Speedo. So, by an large, us paying for these expensive suits is keeping these people swimming.
Is it worth it? Should we all put our order in now for LZRs just to be sure Michael Phelps can swim beyond Beijing? :)
I bought the FS-PRO last year. I took advantage of a Speedo discount so it definitely wasn't full price but it was still expensive (I think about $200). I don't know if I bought Michael a tank of gas or not and I can't even tell you if the suit helped. It may have been my training, it may have been the suit or it just may have been the psychological aspect but I still liked the results. I swam a few lifetime bests, a few masters bests and a few best times in a long time. To me, it was worth the investment. An LZR, however, is way out of the ballpark. (Unless maybe if it came with a guarentee to reach my goal times)!
I bought the FS-PRO last year. I took advantage of a Speedo discount so it definitely wasn't full price but it was still expensive (I think about $200). I don't know if I bought Michael a tank of gas or not and I can't even tell you if the suit helped. It may have been my training, it may have been the suit or it just may have been the psychological aspect but I still liked the results. I swam a few lifetime bests, a few masters bests and a few best times in a long time. To me, it was worth the investment. An LZR, however, is way out of the ballpark. (Unless maybe if it came with a guarentee to reach my goal times)!
