Popov says quit whining about the LZR

Given the preponderance of performance suits at Nationals, any debate about their efficacy is largely over. Nevertheless, I conducted an impromptu experiment at Nationals. I'm in my 50s and grew up shaving for big meets and of course wearing briefs. I've worn bodysuits before but have always preferred the feeling of the water on my skin--the "sensitivity" referred to here. So, on Friday, I "went Popov" in my 50 free and 50 fly, shaving and wearing a vintage "paper suit" brief. Times were 26.05 and 22.82. On Sunday, not really being in shape to swim a good 100, I decided to wear a Fastskin Pro bodysuit and go all out on the first 50 of each (I guess that can now be called a "Smith"). Times were 25.12 and 22.30. Clearer water might have made a slight difference, and I made a stroke adjustment in the fly, but there's no doubt the principal difference was the suit. Any remaining skepticism I had is gone. Drag and water repellency is more important than sensitivity. I also am now a believer in the fast suits, thanks to K-Stew. I was going to wear my old-school Aquablade briefs, but I ran into Karl on the first day, before my 1650. He gave me his backup fastskin to use for the meet, and I noticed a marked qualitative difference, especially off of the walls. I dropped almost a minute and a half off of my 1650 time, and while I'm sure that I got some altitude and taper benefits, I noticed a marked difference in how much longer I was able to "Ride the Glide" I owe K-Stew a huge debt of gratitude, because not only did he get me hooked on fast suits, he told me to hang onto the suit and keep it.

Given the preponderance of performance suits at Nationals, any debate about their efficacy is largely over. Nevertheless, I conducted an impromptu experiment at Nationals. I'm in my 50s and grew up shaving for big meets and of course wearing briefs. I've worn bodysuits before but have always preferred the feeling of the water on my skin--the "sensitivity" referred to here. So, on Friday, I "went Popov" in my 50 free and 50 fly, shaving and wearing a vintage "paper suit" brief. Times were 26.05 and 22.82. On Sunday, not really being in shape to swim a good 100, I decided to wear a Fastskin Pro bodysuit and go all out on the first 50 of each (I guess that can now be called a "Smith"). Times were 25.12 and 22.30. Clearer water might have made a slight difference, and I made a stroke adjustment in the fly, but there's no doubt the principal difference was the suit. Any remaining skepticism I had is gone. Drag and water repellency is more important than sensitivity. I also am now a believer in the fast suits, thanks to K-Stew. I was going to wear my old-school Aquablade briefs, but I ran into Karl on the first day, before my 1650. He gave me his backup fastskin to use for the meet, and I noticed a marked qualitative difference, especially off of the walls. I dropped almost a minute and a half off of my 1650 time, and while I'm sure that I got some altitude and taper benefits, I noticed a marked difference in how much longer I was able to "Ride the Glide" I owe K-Stew a huge debt of gratitude, because not only did he get me hooked on fast suits, he told me to hang onto the suit and keep it.