Greg Earhart at collegeswimming.com just posted a column that raises a troubling point about the new suits: collegeswimming.com/.../
What do you think?
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Former Member
Even if it were neoprene - no big deal. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber. It is used to make fabrics waterproof (like inflatable boats).
When used in wetsuits it is "foamed" so it traps air and creates thermal insulation (the primary purpose of a wetsuit). A by-product, not always desirable, is flotation.
On the profit issue. I bet Speedo's out the door manufacturing costs are not close to the retail price. High end sporting goods (tennis, golf, etc.) are commonly marked up 100% at retail. The LZR is new so Speedo probably is capitalizing on the publicity and may also be motivated to recover R&D costs. NASA ain't free.
I don't think the comparison to an iPhone is appropriate. It's true cost is far higher because AT&T subsidizes it (as they do with all phones). It is also mass produced in an overseas factory, priced to sell in 7 figure quantities. Apple hopes to sell 10M iPhones this year.
I happen to believe (with no proof) that the profit in a $550 suit must be significant. But if the B70 and Tracer are equivalent at $150 less, many people will buy the others. I can afford a LZR but won't buy one. I might buy a B70 next spring.
Even if it were neoprene - no big deal. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber. It is used to make fabrics waterproof (like inflatable boats).
When used in wetsuits it is "foamed" so it traps air and creates thermal insulation (the primary purpose of a wetsuit). A by-product, not always desirable, is flotation.
On the profit issue. I bet Speedo's out the door manufacturing costs are not close to the retail price. High end sporting goods (tennis, golf, etc.) are commonly marked up 100% at retail. The LZR is new so Speedo probably is capitalizing on the publicity and may also be motivated to recover R&D costs. NASA ain't free.
I don't think the comparison to an iPhone is appropriate. It's true cost is far higher because AT&T subsidizes it (as they do with all phones). It is also mass produced in an overseas factory, priced to sell in 7 figure quantities. Apple hopes to sell 10M iPhones this year.
I happen to believe (with no proof) that the profit in a $550 suit must be significant. But if the B70 and Tracer are equivalent at $150 less, many people will buy the others. I can afford a LZR but won't buy one. I might buy a B70 next spring.
