Comparison to older times is skewed, but the same thing happens when they change rules; changing the backstroke flip-turn rules had a bigger effect IMO (I once estimated about 0.5 sec per turn, for me). Eventually almost everyone is wearing new suits and things settle down.
I've said this elsewhere, but it's worth repeating...
Changing stroke mechanics (technique or turns) is far different than changing equipment.
That said, I agree that records comparisons are irrelevant when either mechanics or equipment changes substantially. My earlier reference in this thread to records was that since the B70 has already been used to set new records legally, it would be very difficult to get that horse back into the barn.
Comparison to older times is skewed, but the same thing happens when they change rules; changing the backstroke flip-turn rules had a bigger effect IMO (I once estimated about 0.5 sec per turn, for me). Eventually almost everyone is wearing new suits and things settle down.
I've said this elsewhere, but it's worth repeating...
Changing stroke mechanics (technique or turns) is far different than changing equipment.
That said, I agree that records comparisons are irrelevant when either mechanics or equipment changes substantially. My earlier reference in this thread to records was that since the B70 has already been used to set new records legally, it would be very difficult to get that horse back into the barn.
