I've said this elsewhere, but it's worth repeating...
Changing stroke mechanics (technique or turns) is far different than changing equipment.
My point was just that abrupt drops in times, for whatever reason, eventually get smoothed over.
I'm not a big fan of the suits and I see your point. But the change in backstroke turns was pretty dramatic, especially in the short courses (25y and 25m) and amounted to instant and "free" speed. I was a masters swimmer at the time and dropped 3 seconds in the 200 back between meets that were 1 month apart. (I remember how tiring that 7th backstroke turn could be with the old turns...I never get that now with the current turns.)
But it didn't cost anything and was accessible to all, and it is also a learned skill. (Of course, it also didn't make anyone any money...but that's my cynical side surfacing.)
On the other hand, I'll never forgive them for eliminating the stand-up starts, which I still miss.
I've said this elsewhere, but it's worth repeating...
Changing stroke mechanics (technique or turns) is far different than changing equipment.
My point was just that abrupt drops in times, for whatever reason, eventually get smoothed over.
I'm not a big fan of the suits and I see your point. But the change in backstroke turns was pretty dramatic, especially in the short courses (25y and 25m) and amounted to instant and "free" speed. I was a masters swimmer at the time and dropped 3 seconds in the 200 back between meets that were 1 month apart. (I remember how tiring that 7th backstroke turn could be with the old turns...I never get that now with the current turns.)
But it didn't cost anything and was accessible to all, and it is also a learned skill. (Of course, it also didn't make anyone any money...but that's my cynical side surfacing.)
On the other hand, I'll never forgive them for eliminating the stand-up starts, which I still miss.
