With the scy season starting in a month or so I'm looking to pick out a new racing suit. I know the b70s are particularly popular right now but I really can't stand having anything on my upper body, I much prefer the legskin-style suit from waist to ankle.
For the past couple years I've been using the tyr fusion 2 which is an inexpensive tight and I'm pretty happy with it but am itching to try something new and fancier. I know the actual benefits are arguable, especially for someone at my speed, but I tend to "feel" faster and slicker when wearing a racing suit so that's got to be worth something even if it is a placebo.
I'd like the suit to make it through the major meets for the year if possible. That means two PMS championships and two Nationals. So, with some relay swims, that's going to be about 30 races. Will any of the fancier technical suits last that long before losing their advantages? It seems the LZR is out since it apparently falls apart after 5 swims.
Looking at swimoutlet.com these are the choices:
- speedo fastskin ii
- speedo fs pro
- nike swim swift
- nike swim hydra
- tyr tracer rise
I'm particularly interested in the tracer rise and fs pro. Does anyone know how well those hold up over the long-haul? Any word on whether b70 will be releasing their suit in a leg-only version?
Thanks guys
Justin,
A B70 version of legs-only is in development. I saw some at our SCM Champs in October but I don't have a clue as to how far along they've come.
I know the b70s are particularly popular right now but I really can't stand having anything on my upper body, I much prefer the legskin-style suit from waist to ankle.
Justin,
I was a big ANTI-FAN of full-body suits until I tried the B70. I had never worn more than jammers and old 'paper suits,' though I had bought a full body FS and HATED it. The B70 material is very different; it's really quite nice and doesn't feel at all constrictive. I'd really encourage trying it. I do mid to long distance free and IMs and it's been a sweet suit in all.
Of course, if they're coming out with a legskin, maybe your need is solved.
If you need one in a hurry, you can take a full length suit to a tailor and tell them what you want. A competent tailor should be able to modify the suit to your exact specifications.
What do you do with the leftover material is another question.
One of my good friends who I have known for most of my life and also happens to be an unbelievable swimmer is personally a fan of the Nike Hydra tights. they are just as fast as almost anything out there, and because of the type of material that it is comprised of, it lasts longer. He has his for two years now, and is still using it because it hasn't lost its compression etc. He also takes very good care of it though, and i guess that is key.
What are the price ranges of Legskin/Tights as well as full body suits? I might buy one for the summer season to see how they perform and I'd like some advice. I've only used Jammers thusfar, I don't know what to look for and what to expect.
I'm a breaststroker primarily but I also want to be able to swim IM and sprint freestyle without too much resistance from the suit. I don't know if like the LZR the suits are made for particular strokes, either way though, I'd like some advice on what to pick. :)
Justin
I have very little experience with tech suits, so I'm afraid I can't offer comparisons; only my own observation of the FS PRO leggings. I really like them. They feel like paper suits of the old days. They are very snug, but only take 2-3 minutes to get on. I don't know if I should be in a smaller pair, but there you have it. I've worn them for more than a dozen races, and they at least appear to be in the same shape they were when I got them. I plan on wearing them for several more races. At about $120, I think they were a good deal.
Good luck!
Craig
