I am just back from the SPMA meet where all the top finisher were wearing the latest generation tech suits,mostly B-70s(or were named Jeff Commings.)I have here to for been in favor of the suits,but now I am not so sure.First,they eliminate the old bench marks.I went my fastest 100m BR in 5 yr in my LZR,but it was only .3 sec faster than I did untapered 5 wk earlier in my first swim in the LZR.So was my swim good or not,I'm not sure.Also,instead of focusing on technique or pace I found myself ruminating over aspects of the suits,how many more swims did the suit have,is it the right size,was the reason I didn't get better results from my B-70 because it was too big?etc.The B-70 has somewhat mitigated the "too expensive,not durable" problem,but for how long.
Lets say a company comes up with a suit that is much faster,say 4 sec/100.Further that it is very expensive(say $1000) lasts 4 swims and is very hard to make so that quantities are always limited and the fastest way to get one is to bid up to $3000 on ebay. Now lets say your nemesis has one,or that getting one is your best chance to get TT or AA or a ZR or WR,or that your child is close to making JO cuts,or finally beating his/her nemesis etc. Is it worth it and where does it stop?
Parents
Former Member
I don't like the choices in the poll so I won't answer.
I don't think we can go back. The questions in the original post such as was it the right size will go away as these suits become more common.
I wonder if the growing attention, especially at the age group level, on these suits will drive manufacturers to lower the prices and make them more available? If the suits were $100 instead of $500 many of the fairness arguments would go away.
I also believe it would be smart of FINA (etc.) to attempt to moderate the rate of advancement of suit technology. I still want this sport to be about stroke, power, and fitness - not which swimsuit you wear.
I like the idea of retro-racing. Wouldn't have any appeal for age groupers but would be fun for bragging rights with us older folk.
I don't like the choices in the poll so I won't answer.
I don't think we can go back. The questions in the original post such as was it the right size will go away as these suits become more common.
I wonder if the growing attention, especially at the age group level, on these suits will drive manufacturers to lower the prices and make them more available? If the suits were $100 instead of $500 many of the fairness arguments would go away.
I also believe it would be smart of FINA (etc.) to attempt to moderate the rate of advancement of suit technology. I still want this sport to be about stroke, power, and fitness - not which swimsuit you wear.
I like the idea of retro-racing. Wouldn't have any appeal for age groupers but would be fun for bragging rights with us older folk.
