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
1. at what point do the tech suits become unreasonable?
a- $500 suit = (-).5 sec pre 100 yds
b- $1,000 suit = (-)1 second per 100 yds
c- $5,000 suit = (-) 2 seconds per 100 yards
I'm wondering if you have ever tried a bodysuit?
I wear one for competition and the time advantages you mention here are way out.
Up until a few years ago I'd never won a major competition or set records. Since wearing a bodysuit I have won medals at World and European events, and set 9 national and 5 European records.
My 'bodysuit' 100 time has reduced by 4 seconds (as compared to swimming in trunks) and my 200 time has dropped by 8 seconds. My 1500 time is a minute faster with a suit.
I wouldn't compete without a suit again.
1. at what point do the tech suits become unreasonable?
a- $500 suit = (-).5 sec pre 100 yds
b- $1,000 suit = (-)1 second per 100 yds
c- $5,000 suit = (-) 2 seconds per 100 yards
I'm wondering if you have ever tried a bodysuit?
I wear one for competition and the time advantages you mention here are way out.
Up until a few years ago I'd never won a major competition or set records. Since wearing a bodysuit I have won medals at World and European events, and set 9 national and 5 European records.
My 'bodysuit' 100 time has reduced by 4 seconds (as compared to swimming in trunks) and my 200 time has dropped by 8 seconds. My 1500 time is a minute faster with a suit.
I wouldn't compete without a suit again.
