Ban the tech suits?

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
  • I can't imagine that FINA will take away your B70s, but if they do the suit manufacturer will adapt quickly to the new rules. The suits don't last forever anyway so you probably won't even notice and I am sure the designs and fit will improve somewhat in the next 12 months anyway. I hate to say it, but the FINA rules look pretty reasonable to me except for not allowing a normal swim suit below the tech suit. I really don't want to be behind the blocks when a tech suit rips out so please break the rules and wear normal suits underneath. Tim
Reply
  • I can't imagine that FINA will take away your B70s, but if they do the suit manufacturer will adapt quickly to the new rules. The suits don't last forever anyway so you probably won't even notice and I am sure the designs and fit will improve somewhat in the next 12 months anyway. I hate to say it, but the FINA rules look pretty reasonable to me except for not allowing a normal swim suit below the tech suit. I really don't want to be behind the blocks when a tech suit rips out so please break the rules and wear normal suits underneath. Tim
Children
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