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?
I think fun and fast is important in a sport involving a comparatively high amount of drudgery ...
I heard a rumor yesterday that now USA Swimming is now seeking to ban suits below the knee for 18 & Under. Anyone else heard this?
Kirk - swimming is zero percent different from all other sports in regards to game day resting, conditions, gear, coaching, facilities, etc. Do any of you watch or participate in any other sports?
This isn't necessarily true. Victories in basketball and football determine who gets to the championship or playoffs. Victory in dual meets doesn't mean anything other than to school pride.
I heard a rumor yesterday that now USA Swimming is now seeking to ban suits below the knee for 18 & Under. Anyone else heard this?
This would seriously put a dent in my plan to be a full fledged crazy swim parent. I'll fight the power.
I have heard murmurings in Pacific Swimming that 12 and under are not allowed to wear tech suits below the knee. Can't confirm though.
I'm curious to see about our summer rec season too. I think we follow USAS rules. There were a lot of 15-18 wearing B70s last summer...
So how are YOU (or anyone else) personally making yourself any better by swimming faster through the use of a mechanical aid?
I can't believe I'm taking the bait from an elevator repairman who doesn't swim and has lied about wearing a fast suit, but here goes.
You are making yourself better by the act of swimming, you are improving your life and your health. Since you don't swim you don't realize this.
Well let's see, I'm a person, and I DO want to buy a B70 #1
It will definitely make me faster or better. Swimming faster/better
is the goal #2
Hmm, I guess I meet both the criteria for your definition of an accomplishment.
BTW, your definition of accomplishment is FAR different than mine, that's why I asked for a clarification, and
I don't see how the suit is a mechanical device?
Trip trap trip trap trip trap...
And, ironically, what was the big problem when AJ's came out, the price, about $100 a pair. Just like the LZRs now, the price is the issue to many, although they disguise it in some sort of purist nonsense.
Absolutely price is a concern. It isn't the only one.
NQTs were just relaxed for 50s and 100s. Three year average of Top Ten 10th place time + conversion factor (15% for 50s & 100s; 10% for 200+). The 5% increase for the 50s and 100s more than offsets any potential speed improvement brought on by the suits, which have been used by the speediest for years anyway.
