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?
Paul, is this the Tracer Light? I'd certainly like to hear impressions from people who can compare it to the B70. To be honest, every Tyr suit I've bought has never seemed quite right, just always something off about the fit for me. Admittedly, I've never tried one of their full body suits.
I think the Tracer Light is more like the FSPro in the fabric. The Tracer Rise has smooth panels like the LZR or B70 (not as extensive as the B70). I have seen a few of each around, but not many, and have never tried either.
I have always liked Tyr suits, for a reason similar to the reason you don't like them: Some subtle difference in fit works better for me.
Brundage- You can't get them anywhere except Australia, that I've seen. With shipping it's well over $500! Roque said we'll be able to order them in March and hopefully get them by Pac Champs (in April).
Bummer. Sounds like I need to invent a tech suit; seems like the only business doing well in the world!
Charged- I'll be honest with you, I don't feel like I have an advantage. The
B70 has been around for almost a year now (if not more). Anyone could have bought one.
Anyone could have bought one if they had the money saved and if they found it. What about new swimmers? What about those who have ripped theirs and need a replacement? Those people certainly are at no disadvantage. :rolleyes:
I guess I'll just have to count on my training to see me through- hmm, how novel! :D
In the old days training may have gotten you through, not now.
Sounds fair to me. Those with connections and have the money and are lucky enough to even find a tech suit have the advantage.:cheerleader:
Do you want a bottle suck on and a blanket to cling too?
Bummer. Sounds like I need to invent a tech suit; seems like the only business doing well in the world!
Patrick....aquazone makes a suit called the Renegade. Very similar to the B70 but from talking to people that have one, they seem to like it better. The suit seems to have a better construction, esp. the stitching and seems to be more durable. Plus, the cost is slight cheaper than the B70
If you are interested, I can tell you were to get one or who to talk too about some more information on the suit.
Don't worry, I saw that our new President has provied some finacial support for those less tyhan fortunate B70 "wanters" in the stimulas bill....Charged, I'm guessing you've been a card carrying Soicalist for years? What next, complaining about those who can afford to pay for masters membership and club fee's and those who can't (I think that's actually covered in the mortgage bailout)?
What is a Soicalist?
Don't worry, I saw that our new President has provied some finacial support for those less tyhan fortunate B70 "wanters" in the stimulas bill....Charged, I'm guessing you've been a card carrying Soicalist for years? What next, complaining about those who can afford to pay for masters membership and club fee's and those who can't (I think that's actually covered in the mortgage bailout)?
Other than the money the suits cost and, the availabilty I think it is pretty crappy that someone can get a suit that allows them to drop their times 2% doing nothing other than putting it on.
Hey, if speedo makes money and more kids are enticed to join the sport than leave, because all their parents can afford are speedos then so be it.
Why haven't I heard any whining about the rule to limit suit stacking? It sounds to me like some pretty innovative grass roots technology. One is good, two is better.
Or is that what you define as cheating?
Why haven't I heard any whining about the rule to limit suit stacking? It sounds to me like some pretty innovative grass roots technology. One is good, two is better.
Or is that what you define as cheating?
We wouldn't have to worry about that if men's swimming was limited to briefs only. It appears simple and cheap is the problem.
