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?
You know I was just busting your chops Paul.:-) That topic could easily hijack this thread!
Who loves ya baby?!
And you think I would pass on such "long hanging fruit" as that? Any chance to at least partially hijack a thread is always fun!
That explains me, but what about everyone else who thinks tech suits shouldn't be part of the sport?
What about them? If they don't want to wear them, they don't have to.
If people can't get B70s, they should try the new Renegade or Rocket Skin, if they want.
Amen to the first part!
Fort...is the Rocket Skin the one designed by the guy in Austin? Does that suit cover the arms? If it is one the one I am thinking of and does cover the arms, it may have to be altered to remain legal.
I seem to recall from the article Ande posted that the company had a sleeveless version.
As many have pointed out, advances in pool technology (blocks, lane-lines, gutters, pool design), the advent of goggles, various pre-tech suits, etc have had at least that great an effect. Time marches on.
Chris...Paul....the problem Charged is having with tech advancement, is that some parts of our state(TN) are just now coming into the modern age. He probably lives in an area that still uses outdoor plumbing. He is also probably upset that others around him have spent their money on automobiles, while he chooses to use a horse and buggy complains when a car goes around him kicking up mud. But not all of the state is still living in the 1800's...thank goodness. :) :) :)
Chris...Paul....the problem Charged is having with tech advancement, is that some parts of our state(TN) are just now coming into the modern age. He probably lives in an area that still uses outdoor plumbing. He is also probably upset that others around him have spent their money on automobiles, while he chooses to use a horse and buggy complains when a car goes around him kicking up mud. But not all of the state is still living in the 1800's...thank goodness. :) :) :)
That explains me, but what about everyone else who thinks tech suits shouldn't be part of the sport?
What about them? If they don't want to wear them, they don't have to.
Rocket Skin
.
Amen to the first part!
Fort...is the Rocket Skin the one designed by the guy in Austin? Does that suit cover the arms? If it is one the one I am thinking of and does cover the arms, it may have to be altered to remain legal.
