I think we can all be certain that the suits are here to stay -- love them, hate them, it does not really matter -- Speedo, TYR and the others will not allow the suits to all over sudden disappear.
But, we as Masters swimmers have to make a decision about our own reasoning to compete -- why do we compete in swim meets ?
There are many reasons - social, participating in a sport beats the hell out of watching one on TV and so on --- but for me, 2 of the main reasons are the competition aspects. We obviously compete against other swimmers --- but more than maybe many other sports, we compete against ourselves. I can tell you my best 100 Free from every season over the last 30 years (10 of which I did not compete).
I have used most of the suits and did very well -- I set some personal bests and also achieved some record swims, but I have no idea how my times really compare to other seasons. I can keep telling myself that all that speedwork and lifting paid off - but I just don't know.
I like to give a golf comparison -- let's say you have a home course and you always shoot in the low 90s going from the Blue Tees --- well guess what, if you are going from the white tees you will probably average high 80s and going from the red you may get down to the mid to low 80s. But you are not a better player because of it. The LZR seems to be the "white tees" and the new Jaked suit may be the "red tees".
I think we really have to make a decision now to what matters more -- your personal records and history of swimming or the competition against other swimmers ? For me, this may change from meet to meet - but I must be able to stay honest with myself and be able to compare my times -- I do not want to be cheating myself.
Old generations suits (Fastskin Pro) only for: all major Masters meets (individual swims) except for Worlds. That means, I am ok to lose a few places in a meet, in order to know what my time really means. I could just go really old school -- but I think the older generation suits are pretty equal to shaving -- and they allow you to be "shaved" and swim fast in season, which is a huge plus.
LZR / Blue70 for: relays, Worlds and maybe some USS meets, if I am going for a time standard. I want to give any relay my fastest time possible - I swimming Worlds to win the title, so if others use the suits, I will have to do the same - if I go to USS meets, I may use them to get into the finals or to make a time standard for a big meet.
It may take some adjustments - but I think it will work --
Who is with me ?
Swimming already costs me plenty (club dues, gym membership, goggles/gear, travel, meet fees. etc) that I don't feel at this time a need to add another $200 on top of that.
I always smile and shake my head when I hear swimmers talk about how expensive swimming is to participate in as a sport.
I've always been a swimmer, but spent almost 20 years in triathlon as an adult.
I think the most expensive masters swim group I have been in charged $65. a month. I swim 4-6 times a week. If I was paying for lap swimming, I would be charged MORE!
These are coached practices - lanes are always designated and the support is unmatched.
If you have problems with any of these things, you can get involved to make some positive changes in your organization.
Swimsuits and equipment are next to nothing compared to the gear we buy for cycling and running. Not to mention the gear in other sports which I know can be huge expenses as well.
So yes. $150-500. seems like a lot to pay for a swim suit once or twice a year.
But you don't have to buy that suit. Its' a personal choice.
Just like I don't have to buy the latest $200. pair of running shoes - or a $5,000. racing bike.
But if you want a tech suit, I encourage you to save up and get one. We will have to abide by the FINA rules as they play out, but seriously, we're not Olympic/World elite swimmers.
Only we masters know or care about eachothers times!
Buy last year's model. You will swim faster in it because it is better than the one you have now, which is probably old and falling apart.
Everyone gets happy and swims faster in a new swim suit - and on their birthday.
I see it all the time.
Masters swimming is all about swimming and a healthy fitness lifestyle. Ocassionally we have to look for ways to get inspired - motivated - and happy enough to laugh out loud when we see the time post up on the scoreboard!
I can tell you this after last weekend.
Get a B70 Nero.
You will turn into a bouncing cork - and God knows, your strokes & turns will not feel like your own.
But you will giggle.
I'm glad I got to try it out before they ban them!
Laura Smith saw the look on my face and yelled over to me -
"Isn't it GREAT!!!"
I like my masters swimmers smiling.
But not about the high cost of swimming unless thats' the joke.
Swimming already costs me plenty (club dues, gym membership, goggles/gear, travel, meet fees. etc) that I don't feel at this time a need to add another $200 on top of that.
I always smile and shake my head when I hear swimmers talk about how expensive swimming is to participate in as a sport.
I've always been a swimmer, but spent almost 20 years in triathlon as an adult.
I think the most expensive masters swim group I have been in charged $65. a month. I swim 4-6 times a week. If I was paying for lap swimming, I would be charged MORE!
These are coached practices - lanes are always designated and the support is unmatched.
If you have problems with any of these things, you can get involved to make some positive changes in your organization.
Swimsuits and equipment are next to nothing compared to the gear we buy for cycling and running. Not to mention the gear in other sports which I know can be huge expenses as well.
So yes. $150-500. seems like a lot to pay for a swim suit once or twice a year.
But you don't have to buy that suit. Its' a personal choice.
Just like I don't have to buy the latest $200. pair of running shoes - or a $5,000. racing bike.
But if you want a tech suit, I encourage you to save up and get one. We will have to abide by the FINA rules as they play out, but seriously, we're not Olympic/World elite swimmers.
Only we masters know or care about eachothers times!
Buy last year's model. You will swim faster in it because it is better than the one you have now, which is probably old and falling apart.
Everyone gets happy and swims faster in a new swim suit - and on their birthday.
I see it all the time.
Masters swimming is all about swimming and a healthy fitness lifestyle. Ocassionally we have to look for ways to get inspired - motivated - and happy enough to laugh out loud when we see the time post up on the scoreboard!
I can tell you this after last weekend.
Get a B70 Nero.
You will turn into a bouncing cork - and God knows, your strokes & turns will not feel like your own.
But you will giggle.
I'm glad I got to try it out before they ban them!
Laura Smith saw the look on my face and yelled over to me -
"Isn't it GREAT!!!"
I like my masters swimmers smiling.
But not about the high cost of swimming unless thats' the joke.
