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 ?
Former Member
all this being said - there are a couple of ok dudes left -
the only good guys left are lezak and piersol....soul guys full of heart, genuine throwbacks.
we as humans are our own worst enemies. we are imploding.
who really cares about any of this nonsense anymore...
we'll all be dead soon
a post worth reading over and over again
I think the Jaked is so much faster based on 2 things -
- the reports from Europe are just beyond anything we have seen (the Breaststroker from Holland droppig 1.5 sec in the 100 in a time trial compared to the LZR - people dropping 3-5 sec in the 200
- I have worn the Blue 70 and the LZR - both are fast, but for different reasons. Looks like Jaked merged the two -- compression, material and design.
Elise -
The cycling time trial is always on a different course - and I believe even the track cycling is very much based on the particular track.
Fortress - you are correcting me only on a mistake, on the other issues your simply stating a different opinion, which makes this whole discussion interesting. I do fail to understand why you are very sensitive about being judged while maintaining a blog ???
Whoa! Are you for real?! You're actually presumptuous enough to tell me who I've spoken to and to attempt to psychoanalyze me? You are way off base, dude. And flat out wrong on all counts. I guess you get to determine who has "credibility" and who doesn't as well?
In the portion of his post I quoted, ehoch used a universal "we" to apply to ALL masters swimmers wearing tech suits (not just a select few), and that is what I was objecting to. So you are 100% incorrect.
Fine, tell me the credible source who claims that the suit is magic. Making such a statement in itself disqualifies the person from being credible. My point is simple, if you are trying to convince people that the suit is not magic and doesn't swim itself down the pool (as the anonymous people you talk with believe) you can go ahead and move on from that because nobody actually believes that. This issue extends beyond the fringe that you want to place it.
As for my psychoanalysis: the first time you ever blasted me on this forum it was when I called you out for complaining about swimmers who dedicate, in your opinion, too much time to the sport. I sensed the same defensiveness then that I do now. But I only know you from this forum and woulnd't pretend that it is any close to an accurate portrayal of who you are. So if my comments bit you in anyway, sorry.
With the time trial in cycling, it is just you and the clock. Cyclists or their sponsors spend a good bit of money on the most aerodynamic equipment available for such races, including top of the line racing wheels.
You are to be admired for your decision. It actually takes some discipline on your part to have arrived at such a decision. I just think it is all a personal thing and there is no ''right" answer.
Suit choice is not an entirely personal thing. My wife would pitch a fit if I spent more than $100 on a swim suit.
Just did a quick check on the French results -- not a valid statistic - just a quick look. French 2008 trials vs 2009 trials for Worlds.
100 Free semi final swims - top 12 times - last year average time was 49.45 (they used LZR and TYR suits) and this year 48.67. That's almost another 2% - so now we are getting close to 4%.
Follow the money...Speedo is a proud sponsor of FINA. Do you think its just a coincidence that FINA determined the maximum amount of non-permeable material in a suit can be 50%...which just happens to be what the LZR is...Hmmm
This is, like, your bestest post EVER...:bitching:
No kids makes it a lot easier financially, it's a trade off. They bleed you dry, and you get to feel like wringing their necks frequently...while no longer spending lavishly on yourself!:anim_coffee:
Ya ain't seen nothin yet. Wait'll they get into college! (if they're not there yet).:badday:
Ya ain't seen nothin yet. Wait'll they get into college! (if they're not there yet).:badday:
Amen, brother! I can't believe how many times we've had to replenish our
freshman son's meal card this year. Whatever happened to all you can eat
three times a day for a fixed price???
There's no way you can compete in a bike race without a bike.
Bad comparison, like saying you can't swim a race without water. Try a bike race on a steel frame and cages and see how you do these days.
