are the TYR Tracer banned then? What the heck is the A12 suits? Who knew that Asics sold swim suits?
(editor's note: TYR has responded that the three suits approved are the Tracer Rise, the Tracer Light and a suit in development.)
From Swimming World
Dear USMS friends,
I’ve already had a slew of calls and emails from swimmers wanting to know what our response is to the overnight release of the FINA approved suits list.
Many of you will know that we submitted 11 models of suits for approval, including tights and jammers. As a company and personally we were very comfortable with the criteria for testing that FINA had outlined, our suits passed well under the threshold for buoyancy and thickness proposed by them.
We have had confirmation that our suits passed the independent laboratory testing for both these tests.
However at this time, our suits are not listed on FINA’s site as an approved model. Even the models we submitted and received approval for in late 2007. It is suffice to say I am stunned at this omission. Ofiicially we are classified as one of the suits that and I quote”May cause significant air trapping when worn by the swimmers”.
However, there are several other brands, a from a similar background as us, that have made suits that have used exactly the same fabric, and similar construction that have passed without a problem.
We are confused!!!! and currently seeking clarification from FINA as to this and the steps to understand why suits of the same materials, construction and similar design are deemed legal but not ours...did we do something to offend?
We understand that right now we have 30 days to make modifications in order to allow the suit to no longer trap air, although how a suit does this, in what shape, size, or method it is required is not clear. Trapping air is of course not a measurable value, and the subjective nature of this decision leaves conspiracy theories flying into my inbox.
Initially the Dubai charter and resubmission of these suits was in order to gain acceptance for Rome World championships. My understanding is that previously approved suits remain legal for all competitions otherwise...I guess for masters it is the decision of the boards and other governing bodies.
Right now my friends we are working through the best solution to the short term situation once we understand the decision and process from FINA, and will in the next few days be working on a statement that will encompass all the issues raised in this forum. We care about swimmers, we care about our company and we care about fair play for all brands in this process.
Thanks to you all
Deano
Call Shubert...or better yet send him a check.
Just updated our story. TYR stated the following about their approved suits:
(editor's note: TYR has responded that the three suits approved are the Tracer Rise, the Tracer Light and a suit in development.)
thank goodness, i have a new tracer lite
I suggest that Masters swimmers boycott Speedo products.
I will ban the tech suits but I can't ban the goggles and caps since they work well for me. Tech suits, not a problem. If I get one for free, well that is a different story but I don't see that happening.
Paul,
the USMS interpretation leads me to believe the Blue Seventy Point Zero did not need to be submitted for testing since it launched before September 30th, 2007
#1. NEW U.S.M.S. SWIMWEAR INTERPRETATION
FINA approval or rejection of new swimwear introduced after September 30, 2007, will be accepted by U.S. Masters Swimming for U.S.M.S. sanctioned and recognized competition. The following interpretation regarding the use of two suits during competition is effective immediately. This interpretation conforms to the recent interpretations issued by FINA (03/15/09) and USA Swimming (03/18/09).
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
1. Question: Can I wear a regular racing suit that is not a body suit?
Answer: Yes, suits introduced prior to September 30, 2007, are legal for U.S.M.S. competition.
My understanding is that the B70 Nero Comp is no longer 'legal' but the PointZero3 is still 'legal', am I wrong?
Word from Blue70 is they got a letter from FINA saying B70 nero comp is not on the list for it's possible "air trapping ability"
Rocket Science has regular fabric panels in the butt.
I believe the B70 Point Zero did not need to be submitted for testing and will be legal till Dec 31st, 2009, but would like to hear the official word from Kathy Casey.
And how stupid would it be for the B70 Point Zero to be legal but the others not?!
Isn't the Rocket Science suit completely impermeable as well?
Word from Blue70 is they got a letter from FINA saying B70 nero comp is not on the list for it's possible "air trapping ability"
Rocket Science has regular fabric panels in the butt.
I believe the B70 Point Zero did not need to be submitted for testing and will be legal till Dec 31st, 2009, but would like to hear the official word from Kathy Casey.
Just went over and picked up a Rocket Science (approved) & a Aquasphere (not approved) and have them here in hand with my B70. First impression is exact same fabric alhtough thicker, looking over the RS I see what Ande is talking about with regards to the "regular fabic rear panel"...which is actually not accurate as the material is the same as the rest of the outside of the suit but is has a honeycomb pattern of small "holes" (about twice the size of a ballpoint pen tip) which are backed by the suits lining (guessing the same material as the B70)...this materail is not in the butt but rather the crotch area and under the armpits. It makes sense from a "trapping air" perspective I guess and the tests seem to make that conclusion...now if i can squeeze my fat rear into the thing will give it a test tomorrow and see if I can feel how much of a difference not trapping air makes.
