I also like one of the companion articles, discussing the issue of price:
www.slate.com/.../following-suit.aspx
The biggest reason I was a little dismayed that the B70 had been banned is that it was a cheaper and more durable alternative to the LZR and other high-priced suits. Innovative competition among the manufacturers is a good thing and will keep the prices more honest.
Still I think this is just a glitch. B70 -- or someone else -- will again come up with FINA-legal suits that fill this market niche. FINA just needs to be more clear in their criteria to be fair to manufacturers (eg by explaining exactly how they judge the whole "air trapping" thing).
ya, affordability and durability are a must and a fair and open market should drive the suits in that direction. if the suits are going to be around and the only way to get durability and affordability is through polyurethane then maybe that is for the best.
This will all work it self out in the next couple of years.
I also like one of the companion articles, discussing the issue of price:
www.slate.com/.../following-suit.aspx
The biggest reason I was a little dismayed that the B70 had been banned is that it was a cheaper and more durable alternative to the LZR and other high-priced suits. Innovative competition among the manufacturers is a good thing and will keep the prices more honest.
Still I think this is just a glitch. B70 -- or someone else -- will again come up with FINA-legal suits that fill this market niche. FINA just needs to be more clear in their criteria to be fair to manufacturers (eg by explaining exactly how they judge the whole "air trapping" thing).
ya, affordability and durability are a must and a fair and open market should drive the suits in that direction. if the suits are going to be around and the only way to get durability and affordability is through polyurethane then maybe that is for the best.
This will all work it self out in the next couple of years.
