I don't want to get into the tech suit debate because I really just want to wear a traditional suit and compete. I dont have a moral stand on the issue, I just grew up in normal suits and that is what I am comfortable in.
My question is wether there are any high-level swimmers that dont wear tech suits, but still setting records and winning events? I am curious both about Masters meets, but also USA Swimming and international swim meets.
I think it's all relative to the competition you must face. Take Rowdy Gaines wearing a B70 at the Clovis Nationals - my guess is he would have won and perhaps still set records in a good old fashion swim brief (speedo); naturally the fat paycheck from Blue 70 would not have been included.
Could Michael Phelps blow everyone out of the water in the 400 IM wearing a non-tech suit? I think the answer is yes, as no person is within striking distance of his record or time at this moment. I doubt the same thing could be said of the 50 or 100 m free though.
Wear whatever works for you. I was in a Speedo faskskin leg suit at Nationals - a tech suit dated back about 7-8 years. I would have just as easily swam in a normal suit if I didn't happen to own the fastskin from prior competition though.
I think it's all relative to the competition you must face. Take Rowdy Gaines wearing a B70 at the Clovis Nationals - my guess is he would have won and perhaps still set records in a good old fashion swim brief (speedo); naturally the fat paycheck from Blue 70 would not have been included.
Could Michael Phelps blow everyone out of the water in the 400 IM wearing a non-tech suit? I think the answer is yes, as no person is within striking distance of his record or time at this moment. I doubt the same thing could be said of the 50 or 100 m free though.
Wear whatever works for you. I was in a Speedo faskskin leg suit at Nationals - a tech suit dated back about 7-8 years. I would have just as easily swam in a normal suit if I didn't happen to own the fastskin from prior competition though.
