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.
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.
Absolutely you can be competitive using older suits.
After aging up, I set two WRs (100 & 200 SCM back) in March wearing an old pair of Tyr jammers. A year ago I set a national record in 200 SCY back wearing briefs, but it was subsequently broken -- smashed would be a better descriptor -- by Mike Ross.
As far as cost...I have been converted to a legskins fan. They are also cheaper than the full body suit. Unless you find them on sale, I doubt you can find the newest technology under $100. But "not so old" technology (FS-Pro, Tracer Light) legskins can usually be found in the $100-$200 price range.
The only problem is durability. If they are as durable as the current generation -- and that's a big if -- it might be more economical to wait for the next generation of Blueseventy. Thinking they would be good thru Dec 31, I bought their current legskins for $212 at nationals (and that came with money towards the next generation model). Although that is more expensive than, say, the FS-Pro, it is also much more durable so the overall cost is less.
I didn't notice any drop-off in performance compared to the full body suit in back and fly events. Jury is still out on freestyle.
YMMV, caveat emptor, and all that.
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.
Absolutely you can be competitive using older suits.
After aging up, I set two WRs (100 & 200 SCM back) in March wearing an old pair of Tyr jammers. A year ago I set a national record in 200 SCY back wearing briefs, but it was subsequently broken -- smashed would be a better descriptor -- by Mike Ross.
As far as cost...I have been converted to a legskins fan. They are also cheaper than the full body suit. Unless you find them on sale, I doubt you can find the newest technology under $100. But "not so old" technology (FS-Pro, Tracer Light) legskins can usually be found in the $100-$200 price range.
The only problem is durability. If they are as durable as the current generation -- and that's a big if -- it might be more economical to wait for the next generation of Blueseventy. Thinking they would be good thru Dec 31, I bought their current legskins for $212 at nationals (and that came with money towards the next generation model). Although that is more expensive than, say, the FS-Pro, it is also much more durable so the overall cost is less.
I didn't notice any drop-off in performance compared to the full body suit in back and fly events. Jury is still out on freestyle.
YMMV, caveat emptor, and all that.
