Craig Lord's rather inflammatory article www.swimnews.com/.../6918 on the possibility that USMS will depart from FINA vis a vis allowed swim suits raises a fundamental issue:
If masters swimming allows a more lenient policy regarding suit technology than FINA swimming, will this help or hurt our status in the swimming world?
I love the high tech suits, and I think FINA has been boneheaded in many ways, but I personally think that the creation of a two-tier system--regular swimming and masters "handicapped" swimming--would be bad for our sport and only marginalize us in the world of athletics.
If the choice comes down to two options--abide by FINA's suit rulings OR permit suits like the B70 for masters (if it is outlawed by FINA for "real" swimmers), which side would you support?
Along those lines, I don't feel that it's practical for me as an individual to be forced to buy a speedo suit (like the LZR or Pro) that costs $250 to $550 for a suit that will last around 5 swims just to be competitive. With the B70, it was more economical to pay $400 for a suit that would last 25 to 30 swims.
Based on my times, I perform the same in a B70, Pro, or even FSII. How is it that Speedos are legal and B70s are now banned? How inconvenient for me to have to buy much more expensive product with a significantly shorter shelf life. I have trouble supporting Fina's ruling and buying speedo products at this point.
I'm with Pufferuni on these points, however, I feel that the "25 to 30 swims" is understated. I have over 75 swims in mine, (equates to less than 4 dollars per swim) and it is still in primo condition. Not a hole or a marginal seam anywhere to be found. People should all swim in their suit of choice (or suit du jour if you have more than one choice available).
Along those lines, I don't feel that it's practical for me as an individual to be forced to buy a speedo suit (like the LZR or Pro) that costs $250 to $550 for a suit that will last around 5 swims just to be competitive. With the B70, it was more economical to pay $400 for a suit that would last 25 to 30 swims.
Based on my times, I perform the same in a B70, Pro, or even FSII. How is it that Speedos are legal and B70s are now banned? How inconvenient for me to have to buy much more expensive product with a significantly shorter shelf life. I have trouble supporting Fina's ruling and buying speedo products at this point.
I'm with Pufferuni on these points, however, I feel that the "25 to 30 swims" is understated. I have over 75 swims in mine, (equates to less than 4 dollars per swim) and it is still in primo condition. Not a hole or a marginal seam anywhere to be found. People should all swim in their suit of choice (or suit du jour if you have more than one choice available).
