IMO: all the tech suits hype

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

Former Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:21:00 GMT

The pre-FS Pro tech suits were possible better than shaved skin.The latest generation are definitely faster.It is hard to tell how much faster as that varies,but 1-2 sec/100 yd is not unreasonable to expect.I have seen some swimmers drop 2 sec/50. And I guess that is how I know I am out of date: 1 to 2 seconds per 100 yards seems completely amazing to me. If that is true, then I would have to suggest that the hi-tech suits should be banned: I can guarantee you that improvements like that are easily better than a swimmer would get from cranking on steroids. If the suits represent that much of an advantage, then they are exactly comparable to fins and paddles. To me, a guy who swam many of my first swim meets in home-made swim suits (big family on a budget), I find it sad that a rich kid with an unlimitted budget for high tech suits and mediocre swim skills should be able to beat out a poor kid with a nylon suit and tons of talent. Sounds to me like it has become Ok to buy a championship.

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

ande — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:40:48 GMT

Tech suits aren't hype, the effect isn't mental, they give swimmers 1) floatation, 2) compression, and 3) a firmer slicker surface than loose bare shaved skin. When swimmers wear tech suits, they often move faster through the water. Swimmers take fewer strokes per length. Time improvements vary between swimmers and the type of suit they wear. To me, improving my 100 by a second or two per is worth 1, 2, 3 or 4 hundred bucks. Not sure if I want to pay $550 for a fragile suit with a faulty zipper. Tip 201 Which Suit Suits you? More info On Racing Suits From my personal tests in practice and meets, I think jammers are better than briefs, legskins are better than jammers & full body tech suits are better than legskins. Heavier and older swimmers greatly benefit from suits that compress. Breastrokers benefit from suits that float to help them glide further & faster so they can spend more time streamlined. Mens Jammers Mens LegSkins Mens Full Body Womens Full body Womens

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

FindingMyInnerFish — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:27:21 GMT

Tech suits are beyond my budget now, but I don't begrudge anyone using them for racing. When I run in races, some folks have much higher tech shoes than I do, and use Garmin Forerunners while I use a basic stopwatch. Some runners even invest in high altitude tents. Hey whatever gets you going! I might well try out some of the higher-tech gear for swimming or running if I can afford it, but not having it doesn't diminish what I get out of either sport, and I don't feel deprived without it. I enjoy the competition mainly with my previous efforts, b/c I'm unlikely to be a serious contender for top places. No worries. I'm in it for fun and getting a good workout and seeing what I can do. The rest is icing on the cake! If you can afford the icing, have it and enjoy it! :)

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

Allen Stark — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:25:20 GMT

Again, if this was true (not saying it isn't but) then how come people aren't destroying distance records? I am not sure.It maybe that they help some events more and some body types more.I think they also help more in mid-season meets than taper meets.

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

pwolf66 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:02:46 GMT

The pre-FS Pro tech suits were possible better than shaved skin.The latest generation are definitely faster.It is hard to tell how much faster as that varies,but 1-2 sec/100 yd is not unreasonable to expect.I have seen some swimmers drop 2 sec/50. Again, if this was true (not saying it isn't but) then how come people aren't destroying distance records?

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

The Fortress — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:33:58 GMT

And I guess that is how I know I am out of date: 1 to 2 seconds per 100 yards seems completely amazing to me. If that is true, then I would have to suggest that the hi-tech suits should be banned: I can guarantee you that improvements like that are easily better than a swimmer would get from cranking on steroids. If the suits represent that much of an advantage, then they are exactly comparable to fins and paddles. To me, a guy who swam many of my first swim meets in home-made swim suits (big family on a budget), I find it sad that a rich kid with an unlimitted budget for high tech suits and mediocre swim skills should be able to beat out a poor kid with a nylon suit and tons of talent. Sounds to me like it has become Ok to buy a championship. What a flip flop. Perhaps the truth is somewhere in between? The suits are faster, yes, but, as some girl points out, there are other factors involved in time drops. Read this: www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../21308.asp. Do we really need to go back in time 20 years? And who says a "mediocre" swimmer can't own a tech suit? I find this constant harping on this point tiresome. Most age group swimmers are not going to nationals. We need to keep the non-elite swimmers motivated and happy as well -- whether it's USA-S or masters. Here's a comment from Dennis Baker, a tech suit fan (thought they don't appear to effect his times much), that I think is very true: The suits have energized the lower and middle level swimmers to want to continue to swim harder and longer that is a fact. This has been a problem for USA swimming for many many years to keep these kids motivated and participate. Many of my non swimming friends and general public are watching swimming more that is a fact. More money for Swimming all the way around. If the Big Bertha driver helps me hit a 300 yard drive so be it I will play more, but I will never beat Tiger, same with a lot of tech stuff in sports. Energize the middle group, which is the biggest and you will thrive. The over reaction to the records being broken is too much. Hard work and genetics will always rule in sport no matter the tech. The records will level out."

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

some_girl — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:42:23 GMT

The pre-FS Pro tech suits were possible better than shaved skin.The latest generation are definitely faster.It is hard to tell how much faster as that varies,but 1-2 sec/100 yd is not unreasonable to expect.I have seen some swimmers drop 2 sec/50. In circumstances where the suit is the only possible explanation? I know I dropped lots of time when I switched from an FS2 to a Pro, but then again, I got faster in practice too, so I am only giving the suit half the credit, if that.

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

Allen Stark — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:21:22 GMT

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

Former Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:07:50 GMT

I am not sure what you are saying here, but if you are saying that great swimmers are great swimmers you are 100% right. If you are saying that tech suits do not make one faster you are 100% wrong.

RE: IMO: all the tech suits hype

orca1946 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:47 GMT

I have been swimming since 14 in HS & at 63 still get the thrill @ the block & winning!! The tech suit I swim in at state was a help in the longer distances , but not the sprints. I am beaten by others who swam faster b4 tech suits & i am still beaten by them now??!!