USMS does make it's own rules, but surely if USMS is the only hold-out then there will be very limited quantities available and then it does become a fairness issue for USMS.
I am just joking about therapy and competitive edge. Can't someone have some fun poking at you tech suit addicts? I am sure everyone will handle slower times well.
I see Geek's point somewhat, but I have really never considered tech suits a "cool gear element". I cycle a bit and cycling has a lot cooler stuff and it is by definition a sport that is defined by technology. It is also a sport that isn't defined by world records. I don't get the analogy.
Tim
Well, FINA has stated that its suit rules don't apply to masters. So there could be a worldwide community of unregulated masters swimmers ...
I knew you were joking about therapists; just like I was joking about IQ points. Everyone knows the score. I've said it before -- I'm perfectly happy to swim in a Pro. In fact, I have this year. I do resent the coverage issue and prefer full leg suits.
I'm also curious about how some swimmers (especially masters) will handle swimming times slower than they have the last few years....
Paul, are you already starting to create excuses for 2010?
I don't know about the rest of you, but I fully intend of swimming faster in 2010 regardless of what suit I'm wearing. I'm going to try this innovative method call training harder & smarter plus supplement that with a better diet.
textile
Noun: any fabric or cloth used by Speedo, esp. a woven one
Adjective: of or relating to fabrics or their production: the world textile market textilis woven]
That seems to be the interpretation. Any suit that's not polyurethane.
This reporter did a nice job explaining all the latest suits. news.bbc.co.uk/.../8161867.stm
Paul, are you already starting to create excuses for 2010?
I don't know about the rest of you, but I fully intend of swimming faster in 2010 regardless of what suit I'm wearing. I'm going to try this innovative method call training harder & smarter plus supplement that with a better diet.
I intend to do the same!
I loved the post that maybe USMS won't go along with the change, but who is going to manufacture the suits only for USMS even if USMS were silly enough not to follow the FINA rules?
If swimming goes the way of cycling, then the FINA standard become the defacto manufacturer's specs just like bike makers almost always follow UCI standards. So it'll be about as easy to find 2009 suit technology as it will be to find a manufacturer still making beam bikes. (ie. probably not totally impossible but very, very difficult)
The wildcard is whether National Federation (ie. high schools) syncs their swimwear to the new FINA rules. Right now, they aren't and the high school crowd can make it worth it for 2-3 suitmakers to keep manufacturing 2009 tech for that part of the US market.
Every time I think that FINA can't make a more stupid decision, they prove me wrong. Not only are we going back pre-LZR, set your time machine to pre-1994. I know that my mixed relay male teammates in '94 wore the Speedo S-2000 that covered their torsos. I really don't care what racing suit I wear as long as it's similar to my competition's. But you just have to shake your head in wonder at FINA's ineptitude.
I think Geek said it best -- this would eliminate the cool gear element of the sport. If expense is a concern, regulate coverage and material at the age group level. I don't see the need for a total ban.
Dang but I gotta side with Geek on this comment. And agree with Fort on hers.
FINA has a mandate to keep the playing field as level as possible. The tech suits threw things out of whack, and they (FINA) are not well suited (pun not intended) to react with thoughtful, evenhanded reflection. It is, after all, mostly a political organization that retains its power by exercising it. So here they are, exercising to the past, which is what they know. It is a mulligan of an immense and ridiculous proportion.
Thank goodness they are not concerned with Masters, we can keep wearing tech suits as long as they are available, I guess.
It was the US that proposed the rule change, and it seemed that most of the international swimming community was in agreement with getting a handle on the tech suits issue. I would be VERY surprised if USMS did not follow suit.
We can go back to arguing over latex versus silicone caps I guess.
Umm, you apparently do not have the cool gear cap - the Speedo "Aqua V" cap. Dara and Phelps were both wearing it at Nationals.
