Is lycra a textile?

I want to know, I really want to know how Lycra suits are going to be allowed under the new suit regime. Is Lycra really a textile? I want to know, really want to know why this particular man-made polyurethane-based material is somehow approvable, whereas the polyurethan-based material in the latest tech suits is somehow not approvable. From lycra.com (www.lycra.com/.../webpage.aspx Product. LYCRARegistered fiber is a man-made elastane fiber. From Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/.../Spandex): Spandex—or elastane—is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is stronger and more durable than rubber, its major non-synthetic competitor. It is a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1959 by DuPont chemist Joseph Shivers. When first introduced, it revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry. "Spandex" is a generic name and not derived from the chemical name of the fiber, as are most manufactured fibers, but an anagram of the word expands. "Spandex" is the preferred name in North America; elsewhere it is referred to as "elastane".citation needed] The most famous brand name associated with spandex is Lycra, a trademark of Invista (formerly part of DuPont). Such is the prominence of the Lycra brand that it has become a genericized trademark in many parts of the world, used to describe any kind of spandex. Invista discourages such use, protecting its trademark vigorously.
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Yeeeee Gaaaads -more slicing an dicing the rules over "suit technology". It's apparent this issue is never going to be resolved to anyone's liking and it's time for FINA to just TIVO back to the rules in effect in the 1970s and 80s and put all the worms back into the can -and seal the lid shut. :blah: Dolphin 2
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Hmmm... What about thinning the gunk with something then spraying it directly onto the suit? INTERESTING. I'll have to see what the solvent is that they are using and if I can dig some up. Good idea, although I'm sure you'll get a NastyGram from The Court Without Appeal. ("Why are you encouraging him? He doesn't need any help in doing stupid things.") -LBJ
  • (I really don't think The Court Without Appeal would rule favorably on me using the washer for this.) Would she mind if you fished a salad spinner out of the back of the appliance graveyard??? S
  • Hmmm... What about thinning the gunk with something then spraying it directly onto the suit?
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Would she mind if you fished a salad spinner out of the back of the appliance graveyard??? S Right now, I'm seriously in the dog house, so even that would be pushing it. I had thought of a salad spinner (we only have one, actually), but don't think it would generate enough force to drive the gunk off the suit to an adequate degree. I've been too busy to get to this, but what I have decided to do is make a small "basket" out of chicken wire or 1/4" mesh screening, attach it to a rope, put the wet, gunky suit in it, take it out to one of our fields and spin it around as hard as I can. Hopefully, this will be enough to get rid of the excess. The other thing I might try is taking a pressure washer and using that, hoping that the water won't take all the gunk off and/or keeping the gunk from adhering to the fabric. That might be experiment #2 - I have lots of old suits. -LBJ
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Someone brought up them up before and USA Swimming just sent out a list for allowable swimsuits under their ruling and agonswim.com is referenced. Does anyone know what fabric that they offer is better for racing? Paper, Speedline or Streamline? www.agonswim.com/.../selectByFabric.cfm