I am a new Masters swimmer, 48 years old, who will be competing in my first meet on March 27 & 28. I haven't competed since 1979 and wasn't that fast then (100yd breaststroke 1:19.6). I don't know my current 100yd breaststroke time, however, my timed 50yd breaststroke diving in from the edge of the pool (no blocks available) was :42.
It has been suggested to me in another thread that I purchase a tech suit for meets. How much time will this save me in short races? I am on a budget and would like use my Speedo Endurance Training suit I purchased on clearance, at least until I get better!
Thanks!
more than you'd think, though if you're not concerned with going super duper fast this season, I'd just get a 2010 FINA approved suit
2010 Approved Womens Tech Suits
2010 Approved Mens Tech Suits
When you say, "more than you'd think", can you take a guess as to how much a tech suit would shave off the times I mentioned in my first post? Are we talking seconds or tenths? Thanks, Ande!
Thanks for everybody's input so far! I definitely lean towards the idea that it's "not worth it" and I especially agree that I have a lot of work to do on my stroke and speed, tech suit or not! But, I was curious as to exactly what kind of time tech suits can shave off of a short race.
I will look forward to more opinions, but I appreciate your posts so far!
Thanks!
A couple seconds per hundred isn't out of the question, in my opinion.
I agree,1-2 sec/100 depending on the suit and your form.The first generation of tech suits seemed to me to benefit breaststroke less than the other strokes,where as the newest ones may benefit breaststroke more.If you are serious about your time I'd get one.They are only good until 6/1/10 and they will skew your idea of what fast is,but they may be worth it.There are some really good deals available now and you can probably get one for less than your poly practice suit cost.
It is definitely worth it if you want to swim fast. Don't listen to D2, he is completely anti-tech suit.
I dropped 8 sec in my 200 br last March (and I had bronchitis). It does make a difference.
The B70 is good for $100, but I'm more for the FINIS Aqua-something or other for $60. I think it's a bit faster than the B70.
If you have the money, I would do it without any question. It's fun to swim fast (assisted or not).
:2cents:
you're a breastroker
if you go a 42, a B70 is likely to help you by a few seconds.
When you're wearing the suit, you want to stay streamlined longer.
What suit did you wear when you went 42?
I'd get a suit that would be legal past this season
When you say, "more than you'd think", can you take a guess as to how much a tech suit would shave off the times I mentioned in my first post? Are we talking seconds or tenths? Thanks, Ande!
My Speed Endurance Training suit was purchased on clearance from swimoutlet.com for $35. I've been in the pool for 4 hours/week since last August in that suit and it is still in perfect shape. (I lost three previous suits very quickly, because they were Lycra.) I haven't seen any tech suits that cheap, but $60 wouldn't be so bad. It's amazing how expensive some of the suits are, even on clearance. For an Olympic swimmer, I can see it, but for me, I DON'T think so!
In reply to Ande, I used my Speedo Endurance Training suit, the only suit I currently own that's any good for swimming...
Thanks for your opinion on the B70! That's good to know! :)
It is definitely worth it if you want to swim fast. Don't listen to D2, he is completely anti-tech suit.
He's also not a competitive swimmer, unlike everyone else on here who has given good advice.
You might as well buy one while you can.
