Technical Suit Suggestions?

The Fusion 2 has been fine for me. In my case I normally wear a 38 for practice but in a tech suit I usually go down to a 34. I also keep a 36 around just for longer races. I find I don't want as much compression on the 1650 or 1000 races since they are so long so I opt for a 36 for those races then change into a 34 or when I am under 170 I will drag out my old 32. Since my weight varies sometimes I have several different suits at different sizes for different races. For your first outing pay the extra and get fitted for the right suit, every body is different and so are the suits.

I got really lucky with my first (and so far only) tech suit. Based on the reviews in a recent SWIMMER issue, I decided to try a suit from AGON. I used their sizing chart and ordered a Streamline Knee Length Pro-back (fully lined). I chose a Blue/Black Splice design, which they fabricated for me. It took just over 3 weeks for me to get it and it fit like a glove. And, it only cost me $91 and change including shipping. I tried it out in the pool for a long workout and loved it, and yesterday I wore it in an OW event (see attached picture). It performed beautifully. forums.usms.org/picture.php

Also, the stitching started coming undone along one of the arm holes. I think that the quality has something to do with it, but if you are looking for an "entry-level" suit, this is probably your best bet. I will probably wear it again. I can't speak to how it will hold up over a season, as I only wore it for 1 day of a 2-day meet. On mine the stitching started coming undone at in the back. That, and the bad fit on me, is why I returned it. You could see skin where the stitching hadn't taken right. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with this issue with the Fusion.

My teenaged daughter likes the TYR Tracer Light -- www.swimoutlet.com/.../11289.htm -- which is one of the most reasonably priced of the technical suits. Hers has stood up to 3 competition meets and she swims distance events. I wear the men's jammer version and find the compression and material quite good -- tight and feels sturdier than some of the more expensive suits. My daughter's friends have had loads of problems with all variants of the Speedo technical suits. One has returned 3 suits for rips after single swims.

I have always worn the TYR Aquapel. Now that zippers and clips are illegal, I use the Aeroback shortjohn. My times are still dropping in this suit and I find it very comfortable. www.trivillage.com/tyrwsw0700.html

Fit is important and depending upon your body type can dictate which suit is best for you. If you are on the thin side you can buy almost any suit and the fit will be good but if you have some curves you may find it better to go to a shop and try them on. I didn't start buying the tech suits until I lost most of the weight I needed to lose. I used to weight 220 lbs but did not buy my first tech suit until I was 175 lbs. My personal opinion is don't waist your money until you can actually fit in the suit, that is why I waited. I have seen people I feel do not need to stuff themselves into a suit that is TOOOOO small and they are almost see thru in the back. When I finally decided to buy my first suit I visited the booths at Nationals at the Woodlands starting with the Speedo booth where the sales gal said she could fit anyone even if she had to put me in a mans suit. In the end she had to admit my body type was better for a Tyr suit than a Speedo, so she took me over to the Tyr vender and they helped my find an Aquapel that fit really well. Since then I have been using the Tyr suits. Due to price I have been staying with the Fusion 2 which fits good and works for me without draining my wallet. When I can find an old Aquapel or Aqua Shift I pick them up. I have 3 I managed to find recently at a great price. My local swim shop also keeps an eye out for me on samples and such. for your first suit don't worry about price, go for fit. Go to a good swim shop and try them on. This is always my recommendation. Once you know what to buy you can pick it up at a good price. I hope this is helpful.

Since then I have been using the Tyr suits. Due to price I have been staying with the Fusion 2 which fits good and works for me without draining my wallet. When I can find an old Aquapel or Aqua Shift I pick them up. I have 3 I managed to find recently at a great price. My local swim shop also keeps an eye out for me on samples and such. I had seen the Fusion 2 on swimoutlet.com and it appealed to me because of the price (especially since this is my first tech suit), but quite frankly the price looked too good to be true and I was questioning its quality. Have you had good luck with it? And, thanks for the other advice.

I like the speedo pro 2010 Approved Womens Tech Suits 2010 Approved Mens Tech Suits

I had seen the Fusion 2 on swimoutlet.com and it appealed to me because of the price (especially since this is my first tech suit), but quite frankly the price looked too good to be true and I was questioning its quality. Have you had good luck with it? And, thanks for the other advice. Donna has some good advice about fit. I tried the Fusion 2 for Nationals and found that the neck came up so high that it felt like it was choking me. I ended up returning it and luckily found 2 Aquapel's for $30 each that I'm using now.

My teenaged daughter likes the TYR Tracer Light -- www.swimoutlet.com/.../11289.htm -- which is one of the most reasonably priced of the technical suits. Hers has stood up to 3 competition meets and she swims distance events. I wear the men's jammer version and find the compression and material quite good -- tight and feels sturdier than some of the more expensive suits. My daughter's friends have had loads of problems with all variants of the Speedo technical suits. One has returned 3 suits for rips after single swims. I also vote for the Tracer Light. I have a jammer that's lasted me for several meets and it hasn't thinned or stretched.