Technical racing swimsuits have seen their fair share of controversy over whether they are crossing the line into giving individuals an unfair advantage in the pool. However, as long as you choose a swimsuit that falls within the FINA guidelines, you can wear it in your competitions. The question remains, though, is the advantage all in your head or is there a true advantage to using these advanced racing suits for your competitions.
Contouring Features
One of the best advantages of the technical swimsuits is the contouring they perform with the body. Instead of simply covering your body, the materials in these suits are designed to compress certain areas of the body to create better hydrodynamics. This can lead t faster swim times without the need to change anything about the way you swim. While you still need to know how to swim properly, these swimsuits make your body better able to glide through the water unimpeded. The Speedo LZR Elite Recordbreaker Kneeskin and Jammer are great examples of this contouring and compression.
A More Streamlined Effect
Many of the technical swimsuits on the market, including the Arena Carbon Pro Mark 2, use other materials that tighten the weave on the fabrics from which swimwear is made. In this case, the additional fibers are made from lightweight carbon. This means it is more likely to repel the water, rather than absorb some of it and create more friction that can slow a swimmer down. However, it is important to make sure you choose a swimsuit that doesn’t violate FINA guidelines if you intend to wear it for competitions.
Is the Higher Cost Worth It?
One of the primary concerns over the technical racing suits is whether they are worth their high cost. The high cost can also give some swimmers an advantage over those who can’t afford to pay for them. If you can afford it, though, buying a technical swim suit for your competitions will ensure that you have the latest swimwear that will enhance your performance in the water.
Technical swimsuits, such as the Speedo LZR Elite and the Arena Carbon Pro Mark 2, can be a great advantage. It won’t make you a better swimmer, but it can improve your speeds in the water due to its construction. You will still need to master the basic swimming techniques. The goal is to make swimmers more hydrodynamic to help them move more easily through the water, improving performance.
If you are interested in technical racing suits, contact us for a full listing of FINA-approved competitive swimwear.
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