Tag: speedo lzr racer

Speedo Racing Swimsuit Trends

Speedo Racing Swimsuit Trends

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Speedo racing swimsuit trends dictate what other brands will turn out each season. The 2012 Olympics means plenty of new trends for competitive racing

Speedo Fastskin3 Kneeskin
Speedo Racing Swimsuit

swimsuits. Olympic swimmers know that fit matters most when it comes to finding the right swimsuit for a major competition. Finding the right fit means designating certain suits for different purposes.

1. Find the right fit for practice means looser fits. Relaxed and slightly loose swimwear is comfortable for practice. Speedo has special elastic in their swimsuits to prevent constriction, even with a more fitted swimsuit. The leg openings on a practice swimsuit should be slightly roomy, but still sit flush to the skin. Not every swimmer wants them as tight as the leg openings on competitive swimwear. For the 2012 Olympics and any major competitive swim meet, you’ll notice tight leg openings and nylon fabrics for swimwear.

2. Olympic swimmers are picky about their fabrics for swimsuits. You’ll notice many aerodynamic suits at the 2012 Olympics and for good reason. These thin, fitted suits sit like a second skin on a swimmer’s body, making it easy to swim fast and move freely under water. Olympic swimmers know that a suit’s fit and fabric can help or hinder their performance. One popular trend is for Olympic swimmers to wear full body suits. These are often more expensive than other swimsuits, but are well worth the money since they are ideal for competitive swimming. Innovative fabrics and techniques are implemented for these full body suits. Full body suits should be very snug, but never too tight or cut off circulation. These full body suits may not affect your performance while practicing, but the aerodynamic fabric will potentially help shave seconds off competitive meets.

3. Be careful with swimsuit straps. The vast majority of swimsuits do not have straps. Swimsuit straps slow down competitive swimmers, so straps are usually an extension of the torso portion of the suit. Competitive swimmers don’t need tie-style straps holding them down. Make sure armholes are wide enough to be comfortable, but never with excess or puckering fabric in any area.

4. Be sure there’s adequate coverage in the back. Like with armholes, there shouldn’t be any tugging or puckering in the bottom area for women or men. If the style doesn’t seem to work with your shape, try a different style versus changing sizes in the exact same suit. You’ll notice that Olympic swimmers wear different styles of swimsuits and this is because they choose what works for their bodies while staying within the competition’s swimwear guidelines.

Check out a Speedo racing swimsuit the next time you’re looking for a new suit. You’ll notice Speedo is a brand favored by Olympic athletes and competitive swimmers around the globe.

BlueSeventy Nero and Aquazone Renegade Suits Now Available

BlueSeventy Nero and Aquazone Renegade Suits Now Available

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blueseventy approvedThe Blueseventy Nero and the Aquazone Renegade suits are in stock now and ready to ship just in time for the summer long course swimming season championship meets. Blue Seventy Nero swimskins were re-approved by FINA and are legal for the 2009 swimming year. Things might change for 2010 but now is the time to get your blue 70 swimsuits for this summers sectional swim meets, long course LSC JO’s, and zone meets. The Aquazone Renegade swimsuits are also instock now and they are also FINA Approved for USA Swimming meets. Also on the approval list are the Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits and the TYR Tracer swimsuits.

Many of you have asked what is the best swim suit? Is it the Blueseventy Nero or the Aquazone Renegade or the Speedo LZR Racer? The results are obvious that they all preform amazingly well in the water and will improve your times in the pool. The Blue Seventy Nero and the Aqua Zone Renegade both utilize the Yamamoto SCS fabric which is extremely fast and has a very small drag coefficient, while the Speedo LZR swimsuit uses bonded seams, and specially designed panels to reduce drag and increase speed in the water. For the money the Blue Seventy and Aqua Zone swimsuits cannot be beat they are less expensive than the Speedo LZR and they will fit like a glove when you put one on. The Aquazone Renegade features specially located Lycra panels to achieve one of the best fits of any racing swimsuit. The Speedo LZR has smashed countless swimming records around the world but it requires a little more effort to achieve the correct fitting. Too small and you might rip the LZR pulse fabric and too big you will get wrinkles thus reducing the effects of this amazing swimsuit. We will let you and your record breaking new times be the judge of the fastest swimsuit.

US Masters Statement about Swimsuits

US Masters Statement about Swimsuits

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NOTICE TO ALL U. S. MASTERS SWIMMING MEMBERS

June 1, 2009

The following U.S. Masters Swimming’s official interpretation of Swimwear rule 102.14 was published March 26, 2009. These USMS interpretations have not changed and will remain in place until further notice. While USA Swimming chose to modify their rules, U.S. Masters Swimming has chosen to maintain its rules and interpretation until FINA has completed its processes and informed us of its interpretation as it applies to Masters Swimming. While our policy remains unchanged during this interim period, there is new information in the questions and answers following the interpretations.

 #1. USMS SWIMWEAR INTERPRETATION

FINA approval or rejection of new swimsuits introduced after September 30, 2007, will be accepted by U.S. Masters Swimming for USMS sanctioned and recognized competition.

 The following interpretation regarding the use of two suits during competition was also published March 26, 2009.

 #2. USMS SWIMWEAR INTERPRETATION

For purposes of Article 102.14 of U.S. Masters Swimming Rules of Competition, Swimwear, the use of more than one swimsuit at a time during any USMS sanctioned or recognized competition is prohibited.

 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

1. Question: Can I wear a regular racing suit that is not a body suit?

Answer: Yes, suits introduced prior to September 30, 2007, are legal for U.S.M.S. competition.

2. Question: Can I still wear my LZR or TYR Tracer at meets including long course meters meets?

Answer: Yes, because at least some of the LZR and the TYR Tracer models are on the new list of FINA-approved suits that was published May 19, 2009, and none of these suits are on the not-approved list. All LZR and TYR suits are legal at least until the retesting is completed. (We have not seen the official list of suits being retested, so we don’t know if there are models of these suits included.)

3. Question: Why don’t I see the new suit I bought on the new list of FINA-approved suits?

Answer: There are 136 suits that are currently being retested by FINA. The target date for those results is June 19, 2009. The suits are being retested under the new system for buoyancy (no more than 1 Newton), material (no thicker than 1 mm), and construction (no trapping of air), just to mention a few criteria. At the point of publication of those results, the USMS Rules Committee will consider those test results.

4. Question: How will this impact Masters competitors?

Answer: That suit you bought after September 30, 2007, is legal at this moment, but it could be reconsidered by the USMS Rules Committee after the next FINA-approved swimsuit list is published. Regardless of the upcoming new list, that old Fastskin or similar suit that you have will be legal since it was introduced prior to September 30, 2007.

5. Question: My coach is forcing me to swim the 1650 Free as a training swim. Can I wear a drag suit over my jammers?

Answer: No. Although wearing an extra drag suit may not be perceived as having an advantage, the interpretation is that only one swimsuit is permitted.

6. Question: Does “one suit for competition” mean I can only wear one suit for the whole meet?

Answer: No. You can change suits during the meet, but you can only wear one suit at a time. This restriction applies only to the actual races (competition). You can wear more than one suit during warm-up and warm-down. This restriction applies to all types, makes, and models of swim suits, but it is not intended to apply to athletic supporters or modesty type wear (a single pair of “briefs” or “bikini bottoms or top” or a sports bra worn to ensure modesty and privacy).

 Kathy Casey, Chair

U.S. Masters Swimming Rules Committee

FINA Ruling on the Speedo LZR Racer

FINA Ruling on the Speedo LZR Racer

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Speedo LZR Racer Approved by FINA
Speedo LZR Racer Approved by FINA

This statement was released this week by Speedo regarding the LZR Racer FINA ruling.

We are pleased that FINA has announced that the Speedo LZR Racer suit conforms to all FINA rules and regulations and is approved for use in all FINA competition including this year’s World Championships in Rome in July.

The reputation and ongoing success of the sport of swimming is of paramount importance to Speedo and we are pleased that there is clarity for all involved.

Speedo has been a leader in performance swimwear for over 80 years and we will continue to pioneer innovation for swimmers, within FINA rules.

Goggle Straps Causing Drag?

Goggle Straps Causing Drag?

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Mark Sptiz
Mark Spitz – Olympic Gold Medalist

It was not that long ago when Mark Spitz won all of his gold medals wearing only a nylon brief swimsuit. Goggles, swim caps, and even shaving were not necessary to beat his competition. When I say he did not shave, I am not talking about shaving his body down, I am talking about just shaving his mustache. It makes me wonder if I put on a LZR suit, goggles, and a cap — would I be able to beat Spitz?Goggle straps worn outside of the cap add about 2 – 3 per cent drag. So swimmers should always make sure that their goggle strap is inside the cap when they race and not on the outside.The difference in winning and losing a race is now so small that swimmers

Speedo Aqua V Cap
Speedo Aqua V Cap

everywhere are doing anything they can to reduce drag and increase speed. We have seen the difference that caps make and the new Speedo Aqua V cap is the next technological advancement in head wear. By using different densities of silicone, the Speedo Aqua V Cap is not only hydrodynamic, but also remains comfortable and lightweight when being worn. The multi-density design reduces drag 5% by eliminating wrinkles and holding its shape during competition. Speedo has even designed this new swim cap to allow your goggle straps  to become even more hydrodynamic under the cap.

The amount of increase in drag may not seem like a lot, but the small changes in drag have big impacts on ultimate performance. If they didn’t the Speedo LZR wouldn’t have that many world records under its belt already.

The First Step in Regulating the Speedo LZR and Blue Seventy Nero

The First Step in Regulating the Speedo LZR and Blue Seventy Nero

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FINA meet this weekend and drafted the Dubai Charter which is the first step in regulating the controversial swimming suits like the Speedo LZR Racer, TYR Rise, Blue Seventy Nero, and the Aqua Zone Renegade. FINA is laying the ground work for new regulations that will start popping up in the next few months and years to come. The idea is to insure that the sport of swimming remains fair and that the playing field or pool is equal for all swimmers.

 

 

DUBAI CHARTER on FINA requirements for swimwear approval

As the world governing body for aquatic sports, FINA has the authority and responsibility to issue regulations applying to its five disciplines. This includes the determination of the specifications applying to sport equipment. In the context of the discussion in connection with swimsuits development and their alleged impact on sport, FINA reaffirms that it will continue monitoring the evolution of the sport equipment with the main objective of keeping the integrity of the sport.  

In doing so, FINA wishes to recall that the main and core principle is that swimming is a sport essentially based on the physical performance of the athlete. This is the fundament which FINA has and will continue to preserve as its main objective and priority. FINA brings together athletes from around the world to compete on equal conditions and thereby decides the winner by the athlete who is physically the best.  

This does not however imply that swimming, like all other sports, should not integrate the natural progress and improvements in technology where this helps, bettering the conditions under which the athletes compete and optimising their athletic performances. 

FINA also acknowledges the significance of the contributions manufacturers are bringing to the sport at all levels, including to the federations, athletes, coaches and event organisers. This co-operation is essential to continue to develop and remain a major sport worldwide.  In a rapidly evolving world, regulations need to progress as well to address new emerging issues. Before any discussion arose, FINA had initiated a process in view of adapting the equipment regulations. To improve their quality and credibility, FINA has not only consulted the manufacturers but has also sought the support of independent scientific experts of worldwide reputation who will notably assist in the determination of meaningful tests.  

With the support of independent experts, FINA will set up a long term monitoring project with the mid/long term objective to allow an ongoing control on equipment development.  

The FINA Bureau, after considering the conclusion of the meeting with the Swimsuit Manufacturers held in Lausanne (SUI) on February 20, 2009, where the full support from the FINA Athletes, Coaches and Legal Commissions was also received on this matter, has decided to revise the requirements for swimsuit approval with the aim of making them more clear, simple and transparent. 

1. Amendments to existing FINA requirements for swimwear approval (valid until December 31, 2009) 

a. DESIGN: The swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulders nor past the ankles. 

b. MATERIAL:  

  • i. When used, the material shall follow the body shape; 
  • ii. The application of different materials shall not create air trapping effects. 

c. THICKNESS: The material used shall have a maximum thickness of 1 mm. The measurement method is in accordance with ISO Standard 5084 for textiles. 

d. BUOYANCY: The swimsuit shall not have a buoyancy effect of more than 1 Newton (100 gr). 

  • The value to be observed applies to all swimsuits sizes. 

e. CONTROL: FINA has established its own independent control/testing programme. Scientific testing on thickness and buoyancy will be conducted by a neutral team led by Prof. Jan-Anders Manson, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology. 

f. CONSTRUCTION: Any system providing external stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release, electro-stimulation, or others) is prohibited. 

g. CUSTOMISATION: All swimsuits of an approved model must be constructed in an identical fashion with no variation/modification for individual swimmers from the samples submitted for approval. Any modification before use is prohibited; it is clarified that an adaptation of size does not constitute customisation.  

h. USE: The swimmer can only wear one swimsuit (FINA Rule GR 5.3). 

i. SWIMSUITS TO BE SUBMITTED: All swimsuits to be used during the period of application shall be submitted, even if previously approved. The only submission deadline under these rules is March 31, 2009. 

j. APPROVAL: Approvals issued under these rules remain valid until December 31, 2009. Manufacturers must indicate the approval on the product in use through a method to be implemented by FINA. The purpose is to check that the swimsuits used in competition are approved models.  

In addition to the amendments valid until December 31, 2009, the FINA Bureau approved the following: 

2. FINA requirements for swimwear approval (valid from January 1, 2010) 

a. SWIMWEAR SUBJECT TO APPROVAL: Any swimwear used in FINA competitions and Olympic Games shall comply with these new rules and shall be a model approved by FINA in accordance with these new procedures. It is further clarified that results achieved in other competitions may only be recognised as world records by FINA if approved swimwear has been used. 

b. PERMEABILITY: In addition to the thickness and buoyancy scientific independent tests already included in the previous requirements, FINA will define the use of non-permeable materials based on a ‘permeability value’ test. The non-permeable material can only be used for a maximum 50% of the total surface of the swimsuit for full-body models. For these models, the maximum surface of non-permeable material to be used on the upper and lower part of the swimsuit shall be respectively 25% on each part. Non-permeable material shall be distinguishable.  

c. SUBMISSION DATES: The first submission deadline under these rules is November 1, 2009, followed by a submission on August 1 every year (example: August 1, 2010; August 1, 2011). Submission to approval 12 months in advance of the forthcoming FINA World Championships or Olympic Games. Moreover, the approved model shall be available on the market at least 6 months prior to the forthcoming FINA World Championships or Olympic Games. 

d. LIST OF APPROVED MODELS: FINA will publish a list of approved models. The publication is without prejudice to the fact that criteria and conditions of approval must be effectively met by products in use.  

e. APPLICATION: These new rules are applicable from October 1, 2009. They are applied to swimwear to be used in competition from January 1, 2010. Further amendments, if necessary, shall be issued by the FINA Bureau.  

3. FINA Monitoring Programme on swimwear

FINA will continue monitoring the evolution of the sports equipment and watch innovations in shape, material and other elements which may need to be addressed. 

FINA will consult with its National Federations, its Athletes, Coaches and Legal Commissions, Swimming Committee and manufacturers on any further developments in this respect. 

FINA will consolidate the independent scientific support from Jan-Anders Manson and his team, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology.

Blue Seventy Avaliable Soon

Blue Seventy Avaliable Soon

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The most popular swimsuit of the short course championship season is almost completely sold out. The new Blue Seventy Nero swimsuit has been sold at a phenomenal rate this month and only a few odd sizes remain on the shelves of a few swim shops. The performance of the Blue Seventy Nero Swimskin racing suit has helped propel it to the top right along side of the Speedo LZR Racer and the TYR Tracer Rise. The Speedo LZR Racer has been selling out and delivery is taking longer for Speedo USA since there is only one factory supplying the whole world with the LZR. The lower price of the Nero Swimskin and delivery problems with Speedo have certainly helped Blue Seventy sell more suits this season. Blue Seventy is expecting to start shipping more Nero swimsuits at the end of the month so swim shops like D&J Sports will have BlueSeventy suits in stock during the first week of March. Just in time for the last couple rounds of championship swim meets.

Blueseventy suits flying off the shelf

Blueseventy suits flying off the shelf

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Quick update on the championship swimming season. The demand for full body racing suits has started to exceed the supply and many swim shops are quickly running out of racing suits. There is now more pressure than ever before for age group swimmers, high school swimmers, and collegiate swimmers to wear the full body racing suits. These new swimskins have quickly become a necessity for any fast swimmer. The top suits in 2009 are by far the Speedo LZR Racer and the Blueseventy Nero Comp swimskin. Due to the overwhelming demand Speedo is running low on the supply of LZR suits and many swimmers are switching to the Blueseventy suit. Both of these suits are hard to find and only a select few swim shops are able to meet the demand. D&J Sports has been able to get it’s hands on a large supply of Speedo LZR and Blueseventy Nero Swimskins but they are going quickly and will not last much longer. Be sure to order your racing suit now before they are all gone.