Monday, April 28, 2008

Longevity issues with the Speedo LZR?

Nicole Jeffrey of The Australin, quotes Leisel Jones regarding her Speedo LZR taking in water during a 200m breaststroke event at a short course meet in Canberra, Australia: "...They stretch after about three wears," she said. "I really wanted to swim fast and I prepared well. I felt quite good but the suit filling with water didn't help me much. It makes you pretty fatigued, dragging the water along."I was happy that I swam only a second off my best. And I've only had three weeks of training (since the Olympic trials) so fitness is an issue." [Link]

I wonder if breaststroke is more demanding on the Speedo LZRs than a more linear stroke such as backstroke or freestyle?

4 comments:

Amit said...

I think I heard in the NPR interview with the Swimming World editor that the suits are only meant to be worn 10-12 times.

Tony Austin said...

Yes, you are right. His exact quote and I literally wrote it down: "The suit itself only lasts for 6 to 12 wears. Michael Phelps could theoretically go through 3 or 4 swim suits at 500 a pop at the Olympics."

Anonymous said...

this has nothing to ddo with the environmental factors of the LZR Racer suits

Tony Austin said...

I am not clear on what you mean. The suit won't last long is what I meant.