I just don’t get it.
My Speedo Endurance polyester suit is more comfortable, looks better, lasts longer, fits better, holds its shape longer. All this and it’s only slightly more expensive. I haven’t tried TYR or Dolfin’s poly suit, but I imagine similar results.
If you purchase Lycra over Poly I would like to hear your reasons.
I have a couple of TYR poly’s and you’re dead one, they are way better than lycra.
For training day in and day out poly is the way to go. But for racing and going fast, Lycra is faster. It’s also easier to get on and off, is thinner, and feels better against your skin. (Some people I know (not me!) don’t like the feel of the polyester.) Poly suits also tend to bunch up more. My poly jammers that have longer legs are VERY SLOW compared to my lycra square leg shorts - I’d estimate around 5 seconds per 100 SCY.
I think lycra is more comfortable and fits better because is stretches more. If I only swam once a week I would probably switch back to lycra.
For me, poly itches and irritates my already sensitive skin. I’ve also got kind of an odd torso shape and appreciate the extra stretch lycra gives.
Can anyone else confirm that Lycra is faster? I have a couple open water 5K’s this year. The B70 is legal, but I don’t want to drop $100 for something I will wear a couple times.
I’d be interested in a faster jammer/square leg though.