Tried and tested: Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor 2.0

Do racing suits make a difference, and are they worth the money? Simon Griffiths share insights on the pros and cons of wearing a racing suit for events and puts the new Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor 2.0 through its paces

Racing suits are built for speed, not comfort. They are intended for swimmers who race in the pool but can be used in some open water events. For example, they are allowed in the non-wetsuit category at Ultraswim 33.3 and in Swim England Open Water Championship events. In masters pool swimming events, most participants use them, but they are not mandatory. You could swim in a regular costume.

Do they make a difference? Well, you never see elite swimmers racing without them which suggests they consider them essential. My personal experience and belief is that they do, but I suspect part of that is psychological. Are they worth the money? That depends on how much value you attach to your racing results.

Putting on a racing suit is a challenge. They are meant to be tight. If you buy the recommended size, you will look at it and think there is no way it will fit. Prepare for discomfort, even pain, while pulling these on. It can take 10 to 15 minutes. And go to the bathroom first. If they go on too easily, you won’t be getting the full benefit.

The above is true for any racing suit, but what of Speedo’s new LZR Pure Valor 2.0?

Your first task with Speedo is to navigate their sizing system, which is unique to them. Ensure you check their size guide before buying.

First impressions: The costume arrived in a useful mesh bag for protection and storage. It’s worth hanging on to. We got the “Turquoise” colour, which we liked. Of course, they looked to small.

Getting into the costume was no easier or no more difficult than any other. It’s part of the ritual of racing. Once on, they felt great. By that I mean you could hardly feel them. I wouldn’t say comfortable but they weren’t uncomfortable (as some are). There’s a waist band to tighten them but I think it’s superfluous. Flexibility is great. Despite the tightness, I didn’t notice any restriction in movement, including on breaststroke. The slightly higher waist works well. Some racing costumes feel too low at the back and leave a small gap for water to enter. These don’t cause that problem.

I raced all four strokes in these jammers and did some fast times. I didn’t notice or think about them when racing, which is good as you don’t want any distractions.

These are jammers that I would reserve for races where I want to perform at my best. A women’s version is also available.

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