swim skins

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2008-10-20 6:58 AM

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Subject: swim skins

At today's race (Florida, too warm for wet suits) I saw a ton of ppl wearing those new blueseventy suits.  You have to take them off after swim.  Is the times savings that significant that it's worth $200.00?  There were even people wearing them in the Sprint!

Anyone have one or know anything about them?

Cheryl

2008-10-20 9:40 AM
in reply to: #1753428

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Folsom, CA (Sacramento Area)
Subject: RE: swim skins
For me, they would not be worth it. I don't think the time savings (if any) on a long distance/endurance event are worth the money. My guess is that most people get them for the "cool kid" factor

what do I know, maybe I am wrong
2008-10-20 1:12 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Member
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South of Lat 30'
Subject: RE: swim skins
My wife and I both race in the .03 and really like them. They are great here in FL because, like you said, it's not always cold enough for a wetsuit but the skins do give you a little warmth in early spring or late fall races like the one we're doing this weekend.  You probably will not see much time difference in a sprint race but a long course race you can shave some time just like with a wetsuit.  I personally do not like swimming in a wetsuit and I find the skins to be a perfect balance between no shirt (for guys), or tri-suit to full wetsuit.
2008-10-20 2:52 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: swim skins
I can't see the swim skins giving you an advantage in a sprint at all, in fact it will cost you time in transition. You would probably have to move up to a half IM to see any rea savings from them at all.
2008-10-20 3:17 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Subject: RE: swim skins
Thanks for the input.  Still on the fence.
2008-10-20 4:10 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Extreme Veteran
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SW Florida Gulf Coast
Subject: RE: swim skins
I'm also in FL and am considering a skin for next year. I would actually be doing it for 'wardrobe' purposes as what I like to bike and run in (bra top and micro shorts) isn't all that condusive to a nice, streamlined swim.

2008-10-20 4:11 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Expert
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Plano, TX
Subject: RE: swim skins

I've borrowed one twice now. 

Mental advantage -- yes.

Real, measurable advantage --ehh.  Probably on the order of a couple seconds over the duration of an Olymic or HIM.  I'm guessing that I could save that by just learning to navigate straighter or catch a few extra meters of a good draft.

Good value for the $$ for me?  Not for me right now, really.

2008-10-20 5:14 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Subject: RE: swim skins
I got one just because I've spent so much money on everything else, whats $200 more, besides...I need all the help I can get!!
2008-10-20 7:21 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: swim skins

this spring I was party to a conversation between a masters coach and some really strong tri swimmers.  They seemed to notice a difference of a second or two per hundred, (at sub 1:15 pace) but also said that the biggest gain from the suit was the support it gave from the compressive nature of the suit.  They also said that after a handfull of swims, the suits start to stretch and the compression goes away.

So if you have a few hundred bucks to spend on a suit you get to wear 5 or 6 times, have fun.



Edited by vortmax 2008-10-20 7:22 PM
2008-10-21 4:23 AM
in reply to: #1753428

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Master
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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: swim skins
Sounds like the money would be better spent getting an entire body wax. I know it would for me.
2008-10-21 7:06 AM
in reply to: #1753428

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Veteran
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Mooretown, Ontario Canada
Subject: RE: swim skins
I have one, bought it for IMLou, as it was not wetsuit legal swim. That being said, the fact that you can wear your bike shorts and shirt under it, I believe saves time in T1. Its quick to rip off, and I'm sure the drag of my bike shirt would have slowed me down more than the time it took me to take it off.

Its also a mental advantage, and nice in a dirty river with a lot debris, if running into that kind of stuff bothers you.

FishHog

2008-10-21 6:56 PM
in reply to: #1753428

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Subject: RE: swim skins

Doesn't sound like the time savings are worth it.  The sales guy told me that you get about 30 wearings out of it...for 5 fuggetaboutit!

 Thanks, everyone,

Cheryl

 

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