swim caps - how to get them to last longer?

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2009-05-12 12:45 PM

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Subject: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
My last pool workout ---

my cap tore. no problem, there are several more in my swim bag...

and then one after another -- they all tore !

in all fairness, these are cheap caps --- mostly from OWS and tris ... but is there a way to keep them lasting longer?

thanks

2009-05-12 12:50 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Pro
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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
Do you leave your swim bag in your car where it might get hot?  Any plastic or latex is going to break down when exposed to heat.  The only other thing I can think of is rinsing it off and make sure you keep it in a cooler place.
2009-05-12 12:52 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
Some people put baby powder in them (i think that's what they use) to keep them from sticking, but frankly, those things seem to multiply like tribbles in my gear bag.  Not sure how I ended up with so many.  thinking about making a big latex quilt
2009-05-12 12:59 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?

Silicone caps instead of latex.  I've been using the same one for two or three years now.

D

2009-05-12 1:05 PM
in reply to: #2146200

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Sensei
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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
ChrisM - 2009-05-12 10:52 AM Some people put baby powder in them (i think that's what they use) to keep them from sticking, but frankly, those things seem to multiply like tribbles in my gear bag.  Not sure how I ended up with so many.  thinking about making a big latex quilt


No doubt.  Along with my bib numbers, that's one thing I save from my races.  I must dozens in a box by  now.  But I never wear them, so they pile up.   I will never have to buy another cap as long as I live.
2009-05-12 1:06 PM
in reply to: #2146232

Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?

Aikidoman - 2009-05-12 2:05 PM
ChrisM - 2009-05-12 10:52 AM Some people put baby powder in them (i think that's what they use) to keep them from sticking, but frankly, those things seem to multiply like tribbles in my gear bag.  Not sure how I ended up with so many.  thinking about making a big latex quilt


No doubt.  Along with my bib numbers, that's one thing I save from my races.  I must dozens in a box by  now.  But I never wear them, so they pile up.   I will never have to buy another cap as long as I live.

I've got a good stack of them as well, plus I own two silicone ones that I bought - those are the ones I wear most often. The silicone ones pull on long hair a bit less. And they last a long time.

2009-05-12 1:08 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Champion
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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?

Lots of people use silicone as it's more durable.  Thus, they tend to be more expensive as well.  However, there are some Club Swim silicone caps at swimoutlet for $4 each, which is really good deal on them.

Link:  $4 silicone caps

 

2009-05-12 1:09 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
Rinse them and let them air dry before shoving them into the bottom of your gym bag. When I don't, I find it sticks to itself, and when you pull it apart it can stretch and/or tear.

I haven't had one tear since high school, but that was when a (too long) fingernail went right through it.


Edited by lisac957 2009-05-12 1:10 PM
2009-05-12 3:16 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
Buy a good quality expensive one, I've had the same 1 which I swim 4x per week for the past 2 years.

Those free cheap ones aren't that great
2009-05-12 3:25 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
As I'm sure you've gathered by now...silicone is the way to go.  However, I just dry mine with a handtowel and put it in a ziplock with some baby powder...but really, the latex ones are like 99 cents a peice!
2009-05-12 3:41 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Elite
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Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
My swim cap has been good for 1 year now 200,000 yards.  I do air it out after every swim and try to not cook it too much, but I am not that careful.

2009-05-12 3:48 PM
in reply to: #2146173

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Veteran
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Raleigh, NC
Subject: RE: swim caps - how to get them to last longer?
ditto...have a ton from races. Tend to keep my favorites. I also have a few silicone. But the key is just drying them then dash a little baby powder on them. Even the latex caps will last a long time doing this...
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