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9 Best Budget Tech Suits for Swimmers- Race Affordably

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Are you looking to invest in a high-quality tech suit without breaking the bank? Well, then you have come to the right place. In today’s article, we will be taking a look at some of the best budget tech suits for swimmers.

In the modern world of competitive swimming, the benefits of tech suits are well known. Just by taking a look at this recent study from the Journal of Sports Biomechanics the performance-enhancing effects of tech suits are evident.

The study suggests that fastskin tech suits can reduce drag up to 2%. Sure, this isn’t as much as some competitive swim gear manufacturers claim the suits can reduce, but it is still enough to result in a record-breaking, gold-winning, or nationals qualifying swim performance.

If we were to take a look at another study published by the Faculty of Sport Sciences at the University of Rouen in France. We will find evidence that tech suits can have the effect of improving glide and reducing drag while swimming. This creates optimal conditions for swimmers to exert higher stroke rates, ultimately allowing them to swim faster and improve performance in the water.

By looking at the research stated above, it is clear that swimming tech suits can have performance-enhancing effects in the pool. And what is better than gaining a competitive edge in the pool at an affordable price?

If you would like to learn more about how tech suits enhance swimming performances, both physcially and mentally, you can check out my article- do tech suits make a difference?

9 Best Budget Tech Suits for Swimming

Here is are the best budget tech suits for swimmers-

  1. Finis Fuse
  2. Arena R-Evo One
  3. TYR Tracer B-Series
  4. Arena ST 2.0
  5. Speedo Powerplus Prime
  6. TYR Thresher
  7. Jaked Jalpha
  8. Dolfin Firststrike
  9. Jaked Jkeel

←Scroll to view full table on mobile→

Budget Tech suit Recommended swimming events Material composition Our rating View on SwimOutlet
Finis Fuse All events 71% polyamide, 29% elastane 10/10 >View price
Arena R-Evo One All events 78% polyamide, 22% elastane 9/10 >View price
TYR Tracer B-Series All events 70% nylon, 30% lycra 8/10 >View price
Arena ST 2.0 All events 71% nylon, 29% lycra 7/10 >View price
Speedo Powerplus Prime All events 71% nylon, 29% lycra 7/10 >View price
TYR Thresher All events 71% nylon, 29% lycra 7/10 >View price
Jaked Jalpha All events 71% polyamide, 29% elastane 7/10 >View price
Dolfin Firststrike All events 71% nylon, 29% lycra 7/10 >View price
Jaked Jkeel All events N/A 7/10 >View price

For help with finding the right size for your tech suit, consider reading my tech suit sizing guide, where I cover all of the most popular swimming brands and their tech suits.

1. Finis Fuse Tech Suit

Personally, I am a big fan of the Finis Fuse tech suit, budget suit or not. This is a great starter tech suit packed with a wide range of advanced features allowing for superior performance in the water.

The suit’s design provides high levels of muscle compression, big reductions in drag while swimming, and a flexible design allowing for optimal range of motion in the water. Additionally, the suit is constructed from lightweight and durable fabrics.

Overall, the Finis Fuse tech suit is a great suit loaded with a lot of awesome performance-enhancing features. The suit also comes in at a really nice and affordable price range.

Here are some features of the Finis Fuse tech suit-

  • The suit contains flexible muscle compression to allow for increased blood flow and a full range of motion while swimming which will help you to swim as fast as possible and crush your best times.
  • Welded seam technology in the suit incorporates bonded seams with a double panel construction to reduce your drag in the water.
  • The Finis Fuse tech suit is designed to repel water effectively in order to reduce drag and turbulence while swimming so that you can swim as fast as possible and get that qualifying time.
  • Optimal compression technology in the suit allows for high-levels of muscle compression with resilient elasticity built-in so that you’ll never feel restricted.
  • The Finis Fuse tech suit has a versatile fit with its bonded seams and durable features allowing it to be used for any swimming event.
  • Silicone watertight edges allow for a comfortable and secure grip while wearing.
  • Quality fabric with a material composition of 71% polyamide and 29% elastane allows for a durable suit. 
  • It comes in at an affordable and budget price point to save you some money.

Cons-

  • The suit doesn’t come with a carry pouch

2. Arena R-Evo One Tech Suit

Next we have the Arena R-Evo One tech suit. The R-Evo One is a great budget tech suit with a lot of good features built into its design. The suit was released by Arena a while back, but it still lives up to its name by bringing some good performance benefits to the table.

Arena R-Evo One Tech Suit

Quick Summary: The Arena R-Evo One is a popular mid-range tech suit ideal for all strokes and events.

The suit presents a flexible and lightweight construction while drag is reduced using a single fabric design, sole bonded seam, and water-repellent coating. Additionally, the fine-thread, high-density fabric provides muscular compression.

Keep in mind, this is a mid-range suit, so don’t expect the features to be quite the same as that of a high-end suit.

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Next we have the Arena R-Evo One tech suit. The R-Evo One is a great budget tech suit with a lot of good features built into its design. The suit was released by Arena a while back, but it still lives up to its name by bringing some good performance benefits to the table.

The suit is quite comfortable and has a lightweight and flexible design to avoid slowing you down in any way possible while swimming. The single-fabric construction of the suit reduces drag and improves range of motion in the water. The suit also has good water-repellency and muscle compression.

All in all, the Arena R-Evo One is an awesome tech suit coming in at an affordable price point. It packs some solid features in its design and will fit all of your swimming needs.

Here are some features of the Arena R-Evo One tech suit-

  • The Arena R-Evo One is constructed with a single fabric design and has a single bonded seam at the back, eliminating the traditional side and upper-body seams. This allows for increased range of motion and comfort while swimming as well as lower drag when you are racing.
  • Fine-thread and high-density weave of the fabric allows for advanced hydrodynamics resulting in enhanced compression, reduced water absorption and decreased drag helping you to claim those gold medals.
  • Lightweight and flexible design with a material composition of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane keeps you agile in the water and allows for a durable suit.
  • The design of the suit makes it easy to get on and off and allows for a comfortable and compressive fit so that you won’t feel restricted.
  • Affordable budget price saves you money.

Cons-

  • The compression in the suit is slightly lower than some of the other suits.

3. TYR Tracer B Series Tech Suit

Jumping straight to our fourth budget tech suit, we have the TYR Tracer B Series suit. This is another excellent tech suit coming in at an affordable and budget price while still packing some impressive features in its design.

The TYR Tracer B Series tech suit has a compressive and comfortable fit. Its design decreases drag and enhances blood flow to important muscle groups. The seams on the suit are also designed for reduced resistance and enhanced muscular stability.

Overall, the TYR Tracer B Series tech suit is a great option. It is loaded with good performance-enhancing features and comes in at a relatively good and affordable price range.

Here are some features of the TYR-Tracer B Series tech suit-

  • The suit is designed with a five-piece muscle mapped pattern following the natural contours of the body. This allows for optimal muscle compression and freedom of movement while swimming so that you will be able to swim as fast as possible.
  • Four-way lock seams in the core area increase abdominal stability so that you can maintain perfect technique and optimal speed until the very end of your race.
  • The design of the suit allows for decreased body circumference and helps to increase blood flow to critical muscle groups allowing for faster oxygen replenishment in a race which will result in decreased fatigue and faster swimming.
  • The seams are micro taped for decreased drag to maximize your speed.
  • Compressive and comfortable fit with a material composition of 70% nylon and 30% lycra.
  • Comes in at an affordable price point to save you money.

Cons-

  • Compression slightly lacks, but still suffices.

4. Arena ST 2.0 Tech Suit

Next on our list is the Arena ST 2.0 tech suit. The ST 2.0 tech suit absolutely screams budget when you look at its price. Yet, Arena still managed to deliver a decent suit with some elite features.

Top 12 and Under Pick
Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Tech Suit

Quick summary: the Arena ST 2.0 is a very popular tech suit approved for 12 and under use. It makes an excellent fit for all strokes and events. Additionally, it has a budget price.

Features of this tech suit include a lightweight, moderately compressive, and ergonomic design, flatlock sewn seams, silicone leg grips, and complete freedom of movement. The suit is also available in various fun colors.

Downsides include fewer premium fabrics and lacking durability.

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The Arena ST 2.0 will provide you with adequate amounts of muscular compression and has a light-weight design. The suit is very flexible and won’t restrict your movement patterns whatsoever. 

Overall, the Arena ST 2.0 tech suit is a great budget tech suit coming in at a very affordable price. The suit definitely doesn’t feel cheap and has some good features. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more feature-loaded suit, you are going to have to spend slightly more.

Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Tech Suit

Here are some features of Arena ST 2.0-

  • The Arena ST 2.0 offers good muscle compression allowing for increased blood flow to muscle tissues while racing so that you can power to first place.
  • Relatively light-weight and comfortable design with a material composition of 71% Nylon and 29% lycra keeps you light and agile while racing.
  • The Arena ST 2.0 allows for complete freedom of movement so that you can generate maximal power with every pull and kick.
  • Ergonomic design allows the suit to offer enhanced muscular support, stability, and comfort while racing so that you can maintain perfect technique and optimal speed until the end of your race.
  • It comes in at a low and budget price to save you money.

Cons-

  • Durability of the suit not the best, but it’ll last you at least a season before loosening up.

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5. Speedo PowerPlus Prime Tech Suit

The Speedo PowerPlus Prime tech suit is a quality engineered tech suit coming in at a budget price point. The suit packs an impressive set of features and has a solid design.

Speedo Powerplus Prime Tech Suit

Quick Summary: The Speedo Powerplus is a popular budget tech suit optimal for all strokes and events.

The suit presents a compressive, flexible, and lightweight design. Other features include 2-way stretch technology, strategically positioned seams, water-repellent coating, and taped leg openings.

Keep in mind, this is a budget tech suit, so don’t expect it to be anything too extravagant.

View on SwimOutlet

The Powerplus prime tech suit has quality muscle compression built-in. This allows for increased blood flow and improved stability. The design is light-weight, the fabric is durable and the leg bands are designed for a secure fit.

All in all, the Speedo PowerPlus Prime tech suit is a solid racing suit coming in at a good price and loaded with some excellent performance-enhancing features.

Here are some features of the Speedo PowerPlus Prime tech suit-

  • The design contains a 2-way stretch fabric renowned for excellent shape retention and muscle stabilizing compression to help you maintain speed until the end of your race and claim gold.
  • Seam bonded outer and inner fabrics create a secure feel while providing adequate amounts of muscle compression to ensure optimized blood circulation.
  • Lightweight design with a material composition of 71% nylon and 29% lycra keeps you agile in the water.
  • Taped leg openings ensure a secure and compressive fit allowing the suit to stay in place during fast swims.
  • Engineered back seams stabilize leg muscles during each start, turn and kick to allow for powerful dives and push-offs.
  • Affordable budget price point saves you money.

Cons-

  • Durability not the best out of all the suits.

6. TYR Thresher Tech Suit

Moving on, we have the TYR Thresher tech suit. This is another awesome racing suit with some good features and an affordable price point.

TYR Thresher Tech Suit

Quick summary: the TYR Thresher is approved for swimmers aged 12 and under and is ideal for all swimming events. Various colors are available.

The tech suit has a unique design with hydrophobic fibers creating water-repellency and buoyancy in the water. Other features include advanced muscle compression, flatlock sewn seams, and a flexible and comfortable fit.

The main downside is lacking durability and uncomfortable shoulder straps on the women's kneeskin if not sized correctly.

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The Thresher tech suit contains an advanced level of muscle compression to keep you stabilized and efficient while swimming. The hydrophobic fibers ensure water-repellency and enhance your speed and sleekness in the water. Other features include reduced drag, a lightweight fit, and tight design.

Overall, the TYR Thresher tech suit is a solid option for anyone looking for a good budget tech suit with some funky patterns thrown all over.

TYR Thresher Baja Tech Suit Photo

Here are some features of the TYR Thresher Baja tech suit-

  • The suit is designed with hydrophobic fiber to ensure that water doesn’t repel the fabric and increase your drag while swimming.
  • Construction of the TYR Thresher maximizes swimming performances and reduces resistance in the water allowing you to swim as fast as possible.
  • Advanced muscle compression assists in maximizing core stabilization and muscular support to help you swim as fast as possible while maintaining speed when fatigued.
  • Tight fit and lightweight design with a material composition of 71% nylon and 29% lycra keep you agile and compressed.
  • Affordable budget price saves you money.

Cons-

  • Water repellency lacks a bit.

7. Jaked Jalpha Tech Suit

As we are nearing the end of our list of budget racing suits, we have the Jaked Jalpha tech suit. The Jalpha suit is constructed for minimal resistance while packing some good performance grade features.

Jaked Jalpha Tech Suit

Quick Summary: The Jaked Jalpha tech suit is designed for swimmers seeking maximum performance.

With hydrophobic treatment and 4-needle ultra flatlock seams, the suit ensures lower drag, improved muscle compression, and better overall results. It features a lightweight and durable design, a comfortable compressive fit, and an affordable price range making it a top choice.

Note: Sizing may run a bit small.

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The Jaked Jalpha suit has a lightweight design and ultra-flatlock seams for reduced drag and increased muscular compression. The suit features a comfortable fit and contains durable and hydrophobic fabric.

All in all, the Jaked Jalpha suit has some good features while presenting a performance-optimized design and coming in at an affordable and budget price.

Here are some features of the Jaked Jalpha tech suit-

  • Fabric has a durable design and contains hydrophobic treatment for water-repellency to ensure lower drag when you are racing.
  • The suit has a comfortable and compressive fit allowing it to be used for any event.
  • 4 Needle ultra flatlock seams reduce resistance and increase muscle compression to maximize your performance in the water.
  • Lightweight design with a material composition of 71% polyamide and 29% elastane keeps you agile and fast.
  • The suit has a budget and affordable price range to save you some money.

Cons-

  • Sizing is a bit off.

8. Dolfin FirstStrike Tech Suit

And last but not least, we have the Dolfin FirstStrike tech suit. This suit really impressed me in terms of features when I took a look at its price. It packs some nice performance benefits at a low price range.

Dolfin Firststrike Tech Suit

Quick summary: The Dolfin Firstrike is approved for swimmers aged 12 and under and is ideal for all swimming events.

The tech suit features a lightweight, durable design with zoned muscle control and energy return technology. Additionally, the suit has water-repellent properties and flat-lock sewn seams.

A potential downside is the knit fabric of the suit that tends to stretch easier, causing the suit to lose compression.

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The Dolfin FirstStrike racing suit has a durable design with a chlorine and piling resistant fabric. The suit is also quite lightweight and has good water-repellency. Additionally, the FirstStrike tech suit features zoned muscle control by incorporating a 3D bitmapped design.

Overall, the Dolfin FirstStrike tech suit definitely isn’t bad when considering its low price point. The suit packs some nice features and will certainly suffice as a budget racing suit.

Dolfin Firststrike Tech Suit Photo

Here are some features of the Dolfin FirstStrike tech suit-

  • The suit has zoned muscle control and energy return technology by utilizing a bitmapped 3D design structure to maximize your speed.
  • Strong and durable fabric allowing for a lightweight racing silhouette in the water.
  • Water-repellent and quick dry fabric with a material composition of 71% nylon and 29% lycra reduces your drag and keeps you agile while racing.
  • Engineered flat-lock seams and low profile design for reduced drag in the water.
  • Chlorine and pilling resistant fabric allows for a durable tech suit that will last a long time.
  • Approved for under 12 age group swimmers.
  • Great budget price point.

Cons-

  • None.

9. Jaked Jkeel Tech Suit

The Jaked Jkeel tech suit is designed to give you an edge and enhance your potential on race day. The suit is loaded with advanced and innovative features, while still providing some comfort to your bankaccount.

The Jkeel tech suit is built using an innovative 3D design, the suit is manufactured from high tenacity fibers and finished off with plasma treatments for a highly water-resistant and sleek design.

In my opinion, the Jaked Jkeel has some of the best water-repellency of any budget tech suit out there, it contains a double-layer of fluorocarbon resin to achieve this.

All in all, the Jaked Jkeel is an awesome tech suit with a ton of performance features built into its design. Additionally, the suit comes in at a good price point, the price is slightly higher than some of the other suits on our list, but it’s totally worth it when you look at all of the features you are getting with this suit.

Here are some features of the Jaked Jkeel tech suit-

  • The Jaked Jkeel tech suit uses an advanced plasma process to create an effective layer of water-resistant film that is very thin. This helps to reduce your drag in the water.
  • Ergonomic design improves the fit of the suit, while allowing for maximum muscular compression and a full range of motion while swimming, resulting in maximal power generation with every pull and kick you give.
  • Contains exclusive FlexStripes strap compensation system for a comfortable fit.
  • Specially designed drawstring tunnel allows you to adjust the tightness of the suit without the risk of tearing the fabric, resulting in a durable suit that will stand the test of time.
  • High-quality fabric designed by J Lab, the suit is constructed using ultrasound and heat welding processes, along with the use of taped seams for increased mechanical capacity.
  • 3D construction with an additional double-layer of fluorocarbon resin allows high water-repellency to reduce your drag and improve your body position while racing.
  • The suit has an affordable price to save you money.

Cons-

  • The logo on the suit is quite large.

Didn’t quite find what you were looking for? Consider checking out some of our other tech suit articles-

Swim Faster with a New Budget Tech Suit

It is clear that tech suits can enhance swimming performances in the pool. These suits are designed for speed and reduced drag while swimming. Unfortunately, many of the high-end suits do come in at high prices, but at the same time, you can also get some great performance benefits from budget tech suits.

In my opinion, some of the budget tech suits on this list even outperform the high-end suits in certain aspects. But at the end of the day it comes down to getting a good suit at a good price and that is what these suits offer.

Photo of author
I am Benjamin, a competitive swimmer with over a decande of experience in the sport of swimming. I also hold certifications in Exercise Science and Nutrition. I am very passionate about competitive swimming and love sharing everything I have learned about the sport. I specialize in swimming butterfly and my favorite event is the 100m butterfly with the 50m and 200m fly closely following.

A Cheat Sheet for Creating the Perfect Swimming Workout and Routine

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