17 Best Tech Suits for Every Event- The Expert Review

Choosing your best tech suit means striking the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and your most important events. It also means considering your experience level, budget, age, and gender.

For many swimmers, a good tech suit can be the difference between a personal best, getting the qualifying time, making a final, bringing home gold, or breaking that big meet record.

With split seconds on the line and countless hours (and a lot of money) invested into training, you don’t want to take any chances.

Based on my testing and research, and keeping these criteria in mind, my top picks for the best tech suits are:

• For sprint and IM swimmers of any event: The TYR Venzo.
• For distance swimmers of any event: The Arena Carbon Glide.
• For swimmers looking for a versatile and comfortable tech suit: The Arena Carbon Air 2.
• For 12 and under swimmers: The Arena Powerskin ST 2.0.

If these tech suits are out of your price range, I recommend the TYR Invictus as a mid-range option. Or the Speedo LZR Racer Pro as a budget option.

With so much at stake and an expensive price tag, you want to ensure you pick the right tech suit.

Keep reading for my detailed reviews of the best tech suits for swimmers. I guarantee you’ll find the perfect tech suit for your stroke and events.

17 Best Tech Suits for Swimming– The Expert Review

TYR Venzo Tech Suit – Top Pick for Sprinters and IM

If you want a high-performance, high-compression, durable sprinting and IM tech suit, look no further than the TYR Venzo. TYR is one of the most popular swimming brands, and the Venzo is their latest and most innovative tech suit.

The suit is available in two options catering to different swimmers’ needs. The Venzo also has some excellent colors and patterns.

Strokes and events: the TYR Venzo is one of the most compressive tech suits I’ve ever worn. This makes it great for sprint events since it allows for a lot of power and snapback. The hip-lifting effect is also excellent for optimizing your speed and efficiency.

The newer Venzo Phantom variation provides moderate, targeted compression. This is ideal if you want more comfort and range of motion.

Breaststroke and IM swimmers may prefer this. So might distance swimmers who like a more compressive tech suit.

If you love the TYR suits but prefer more range of motion and comfort, then you can also consider the TYR Avictor 2. I cover it later in the article.

With the Phantom, you will lose some of the snapback and kick support provided by the standard Venzo. This is because there is no leg taping on the Phantom variation of the suit.

The standard variation of the suit still offers good range of motion in all the strokes and won’t restrict you. I recommend using this tech suit for 50, 100, and 200 events, with 400s/500s being the upper limit.

The standard variation of the suit is also a good option for breaststroke. The hamstring taping will help to snap your legs in place with each kick.

Quad taping on the front of the suit will also support the backstroke kick. It’s a feature many other tech suits don’t have, except for the Speedo LZR Pure Intent backstroke variation.

Design and performance: the TYR Venzo has many excellent features and technology to ensure fast swimming.

With a fabric composition of 70% polyamide and 30% elastane, this suit has a higher nylon content than most flagship tech suits.

Even so, the water repellency is still excellent and among the best of any suit I’ve ever worn.

The suit’s thicker fabric is also high-quality. I found this suit’s compression and water resistance to be very durable.

I used the Venzo for almost every race over two years before it started giving out on me. Still, the compression is excellent.

The thicker fabric will also stop tears that can occur with a thinner suit. Female swimmers should consider this, as kneeskin tech suits tend to rip more easily.

So, if you need a suit that will last a long time or want to save money in the long run, this is a great option.

Regarding the construction, it is clear that TYR paid great attention to detail in perfecting the design.

The TYR Venzo features a frictionless fiber construction. This was created by analyzing drag on a microscopic level to create an ultra-smooth fiber that reduces drag. It’s evident in the glide effect you feel coming off starts and turns.

The suit further reduces your drag through a seamless Exo-Shell design. All this means is that the taping is in the suit’s interior, unlike some of the Arena tech suits where the taping is on the outside.

Furthermore, the Venzo features surface lift technology for increased buoyancy. This technology works by preventing water from permeating the fabric of the suit.

On the suit’s interior, you’ll also notice plenty of dual layering, creating air gaps that further increase buoyancy.

These features help lift your hips in the water for an improved body position. This results in decreased drag, better technique, higher efficiency, and faster swimming.

Featuring an advanced internal compression cage, the suit helps to align and support important muscles, create a snapback effect, increase distance per stroke, and maximize power for fast swimming.

The compression cage of the Venzo is more advanced than similar flagship suits like the Speedo, Mizuno, or FINIS tech suits. The taping system runs across the hips, hamstrings, and quads, providing great all-around compression and support.

Something else I appreciate about the TYR Venzo is that it comes in a premium magnetic box with a carry pouch and some small accessories.

Size and fit: as mentioned, the TYR Venzo has a compressive fit, regardless of whether you choose the standard or Phantom variation. So, whether you like the fit depends on how much compression you want.

I found the suit true to size (as have many other swimmers).

That said, it can be hard to get on, especially initially. Consider using baby powder or skin slick to help you get it on.

Even so, the suit is comfortable and unrestrictive once fitted. I could wear it for entire meets without taking it off.

For the women’s kneeskin, I recommend having help getting the straps on. The women’s tech suit also features new, more comfortable straps, the Xfinity straps.

The TYR Venzo comes in 2 variations for men and women, allowing you to choose to your liking. The men’s jammer is available in standard- and high waist, and the women’s kneeskin in open- and closed-back.

I found the cut of this suit to come down quite low on your knees, which is good for extra coverage and speed.

I recommend the high-waist jammer if you are a male swimmer who wants extra support and coverage. This is favorable for lower drag and more buoyancy. The fit may feel strange initially, but you’ll get used to it.

(Side note: the high-waisted version doesn’t sit as high as it seems in some commercial photos).

Downsides: the only real place where I can fault the Venzo is on the waistband comfort. I found it too tight to wear for long periods and had to flip it down. Luckily, this won’t be an issue on the women’s kneeskins.

Getting the suit on took a lot of work, too. That said, you can expect this from a compressive tech suit.

While the suit isn’t uncomfortable, it wouldn’t be my first pick if comfort is your priority. Instead, I’d recommend the Arena Carbon Air 2, Carbon Glide, TYR Avictor 2, or Speedo LZR Pure Valor.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500.
• Fabric composition: 70% polyamide, 30% elastane.
• Compression: endo compression cage.
• Taping: internal, hamstrings, hips, quadriceps.
• Dual-layered: yes.
• Panels: single panel.
• Drag reduction: frictionless fiber construction, surface lift technology.
• Range of motion: unrestricted, compressive.
• Price range: flagship.
• FINA Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Arena Carbon Glide Tech Suit– Top Pick for Middle and Long-Distance Swimmers

Arena has brought out many great tech suits over the years. One of their most advanced suits is the Arena Carbon Glide. This tech suit packs great features, innovative technologies, and a comfortable fit.

If you’re a fan of the popular Arena Carbon Air 2 but want a suit with more features, then the Carbon Glide is an excellent option.

Strokes and events: the Arena Carbon Glide tech suit has a less compressive and more flexible design. This makes it perfect for middle- to long-distance events. It’s also ideal for all the swim strokes.

Recommended events for this tech suit include any race 200 or further in distance. Suppose you are an IM or breaststroke swimmer who likes less compression and more range of motion when swimming. In that case, you can definitely also consider this suit.

Design and performance: the Arena Carbon Glide minimizes drag in the water. It features a streamlined design with the taping and technology inside the suit.

The tech suit has a material composition of 65% polyamide, 34% elastane, and 1% carbon fiber, making it lightweight. It also consists of two specially designed fabrics: the Carbon Extreme Cage and the Hydroglide shell.

The primary purpose of the Carbon Extreme Cage is to compress and activate your muscles for optimal performance. This fabric has a grid-like weave, providing intelligent, evenly distributed compression and stretch. This ensures unparalleled range of motion and comfort.

I found the Arena Carbon Glide to have more compression than the Carbon Air 2 but less than the Carbon Core FX. (I review these tech suits later in the article).

The suit’s interior also features strategically lined taping to further compress and support muscles. This improves your body position for better efficiency and faster swimming.

I am a big fan of the taping on the Carbon Glide, especially the hamstring taping. Most distance tech suits don’t have as sophisticated taping systems, meaning you lose out on extra muscle and kick support.

The Hydroglide Shell is a very smooth fabric with a papery feel. This fabric reduces drag and turbulence in the water, helping you stay light, agile, and fast while racing.

Both of these outer fabrics are very water-repellent, contributing to the tech suit’s “glide” effect. The suit will also dry quickly, making it ideal for quick turnaround meets.

A third fabric, like that of the Arena Carbon Air 2, can be found as dual-layering on the suit’s interior. This traps air and makes the suit very buoyant, further contributing to improved body position and faster swimming.

In my opinion, the Arena Carbon Glide has some of the most dual layering out of any suit on the list.

Size and fit: the Arena Carbon Glide is one of the most comfortable tech suits. Getting the suit on is easy for men and women and won’t take more than 15-30 minutes.

The men’s tech suit only comes in a standard waist variation, which sits slightly higher, coming up to the hips. The women’s kneeskin is available in open- and closed-back.

While this suit is easy to get on, I still recommend being careful when fitting it, especially for the women’s kneeskin. The fabric is much more delicate than the TYR Venzo and may rip if you’re impatient.

Downsides: if you like a “snappy” tech suit, this might not be your best option.

With a focus on being more flexible, this suit doesn’t have as much snapback off the walls and during underwaters. If you’re looking for a suit with more “snap,” consider the TYR Venzo, Arena Carbon Core FX, or Speedo LZR Pure Intent.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 65% polyamide, 34% elastane, 1% carbon fiber.
• Compression: carbon extreme cage, carbon grid technology, internal taping.
• Taping: internal support taping, hamstrings, hips.
• Dual-layered: yes.
• Panels: single panel.
• Drag reduction: hydroglide shell.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship.
• FINA Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Arena Carbon Air 2 Tech Suit– Top Pick for Versatility and Value for Money

The Arena Carbon Air has been around for quite some time. It remains a favorite among countless swimmers, balancing comfort, compression, and flexibility. This is why Arena has upgraded it to the second generation version, the Air 2.

The suit derives its name from being incredibly lightweight. Additionally, it has a great price, making it a great value-for-money tech suit.

Strokes and events: the Arena Carbon Air 2 is an excellent overall tech suit for many swimmers due to its versatility.

The suit is among the best tech suits and fits all events well. Swimmers can use this suit in any event from 50s, 100s, 200s, 400s, all the way to 1500s.

The suit also makes a good fit for all the strokes.

Suppose you prefer a tech suit with more compression and snap. In that case, I’d recommend the TYR Venzo, Arena Carbon Core FX, Speedo LZR Pure Intent, or Mizuno Sonic GX V.

While you can use the Air 2 for breaststroke, I’d instead recommend the Speedo LZR Pure Valor, TYR Avictor 2, or Arena Carbon Glide. These are good if you want a lower compression, higher flexibility breaststroke tech suit.

These suits also have more snap and buoyancy, which will benefit breaststroke swimmers.

Design and performance: unlike the original Carbon Air, the Air 2 uses a single fabric design. This allows for reduced drag by removing the side seams. The single-fabric design also allows for decreased water absorption, increased comfort, and more ease of putting on the suit.

The fabric is thin and features a material composition of 65% Polyamide, 34% Elastane, and 1% Carbon Fiber, identical to the Arena Carbon Glide.

However, unlike the Carbon Glide, the Air 2 has minimal dual layering and no taping. This makes it lightweight and flexible, giving it a second-skin feel.

Compression is integrated into the fabric with strategically lined carbon bands. This allows optimal compression on overextended zones, enhanced core stability, and increased muscle activation. It also improves power and blood circulation, ensuring enhanced swimming performance.

Additionally, the fabric has excellent water-repellent properties, reducing your drag. It will also dry very quickly.

Furthermore, the internal lining comprises three panels, providing complete flexibility in all strokes. This helps you execute each stroke and kick with a full range of motion, enabling you to generate maximum power and speed.

Size and fit: the Arena Carbon Air 2 has a unique compressive design that isn’t restrictive. This is one of the big reasons swimmers can use the suit for various events.

The suit has a great fit and is comfortable. You can wear it for long periods at a time. Getting it on is also easy and shouldn’t take long.

One thing to note is that the tech suit may look too small upon opening the box. However, take my word for it when I say it has a lot of stretch and will come on fine. I don’t recommend sizing up in this suit since you’ll lose the compression benefits.

The Carbon Air 2 comes in a single waist jammer for men and an open- and closed-back kneeskin for women.

Downsides: my complaints are primarily due to the thin fabric, a prerequisite for the lightweight and flexible fit the Air 2 offers.

My first complaint is durability. While this suit will still last you a long time if you take good care of it, the thin fabric makes it less durable. That said, I’ve been able to get over a season out of my previous Carbon Air by taking good care of it.

Also, stemming from the thin fabric, I’ve noticed the tech suit can be see-through. Fortunately, modesty panels are built-in to cover up all essential areas. If you’re worried about your suit being see-through, don’t buy the white color. The other colors are still slightly see-through, but not as much.

If these downsides are deal breakers for you, consider looking at the TYR Avictor 2 or Speedo LZR Pure Valor.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 65% polyamide, 34% elastane, 1% carbon fiber.
• Compression: carbon bands, intelligent muscle compression.
• Taping: none.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: 3-panel internal design, single outer fabric.
• Drag reduction: hydrophobic fabric.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship, less expensive.
• FINA Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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TYR Invictus Tech Suit- Top Mid-Range Pick

The TYR Invictus is a high-quality mid-range tech suit for swimmers of all levels. Striking a balance between compression, comfort, and flexibility, this suit is a versatile option at a lower price.

I recommend this suit to any swimmer who wants a high-quality mid-range tech suit. It’s also an excellent option for age group-, masters-, and high school swimmers.

Strokes and events: featuring a moderate amount of compression, the TYR Invictus is ideal for both sprint and distance events.

The suit also makes a good fit for all swimming strokes and IM.

If you are a pure sprint swimmer looking for a more compressive mid-range tech suit, the Mizuno MX Sonic could be a better option. Keep in mind, the TYR Invictus’s overall quality is higher as it features bonded seams instead of stitched seams like the MX Sonic.

You can also consider the Jaked JKOMP as a mid-range tech suit for sprinting.

Design and performance: the TYR Invictus has a simpler design than the Venzo covered earlier. Although less expensive, it’s more like the TYR Avictor 2 and Arena Carbon Air 2.

The tech suit has a fabric composition of 79% polyamide and 21% elastane with a single-fabric design. The fabric has a high-quality feel and is thinner and lighter. The suit also features a small amount of dual layering on the interior.

Despite its lower mid-range price, this suit feels like a high-performance tech suit rather than a cheap entry-level suit.

The Invictus offers moderate compression, supporting essential muscles for improved swimming performance.

Featuring hydrosphere technology, the suit has good water-repellent qualities. This technology stops water from permeating the fabric, improving buoyancy and lifting your body position for better efficiency and performance.

While this suit has no taping system, it does offer supersonic flex bonding seams. Combined with the thinner, less compressive fabric, these seams allow unrestricted range of motion and comfort in all your strokes.

Size and fit: the TYR Invictus has a good fit, is easy to get on, and is comfortable to wear for long periods. You may find it harder to put this tech suit on the first time, but the subsequent fittings are smooth after that.

The suit is available in a standard waist jammer for men and an open back kneeskin for women.

Downsides: the TYR Invictus, unfortunately, lacks some snap due to the moderate compression and lack of internal taping. These are generally features that are only available in flagship tech suits.

This lack of snap may be a slight downturn for pure sprint and some breaststroke swimmers. Even so, the tech suit still performs well, and you’re unlikely to get anything better for the same price.

As mentioned earlier, consider looking into the Mizuno MX Sonic or Jaked JKOMP for more compression if this is an issue.

The thinner material may pose a durability risk similar to the Arena Carbon Air 2. It can also be slightly see-through (modesty panels are built-in). As mentioned in previous reviews, you can expect a good lifespan if you take care of the suit.

My final complaint is the lack of colors. This tech suit is only available in plain black and blue, unlike the multiple extravagant color schemes of the TYR Venzo and Avictor 2.

That said, depending on design regulations in your area, this could be an advantage for some swimmers who are only allowed to wear plain tech suits.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 79% polyamide, 21% elastane.
• Compression: moderate.
• Taping: supersonic flex bonding seams.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single.
• Drag reduction: hydrosphere technology.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: mid-range.
• FINA Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Speedo LZR Racer Pro Tech Suit– Top Budget Pick

The Speedo LZR Racer Pro is a tech suit that has existed for a long time. Even so, the fact that it’s still a popular budget option is a testament to its quality and value for money.

I recommend the Speedo LZR Racer Pro for swimmers looking for a budget option with a higher-quality feel. This tech suit will also be a good choice for younger age group swimmers (13-15 years old) looking for their first tech suit.

Particular tech suits such as the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 and TYR Thresher are also popular budget FINA-approved options. However, they have certain restrictions to make them compliant for 12 and under usage. This gives them a more entry-level feel than the LZR Racer Pro.

Strokes and events: the Speedo LZR Racer Pro is a good all-around tech suit for sprinters and distance swimmers. You can use this tech suit for all strokes and events.

If you are a sprinter who loves high compression, remember that this suit isn’t the most compressive. That said, the compression is still there, and you won’t find anything better for the price.

From my personal experience, I’ve still been able to perform well in sprint events wearing lower compression tech suits. In some cases, I have preferred them for the comfort and flexibility aspects.

Design and performance: while you can’t compare the fabrics and technology to the flagship tech suits, the LZR Racer Pro is still a high-performance tech suit that will help you swim faster.

The LZR Pulse fabric has a composition of 75% polyamide and 25% elastane. This fabric is compressive and reduces muscle oscillation and skin vibration. This supports muscles and reduces fatigue, helping you swim faster.

Other fabric qualities include water repellency for reduced drag and chlorine resistance for durability. It’s also quick to dry, making this suit good for quick-turnaround meets.

Speedo used body scan data to determine the ideal biomechanical fit for performance. This led them to combine the fabric into a 3D, 3-piece pattern.

Consequently, the fabric allows full range of motion in all strokes and provides a comfortable fit.

Low-profile 4-way flatlock stitched seams hold the suit together, resulting in reduced drag and better durability.

Size and fit: the Speedo LZR Racer Pro has a comfortable fit and is easy to get on. Yet, it may be harder to get on the first time.

I want to point out that the women’s kneeskin tech suit has received a lot of praise for its comfortable and non-restrictive shoulder straps. This is a common trait across the Speedo tech suits.

If this suit looks too small for you coming out of the box, be patient and take your time putting it on. The LZR Racer Pro tends to stretch out over time, so sizing up is only recommended if you’ve determined there is no way you can put it on.

The suit is available in an open back kneeskin for women and a standard waist jammer for men.

I should also point out there is a non-kneeskin variation of the women’s tech suit that is approved for 12 and under usage. So if you’re willing to spend more for a higher quality 12 and under suit, this could be a good option.

Downsides: my primary complaint with the LZR Racer Pro is its durability. While this is a great suit, it lacks durability in certain areas.

Some of the issues I’ve encountered with this suit include fraying, deteriorating water-repellency, and stretching. All common problems among less expensive suits. That said, you can still get good use out of this suit if you properly care for it.

The other downside is that there are no silicone grips on the legs. However, the men’s suit still has a silicone grip across the waistband.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 75% polyamide, 25% elastane.
• Compression: LZR pulse fabric.
• Taping: no taping system, 4-way flatlock seams.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: 3-panel design.
• Drag reduction: water-repellency, low-profile seams.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: budget.
• FINA approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: only women’s one-piece, non-kneeskin tech suit.

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Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Tech Suit– Top 12 and Under Pick

Regarding 12 and under tech suits, you can’t ask for much more than the affordable Arena Powerskin ST 2.0. This suit is among the most popular 12 and under tech suits, featuring good performance, durability, and exciting colors.

The 12 and under tech suit rule is a restriction imposed by USA Swimming (and many other swim federations). It allows swimmers only to use particular tech suits if they are 12 or younger. You can read my 12 and under tech suits article for more information.

Remember, just because this suit is approved for 12 and under use doesn’t mean older swimmers can’t still race in it.

However, if you’re older, I recommend the Speedo LZR Racer Pro since it’s more well-rounded with better features. Nevertheless, suppose you still want to go cheaper. In that case, the ST 2.0 is a good budget option that any masters-, high school-, and summer league swimmer can appreciate.

Strokes and events: the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 tech suit isn’t built for any specific stroke or event. Instead, it’s an inexpensive and effective all-around tech suit for 12 and under swimmers or anyone looking for a budget tech suit.

Featuring a moderately compressive yet flexible design, you can use the Powerskin ST 2.0 for any stroke and event.

Design and performance: the Arena Powerskin 2.0 features a simple and effective design to improve your performance.

The suit comprises two fabrics, Carvico and Shell fabric. It has a composition of 71% polyamide and 29% elastane.

The Carvico fabric provides muscle compression and support. It is evident in the suit’s snug and non-restrictive feel once you have it on.

The Shell fabric is a lighter version of the Carvico fabric and keeps the suit lightweight and agile for fast swimming.

Fabrics are bound together using flatlock sewn seams, similar to the Speedo LZR Racer Pro. These seams add to the suit’s compression and improve your body position in the water by creating a basic hip-lifting effect.

I also like that the suit has silicone grips on the legs, a premium feature I did not expect to find on a suit of this price.

Lastly, the flexible design of the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 allows for full range of motion when you swim. This ensures you can execute each stroke and kick with maximum power.

If you are purchasing this tech suit for a 12 and under swimmer, one of the things to be aware of is to ensure it includes a green checkmark next to the FINA logo. This will let officials know your tech suit is approved for 12 and under usage.

If it doesn’t include the checkmark, ensure the official approves the suit before the race.

Size and fit: unlike most tech suits, the Arena Powerskin 2.0 is easy to get on, even more so after it molds to the shape of your body. The tech suit fits very comfortably, providing pleasant all-around compression and good range of motion.

I like this tech suit because I could wear it the entire day of racing without ever feeling like I had to take it off.

Also, Arena redesigned the shoulder straps on the women’s tech suit for more comfort and durability. Before, the shoulder straps could become uncomfortable and cause chafing when worn for long periods.

Downsides: firstly is the suit’s fabrics. Although still decent, the suit feels much more like a traditional swimsuit with its higher nylon content.

This means the performance enhancement is less than one of the flagship or mid-range tech suits with high-performance fabrics.

Secondly is durability. After a few meets, you can expect the suit to stretch out and features to start slowly degrading.

Remember that all tech suits inevitably degrade, stretch out, and lose performance. That said, for the price of the suit, it has some of the best durability you will get.

If you’re looking for more 12 and under tech suits, the TYR Thresher and Speedo Vanquisher are also good options. I review these suits later in the article.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 71% polyamide, 29% elastane.
• Compression: carvico fabric.
• Taping: none.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single.
• Drag reduction: sewn flatlock seams.
• Range of motion: unrestricted, flexible design.
• Price range: budget.
• FINA Approved: yes, FINA logo; ensure it includes 12 and under green checkmark.
• 12 and under Approved: yes.

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Arena Carbon Core FX Tech Suit

Having covered my top picks by category, I will now cover other tech suits that you can definitely consider.

The Carbon Core FX is another top-rated Arena tech suit and one of their latest. Arena released it alongside the Carbon Glide, covered earlier. In contrast with the Glide, the Core FX features a much more compressive and snappy design.

Additionally, the suit has various colors and patterns. The women’s kneeskin is also less expensive than similar flagship tech suits.

Strokes and events: the Arena Carbon Core FX is designed primarily for sprinters and is an excellent option for fast swimming in all strokes.

The suit is comfortable to wear and unrestrictive. This makes me comfortable also recommending it to distance swimmers who want more compression and snap.

I should also mention that the Arena Carbon Core FX is a good tech suit for breaststroke swimmers who want more compression without feeling restricted. Furthermore, it’ll also make a nice fit for all IM events.

Design and performance: the Arena Carbon Core FX features advanced Carbon Cage fabric, forming a horizontal and vertical compression grid to support important muscles.

This Compression Cage is visible when you look at the fabric of the suit, as you can see the lines of the compression grid in the weave.

The Compression Cage provides robust muscle compression with a locked-in effect. This ensures better muscle activation, faster blood circulation, and improved oxygenation.

Featuring a composition of 52% polyamide, 47% elastane, and 1% carbon fiber, the fabric has a denser feel, which is excellent for durability. Still, the tech suit is lightweight.

Unlike the TYR Venzo, the Core FX has no dual layering. This has the obvious drawback of less buoyancy but allows it to have a more comfortable and less restrictive fit, which I like.

Furthermore, the Carbon Core FX features an internal and external taping system. The internal taping system provides muscle support and core stabilization, ensuring more power.

In contrast, the external taping system features dual hamstring tapes to create a hip-lifting effect and assist your kick.

This helps you maintain an optimal body position that reduces resistance and improves your technique, efficiency, and speed. On the other hand, the kick support gives you that extra boost when your legs start to fatigue.

Combined with the Carbon Cage, the taping system creates a nice snapback effect off the walls, starts, and underwaters. Additionally, it helps snap your legs together during the breaststroke kick.

Despite the advanced compression and taping system, I never felt restricted in my range of motion on any stroke.

Lastly, I want to mention that the Core FX is very similar to the super popular, previous generation Carbon Flex VX and improves on the design of that suit. So, if you were a fan of the Flex VX, you can’t go wrong with the Core FX.

Size and fit: as mentioned, the Arena Carbon Core FX features a compressive and tight fit but nothing uncomfortable. It will be suitable if you race back-to-back events and want to avoid taking your suit off between races.

Getting the tech suit on is fine, too, although it was a struggle the first few tries. I also expect it to be more challenging for the women’s kneeskin tech suit. Be patient and have some help, baby powder, and skin slick nearby.

The suit comes in an open- and closed-back kneeskin for women and a standard-waist jammer for men.

The men’s jammer tech suit sits quite high around the hips, which gives it a semi-high-waisted feel. This allows for more skin coverage, reducing extra drag and providing lower back and core support. I really like this cut.

Downsides: my only complaint is the water repellency. The Core FX repels the water nicely but soaks up some water as well.

This isn’t necessarily bad since all tech suits will inevitably soak up some water when you’re in the pool. Still, considering this is a flagship tech suit, I expected more from the water repellency.

Furthermore, Arena didn’t include a carry pouch with the suit, which I found disappointing.

The drawstrings on the men’s jammer were also too short for my liking.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500.
• Fabric composition: 52% polyamide, 47% elastane, 1% carbon fiber.
• Compression: carbon cage technology.
• Taping: internal taping, dual outer hamstring tapes, hip tapes.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single.
• Drag reduction: water-repellent, twin taping enhances body position.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship.
• FINA Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Speedo LZR Pure Intent Tech Suit

Earlier in the article, I covered the popular budget LZR Racer Pro. Now, we’ll look at Speedo’s most advanced flagship tech suit– the LZR Pure Intent.

Strokes and events: the Speedo LZR Pure Intent features a compressive and flexible design. This makes it ideal for all swimming strokes.

With a focus on being highly compressive, compared to the moderate compression of its twin suit, the LZR Pure Valor (which I review later), this tech suit is ideal for sprinters.

I recommend using this tech suit if you swim in any event from 50 to 100. The suit will also fit IM and 200 swimmers well, with 400/500s being the upper limit.

Additionally, if you’re a backstroke swimmer, the LZR Pure Intent comes in a backstroke variation for the men’s jammer. This suit replaces the hamstring taping with quad taping for improved backstroke kick support.

Design and performance: the LZR Pure Intent has much to offer regarding its design and performance. Speedo engineered the suit using a triple fabric construction. This provides the perfect balance between compression, comfort, speed, and freedom of movement.

The first panel and textured fabric zones (the second panel) feature a material composition of 66% polyamide and 34% elastane. The third panel features 73% polyamide and 27% elastane. Together, these three panels allow for an ideal range of motion.

Likewise to the TYR Venzo and Arena Carbon Core FX, the fabric has a very high-quality, dense, and durable feel, which I like.

In terms of compression, the LZR Pure Intent features dual compression layers. Combined with the low-profile bonded seams for reduced drag, this ensures intelligent compression that supports large muscles, enhances blood circulation, and increases power.

I’d definitely say the suit is on the higher end of compression and has a powerful, snappy feel.

Despite the high compression, it’s still comfortable and doesn’t feel restrictive.

The internal hamstring taping also works with the dual-layering to increase buoyancy for a hip-lifting effect and better body position. These effects are clearly noticeable when swimming.

The taping further supports a powerful leg kick that helps you motor through the water and off the starts and turns.

As mentioned, the standard variation of the tech suit has taping on the hamstrings. The backstroke version features taping on the quads. This respectively supports the kicking mechanics of the different strokes.

Additionally, the premium leg grips and waistband help seal water out of your suit for even more buoyancy.

Lastly is one of my favorite features of the LZR Pure Intent– the textured fabric zones.

This innovative 3D-hexagon-like structure on the back of the suit helps break up the water for reduced drag and faster swimming. You can feel and see this pattern in the suit’s fabric.

The LZR Pure Intent is also available in some nice colorways.

Size and fit: the Speedo LZR Pure Intent has a few variations: a high- and standard-waisted jammer for men and an open- and closed-back kneeskin for women.

I found the tech suit to sit quite high above the knee, unlike the TYR Venzo, which comes down relatively low.

The standard-waist jammer also sits lower around the waist than other tech suits.

Due to the compressive design, sizing might be an issue for some swimmers. As always, make sure you are referencing the sizing chart for the specific suit you are purchasing.

If you are between 2 sizes, I recommend sizing up. The suit can be hard to put on initially. It can also take some time to break in. However, it conforms to your body shape after this, making it much easier to put on. Furthermore, once the suit is on, it fits comfortably.

Be patient when fitting, and pull on the seams, not the fabric, to avoid tears. If you find the suit on the smaller end, allow yourself a few tries to put it on.

As mentioned with the LZR Racer Pro, Speedo is famous for its comfortable straps on the women’s kneeskins. The LZR Pure Intent is no different. The suit has gotten plenty of praise among female swimmers for its shoulder comfort and mobility.

Downsides: the men’s jammer can leak at the back if you don’t fit it correctly. Since it’s dual-layered, you must pull the interior and exterior fabric up to avoid this issue. You can also consider purchasing the high-waisted jammer to ensure this is never a problem in a race.

Another downside is that the suit doesn’t come with a carry pouch but simply in a plain Speedo box. This is disappointing, considering the price of the tech suit. Other suits like the TYR Venzo come in a premium magnetic box and include a carry pouch.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500.
• Fabric composition: 66% polyamide, 34% elastane (panel 1; textured fabric zones), 73% polyamide 27% elastane (panel 2).
• Compression: dual compression layers.
• Taping: intelligent leg taping, hamstrings, quadriceps.
• Dual-layered: yes.
• Panels: triple fabric construction.
• Drag reduction: textured fabric zones, bonded seams, premium waistband and leg grips.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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FINIS HydroX Tech Suit

The latest and most advanced tech suit from FINIS, one of the leading swim brands, is the HydroX.

You may be familiar with their previous generation suit, the Rival 2.0. While the Rival 2.0 is still a great suit (and a good option if you want to get a flagship-level suit at a lower price), the HydroX features some innovative technologies. This gives it a comparative leg up regarding performance and durability.

Strokes and events: with an emphasis on flexible compression, the HydroX is ideal for all strokes and events.

I see the FINIS HydroX as a blend between the Arena Carbon Air 2 and the TYR Venzo. It has the thin, comfortable, and flexible fabric of the Air 2 but also sprint technology similar to the Venzo, such as taping on the legs and dual layering.

Thus, when it comes to being either a sprint or distance tech suit, the HydroX falls in the middle, making it a versatile option. It’s not the most compressive tech suit, but still has a snug fit.

Additionally, The HydroX makes a good fit for all the IM events.

Design and performance: the FINIS HydroX has a fabric composition of 66% polyamide and 34% elastane. This is similar to tech suits like the Mizuno GX Sonic V and Speedo LZR Pure Intent.

This tech suit, however, aims to take a different and innovative approach to the weave and water-repellency of its fabric. I have yet to see something similar in other flagship tech suits.

The first difference is that FINIS wove the fabric in 3 dimensions. The purpose of this unique weave is twofold.

Most importantly, it mimics the natural structure of muscle fibers. FINIS claims this enhances natural movement. It also provides consistent and evenly distributed compression.

FINIS also claims this fabric has increased compression durability. The idea is that the 3D structure will cause it to return to its original shape after each use.

Furthermore, the suit is dual-layered, with a blue inner layer that will provide extra buoyancy. This lifts you for a better body position, decreased drag, and faster swimming.

The dual-layering is held in place by two bonded interior seams, one running down the front of the quad and the other down the hamstrings. These seams will also provide extra muscle and kick support in all strokes.

The exterior has a ripply, circular-like pattern, breaking up and guiding the flow of the water molecules. This creates vortex-like structures and decreases your drag while swimming.

This feature is similar to the Speedo LZR Pure Intent’s textured fabric zones but covers the entire fabric.

The fabric is also strategically positioned. On the women’s tech suit, it’s placed upward, starting at the lower back.

On both the men’s and women’s suits, it faces downward from below the hips. This improves muscle compression and allows the tech suit’s circular pattern to reduce water resistance.

In terms of water-repellency, FINIS has also innovated, delivering double water-repellent technology.

Each fiber of the suit is individually coated. Subsequently, a second coating is applied to the constructed fabric, delivering maximum water-repellency.

Another benefit of the double treatment is more durable water-repellency.

Something interesting to note is that the main goal of the water-repellency is to keep the suit as lightweight and drag-free as possible.

This means even though the suit is entirely water-repellent, it still allows water to permeate the fabric, giving it a wet appearance after a swim.

The goal is not to make the suit impermeable, something the TYR Venzo does, but to ensure no water molecules attach to the fabric.

This helps reduce friction and maintain a light suit. Yet, it has disadvantages regarding buoyancy.

On the waistband and legs, the HydroX features the same high-quality silicone grips found on the previous generation Rival 2.0 suit.

I believe these are the highest-quality grips out of any tech suit available. I am also a big fan of the drawstring on the men’s jammer.

Size and fit: the FINIS HydroX has a snug fit, providing stability and hydrodynamics. However, it’s less compressive compared to similar tech suits. This makes it comfortable to wear for long periods and easy to put on.

The men’s jammer tech suit comes in a standard waist option, fitting nicely above the knees and, as expected, around the waist. The women’s kneeskin is available in an open and closed-back variation.

Downsides: similar to suits like the Arena Carbon Air 2, Speedo LZR Pure Valor, and TYR Avictor, the biggest downside of the HydroX is the thin fabric. Thin fabrics are notorious for lacking durability compared to thicker fabrics.

While the HydroX claims increased durability, I will still need time to properly test and see if the suit lives up to this. I’ll update this review once I have more information.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 66% polyamide, 34% elastane.
• Compression: memoryflex fabric 3D weave.
• Taping: inner quadricep and hamstring seams.
• Dual-layered: yes.
• Panels: dual-layered.
• Drag reduction: circular-pattern fabric, double water-repellency.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Speedo LZR Pure Valor Tech Suit

The LZR Pure Valor is also one of Speedo’s latest tech suits, released at the same time as the LZR Pure Intent, which I reviewed earlier.

This tech suit is less compressive and more flexible, making it a great all-around option. The design is more basic in terms of features. It’s also slightly less expensive.

If you were a fan of the previous generation and super popular LZR Elite 2, this tech suit is very similar. However, it has better and updated technology, durability, and features.

Strokes and events: as mentioned, the Speedo LZR Pure Valor features less compression and more range of motion. This makes it ideal for middle- and long-distance swimmers.

It’s also an excellent option for IM and breaststroke swimmers who want less compression and more range of motion.

The suit is optimal for all the strokes. Recommended events start at the 200s and go to the 1500/1650 events.

Like the Arena Carbon Air 2, this makes the suit very versatile and a good option if you swim a wide array of events.

While you can still use this tech suit for sprinting, I recommend investing in a more compressive one if that is your primary goal. The TYR Venzo, Arena Carbon Core FX, and Speedo LZR Pure Intent are good sprint options.

Design and performance: the Speedo LZR Pure Valor features a fabric composition of 65% polyamide and 35% elastane. The fabric is slightly thicker than the Arena Carbon Air 2 but still very lightweight with a papery feel.

Unlike the LZR Pure Intent, the Valor is single-layered, apart from a few modesty panels.

The tech suit features moderate compression technology. This provides enough compression to enhance performance without sacrificing range of motion or comfort.

An inner leg seam also comfortably locks major muscles in place for extra support and activation.

Considering how lightweight and flexible this suit is, I like the extra seams and taping since it’s a feature similar tech suits like the Carbon Air 2 lack. This also gives the LZR Pure Valor a leg up on those suits in the breaststroke events.

Regarding drag reduction, the Speedo LZR Pure Valor reduces resistance using flat bonded seams. These optimize your hydrodynamics and speed while racing.

The suit also has a water-repellent finish for improved hydrodynamics. The water repellency is great initially but has durability issues, discussed later.

Like the LZR Pure Intent, the Valor has a premium leg- and waistband design. This helps to reduce water ingress, which provides some extra buoyancy.

Something else I like about the tech suit is that it’s well-reinforced. Different seams and plastics add rigidity, giving me the impression that you’re unlikely to rip it accidentally. Still, be careful as you would be with any expensive tech suit.

Size and fit: the Speedo LZR Pure Valor is one of the most comfortable fitting tech suits, along with the Arena Carbon Air 2 and Carbon Glide. The suit is also easy to get on and fits great.

Like the LZR Pure Intent, the men’s tech suit comes in a standard- and high-waist jammer. The women’s kneeskins are available in an open- and closed-back style.

Once again, the shoulder straps on the women’s kneeskins have received a lot of praise from female swimmers for their comfort. Overall, the Valor is a nice fit for female swimmers looking for comfort and flexibility.

Downsides: as with the thinner suits, durability is, unfortunately, a problem. Particularly the water repellency. Once this suit starts to wear out, it can absorb water. While I don’t think this will slow you down much, it’s unfortunately not ideal for a tech suit, either.

The suit will also stretch out over time.

That said, it’s less expensive, so consider investing in two of these. One for general meets and one that you save for your important meets.

Same as the LZR Pure Intent, this suit also only comes in a basic Speedo box with no carry pouch included.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 65% polyamide, 35% elastane.
• Compression: moderate compression technology.
• Taping: compressive leg seams, hips.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single.
• Drag Reduction: flat bonded seams.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship, less expensive.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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TYR Avictor 2 Tech Suit

Like the Arena Carbon Air 2, the TYR Avictor 2 has been around for some time but has received updates to its design. This leaves us with the latest and greatest Avictor 2.

Similar to the TYR Venzo, the Avictor 2 has some fantastic patterns and colors. It also has a slightly more affordable price for a flagship tech suit.

Strokes and events: the TYR Avictor 2 has a lightweight design with thin, comfortable, and compressive fabric. (Much like the Arena Carbon Air 2 and Speedo LZR Pure Valor). This makes it ideal for all swimming strokes and events.

According to TYR, this suit is designed to work in contrast with the new TYR Venzo, a sprinting tech suit. This means the TYR Avictor 2 is preferable for middle- and long-distance events ranging from 200/400s and up.

The TYR Avictor 2 is also an excellent option for IM and breaststroke swimmers.

Design and performance: the TYR Avictor 2 has a simplistic design with fewer features than the Venzo.

In a sense, I like this basic design. The suit focuses solely on what’s important to swim fast, cutting out everything else. This leaves you with a lightweight, flexible, and versatile high-performance tech suit.

The exterior fabric of the suit features a material composition of 70% polyamide and 30% elastane, the same as the TYR Venzo.

Furthermore, the exterior is seamless. This reduces drag by decreasing the suit’s surface area and improving hydrodynamics.

The Avcitor 2 further reduces drag using the same surface lift technology featured on the Venzo. This is TYR’s water-repellent technology, and it’s some of the best and most durable water-repellency I’ve used.

It works by stopping the water from permeating the fabric and improves your body position for increased efficiency and speed.

Regarding range of motion, the TYR Avictor 2 features Supersonic Flex Bonding seams. These seams allow for maximized freedom of movement and flexibility. This ensures you never feel restricted in any of the strokes.

TYR even claims the Supersonic seams allow for a stretch up to 360 degrees. This ensures 100% natural movement and maximum power and efficiency with each stroke and kick.

Lastly, the Avictor 2 uses targeted compression panels, allowing for optimal muscle support. It also enhances blood circulation and improves power for maximized swimming performance.

The compression is much less than the TYR Venzo and more aligned with the Arena Carbon Air 2 and Speedo LZR Pure Valor. This means you can expect moderate, evenly distributed, and comfortable compression.

Also, unlike the Venzo, the Avictor 2 only has a single compression layer. Keep in mind there is dual-layering on a few areas where the suit has modesty panels, as the thinner fabric can be see-through at times.

Size and fit: the TYR Avictor 2 is easy to get on, has a snug, compressive fit, and can be comfortably worn for long periods.

Regarding sizing options, you have a high-waist and standard-waist jammer for men. The women’s tech suit is also available in open- and closed-back variations.

Additionally, the women’s kneeskin tech suit has received updated shoulder straps. TYR claims these to be more comfortable.

I mention this because many female swimmers I spoke to said the previous Avictor straps were uncomfortable.

Downsides: similar to the Arena Carbon Air 2 and Speedo LZR Pure Valor, my only complaint about the Avictor 2 would be durability.

The thin fabric won’t last as long. That said, the fabric feels very high-quality, and you can expect good use from the suit if you take care of it.

Also, unlike the LZR Pure Valor, the durability of the water-repellency on the Avictor 2 is much better.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 70% polyamide, 30% elastane.
• Compression: targeted compression.
• Taping: internal, minimal.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single.
• Drag reduction: hydrosphere technology.
• Range of motion: unrestricted, supersonic flex bonding, 360° stretch.
• Price range: flagship, less expensive.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Mizuno GX-Sonic V Tech Suit

Mizuno is a Japanese brand, and their tech suits have become some of the most popular available.

The Mizuno GX Sonic V is a versatile tech suit featuring two variations: a sprinter- and a multi-racer tech suit. It’s packed with innovative features and technologies. At the same time, the women’s suit is also less expensive than similar suits.

While this is a great tech suit, I’d recommend carefully considering if it’s right for you. The design is the most compressive of any tech suit, which can be uncomfortable, make it extremely difficult to put on, and cause sizing issues.

Strokes and events: as mentioned, the Mizuno GX Sonic V comes in two variations. The idea is to cover all swimming events between the two suits. The variations include the ST (sprinter) and the MR (multi-racer).

Unfortunately, Mizuno has fallen short in this regard. Both suits are very compressive. While the MR is a less compressive and more flexible suit than the ST, I still wouldn’t recommend it for anything more than a 400/500.

I recommend the ST variation for 50s and 100s. The MR variation will make a good fit for 200s, 400/500s, and IM events. In my opinion, the MR is also a good option for sprint events since it still features plenty of compression.

Both suits are great for all the strokes and, despite their compression, won’t limit your range of motion.

Design and performance: the Mizuno GX Sonic V packs many innovative and unique features, allowing fast swimming.

Sonic Light Ribtex, a unique material, fabricates the suit. This fabric has a composition of 65% polyamide and 35% elastane. Strangely, the interior panels of the suit feature a composition of 66% polyamide and 34% elastane.

The Mizuno GX Sonic V is one of the most water-repellent tech suits. This is due to the highly hydrophobic treatments applied to its fabric, giving it a rubbery, waxy feel.

Along with the suit’s dual-layered design, this increases buoyancy, improves body position, and helps lower your drag in the water.

Drag is reduced further with low-profile taped seams to cut down on surface area.

What I like about the GX Sonic V is its durability. This is perhaps the longest-lasting and most durable tech suit available.

Mizuno has also updated the seams, providing much better durability than previous Mizuno suits. Before, the seams tended to tear and fray.

Furthermore, the tech suit is dual-layered. On the interior, you’ll find compressive panels. Besides improving buoyancy, these panels support and align essential muscles for increased power and faster swimming, helping you blast to that gold medal position.

The dual-layering is also slightly different between the ST and MR variations of the suit. This accommodates varying levels of compression and range of motion.

The final feature of the Mizuno GX Sonic V is its Sonic Line X taping. The taping system runs in an X pattern across the suit’s interior, unlike the traditional single- or double-hamstring taping.

Mizuno designed the taping to support your kick cycle throughout the entire race. It also further enhances the hip-lifting effect and allows greater explosiveness from walls and turns.

Something strange about the GX Sonic V is that the jammer has no silicone waistband like other flagship tech suits. Instead, a material similar to the taping is used across the waist.

This isn’t a negative, and the suit will still fit securely, but rather something I wanted to point out. You still get the silicone grips on the legs like other suits.

Size and fit: sizing is the most complicated aspect of the Mizuno GX Sonic V. It’s also what makes it slightly inferior to other, more popular tech suits.

Even if this is potentially the highest-performance tech suit available, looking at it holistically is critical. Thus, it’s essential to consider factors like comfort and sizing.

The GX Sonic V is extremely difficult to put on, regardless of which variation of the suit you choose. I recommend allowing at least 2 to 3 attempts to put the suit on before using it at a meet. It’s unlikely that you’ll get the suit on the first time around.

Using this suit 2 or 3 times in the water before your big meet is also a good idea to break it in properly for optimal performance.

Allow yourself 45 minutes to an hour to put this suit on, and ensure you have some baby powder or skin slick on hand.

If you are between sizes or on the upper limit of a specific size when measuring for the size chart, I recommend sizing up.

While the suit won’t restrict your range of motion when swimming, it’s uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. You’ll likely find yourself itching to take it off between races.

Even though this is a top-notch tech suit, carefully consider whether it is the right one for you regarding compression and comfort.

I think this is an excellent tech suit for finals, where you need that extra performance boost, don’t have many consecutive races, and can take the suit off afterward. Similarly, this is a stellar option if you’re looking for a suit to go fast in a 50 or 100 and then take it off.

The men’s jammer comes in a standard waist style. However, it has a slightly higher fit, similar to the Arena Carbon Core FX. The women’s tech suits are also only available in one option, namely an open-back kneeskin.

Downsides: apart from the obvious issues mentioned with the suit’s comfort, my only complaint is that it doesn’t come with a carry pouch.

The suit comes in a very plain cardboard box along with a few instructions, but other than that, you don’t receive anything extra.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500.
• Fabric composition: 65% polyamide, 35% elastane (body), 66% polyamide, 34% elastane (panels).
• Compression: compressive interior panels.
• Taping: sonic line X taping.
• Dual-layered: yes.
• Panels: interior compression panels.
• Drag reduction: flat concept design, taped seams.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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A3 Performance Phenom Tech Suit

A3 Performance is a lesser-known US-based swimming brand that has released some high-quality tech suits. Their previous generation VICI tech suit was praised among swimmers, although not as popular as some of the tech suits from major brands like TYR, Arena, and Speedo.

Nevertheless, the Phenom is their new-generation tech suit. What I like about this suit is that you get a high-quality, all-around flagship option at a less expensive price than some of the bigger brands.

The suit has all the expected high-performance features and even some innovative technologies. I’m also a big fan of the colors (especially the white).

Strokes and events: with flexible compression and bonded seams, the Phenom is perfect for all strokes and events.

Much like the FINIS HydroX, the Phenom is right in the middle, making it perfect for sprints, distance, and IM swims.

Design and performance: the most notable design aspect of the A3 Performance Phenom is its hydrodynamic design. Two primary technologies contribute to this: the SlipStream fabric and integrated fabric channels.

The SlipSteam fabric is composed of 55% polyamide and 45% elastane. Its main feature is Water Management Technology.

This technology is the opposite of the hydrophobic treatments used on other tech suits. Still, it aims to deliver the same effects more efficiently.

Instead of repelling the water like other flagship suits, the Phenom embraces it. The goal isn’t to oppose the water but to collaborate with it. This creates an efficient hydrodynamic second layer around the suit that slips through the water without drag.

A3 Performance claims this hydrophilic technology is superior to hydrophobic treatments. However, it’s hard to know for sure.

In contrast to highly hydrophobic tech suits like the TYR Venzo, Mizuno GX Sonic V, and Speedo LZR Pure Intent, this technology offers less buoyancy. It’s worth mentioning that the Phenom has other buoyancy features, which I have yet to discuss.

Furthering the hydrodynamics of the suit (and contributing to buoyancy) are the fabric channels. The channels are similar to the textured fabric zones of the Speedo LZR Pure Intent and the ripply, circular exterior fabric of FINIS HydroX.

These channels have a micro-roughness and control water movement. As a result, it creates small vortices that reduce drag, lift your body position, and propel your frontal and lateral energy into forward propulsion.

The entirety of the suit is also dual-layered on the interior, which adds to its buoyancy.

Regarding compression, the Phenom features bonded seam technology running through its interior. This provides comfortable muscle compression and support without restricting joint and muscle mobility.

The back of the tech suit also features exterior hamstring taping, providing kick support and snap for faster swimming.

Something I like about the Phenom is the waistband and leg grips. These are high-quality and are like the grips on the FINIS tech suits, which have some of the best waistband and leg grip technology.

Size and fit: if there is one thing about the Phenom you don’t have to worry about, it’s getting the suit on. The suit has a smooth coated inner lining, which makes putting it on super easy.

Apart from this, the suit has flexible compression, which makes it easier to get on than highly compressive tech suits.

The men’s jammer tech suit is available in a standard waist option that fits as you’d expect.

One thing to point out about the men’s jammer is the Fitlock technology that keeps the suit in place. It’s an interesting concept, but I feel it’s unnecessary.

The Fitlock system is a plastic clip that holds the drawstrings in position and allows you to tighten the suit without losing tension. It is a useful feature, but I’m not convinced it’s needed.

The women’s kneeskin is a little different in terms of its cuts. I find the concept exciting and like the idea. The kneeskins are available in a standard closed-back variation like all other suits. However, the second option is a powerback variation instead of an open-back variation.

The powerback is like an open back tech suit but provides more skin coverage and core support.

Downsides: it’s rare, but there is nothing significant that I can fault the A3 Performance Phenom for. Presenting a great price, a high-quality design, and innovative technologies, this is an all-around great suit.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 55% polyamide, 45% elastane.
• Compression: bonded seam technology.
• Taping: exterior hamstring taping.
• Dual-layered: yes.
• Panels: single.
• Drag Reduction: slipstream technology, fabric channels.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: flagship; less expensive.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Mizuno MX-Sonic Tech Suit

If you are a fan of Mizuno tech suits but looking for a good mid-range option, consider the Mizuno MX Sonic.

Incorporating much of the same technology and features as the flagship Mizuno tech suits, the MX Sonic blends a premium design with an affordable price.

Strokes and events: like the GX Sonic V, the Mizuno MX Sonic features a more compressive design that won’t compromise your range of motion in any of the strokes.

This tech suit is better for sprinting events in the range of 50s and 100s. Still, it can make a nice fit for 200s and 400/500s if you don’t mind some extra compression.

Suppose you’re more geared toward distance or IM events or looking for a more versatile mid-range tech suit. In that case, I recommend the TYR Invictus, which I reviewed earlier.

Design and performance: what I like about the Mizuno MX Sonic is that it’s similar to the flagship Mizuno tech suits.

In particular, the Sonic MX is similar to the GX Sonic IV, the previous flagship tech suit released before the latest GX Sonic V.

The Mizuno MX Sonic features the same Sonic Light Ribtex II fabric comprising 65% polyamide and 35% elastane.

What I like about this fabric is that it doesn’t easily stretch. As a result, the suit maintains its compression for a long time.

Compared to the flagship Mizuno suits, the taping points are also similar.

These points are stitched and not bonded like the flagship tech suits. This is to reduce the costs of the suit, providing an affordable mid-range price. Unfortunately, these stitched seams don’t have quite the same performance-enhancing effects as bonded seams.

The suit’s exterior features a premium water-repellent coating, ensuring water rolls off your tech suit, reducing drag.

The fabric is also grooved to break up water molecules for reduced resistance.

Typically, grooved fabric is only found on flagship suits like the Speedo LZR Pure Intent, Mizuno GX Sonic V, FINIS HydroX, and A3 Performance Phenom. So, seeing it on a mid-range suit is quite impressive.

On the interior, you’ll find compressive panels helping to maximize blood circulation and supporting large muscles for faster swimming.

Size and fit: as mentioned, the Mizuno MX Sonic has a compressive design while still providing a flexible fit.

The suit is much easier to get on than the GX Sonic V, and it’d make a good option if you need to wear it for extended periods. I say this despite the suit having higher compression.

The men’s tech suit is available in a standard waist variation. Like other Mizuno suits, it has a higher-waisted cut and sits comfortably above the knee. On the other hand, the women’s kneeskin tech suit is available only in an open-back variation.

Downsides: as with any mid-range tech suit, the MX Sonic, unfortunately, has drawbacks.

First is the stitched seams. These seams are known for being less durable. They also don’t provide the same snapback and kick support as bonded seams. While you can’t fault the MX for this, as it’s a mid-range suit, it’s good to be aware of it.

Secondly, and less importantly, is the fact that the suit is only available in one plain black color option.

Lastly, a factor that also carries less weight is that, like the flagship Mizuno tech suits, the MX Sonic comes in a plain box with no carry pouch. However, it is more acceptable in this case as it’s a mid-range tech suit.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500.
• Fabric composition: 65% polyamide, 35% elastane.
• Compression: compressive inner panels.
• Taping: internal.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: multi-panel, single fabric.
• Drag reduction: water-repellent fabric.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: mid-range.
• FINA-Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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Jaked JKOMP Tech Suit

Similar to A3 Performance, Jaked is also a lesser-known swimming brand. Jaked has been known for its innovative tech suit technology. Presenting this at a less-expensive mid-range price is the JKOMP.

Despite being the second oldest tech suit on our list after the budget Speedo LZR Racer Pro, the JKOMP still provides a well-rounded design.

Additionally, given its affordability, it provides excellent value for money. Don’t be deterred due to its age; this is still a great suit.

Strokes and events: the Jaked JKOMP is a compressive tech suit and is best for sprint swimmers. Still, you can use it for IM and mid-distance events as well.

My recommended events for the JKOMP would be 50 to 200. If you are happy with some extra compression, I’d also be comfortable recommending it for 400/500 events.

Suppose you want a mid-range tech suit but primarily swim mid-distance, IM, and distance events. In that case, I’d recommend the TYR Invictus instead.

While the JKOMP and Mizuno MX Sonic are similar in terms of events and use, they have a few differences. The primary being the fabrics and finishes.

The MX Sonic has a more modern fabric and better water-repellency. The JKOMP, on the other hand, has far better finishes regarding its taping and leg grips. It’s also important to note that the MX Sonic is less expensive than the JKOMP.

So, the suit you pick will be based on what you value most. Nevertheless, both are great options that will help you swim faster.

Design and performance: featuring a smart fabric composed of 64% polyamide and 36% elastane, the main performance feature of the Jaked JKOMP is its 3D striped compression system.

This variable compression technology comprises hard and medium compression panels. You can see this in the suit’s striped fabric. The compression has an evenly distributed feel and allows unrestricted range of motion when swimming.

The idea behind this compression system is to create pressure gradients in the muscle for increased blood circulation. This helps deliver oxygen faster to muscles while speeding up the removal of lactic acid. In turn, it helps prevent muscle soreness and fatigue when racing.

The strategically positioned, high-tenacity polyurethane taping works in unity with the compression system. The taping helps to increase the suit’s compression, securing it in place and providing muscle support. This lets you maintain a rigid bodyline and power from the dives and turns.

Something to point out regarding the taping is that it mainly assists with compression and muscle support. Unlike some modern tech suits, it doesn’t provide much benefit regarding mechanical assistance during the kick cycle.

The taping is also slightly different on the men’s and women’s suits, which I find strange.

Furthermore, the fabric of the JKOMP has water-repellent qualities. It’s also seamless for a hydrodynamic design that reduces drag.

Size and fit: the Jaked JKOMP is available in a standard waist jammer for men and an open- and closed-back kneeskin for women.

Both the men’s and women’s tech suits sit nicely above the knee. At the same time, the jammer has a higher-waisted cut like the Arena Carbon Core FX and Mizuno GX Sonic V.

Despite being an older suit, the women’s kneeskin features elastic shoulder straps for increased comfort. This is a feature that has become popular among modern tech suits.

As mentioned, the JKOMP is a higher compression tech suit, making it harder to put on. That said, once the suit is on, it provides comfortable muscle compression.

Downsides: the biggest downside of the Jaked JKOMP is its water-repellent qualities. The suit will still absorb some water when swimming, even when it’s still new.

Seeing as this is an older tech suit, the water-repellent technology of the JKOMP lacks behind modern suits.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500.
• Fabric composition: 64% polyamide, 36% elastane.
• Compression: 3D striped compression system.
• Taping: high-tenacity polyurethane taping.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: variable compression panels.
• Drag reduction: water-repellent fabric, seamless design.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: mid-range.
• FINA Approved: yes.
• 12 and under Approved: no.

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TYR Thresher Tech Suit

Now that we’ve covered all the flagship and mid-range tech suits, I want to revisit some affordable 12 and under-approved ones. To start, I will review the popular TYR Thresher.

One of the standout features of the TYR Thresher that any 12 and under swimmer will appreciate is its colors and patterns. This allows the swimmer to pick a suit that matches their style.

Once again, the Thresher is by no means limited to only 12 and under swimmers. Still, if you are older and looking for a budget tech suit, I recommend purchasing the Speedo LZR Racer Pro, which has more features.

Strokes and events: as with all the 12 and under approved tech suits, the TYR Thresher isn’t designed for a specific type of swimmer or event. You can use it for every event, ranging from sprinting, mid-distance, and IM, to distance events.

With good flexibility and less compression, the suit is also ideal for all strokes.

Design and performance: the TYR Thresher has a range of performance-enhancing features. While none of these features are flagship-level, they make for a nice all-around tech suit at a budget price.

The Thresher has the same fabric composition of 71% polyamide and 29% elastane as our top-rated 12 and under-tech suit, the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0.

It is slightly more expensive than the Powerskin ST 2.0. In my opinion, both suits are very similar in terms of their overall design. The one you pick will be up to your preference but know you can’t go wrong with either, so pick whichever you like most.

The suit’s fabric features advanced compression technology that ensures a snug fit. This provides the necessary muscle support and blood circulation for fast swimming.

Despite the compression, the fabric is still flexible. This provides a 360-degree stretch and ensures unrestricted range of motion in all strokes.

The suit also features strategically lined flatlock sewn seams. These support your muscles, optimize flexibility, and ensure the design stays hydrodynamic.

My favorite feature of the TYR Thresher is the embedded hydrophobic fibers.

This is an area where it outperforms both the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 and the Speedo Vanquisher. (I review the Vanquisher after this). Neither of the aforementioned suits have any specific water-repellent technology.

Instead of the traditional water-repellent coating applied after construction, the Thresher has it embedded directly in the core of its fabric. This provides longer-lasting water repellency for reduced drag and faster swimming.

Once again, this tech suit also has silicone leg grips, an excellent premium feature on a budget suit.

I should also mention the TYR Thresher doesn’t have a FINA-approved logo. However, according to the FINA website, it’s FINA-approved. Remember, you don’t need a FINA logo since it’s a 12 and under tech suit.

Size and fit: the TYR Thresher has a comfortable, snug fit and comes in a standard waist jammer for men and an open back kneeskin for women.

The jammer has a standard cut around the waist, while the men’s and women’s tech suits sit slightly lower on the leg, just above the kneecap. This allows more skin coverage, which is advantageous for drag reduction and compression.

Regarding sizing, there are some minor problems with the women’s kneeskin. If you are at the upper end of the size chart or between sizes, size up. Otherwise, you might experience problems with the shoulder straps.

Downsides: as with all budget suits, the TYR Thresher has some durability issues. The suit experiences fraying over time. It will also stretch out, but this is hardly a downside and expected from tech suits in general.

However, the biggest downside with the TYR Thresher is on the women’s kneeskin. Various female swimmers I have talked to reported the shoulder straps as uncomfortable. Follow the sizing chart closely and the guidelines mentioned in the sizing section of this review to prevent this problem.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 71% polyamide, 29% elastane.
• Compression: advanced compression, comfortable.
• Taping: flatlock sewn seams.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single.
• Drag reduction: embedded hydrophobic fiber, flatlock seams.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: budget.
• FINA Approved: yes, no FINA logo (not required for 12-and-under).
• 12 and under Approved: yes.

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Speedo Vanquisher Tech Suit

The final tech suit on our list is the budget Speedo Vanquisher. Along with the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 and TYR Thresher, the Vanquisher is a popular 12 and under tech suit.

Like these suits, the Vanquisher is a good all-around option with basic performance features. The price is similar to the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0. At the same time, it offers various colors and patterns that younger swimmers will love.

Once again, this suit isn’t limited to 12 and under swimmers. Still, I strongly recommend the Speedo LZR Racer Pro if you are older since it has more performance features.

Strokes and events: like the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 and TYR Thresher, the Vanquisher isn’t made for a specific stroke or event. Instead, it’s a good all-around tech suit.

With a snug fit, comfortable compression, and good flexibility, this tech suit is ideal for all strokes and events, making it a good fit for sprint, distance, and IM swimmers.

Design and performance: the Speedo Vanquisher has a lightweight fabric and quality feel. The composition is 79% polyamide and 21% elastane. Overall, it has a slightly higher nylon content than the Powerskin ST 2.0 and Thresher tech suits.

The suit’s fabric provides the right balance of compression that’s not too tight but still provides muscle support for fast swimming.

Furthermore, the Vanquisher has strategically placed stitched seams. These further help to enhance the compression, support, flexibility, and fit.

One of the big differences between the Vanquisher compared to the Powerskin 2.0 and Thresher tech suits is that there are no silicone grips on the leg openings. While this isn’t a deal breaker, and the suit will still fit securely, it is something to consider.

Like the TYR Thresher, the Vanquisher also doesn’t have a FINA-approved logo. That said, according to the FINA website, the tech suit is still FINA-approved. You also don’t need a FINA logo on a 12 and under tech suit.

Size and fit: the Speedo Vanquisher has a good, snug fit that’s both comfortable and provides the right amount of compression for fast swimming. Additionally, this makes it easy to put the suit on.

The tech suit comes in a standard waist jammer for men and an open-back kneeskin for women. The sizing chart is accurate, and I recommend sticking to it.

As with all the Speedo tech suits, one of its standout features on the women’s kneeskin is the comfortable shoulder straps.

Downsides: like all 12 and under tech suits, durability is a problem. This tech suit may fray with time, and the logo can sometimes even peel off. It will also stretch out.

The biggest con of the Vanquisher, however, is the water-repellency. Likely, this is due to the higher polyamide content of the suit. While neither the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 nor the Vanquisher have specific water-repellent technologies, this suit tends to hold more water.

The leg grips of the suit can also be on the tighter side, which can be uncomfortable over long periods. You can flip the legs up to relieve pressure between races.

I recommend not getting too caught up on performance features. Instead, evaluate a 12 and under tech suit based on the colors, comfort, and fit it provides the swimmer. At the end of the day, it’s the swimmer that makes the suit, not the other way around. It’s also crucial that the swimmer is happy with what they wear on race day.

Tech suit specifications:

• Strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
• Events: 50, 100, 200, 400/500, 800, 1500/1650.
• Fabric composition: 79% polyamide, 21% elastane.
• Compression: balanced compression fabric.
• Taping: strategically placed stitched seams.
• Dual-layered: no.
• Panels: single-panel.
• Drag reduction: hydrodynamic design.
• Range of motion: unrestricted.
• Price range: budget.
• FINA Approved: yes, no FINA logo (not required for 12-and-under).
• 12 and under Approved: yes.

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How to Choose the Best Tech Suit for You

While I recommend my top picks at the start of the article and point out where particular tech suits are better than others, it’s essential to make a decision based on personal factors as well.

This means even though a specific tech suit may be better from a performance perspective in certain areas, there may be a better one for you.

In this section, I walk you through the most critical aspects to consider when making a tech suit decision.

Strokes and Events

The most critical aspect of choosing your tech suit is considering your main strokes and events.

Most tech suits don’t directly state that they are designed for a specific stroke or event. (Because they aren’t). However, as you might be able to tell from my tech suit reviews, particular suits are better fitted for specific strokes and events.

Factors like compression, tech suit flexibility, and taping mostly determine this.

Sprint tech suits are more compressive, less flexible, and have more taping. This provides a mechanical and snappy feel. (Keep in mind, some swimmers might not like this.)

Middle-distance and distance tech suits are less compressive for comfort. They usually also have less taping and snap.

For breaststroke and IM events, tech suit flexibility is important to consider. You don’t want to feel restricted in any of the strokes and want full range of motion. You may still prefer some compression and snap for these events, so it’s essential to consider what you like.

Freestyle and butterfly swimmers can get away with less flexibility and more mechanical support due to a smaller movement range. This will provide them with a more considerable benefit in terms of body lift and power exertion.

Similarly, backstroke swimmers also don’t need as much range of motion. They may also prefer a tech suit with taping on the quadricep muscles for increased upward kick support.

Comfort and Fit

It doesn’t help a tech suit promises more benefit on paper, but you don’t like the fit, thus not performing at your best.

For example, you might be a sprint swimmer but find compressive tech suits too uncomfortable and restrictive to wear. Or you might despise spending 30-45 minutes to get the tech suit on. In this case, go with something less compressive, more flexible, and easier to put on.

Vice versa, there might be distance swimmers who prefer more compression.

Some things to consider regarding the fit of your tech suit include compression, the cut and style, and your gender.

More compressive suits will generally be less comfortable, especially over longer periods. They will also be harder to put on. Generally, Arena tech suits are the least compressive and easiest to put on.

The cut and style of the suit refer to whether it’s an open- or closed-back kneeskin or a standard- or high-waist jammer. There may also be variation within these categories, where some suits sit lower on the knees or higher on the waist than others.

Gender is also important since females need to consider shoulder strap comfort and flexibility. Generally, Speedo tech suits have the most comfortable shoulder straps.

Swimming Level and Price

Next, you want to consider the level you compete at, your swimming experience level, and the price of the suit.

Suppose you are a serious competitive swimmer trying to reach your maximum potential. In that case, I recommend a flagship tech suit.

This will provide you with the biggest performance benefit. It’s also likely the type of tech suit your competitors will be using, and you don’t want to be at a disadvantage.

Suppose you are still competitive but either not as serious about going as fast as possible, you compete for the fun, or the flagship suits are out of your price range. In this case, a mid-range tech suit is a good option.

For high-school students and masters swimmers, I also recommend a decent mid-range tech suit. You can also consider a flagship or budget tech suit depending on your budget, preferences, and competitiveness.

Remember, there is no shame in purchasing a less expensive budget or mid-range tech suit. This is also especially true if it’s your first tech or you’re just starting to experiment with using them in competition.

For younger swimmers, you likely want to go with a budget or mid-range tech suit. If the swimmer is highly competitive and over the age of 12, a flagship tech suit can also be considered. However, make sure the swimmer knows they are ultimately responsible for how fast they swim and not the tech suit.

If you’ve ever had qualms about tech suit pricing you might want to read my article on why tech suits are so expensive.

Age

Age is an easy consideration and dependent on your specific swimming federation.

Most countries and swim federations impose some type of tech suit restriction on younger swimmers. This is done for various reasons. Some include supporting parents by reducing the cost of expensive tech suits and removing potential negative impacts on swimmer development.

In the United States, this age is 12 years old, with most other swim federations either the same or very similar.

If you purchase a tech suit for a swimmer in this age bracket, ensure it’s approved for 12 and under use.

This is clearly stated in my reviews. The three 12 and under eligible tech suits in my article are the Arena Powerskin ST 2.0, TYR Thresher, and Speedo Vanquisher.

Fabrics and Durability

With the expensive price tag of tech suits, durability may be a factor you want to consider.

Generally, flagship suits will have the best durability. Still, there will be variation between the durability of these tech suits.

From my experience, tech suits with thicker fabrics tend to have better durability.

Other factors contributing to durability include the type of taping used (bonded versus stitched) and the water-repellent technology.

Suits may also be more durable in specific areas like compression, while other areas, like water-repellency, tend to fade out quicker.

Remember, you can expect at least a season’s performance from your tech suit if you take good care of it.

My top pick for durability in a tech suit would be the TYR Venzo. What’s nice about the Venzo is that you can also use it for distance swimming if you buy the Phenom variation. This is assuming you’re comfortable with some extra compression.

My second pick would be the Mizuno GX Sonic V, followed by the Speedo LZR Pure Intent. Other suits that are also good options include the Arena Carbon Glide and Carbon Core FX.

For mid-range tech suits, your best bet is the Mizuno MX Sonic.

Tech Suit Colors and Patterns

The color and pattern of your tech suit won’t provide any direct performance benefit. Still, it might be important to you.

The benefits tech suits provide are as much mental as they are physical. Therefore, it’s vital that you feel confident and ready to perform in your tech suit.

Once you’ve decided on some potential tech suits to buy for your next swim season, look at the available colors.

TYR, Speedo, Arena, Mizuno, FINIS, and A3 Performance generally have some excellent designs. However, there are differences in the exquisiteness of each brand.

The color and pattern will also be something to take more seriously when buying a tech suit for a younger swimmer. Younger swimmers place a lot of value and pride in the design and color of their tech suit. So make sure to find out what they like.

Swimming Brand

Picking a tech suit from a reputable swimming brand is almost always going to ensure good performance and quality.

You may also prefer certain swimming brands over others based on the style, cut, or comfort of their tech suits. Or which professional swimmers and Olympians use their suits.

The most popular swimming brands include TYR, Arena, Speedo, FINIS, and Mizuno. Lesser known but still reputable brands include A3 Performance and Jaked.

Benefits of Tech Suits– How They Help You Swim Faster

Muscle Compression

Compression is one of the most critical performance features of a tech suit. All tech suits provide it in some way or another, some to a higher extent than others.

Compression helps to connect and support your important muscle groups. This creates rigidity in your body alignment and power in your strokes, allowing you to swim faster.

Additionally, it helps blood to circulate through muscle tissue at a faster rate. This increases the supply of nutrients like glucose to the muscle while oxygenating it quicker.

Faster blood flow also means speedier removal of byproducts like lactic acid and carbon dioxide from muscles. This reduces muscle soreness and fatigue.

Compression can also help with drag reduction by slightly flattening your butt, making you more hydrodynamic.

Body Lift

Body position refers to the alignment of your head, chest, hips, and feet in the water.

Maintaining a good body position in the water is one of the most critical factors for swimming fast.

A good body position significantly reduces drag, makes your swimming more energy efficient, improves technique and stroke length, and ultimately makes you swim faster.

In fact, a study published by the Faculty of Sport Sciences at the University of Rouen found that tech suits had the effect of improving glide and reducing drag in the water. This created conditions where swimmers could exert a higher stroke rate and length, ultimately helping them improve their performance and swim faster.

Tech suits will aid in improving your body position by providing buoyancy and creating a hip-lifting effect. They do this in three main ways:

1. Water-repellent fabrics.
2. Dual layering.
3. Hamstring taping.

The water-repellent fabric and dual layering help increase the tech suit’s buoyancy, which lifts your entire body higher in the water.

Hamstring taping anchors your legs and hips together, creating a mechanical spring that pulls your hips toward the water’s surface, improving your body alignment. This is very noticeable in tech suits like the TYR Venzo, Arena Carbon Core FX, Speedo LZR Pure Intent, and Mizuno GX Sonic V.

Not every tech suit has all three of these features, but will likely have at least one.

It’s also important to know that more of these components aren’t necessarily better. They could create drawbacks in other areas, like freedom of movement. This is why you have to evaluate a tech suit from a holistic viewpoint.

Reducing Drag

While improving your body position already has significant drag-reduction benefits, tech suits also have other drag-reduction features.

This improves your energy efficiency while swimming and allows you to move through the water faster.

Tech suits reduce drag using:

• Hydrophobic or hydrophilic fabrics.
• Hydrodynamic designs.
• Textured and rippled fabrics.

While hydrophobic fabrics help with buoyancy, they also help to reduce the friction of water molecules against the surface of your tech suit. In turn, this reduces drag, which improves your glide and allows you to swim faster.

Similarly, this same effect can be achieved with hydrophilic fabrics, as in the case with the A3 Performance Phenom tech suit.

Secondly, tech suits feature hydrodynamic designs. This means they use low-profile seams and taping. In some cases, the surface of the tech suit may also be frictionless, with seams and taping placed on the suit’s interior.

The final way tech suits reduce drag is by using textured and rippled fabrics. Rippled fabrics help break up water molecules and create micro vortices that reduce drag and propel you forward. Some tech suits also have sections of extremely smooth fabrics that will have almost no water friction.

Mechanical Support

Mechanical support is mainly provided by the taping in a tech suit, although compression also contributes to this.

Taping helps to create mechanical support by forming different anchoring points. Often, this mechanical support is mainly around the leg muscles.

This creates muscle tension, leading to more power when swimming, diving, pushing off the wall, or performing underwater dolphin kicks.

It can also help snap your legs back in place, which helps with your up-kick and allows you to keep kicking fast when your legs fatigue at the end of your race.

Typically, the most efficient taping system is when there is some variation of taping running down the hamstrings.

Quad taping can also be very helpful for backstroke swimmers.

Additionally, taping around the hips can be beneficial for breaststroke swimmers.

For more information about the benefits of tech suits, consider reading my article on how tech suits make a difference. Alternatively, if your curious to find out how much time you can drop, read my article on how much time do tech suits help you drop?

What Are the Best Tech Suits for Each Stroke and Event?

Disclaimer: Tech suits aren’t limited to a specific stroke or event. This section is purely to provide more guidance about which tech suit you should consider choosing based on your main strokes and events. You can still use these tech suits for other events as well.

What Is the Best Tech Suit for Butterfly?

My top pick for 50 and 100 butterfly is the TYR Venzo. The suit offers plenty of buoyancy, hip lift, and mechanical kick support, essential aspects of sprint butterfly. It will also help you power off the walls and dives.

Other good sprint options for 50 and 100 butterfly include the Arena Carbon Core FX (less compression), Speedo LZR Pure Intent, and Mizuno GX Sonic V ST (extreme compression).

For 200 butterfly, my top pick is the Arena Carbon Air 2, followed by the Carbon Glide and FINIS HydroX. These suits are comfortable to wear while providing buoyancy and muscle support.

For more information, read my article on the best tech suits for butterfly.

What Is the Best Tech Suit for Backstroke?

My top picks for 50, 100, and 200 backstroke are the TYR Venzo and Speedo LZR Pure Intent backstroke edition. I regard both suits as equal for backstroke performance.

I like them for backstroke because they offer good buoyancy and have taping on the quadriceps, which will support the backstroke kick.

The Arena Carbon Glide is also a good backstroke suit with lots of buoyancy. I, however, recommend it if your main event is 200 backstroke.

For more information, read my article on the best tech suits for backstroke.

What Is the Best Tech Suit for Breaststroke?

My top pick for 50, 100, and 200 breaststroke is the TYR Venzo Phantom. It’s an excellent breaststroke option due to its compression, buoyancy, and range of motion.

Suppose you primarily swim 50 and 100 breaststroke sprints. In that case, you can also consider the standard Venzo for more snap provided by the hamstring tapes.

Furthermore, the Arena Carbon Core FX would be my second option if compression and snap are important to you. It’s less compressive and restrictive than the standard Venzo. Still, it offers plenty of snap due to its compression and dual hamstring taping.

My top pick for more range of motion and less compression would be the Speedo LZR Pure Valor. It still offers some dual-layering and taping around the hips, which is beneficial for breaststroke. The TYR Avictor is also a great option.

Additionally, you can consider the Arena Carbon Glide if you like buoyancy. Depending on your preference, the Carbon Glide might provide too little compression for breaststroke.

What I like about the Glide, however, is that it features internal taping around the hips and hamstrings, providing breaststroke kick support.

For more information, read my article on the best tech suits for breaststroke.

What Is the Best Tech Suit for Freestyle?

My top pick for the 50 and 100 freestyle sprints include the TYR Venzo. Secondary options include the Speedo LZR Pure Intent, Arena Carbon Core FX, and Mizuno GX Sonic V ST or MR.

These suits are good options due to their high compression, buoyancy, kick support, and snap. If you are comfortable with more compression, you can also consider using these for 200 and 400/500 middle-distance freestyle events.

My top pick for middle-distance and distance freestylers who primarily swim 200, 400/500, 800, and 1500/1650 events would be the Arena Carbon Glide. It offers plenty of buoyancy, comfort, and drag-reduction. It’s also lightweight and has interior taping to provide extra kick support.

Other good middle- and long-distance options include the Arena Carbon Air 2, Speedo LZR Pure Valor, and TYR Avictor.

For more information, read my article on the best tech suits for freestyle.

What Is the Best Tech Suit for IM?

My top pick for 200 and 400 IM is the TYR Venzo Phantom. This suit offers plenty of compression and buoyancy without being restrictive. You can also consider using the standard Venzo if you like more kick support.

Other good IM options include the Arena Carbon Core FX, Speedo LZR Pure Intent, and Mizuno GX Sonic V MR.

For more information, read my article on the best tech suits for IM.

Where Should You Buy Your Tech Suit?

I recommend purchasing your tech suit from SwimOutlet.

They offer the lowest tech suit prices and have frequent sales. This allows you to buy a flagship or mid-range tech suit at a much more affordable and fair price than regular swim shops.

They also have a membership program costing only $4.99 per year that can get you considerable discounts on tech suits.

SwimOutlet also offers quick and convenient shipping to the US, UK, and Europe, with most orders arriving at your doorstep in only 2 or 3 days.

Moreover, you can quickly and conveniently buy your ideal tech suit from the comfort of your home. Not only does this save you time and effort, but also the frustration of driving to a physical swim store.

For more information about them, you can read my SwimOutlet review.

You may be worried about purchasing a tech suit online as you don’t get to try it unless you’ve previously owned it.

Don’t worry about this, though. SwimOutlet provides accurate size charts for all their tech suits, and their support staff are always willing to help you find your perfect size. Also, read the “size and fit” section of my reviews since some tech suits may have sizing nuances, and I will help you navigate that there.

You can also check out my tech suit size guide for further help if you need it.

Combined with each tech suit’s detailed review in my article, this should ensure you choose the best tech suit for your needs.

In fact, you’ll be able to make a better decision than you would otherwise by visiting a physical store due to an increased range of tech suits to choose from and in-depth reviews about each suit.

You can check out some of the tech suits on SwimOutlet by clicking here or using the buttons in the article.

Tips to Maximize the Durability and Performance of Your Tech Suit

Save Your Tech Suits for Your Big Meets

Tech suits have a limited lifespan, with some lasting longer than others. I recommend only wearing your tech suit for important meets where you are trying to go for that record, gold medal, or qualifying time.

For the smaller and less critical meets, swim with an old- or budget tech suit.

Remember, the purpose of the smaller meets is to practice your races and have fun. This allows you to learn how to swim as fast as possible for that big championship meet.

Take Your Time When Putting on and Taking Off Your Tech Suit

If you try to get your tech suit on or off as fast as possible, you make yourself vulnerable to tearing the fabrics.

Take your time and slowly pull the fabric on bit by bit until you are fully fitted. Similarly, be patient when taking the suit off.

To make it easier to put your tech suit on, you can also consider using some skin slick. This will speed up the process and make it less frustrating. Skin slick won’t damage the fabric of your tech suit.

Always Rinse Your Tech Suit Out with Cold Water

Chlorine and other pool chemicals can damage your tech suit’s fabric and cause it to stretch out by deteriorating the fibers over time.

When you finish racing for the day, I recommend thoroughly rinsing your tech suit with some cold water to remove most of the chemicals.

If you want to go above and beyond, use a dechlorinating agent to remove pool chemicals from your tech suit’s fabric altogether. Generally, a little tub of sodium thiosulfate, mixed with a bucket of distilled water, makes for a great dechlorinating agent.

You can also use a swimsuit chlorine remover.

Don’t Hang Your Tech Suit Up to Dry and Avoid Sunlight

Hanging your tech suit up can result in the fabric stretching. This reduces the lifespan and performance of your tech suit.

I recommend laying your suit on a flat surface (preferably on a towel) and then allowing it a few hours to air dry.

It’s also important not to place your tech suit in direct sunlight. Like chlorine, sunlight can damage the fabrics of your suit and cause stretching.

Wear Clothes Over Your Tech Suit Between Races

Wearing clothing over your expensive tech suit will prevent unnecessary damage.

Clothing provides protection from rough surfaces and stops your tech suit from getting caught on something sharp.

Go Underneath the Lane Ropes After Your Race

Although the lane ropes are generally in good condition at most pools, a broken piece of plastic sometimes creates a sharp surface. Your tech suit could get caught and tear.

I recommend dipping down underneath the lane ropes after your race as you move to the side of the pool instead of swimming over them, as many swimmers do.

When Tying Your Drawstrings, Cross Them to Prevent Tearing

Some tech suit jammers have better-designed drawstring tunnels, ensuring the fabric can’t easily tear. However, this is a good tip to apply regardless of what suit you own.

When tying your jammer’s drawstring, cross it so that it forms an X before you apply tension and make a knot. This ensures you don’t accidentally tear the fabric or drawstring tunnel.

Avoid pulling the drawstrings in a Y shape when creating tension to tie them. When you do this, you strain the fabric, which can result in a tear.

Don’t Put on Your Tech Suit If You Aren’t 100% Dry

The fabric will stick to your skin if you try to put on a tech suit while wet. This will require extra pulling and can result in stretching the fabric.

It will also make the suit harder to get on and can cause tears.

Unnecessary stretching will reduce the lifespan and performance of your tech suit. Always ensure you are completely dry before putting on your tech suit.

You may also want to use some baby powder to get moisture off your body and make your skin slicker, which will help get the suit on easier.

For more tips to take care of your tech suit and increase its lifespan, read my article on how to make it last longer. Or, if you’d like to know how long you can expect your tech suit to last, consider reading my article on how long do tech suits last?

Boost Your Swimming Performance with a New Tech Suit

Every serious competitive swimmer should invest in a new tech suit at least once a season.

This helps you stay updated with the latest performance technology so you’re never at a competitive disadvantage. It also ensures your tech suit is never too worn out.

With the countless hours you are investing in the pool, gym, and elsewhere, you deserve to be able to swim as fast as you can– and a tech suit can help you do this.

Now that you’ve got your tech suit sorted, you might want to read my article on the best racing goggles. Or perhaps you’re looking for a new stylish swim bag to keep your tech suit safe.