Buying the right racing suit is often like a headache, especially when buying the first suit. In this guide, we present Arena's racing suits and their features and differences to make it easier to choose a racing suit.
So when is it relevant to get a racing suit? This largely depends on the swimmer's body model and growth stage, but in general, for a young swimmer, acquiring a technical competition suit is relevant when the swimmer moves to IKM competitions. Before this, Arena's Powerskin ST and Speedo's Junior Endurance+ racing suits are good choices, you can also find children's sizes.
If you are looking for information about Speedo racing suits, read this article.
Arena racing suit selection guide
Arena Carbon Air 2 racing suits - The most popular racing suit for many trips
Arena Carbon Air 2 is a good choice if you swim many distances and do sports. The absolute strength of this suit and the reason for its popularity is its versatility. The Carbon Air racing suit is one of the best suits that are suitable for almost any trip. This racing suit can be used for distances of 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m up to 1500m.
However, if your main sport is selective breaststroke, we recommend choosing the Carbon Core suit or the Speedon Pure Valor or the Intent suit from the Arena racing suit series, as the features of these suits are specially designed for wide ranges of motion.
putting on.The lightest suit on the market. The material of the suit is thin (65% Polyamide, 34% elastane, 1% carbon fiber). This makes the suits the lightest on the market. The suit has excellent water-repellent properties that reduce friction in the water. The suit's compression structure is unique, it doesn't feel uncomfortable or tight on you, this is the main reason why the suit is suitable for many trips and sports.
Good built-in support improves performance. The inside of the suit has strategically lined carbon strips that attach to the most important stretch points. This creates optimal compression and increases mid-body support, muscle activation, strength, and blood circulation, all to create better competition performance.
Compression level 3/5
For whom:
You are looking for a versatile suit that you can swim many distances with.
You want a suit that is compressive but feels comfortable on you and doesn't start to squeeze your shoulders.
You want medium compression, but you want the suit to be light on top.
Arena Carbon Core FX - The highest compression racing suit
Arena's newest racing suit with the highest compression and advanced technical features of Arena's suits. This racing suit is specially designed for sprinters and medley swimmers.
Technical compression, this racing suit has both vertical and horizontal support panels built into it, the purpose of which is to support the muscles optimally. In addition, it greatly improves mid-body support compared to other suits.
Compression that lifts the swimmer, in addition to the inner panels, the suit has external tapes that create a hip-lifting effect, helping the swimmer to maintain an optimal position even when tired.
Flexible material, the suit uses 52% polyamide, 47% elastane and 1% carbon fiber. This makes the fabric of the suit sturdy, yet flexible and light. The suit is tighter in fit than Carbon Air and it is possible to compete in two sports in a row if you don't take off the suit between sports.
Who:
Swimmer looking for a suit with lots of support and compression. The Carbon Core FX is a great highly technical suit with an exceptional design and tight fit. However, it should be noted that the swimmer must fit well in the size chart in order for the suit's features to function optimally. If you are between sizes, we recommend the Carbon Air suit.
Check out the full Carbon Core FX racing suit range
Arena Carbon Glide - The best choice for middle and long-distance swimmers
Arena's flagship racing suit, with innovative technology, new construction, and a very comfortable fit, these features will improve your performance on the water. This suit has slightly less compression than the Carbon Core FX suit and is ideal for medium and long-distance swimmers.
Innovative material, the suit uses ´hydro glide shell´ material, which was developed to reduce water resistance. The outer fabric is very waterproof, water does not soak into the suit but runs off its surface, which contributes to the gliding effect - As the name suggests, the Glide suit is sliding and agile.
Effective compression construction, the suit uses carbon lattice technology that provides compression while maintaining a light feel. The purpose of compression is also to activate muscle groups during the performance, to improve swimming efficiency and thus the swimmer's time.
Light on, the suit is comfortable and light on the technical structure.
Who:
Carbon Glide racing suit is great especially for longer distances, for swimmers who want a little less compression and very good glide from the suit.
Check out the full Carbon Glide racing suit range
Powerskin PRIMO - Highest compression and best flexibility
The newest addition to Arena's Powerskin family is made from Tensoelastic Arena Hyperforce™ fabric. The fabric offers Arena's highest compression combined with the best and elasticity that allows for greater range of motion in the water and eases your race day routine: the elasticity of the fabric makes it very easy to put on. In addition, the fabric has a very good flow channeling technology that improves hydrodynamics and helps you glide better in the water.
In this racing suit you will also find tapes that improve your performance:
The X-taping in the women's suit connects the upper body and pelvis together, providing better stability for swimming. The taping also prevents the body from twisting too much during the pull. The taping is also familiar from the Carbon Glide suit.
The double taping on the back of the suit makes the hips rise to the maximum, which also helps the legs to extend during your swimming performance. The taping is also familiar from the Carbon Core FX suit.
Adjustable fit:
Women's suits in sizes 30-34 now also have an extended torso section (LT) for those with longer backs.
In the men's suit, thanks to the suit's flexible material, the waist can now be adjusted to sit lower or higher.
To whom:
A suit that suits everyone regardless of swimming style or distance. For you who value a high level of compression, but still want to get dressed as quickly as possible. Hyperforce fabric is also more durable than ordinary fabric, so the suit is a good choice also as a first racing suit. NOTE: Due to the very stretchy material of the suit, the suit may feel too loose at first compared to your previous racing suits, but still follow the size chart.
Check out the entire Powerskin PRIMO racing suit selection
Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 - A more affordable beginner swimmer's suit
Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 racing suit is a very durable suit for a beginner competitive swimmer.
This suit is not made of compression fabric, but the Powerskin ST fabric is 71% polyamide and 29% elastane. This makes the suit light on the body, yet sturdy. The surface of the suit has a water-repellent coating that reduces resistance in the pool.
thanks to the material, it is easy to put on and the suit fits well from the first wear. The suit offers good compression and wide ranges of motion.
To whom
This suit has an excellent price-quality ratio and is a great option for young swimmers and master swimmers who are looking for a more affordable competition suit. This suit is available separately in adult and junior sizes, as well as a popular legless model.
See the full range of Powers ST 2.0 racing suits
Arena Impulso - Pro-level technology available to all swimmers
The Impulso competition swimsuit combines a competitive price with good performance. The competition swimsuit brings cutting-edge technology within the reach of every swimmer.
The flexible suit feels comfortable to wear and does not restrict movement. The moderate compression of the suit supports the muscles and improves the swimmer's hydrodynamic swimming position in the water.
Durable - Impulso is made from high-quality, woven Italian fabric. Woven fabric is more durable than knitted fabric; the suit is longer-lasting and recovers its shape better.
The lightweight and quick-drying fabric absorbs little water, reducing water resistance. The fabric's water-repellent finish improves glide. The suit's durable, flat seams stretch without restricting movement.
To whom:
This model combines a competitive price with good performance. The model brings top-level technology within the reach of every swimmer. The lightweight and quick-drying suit is perfect for race days with multiple starts.
Discover the entire Impulso racing suit range
Frequently asked questions about racing suits:
p>How useful is a suit when swimming? The benefit provided by the suit depends a lot on the swimmer's body shape and muscle mass, on which the effect of compression suits is based. A swimmer with a lot of muscle may benefit more from the suit. A swimmer whose natural buoyancy is weaker also gets a special advantage. However, it must be remembered that compression that is too tight does not improve the performance of the suit, but on the contrary, the suit stretches too much, so the compression does not work as intended. The risk of tearing also increases and the service life of the suit shortens as the suit stretches. The fabric has less water resistance than human skin, so just the fact that the legs of the racing suits are longer (especially for women) will bring a little more speed to your swim.
Is it worth getting a new suit for the main races? The compression feature of the racing suits (Carbon fiber) is customized during the first ten starts and is designed to adapt to the swimmer's body, so that movement in the water is as streamlined as possible. For this reason, the new suit should not be used in the main races, but it would be good to swim at least five starts under it first.
It seems that the women's suit gets watery at the start, is the suit too big? Especially for swimmers who go between sizes (for example, the hips are larger in relation to the chest) this may be a problem. In this case, we recommend wetting the suit before the start and pressing the air out of the chest, so that the suit sticks to the skin better. In this case, there is no air left between the suit and the skin, which when jumping into the water causes the feeling that the suit is 'swiping water'.
The straps are heavy, is the suit too small? Especially in high compression suits, the straps have very little elasticity, and in this case it is important not to keep the suit on for too long. In addition, you can lower the straps below the armpit for exercise and waiting time. If the swimmer's body measurement is long in relation to other measurements, the straps may weigh even when swimming, and in this case we particularly recommend Carbon Air or Carbon Glide or Powerskin ST suits.
Why can't suits be fitted before purchase? The compression of the suit is adjusted individually from the first fitting, so for this reason we cannot let you fit the suit before purchase. However, we have a wide selection of fitting pieces that you can fit at the venue and in our store in Tampere. With the help of a professional seller, you can find out the right size by measuring.
So don't even try to put the suit on if you find it's the wrong size. If you want to change the suit, please contact our sales. We check the suits every time they come back before a decision is made about the exchange. So please be careful when choosing your size and if you hesitate about the size, please contact to our customer service.What is the benefit of a closed-back racing suit?A closed-back suit is often a bit tighter than an open-back suit, because the fabric is also around the middle of the body. The suit supports the middle body better, but the flexibility is correspondingly less due to the wider fabric part, so the swimmer's mobility may suffer if the suit does not fit perfectly. Often, a backless suit is used most in backstroke, but if desired, a backless suit is suitable for all sports. The swimmer's own preferences have the greatest influence on whether it is worth choosing an open or closed back suit. My suit tore, how do I know if it's a complaint and what should I do? Complaints are always handled on a case-by-case basis. We are responsible for complaints about suits bought from us, but if you have bought your suit from another supplier, you should contact them. If you have chosen a smaller suit than would have been necessary according to the size chart, there is no factory warranty. This is why it is important to choose the right size when buying! Always contact our sales if you have problems with your suit. If you suspect that your suit has a manufacturing defect, do not attempt to repair the suit yourself.
Instructions for putting on and storing the racing suit
For the first time when wearing a race suit, patience is key, putting on the suit may take up to 20-30 minutes at first. The suit should be pulled on calmly, the fabric must not be pulled with your fingernails or torn at the seams. This is especially important when pulling the suit over the hips!
When putting on, the silicone bands on the legs of the suit should be turned outwards.
Women: when the suit is put on, the upper part of the suit should be wet and press the air out between the suit and the skin. In this case, the suit fits more tightly, and not too much water gets under the suit at the start.
NOTE! YOU MUST NOT SIT ON MEN'S SUITS, e.g. on the starting podium, when the bands are tightened - the inelastic rubber band road can tear.
The laces should be tightened crosswise so that the seam tape does not tear.
How do you store the suit to make it last as long as possible?
The suit must be put to dry immediately after use, and must not be washed in the washing machine. Do not dry the suit in a sauna, hair dryer or other similar methods and store the suit protected from light.
The new suit is not always the fastest, as it adapts to the swimmer's body during the first 10 starts.
At best, the suit is slightly used. We recommend that you buy a new suit well in advance of the main races.
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If you have any questions about the right size or model, please contact our customer service.