45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
8/1/11 Update -- 2nd suit separating, January 25, 2011
This review is from: Speedo Men's Race Endurance+ Polyester Solid Jammer Swimsuit (Apparel)
So far in 13 months I have gone through 3 Speedos (2 lycra and 1 polyester -- the "endurance"). My expectation was that I could find a jammer that lasts me a year since my old-style bathing suits lasted 2-3 years. My expectation was obviously flawed based on these Speedo jammers and unusally high number of miles I swim. Thus, I'll let you decide if these pass the test:
Swimming Obsession: 6-7 days per week, 2 miles minimum per day, up to 8 miles per day in December competition. Thus, in understandable terms, typically 1 to 1.5 hours per day with December sessions between 3-5 hours. So, in 13 months, an estimated 575 hours, I went through 3 suits. Probably I should have retired the lycra suits earlier, but since they were staying together (stitching), a towel over the suit to hide the bare areas where the suit deteriorated extended them a bit. However, the stitching on the endurance turned white and then disappeared and separated. Yes, I religiously rinse my suit after each session in lot of cold water.
Pros: The polyester suit had fabulous material for practice swims. Unlike the lycra jammers which practically dissolved or lost shape in a matter of a months, the endurance polyester only stretched a little after about 4 months. If you are built "nomally", heed the ordering size comments in other reviews. I am a 34 waist, but the first 34 suit was extremely iuncomfortable on thighs and butt. The 2nd and 3rd suits were both 36's and fit comfortably.
Cons: Although the "endurance" main suit material was awesome, the seam stitching deterorated and finally parted! Thus, one must judge the endurance by the weakest link -- the seam stitching. Each lycra suit lasted about 4.5 months, whereas the endurance (marketed as lasting 20x longer!) lasted 4 months. However, based on hours, I the polyester endurance lasted more HOURS since my mileage per day was higher. Unfortunately though, you will NOT see a 20x longer life for the polyester endurance jammer unless Speedo fixes the weak threads stitching the seams! Another con some would consider, not me for I'm already too old to care "much", is that you will lose speed with the polyester vs. the lycra. Thus, make the polyester your practice suit if you are a competitive swimmer. Otherwise, the style is most fitting regardless.
Next Test: I have started breaking in my second Speedo Endurance, but have ordered a TYR polyester today from Amazon. Next review I'll compare both -- give me about 8-9 months please.
6/15/11 UPDATE:
7 Month update on 2nd Suit is 5 STAR so far. Do NOT try to swim in a suit that is equal to your waist; get the next avaiolabloe size! The first suit was a 34. Legs were TIGHT -- not snug, tight! The 2nd suit is a comfortable snug. Unless yo9u have pencil sized thighs, go with the nest size. It is obvious to me now that the stitching wore out BECAUSE I didn't order next size. Note: the TYR is more flexible and comfortable, but I only used that suit twice. Will let you know how this Speedo holds up in next review update. btw, this last 7 months equaled about 510+ miles and 272 hours in the pool. I rinse mine in cold shower water and squeeze (NOT wring). Hang on line to dry. This suit does NOT stretch like the lycra ones and keeps it's shape.
8/1/11 UPDATE:
Well, I made it another 1.5 months -- total of 8.5 months in the Endurance + Speedo. Near the end of June the white threads started to deteriorate. By 7/30 the suit started to separate on the one seam. Final assessment: 575-580 miles or around 314 hours in the chlorinated pool. I can probably live with that, but am now on my TYR polyester for the comaparison test. The TYR is much, much more comfortable at this moment. Much more giving -- feels like a 100% lycra suit and its not. Also more stylish -- patterned sides in different colors. But will it last longer? Stay tuned. As far as Speedo, the suit was very stiff and always tight. Maybe I need to go 2 sizes up so my legs fit right (34 to 38). Bottom line for the SPEEDO Endurance: determine how many HOURS you will spend in a pool and divide by 37 to get the expected months. Subtract time if the suit is overly tight. Hope this helps.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good jammers, July 29, 2008
This review is from: Speedo Men's Race Endurance+ Polyester Solid Jammer Swimsuit (Apparel)
Good, well-made jammers. True to size! Unfortunately, I listened to comments about other speedo jammers that all advised to get 2 sizes up. I am between 34 and 36 and went for size 38. They were definitely too big once wet. So I ended up switching to 34 which feel a bit tight at the bottom above the knee when they are dry, but feel perfect in the water.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Suit Fabric is Great, the SEAMS FALL APART!!, May 28, 2009
Length:: 1:28 Mins
I am a daily swimmer in a chlorinated pool. I am middle aged and did not want very small trunks. Problems with previous suits included colors fading, elastic becoming brittle, and trunks that do not fit my legs tightly so they slow my swim.
These trunks overcome all of those problems. They fit perfectly (I ordered one size larger than my normal). They do not fade (I rinse them in cold water after each swim). They have a good amount of stretch and allow me to easily bend for flip turns and to get in and out of the pool.
Great suit! Exactly what I needed!
Update 1 year later.
Changed from 5 stars to 2 stars. The fabric is great. THE SEAMS DO NOT LAST. The stitching just falls apart. (And I am meticulous about rinsing them in cold water after each use.) It simply disintegrates and the trunks are worthless. So they did last a year with no fading. But they fall apart. See my video review if you want to see the stitching that has fallen out!
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