Speedo Quality Decline

[Endurance Lad]

HI All,

Thanks for the many replies. You have given me much to think about (fortunately it's a topic I am happy to wallow away the time on). I am going to breeze through some of the major points you have raised thus far.

Product being real or fake.

I take the point on board that it could be a fake, these days fake goods are everywhere. All I can say to this is that it "shouldn't" be fake having been purchase from a top line department store.

Sizing being different in Australia.

This is one thing I hate about buying clothes of any type without trying on first. A size is not a size is not a size. I am your average Joe. I am six foot. 87kg/192lb. Bit of a belly (which I am reducing and can see all I need to see). 35 yrs old. 34 inch waist.

I know that generally when I buy anything I prefer to try it on first. I know I can buy shirts from one brand in small and another brand in large. Generally I would class myself as medium ebbing to large. The same goes for trousers, jeans, shirts, jumpers, knits and shoes... and now speedos too.

Country of origin.

Like everything is this country now this Speedo is produced in China

Explains a lot!!!

Aussies Wearing Loose Suits

I think you might get that image from some of the images of lifesavers on the beach and some images propergated by the Aussiebum brand. While I like that look for the Aussiebum product and for outdoors / beach / lake / chilling out ... for lap swimming I want it all in place.

I might have to pay closer attention to my fellow swimmers though and see just what is happening out there

Tyr Suits

I have never used these and they aren't generally available in retail stores. Would be definitely harder to find here (If anyone in Melbourne knows please share). I have had a look online and was put off as most have a wider hip.

Please post some examples maybe I can source from overseas.

Endurance Versus Normal/Lycra

I prefer the endurance, always have. I am just never happy with my butt in lycra suits.

Embroidered Logos Versus Screen Print

I agree embroidered is best. In my opinion the screen print logo is only there as the manufacturer KNOWS it will come off and entice the wearer to buy more SOONER.

Diamonds Are Forever

Like SwimTeamSpeedo says some of my suits have seemed to have lasted forever and ever. These are all the endurance ones. All the lycra ones and the high end fashion ones have ALL come and gone. While the endurance, um, endure.

Thank you for all your thoughts and responses. And to recap (not that we have gone off topic at all) my focus here is for lap swimming briefs.

Mike

[PSDave]

I have found that the 100% nylon suits last the longest. I have Speedo suits that are more than 10 years old and still look great and fit the same as when they were new. I was disappointed that there has been a decline in quality in the Aussiebum suits. The nylon seems to be getting thinner and not holding up all that well. They got so popular so fast I think quality suffered.

[Cordy]

Mike, the DJs Speedos would be genuine. Just poor quality made in China is what we get here now. Bad design too. I find them too loose at the back and very narrow in the front.

TYR Durafast swimwear is sold through some public pools. Waves pool near Southland sells them.

http://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/Page/...sp?Page_Id=403

They also have a new brand there called FINZ.

Good luck.

[Cordy]

Try this link.

http://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/Page/...ge_Id=2125&h=0

[Torchwatch]

ASDA the UK branch of Walmart (USA) have launched their summer ranges this week. This includes a home-brand men's swim brief. It is black with blue and white sides, is made of nylon and elastane, but looks like nylon. It is one of the thinnest stretch fabrics that I have seen. They have to use a wedge of paper to hold it on the clip hangers.

If you want a 8cm side swim brief you could buy this suit for £4 (GBP) but it might be best to consider it disposable.

[Torchwatch]

It appears that the 2012 UK version of the Speedo Endurance had an 8 cm side while the 2013 suit has a 7 cm side.

Wonder what the side length of the Australian suit that was found to be unsatisfactory was.

The 7-8 cm (3") sides seem to be an American style, against the European style of 5 cm (2") side in a racing brief.

Personally I prefer the 5 cm style, but then I am am tall and long legged, so won't be buying Speedo Endurance this season.

[PSDave]

Quality is slipping everywhere. I just sent back an Aussiebum that was so poorly made I would have been better off with a Chinese copy

[sebbie]

Interestingly, the really high quality stuff is made by the Chinese. Check out the Aquox ans Seobean briefs if you don't believe me!