Swim Gear Comparison: What’s Worth the Investment?

Competitive swimming is a discipline that asks for a combination of perseverance, technique, and gear. Even though no piece of equipment can surpass hard driving in water, the right swim gear can boost performance, increase comfort, and cut injury risks. For swimmers, coaches, and families, understanding where to invest and where to save can significantly impact both performance and budget. 

With the many choices of swim products in the market such as entry-level training tools and high-tech racing suits, there is no wonder why people get confused. This guide discusses the most common swim gear and compares the situations where it’s worth it to save your money and when high end gear is worth the investment. We will guide you on when to take the plunge and when a cost-effective alternative would still meet the performance goals. 

Tech Suits: Performance That Comes at a Price 

The tech suits are usually the costliest item in the swimming kit of a swimmer. These high-performance swimsuits are designed mainly for competition, using special fabrics that compress, bonded seams, and treatments to water that are repellent and assist to prevent drag and enhance muscle performance. 

Tech suits are the right investment if: 

• The swimmer is competing in elite meets like state, regional, and national championships
• A fractional time drop can make a difference in qualifying for the final or getting medals
• The swimmer would like to benefit from the compression and water repellency features of the suit for swift and mid-distance races

Tech suits can be saved on when: 

• The kid is young and is still experimenting with their swimming journey
• They compete in local or inter-club races where wearing competition suits doesn't matter that much or isn’t required
• You are searching for a good additional suit for cases your primary tech suit isn’t necessary

Some families get a lower model tech suit for mid-season meets and leave the top preperformance suits for the championship races. This way the swimmers can feel the psychological advantage of wearing a high-performance suit without the need to go through expensive replacements several times. 

Training Suits: Built to Last 

While tech suits cater to the needs of racers, the training suits are the workhorses of the training routine. They have to be resilient to chlorine, abrasion, and have long hours on weekly wear. A durable training suit doesn't have to be fancy but that will be the priority. 

Spend more on training suits that: 

• Are made of a blend of high-quality polyester or PBT that is resistant to chlorine damage
• Are fitting well and providing secure cover and support for long practices
• Survive hundreds of hours in swimming pools without losing elasticity

Save on training suits by: 

• Buying packs or sale items to spread out your weekly practice usage
• Choosing cheaper styles for dryland work or less-chlorine areas
• Replacing suits as necessary instead of splurging on trendy designs that may fade quickly

A swimmer who trains six days a week can wear through suits fast, so even a small upgrade in material quality can make a big difference in longevity. 

Goggles: Small Investment, Big Impact 

Goggles are perhaps the second most important item after the suit. A pair of comfortable, tight-sealed goggles can keep the swimmer's mind off the distractions and let him/her focus more on their technique and performance.  

Invest in premium goggles that: 

• Have anti-fog coatings and UV protection
• Are curved for better visibility and peripheral awareness
• Have soft, high-quality gaskets for a snug but thin comfortable seal
• Provide the adjustability feature that fits different head shapes and sizes

Budget-friendly goggles will do when: 

• Used as a pair of backups that go with a swimmer's bag
• Worn for warm-ups or dryland drills with minimal water contact
• Swimmers are trying to fit and feel comfortable at the beginning of their swimming career

Many swimmers keep two pairs of goggles: "the race one" and "the practice one", which they switch as needed to assure the balance between comfort and durability. 

Swim Caps: Simple, but Important 

Swim caps minimize the drag factor and keep the hair away from the swimmers' faces, thus they improve both speed and focus. Although usually cheap to buy, some materials perform better than others, especially in races. 

Some caps are worth investing in: 

• Silicone caps, which are not only longer lasting but also more comfortable on hair
• Dome-style racing caps that have the least wrinkles and are the fastest

Caps you can save on: 

• Latex caps, these are less expensive but more prone to wear and tear
• Lycra caps, which are soft and breathable but less hydrodynamic and are reserved for warm-ups or practice

If your swimmer needs to wear a team cap, think about getting a couple - one for swim meets, one for everyday use. 

Training Equipment: Building Strong Swimmers 

Competitive swimmers often train with a variety of equipment designed to target specific skills or muscle groups. These tools vary in price and function, but most are affordable and long-lasting if you choose wisely. 

Training equipment worth investing in includes: 

• Kickboards with ergonomic designs that support proper form
• Pull buoys that are made of sturdy foam reduction for stability during pull sets
• Swim paddles that are in sizes that match hand shape to avoid injury
• Center-mount snorkels that help with head position and streamline technique
• Short-blade fins that promote natural kicking motion and ankle flexibility

You can save by: 

• Buying multi-use equipment (e.g., combo kickboard/pull buoys)
• Opting for lower-cost versions if swimmers are new to gear-based training
• Purchasing items secondhand from teammates or local clubs when appropriate

Ensure that training tools are proper for the age and at the same time suited to the swimmers’ stroke development needs. For instance, bad-fitting paddles that are overly aggressive may cause shoulder strain.  

Swim Bags: Organize for Success 

A swim backpack, which might seem like an accessory, becomes a must-have for swimmers who have to juggle their wet gear, and dry clothes, as well as snacks and race-day extras. The good thing about a durable swim bag is that it can be used for many seasons. 

High-end bags generally consist of: 

• Water-resistant or waterproof compartments
• Mesh ventilation that will prevent mildew buildup
• Padding stripes for comfort during transport or long meet days
• Heavy-duty zippers and reinforced bottoms for endurance

Budget bags might work for: 

• Occasional swimmers or seasonal programs
• Dryland-only days or day trips without much gear

A proper swim bag goes a long way for swimmers as it helps them stay organized, reduce lost items and prepare for travel-heavy schedules. 

Apparel and Accessories 

Competitive swimmers usually travel with warm-ups, parkas, and team gear that they wear between their events. This apparel, while not performance gear, adds comfort and helps build team unity. 

Items like the following are a good investment: 

• Parkas for cold pools and long meet days
• High-quality jackets or joggers with moisture-wicking features
• Team apparel that reinforces identity and spirit

Save on: 

• T-shirts or caps that are mostly for fun or casual wear
• Accessories that are not worn often or can be replaced easily

In many cases, teams offer these items through custom team stores at discounted rates. 

Where to Spend, Where to Save: A Strategic Approach 

There is no blueprint answer to swim gear purchasing. Rather, consider the usage, performance goals, and comfort level. 

Spend more when: 

• Your swimmer regularly participates in competitions and wants to take the maximum advantage.
• Gear has an impact on performance, such as in competitions or in regular technique work.
• Longevity concerns high-use items need to stand the test of time

Save when: 

• You buy backups or practice-only gear
• Your swimmer is in the process of growing or developing the sport
• The extra cost does not justify the advantages of high-end features

Streamline Process with a Team Store 

Swim diving gear purchasing planning can be a daunting mission, especially for families who are new to swimming grades. However, many teams make the process easier by teaming up with swim equipment shops that generate dedicated team stores. These stores are customized for families to buy exactly what they need - no guesswork, no confusion. 

Elsmore is a swimming shop that partners with teams across the country to create tailored team stores specific to each program's needs, designs, brands, and colors. From tech suits and training tools including clothing and accessories, all your team needs are found together in one convenient spot. 

You can learn more about this program by visiting Elsmore’s Team Sales page. Their team helps you navigate gear selection, logo customization, delivery timelines, and more—so your swimmers can focus on performance, not packing lists.