Are different tech suits better for different strokes/races?

Nope! If suits are stroke-specific, and you're a versatile swimmer who swims the 200 back, the 200 fly, the 400 IM, and the 500 free (those athletes exist!!), then what suit are you supposed to race in? If you are a born IM'er who regularly competes in all 100s of stroke to improve his/her 200 IM, what suit are you supposed to race in? Are you starting to see how stroke-specific and event-specific suits don't make a whole lot of sense?

VICI was carefully designed to fit every body and every level of athlete. A variety of swimmers who specialize in a variety of races can all wear and swim fast in A3 Performance VICI.

Now, when it comes down to choosing a style, it's all personal preference. There isn't a right or wrong answer dependent on the races you swim. Ladies, you can't go wrong with either a closed back or powerback VICI racing suit. 

When is it time to buy a new suit?

We recommend buying a new tech suit before your next big swim meet. To give yourself enough time, without rushing, we encourage people to look into a new tech suit two to three weeks before your big meet. This allows plenty of time for research, try-on, and possible returns and exchanges. You have plenty of other things to focus on leading up to a championship meet, don't add getting a new tech suit to the list!

If you have had a tech suit in the past and are wondering when it's time to move on to a new tech suit, that's up to the individual. Typically, swimmers get a new tech suit each year for their big meet(s). However, if a swimmer has three to five (or more) big meets throughout the year, that swimmer may want to get a new tech suit more often.

How many races are tech suits good for?

This is the number one question we get about racing suits, and unfortunately, we don't have an exact answer. The lifespan of a tech suit depends on so many factors including wear & care, races swum in the swimsuit, and the chemical levels of the pools being swum in. The better swimmers take care of their racing suits, the longer they will last. 

If we absolutely had to give a definitive answer, we would say that tech suits should, at the very least, last through two championship meets. However, if one swim meet is in February and the other is in November, approximately nine months later, the suit may not be in pristine condition for that second meet. Once chlorine comes into contact with that suit, it starts to change the composition of the suit.

Again, it's not an exact science, so do your best to take care of your tech suit as best as possible.

Should swimmers have a backup suit?

It is always a good idea to have a backup. Whether it's a cap, goggles, or a tech suit, always have a backup. This doesn't mean that you need to spend double the amount on two tech suits. If you've decided it's time for a new tech suit and you're old tech suit still fits, don't toss it, but keep it as a backup -just in case! We definitely recommend keeping an older tech suit as a backup suit. 

This is why it's so important to take good care of your racing suits. A long-lasting technical racing suit could become your next reliable, dependable backup suit.

Another option is to purchase a more budget-friendly tech suit like NOVA to have as a backup.

What size should I (or my swimmer) get?

We do our best to provide accurate and helpful sizing charts so athletes can properly size themselves. The VICI racing suit size guide asks for a variety of measurements to help give the best, recommended size. Use this as a starting point. If your swimmer has measurements that span a few different sizes and you're really not sure about the size, give our customer service team a call at 888-369-7946. We are happy to help give our best recommendation.

What happens if I get the wrong size?

We'll help! VICI technical swimsuits and NOVA racing suits are able to be exchanged or returned so long as they are in resellable condition with all packaging, FitLocks (for the guys), and tags undamaged and attached. Contact our Customer Service department at 888-369-7946 for details on exchange. We'll need your name, order number, and the suit color, style, and size you would like to exchange for. 

If you have a swim meet coming up that you need the suit in time for, let Customer Service know right away! We'll make it work so you have your suit in time. Please try to order far enough in advance so that you avoid any expedited shipping costs.

Is a tech suit worth the sticker price?

If the swimmer is older, more developed, and/or competing at a high level meet, then yes, a tech suit is worth it. Swimmers work hard all season towards some big goals, and once the swimmer's body is more developed, the compression and technology of a tech suit make an impact.

VICI is the most technologically-advanced racing suit in the world. Every athlete that has raced in VICI has had overwhelmingly positive reviews. VICI has an impact and it is definitely worth the investment.

If the swimmer is younger (under 13) and not yet developed, we don't typically encourage those swimmers to get a tech suit. These swimmers are growing and their bodies are changing fast. Plus, their bodies don't benefit as much from the compression of a tech suit. 

Beginning in September of 2020, USA Swimming is implementing a nationwide tech suit ban for swimmers ages 12 and younger. If your swimmer is 12&Under as of September 2020, we highly recommend purchasing a NOVA Racing Suit, which is both FINA approved and USA Swimming approved! 

Are you not sure where your swimmer falls? Give our Customer Service department a call and we'll answer any questions for you as well as give you our honest opinion.