How are water polo speedos different from regular speedos?

[Tobias]

I notice that water polo speedos seem quite popular and there are a lot of styles out there made by all the big swimwear firms.

The only difference I see is that they offer more rear coverage and are fairly loose fitting.

There can't be that many water polo teams so the quantity of product available tells me non-water polo players buy this style too.

What is it that makes the style popular? Are there other differences from regular speedos besides the two I noted above?

[johnc]

water polo suits are fully lined front and back, and might not the best choice for doing flip turns since the back won't stretch much. They are made to be really rugged so they don't get torn.

I'm guessing water polo is more popular than you think, but some swimmers wear the turbo suits because they last so long.

[uni swimmer]

Thanks johnc you just answered a question I was thinking of, on the uk speedo site there are no turbo suits which was too bad because I really like the way they look. But I guess if they are a polo suit this answers my question.

Thanks
Sam

[Texas_swimmer]

Waterpolo suits are generally made from different materials, I believe polyester? I cant remember at the moment. Also they are usually tighter to stay on while your playing, wouldnt want to be in your birthday suit on accident during a game now would you? :P

[Nate]

Thanks johnc you just answered a question I was thinking of, on the uk speedo site there are no turbo suits which was too bad because I really like the way they look. But I guess if they are a polo suit this answers my question.

Thanks
Sam

If you're looking to buy Turbo go to www.waterpoloshop.com

[Tobias]

Waterpolo suits are generally made from different materials, I believe polyester? I cant remember at the moment. Also they are usually tighter to stay on while your playing, wouldnt want to be in your birthday suit on accident during a game now would you? :P

I know that supposedly when playing water polo the guys pull and tug at the trunks (and goose each other I've been told) of the opposing team members. Anything to win and it seems it gets pretty rough under the waterline with each other.

Makes sense the double lining and sturdier suits though the photos I've seen make the suits look looser fitting than the normal speedo. There is a photo, link below, of two Stanford U. waterpolo players in the Photos thread and their suits look pretty baggy. The suit on one of the guys, on the right, looks like it could easily slip off. But yes, intuitively you'd think WP suits would be very tight so they can't be pulled off during a meet.

http://www.thespeedoforum.com/viewtopic ... 1&t=137183

[merken]

I recently had to retire my regular lap-swimming suit (the butt was starting to wear through) and ended up buying a water polo brief because I liked the design, which wasn't available on the "traditional" swim briefs.

The water polo suit is lined front and back, but I honestly don't find it any tighter or looser than a regular speedo. It is made of polyester. I think it covers the butt a little more, but the sides look shorter by about 0.5" (1.25cm). I like it so far and it doesn't feel any different to me in the water.