Speedo and Ryan Murphy Unveil Backstroke-Specific Tech Suit: LAZR Pure Intense Edition

Speedo’s latest innovation: a backstroke-specific tech suit co-designed with Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy. This new LZR Pure Intense edition introduces front-located power bands, a game-changing enhancement aimed at improving leg propulsion and reducing fatigue during backstroke races. By shifting the traditional rear bands to the front, the suit supports better body positioning and sustained power output—particularly useful in the latter stages of races when swimmers typically tire. Maintaining key features of Speedo’s legendary LZR suits, it includes triple-fabric construction, drag-reducing textured zones, and a secure, water-limiting waistband. Most importantly, the suit has received FINA approval, making it competition-legal. Scott plans to test the suit himself and report on its real-world effectiveness. This innovation reflects Speedo’s athlete-driven approach to suit development and signals a new era in performance swimwear tailored for stroke-specific needs.

Key Takeaways:

• 🆕 New Suit Launch: Speedo announces a backstroke-focused tech suit co-developed with Ryan Murphy.

• 💡 Front Power Bands: Relocating bands to the front improves kick strength and delays fatigue.

• 🧵 Triple-Fabric Build: Durable, high-performance fabric retains features from Speedo’s LZR legacy.

• 🌀 Drag Reduction Zones: Textured panels minimize resistance, aiding in speed and efficiency.

• ✅ FINA Approved: The suit meets competition standards for elite swimmers globally.

• 🧠 Athlete-Driven Design: Collaboration with Murphy brings firsthand insight into backstroke-specific needs.

• 🔬 Performance Meets Science: Reflects the broader trend toward data-informed, sport-specific gear.

Highlights

• Speedo collaborates with Ryan Murphy to launch a new backstroke tech suit.

• The suit features innovative power band technology that moves bands to the front for better leg kick support.

• Designed to alleviate swimmer fatigue, especially during longer backstroke events.

• Incorporates a triple fabric construction for enhanced performance, maintaining a natural and secure fit.

• Retains effective drag-reducing properties similar to previous world-record-breaking suits.

• The new LZR pure intense backstroke edition is FINA approved, ensuring its eligibility for competition.

• Scott plans to test the suit and share feedback with viewers.

Key Insights

• Innovative Band Technology: The relocation of power bands is a game changer for backstroke performance as it enhances leg kicks, which is crucial for maintaining speed and form especially towards the end of races when fatigue sets in.

• Performance-Driven Design: The focus on structured fabric technology indicates a shift towards more science-driven swimming gear, showcasing how manufacturers are prioritizing the needs of competitive athletes.

• Importance of Body Position: The technology addresses a common challenge faced by backstroke swimmers – maintaining an optimal body position as fatigue occurs, emphasizing the mental and physical demands of the sport.

• Historical Context: The reference to the previous success of LZR suits helps in understanding the strong brand legacy Speedo is building on, and highlights the expectation of performance enhancement with new products.

• Athlete Collaboration: Collaborating with an elite athlete like Ryan Murphy lends credibility to the product and ensures it is developed with first-hand insights, showing a trend of manufacturers involving top competitors in the design process.

• Market Expectations: Speedo’s approach towards making swimsuits FINA approved reflects the competitive nature of swimming gear market, where compliance is essential for credibility and acceptance.

• Future Testing and Feedback Dynamics: The anticipation of testers providing feedback points to a proactive community engagement strategy, allowing for open dialogue regarding gear effectiveness, which can inform other athletes’ purchasing decisions.