Valor vs. Intent: Cody Miller Breaks Down the Best Speedo Racing Suit for Your Event
Olympic swimmer Cody Miller shares his firsthand experience with Speedo’s two top racing suits—the Valor and the Intent—providing a valuable guide for swimmers trying to choose the best fit. The Valor suit is described as lightweight, flexible, and ideal for longer races (like the 200m and above), while the Intent is thicker, offers higher compression, and is best suited for sprint events such as the 50 freestyle. Cody emphasizes that compression preference is the deciding factor for many swimmers and highlights that both suits are durable, water-repellent, and well-constructed using laser technology. He also shares that neither suit has ever ripped during use and both retain their performance over time. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or a parent shopping for gear, Cody’s insight helps clarify which suit might suit your needs best, emphasizing that personal feel and race type should ultimately guide your decision.
Key Takeaways:
• 🩱 Valor = Flexibility: Lighter, more flexible suit ideal for mid- to long-distance events like 200m and above.
• 💪 Intent = Compression: Offers stronger compression, preferred by sprinters for 50m and 100m races.
• 🧵 Laser-Cut Design: Both suits use Speedo’s laser technology to reduce drag and improve fit and durability.
• 💧 Water Resistance: Rubber linings help keep water out; both suits maintain hydrophobic properties over time.
• 🔁 Long Lifespan: Neither suit rips easily, and both can last multiple seasons of racing.
• 🔑 Compression Preference Is Key: Choosing between suits often comes down to how much support and tightness a swimmer wants.
• 👨👩👧 Good for Parents to Know: Cody advises parents to factor in suit longevity and swimmer comfort when buying suits for kids.
• 🏊♂️ Suit Matching by Race Type: Swimmers may benefit from different suits based on stroke, race distance, and personal feel.
Cody Miller discusses his experiences with two Speedo racing suits: the Valor and the Intent. He emphasizes the differences between the two, particularly in terms of design, compression, and suitability for various swimming styles and distances. The Valor suit is described as lighter and more flexible, preferred for longer races, while the Intent offers greater compression and durability, making it ideal for shorter races. Cody shares personal insights on comfort and performance, providing recommendations for swimmers based on their preferences for tightness and support.
Highlights
Cody is an athlete for Speedo, which he believes provides the best racing suits.
The Valor suit is lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for longer races.
The Intent suit is thicker, provides more compression, and is better for shorter races.
Both suits have rubber linings to prevent water entry.
Durability of the suits has improved significantly; Cody has never ripped either suit.
Compression preference is the key factor in choosing between the two suits.
Both suits retain their water-repelling qualities over time.
Key Insights
Performance vs. Comfort: The choice between the Valor and Intent suits hinges on individual preferences for compression and comfort. While the Intent provides tighter support suitable for shorter distances, the Valor offers flexibility for those who prefer more range of motion.
Design and Technology: The use of laser technology in the design of both suits enhances performance by reducing drag and ensuring a durable fit, adapting to the needs of different swimmers.
Suit Lifespan: Both the Valor and Intent suits are built to last, with the potential to be used for more than one season. Swimmers can experience optimal performance over several events.
Personal Experience Matters: Cody’s insights are based on personal experiences and observations from Olympic-level competition, making his recommendations valuable to both competitive swimmers and novices.
Compression Needs: Understanding how much compression a swimmer prefers can significantly affect their choice, impacting their overall performance and comfort levels in the water.
Suit Fitting Adjustments: Swimmers might want to consider how their suits fit over time, as the fabric may loosen with use, influencing the choice between a snug fit (Intent) versus a more flexible fit (Valor).
Suit Preferences for Race Types: Swimmers specializing in different strokes (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke) may benefit from different suits depending on their kicking style and race length, reinforcing the importance of personal choices in swim gear.
