How much do speedos reduce water resistance?

Question

generally speaking, how much do speedos reduce water resistance and drag?

everyone knows that they reduce both of these things, but curious as to how much a speedo will reduce these factors

Answer 1

I've been swimming for 14 years, and the best figure I've heard is 50% less drag as compared to board shorts. Water resistance isn't really a factor unless it's one of the new fastskins like in the Olympics that actually repel water, but the water resistance is the same between a speedo and board shorts.

Answer 2

for breastroke, they help a lot. for every other stroke, they make u slower by a bit.

Answer 3

Hi Zoso -- the answer is personal -- it starts with being in physically good shape (not obese) and being able to swim fast.  I saw the Olympics, and the commentators said the high performance suits only help elite swimmers since they are the only ones going fast enough to make a difference.  Because how people are built, and how people use the suit are both important, I don't believe that the suit makers make any claims on how much they will help.