From arena to Speedo, I have tested all of the best tech suits in the world on a range of strokes and events.
Whether you're into all the bells of whistles or care more about aesthetics, there is no denying that a tech suit needs to be right. It is what you are going to where to reap the rewards of all your hard work in training. Beyond that, they can and will have an impact on the time you see when you look up at the scoreboard.
So which is right for you? One thing is for sure, don't just buy a model based on its price. So many brands now purposefully price a suit higher to make it seem more premium, without it performing so. At the same time, you should not bother with a budget suit, they are closer to a training model than a flagship tech suit.
Over the last 5 years I have tested every single option out there including all of the 2025 flagships suit so I can help you find the best fit.
Which are the best tech suits? At a glance
Best Overall: arena Primo
Best Value: Mizuno GX Sonic Dual
Best for Sprints: Mizuno GX Sonic VI NV
Best for Comfort: Speedo Pure Valor 2.0
What to Look for in a Tech Suit
Depending on the events you swim, you will want to choose between a comfortable or compressive option. If you swim longer events or lots of races back to back, you might want something quick to put on and comfortable. However, if you are looking for something super event-specific, especially for shorter sprint events, you might want a suit with higher compression and some other technical features.
You will also want to work out a budget. I often say that if you have £400 to spend, you may be better off buying multiple cheaper suits than just one super expensive option.
Fortunately, with so many great suits on the market, you can often do this without sacrificing the quality of the suit.
Why You Can Trust TheSwimsuitGuy
I have dedicated years obsessing over tech suits and trying them over a range of events. Beyond that, I have stayed neutral by never taking a sponsorship from a major tech suit company to sway my opinion or add bias.
Best Tech Suits
arena Primo
Best Overall 10/10
I like: This suit can do it all, from 50 to 1500, it is the first suit that has effective taping and buoyancy yet can be used for events as long as the 1500
I don't like: The price tag
It’s hard not to be impressed by Arena’s Primo, a sleek and innovative tech suit designed for swimmers of all disciplines. With its tagline, “First is better than fast,” the Primo redefines performance and versatility in swimming. Although its cutting-edge features come with a premium price of £365, it justifies the cost with unmatched quality and design.
The Primo is a departure from Arena’s traditional carbon fibre suits, introducing a revolutionary fabric that provides compression, comfort, and buoyancy. This makes it a flagship model suitable for sprints, distance events, and everything in between.
At the core of the Primo is its Tenzo Elastic Hyperforce fabric, achieving maximum compression at just 50% stretch. This ensures a snug but comfortable fit without the need to size down drastically. The suit also incorporates a dual-fabric design, featuring a ribbed fabric on the back for hydrophobic channelling and a more flexible material on the front for support.
Gone are the days of struggling to squeeze into your tech suit. The Primo slides on with ease, saving swimmers from pre-race fatigue while still delivering high-performance compression.
Every thread of the Primo is treated twice with a hydrophobic coating, ensuring that water beads off effectively and the suit remains dry and light, even after extensive use.
Dual-layer taping at the back enhances buoyancy, keeping hips high in the water for better speed and efficiency. Whether it’s a 50m sprint or a 1500m marathon, the Primo ensures optimal performance with its balance of compression, mobility, and lift.
Unlike other suits that cater to specific strokes or distances, the Primo is designed for universal use. Worn by elite swimmers like Florent Manaudou and Florian Wellbrock, it’s a reliable choice for any event, from sprints to long-distance races.
The Arena Primo is an exceptional tech suit that delivers on all fronts: comfort, compression, buoyancy, and durability. It’s the perfect choice for swimmers seeking a high-performance, all-around option.
Mizuno GX Sonic Dual
Best Value 6/10
I like: The price-to-performance ratio is unmatched
I don't like: The stitched seams
Mizuno's 2025 upgrade to the MX Sonic line brings it closer than ever to the brand's flagship line at a fraction of the cost. That cost is a staggering £70!
This suit still features the flagship fabrics, the ribtex material and the sonic lite material but manages to cut costs by removing the dual layering and bonded seams.
Regardless of these things, you get a suit that you can and will swim fast in and without breaking the bank.
I say this time and time again but if you are looking at buying a first tech suit then quantity over quality does start to come into effect. Having just one suit limits your swimming so if you could buy multiple suits within the same budget, you absolutely should. The problem is a lot of budget models just aren't "really tech suits". Speedo's LZR Ignite and arena's ST may be affordable but they won't boost your performance. The GX Sonic Dual is the only model that can compete with them on price but manfully benefit your swimming on competition day.
Mizuno GX Sonic VI NV
Best for Sprinters 9/10
I like: The feeling that this suit is mechanically assisting you
I don't like: The compression can be overwhelming
Since 2016, when Mizuno pioneered the GX Sonic 3, competitors have tried to emulate its success. Meanwhile, Mizuno has stayed ahead, introducing the sixth generation of GX Sonic suits. Leading the lineup is the Mizuno GX Sonic 6 NV (Noble Velocity), a suit tailored for sprinters competing in 50m and 100m events. With its innovative features and unmatched performance, it remains the ultimate choice for elite swimmers.
Putting the GX Sonic 6 NV on for the first time can be challenging, often taking up to 30 minutes. It’s recommended to test the fit at home before a meet to avoid pre-race stress. Interestingly, the suit performs even better on its second wear. Known for its exceptional longevity, it stays water-repellent, true to size, and tear-free season after season, outperforming rival brands in durability.
This suit excels in providing specialized support for short-distance events. The kick support and snap are particularly noticeable in strokes like freestyle and butterfly, enhancing performance from the first wear. For breaststroke, the suit suits narrow kicks but may not be ideal for swimmers with wide, traditional techniques over longer distances. While its compression is optimal for sprints, events beyond 200m might warrant other Mizuno models like the CR or ET for added flexibility.
Key features include dual-layered fabric that traps air, keeping swimmers higher in the water to reduce drag. Sonic Line hamstring taping enhances propulsion by creating a spring-like effect during kicks. Compression is a standout attribute, achieved through the use of Ribtex and Sonic Light materials, which balance water breakup and repellency. The slightly higher waist design provides core support without compromising comfort.
The GX Sonic 6 NV is a sprinter's dream, offering unparalleled performance and results. No other brand, whether a carbon core or Pure Intent, comes close.
Speedo Pure Valor 2.0
Best for Comfort 8/10
I like: Easy to put on and super comfortable
I don't like: You feel almost naked wearing this
Over the past few months, I've noticed a significant trend in the pool, with many swimmers, especially those making podium finishes, opting for the Speedo Pure Valor 2.0. It quickly became clear that anyone wearing this suit behind the blocks was a likely contender for a top finish. Both men and women were choosing this suit, but the women’s knee skin version seemed to be the most popular overall.
Now, let’s dive into my thoughts on the high-waisted Pure Valor 2.0. Speedo offers two primary tech suits: the sprint-specific Pure Intent and the versatile Pure Valor. The Pure Valor 2.0 is, in my view, the more conventional option. It's simple and effective, much like the suits Speedo introduced after the bodysuit ban in 2010.
The key change in the Pure Valor 2.0 is the new water repellency treatment. World Aquatics has mandated that all suits approved for 2024 must feature an updated water-repellency coating, and Speedo has responded by using Lamoral, a high-tech coating used in aerospace applications. This space-grade treatment is designed to extend the suit's water-repellent properties, which, in my experience, is a major benefit.
It’s no secret that tech suits tend to lose their water-repellent quality after a few uses. Fresh out of the bag, the suit repels water effortlessly, but over time, that effect diminishes. In my experience, Speedo suits were particularly notorious for this issue, although other brands, like Mauno, have offered better longevity. I’ve used the Pure Valor 2.0 multiple times, and it’s shown no signs of degradation yet, which is a promising sign. That said, I can’t speak for its long-term durability just yet, but it’s still holding strong after a few months of use.
At just over £200 in the UK, the Pure Velor 2.0 is a premium-priced tech suit, with the original version costing around £100. You might wonder if the 2.0 is worth the extra cost. If it truly lasts twice as long, it would justify the price difference. But if you bought two of the original models, you could save one for big meets and use the other as a beater suit. I could see the benefit of buying two or three of the original Pure Valor suits rather than just one of the 2.0 models. While the 2.0 offers some improvements, in terms of performance, I find the differences minimal. On your first dive in, the 2.0 feels virtually identical to the original Pure Valor. The fit, the material, the compression—everything is the same. The key difference is the upgraded water repellency treatment.
In terms of materials, the Pure Velor 2.0 is made from a combination of polymide and elastane, a lightweight and flexible fabric common in tech suits. It feels similar to other suits in terms of texture, but the compression in the waist and hips is particularly noticeable. For swimmers who value comfort and flexibility, this suit is hard to beat.
If you want a suit that will slip on quickly, stay dry and remain comfy, then the Pure Valor 2.0 is what I would recommend, but its biggest undoing could be just how cheap you can pick up the original version.