Arena introduces latest Powerskin Carbon swimsuit
13/05/2016
It presented the new suit at an event in London during the 2016 European Aquatics Championships and said swimmers including Sharon van Rouwendaal and Ranomi Kromowidjojo from the Netherlands, and Francesca Halsall and Adam Peaty from the UK, will wear the suit at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in August.
Arena introduced the Powerskin Carbon series in 2012, with the integration of a carbon fibre cage into the suit’s woven fabric as the main innovation. The Ultra is the fourth suit in the series, but Arena has made it clear that earlier versions, the Pro, the Flex and the Air, are still available for any swimmer who prefers them.
Key benefits that the Italian brand believes the newest suit offers are three technology innovations housed in the inner layer. The first of these, Infinity-Loop, consists of tape that supports the key muscle chains swimmers depend on most. Then there is X-Pivot, a feature that delivers “intelligent compression” and anatomical support without restricting a swimmer’s freedom of movement. Lastly, there are ultra compression panels to provide additional compression on the inside of the suit to give extra support, streamline body shape, reduce drag and minimise water resistance.
The Powerskin Ultra is made from fabric with three times more carbon fibre content than earlier versions, said Greg Steyger (pictured), who works on research and development and brand development for Arena, in London. The material has greater vertical stretch than horizontal to make sure swimmers feel no constraints when they stretch as part of their natural stroke.
Speaking at the event, Arena chief executive, Cristiano Portas, said: “Our swimmers get a bit of the spotlight every four years at the Olympics, but they work hard all the time; they are the hardest-working people I know. Hundredths of seconds can make all the difference, and new technology, new material and new fit can all help them.”
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