I was excited to try the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back in the Long Course National Meet. Back in my day (LOL), tech suits were just coming onto the scene. In fact, I swam in the era of illegal suits and trying to find their way of what is fair and legal and what was not. Thankfully the 2010ish swim era is over and there are some rules about swimming suits. Now if only there were more clear rules about running shoes. I digress.
Then I took about a 10-year break from swimming and a 12-year break from participating in any swim meets. Now, I try and swim once a year at a swim meet. Preferably outside. I enjoy distance events and left to my own, I would only swim 500 and above. The nice thing about adulthood is you can do what you want to do (within reason of course).
Anyway before trying the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back I had a few questions:
- Is the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back swimsuit good? Yes, it’s arguably the best and most high tech swim suit on the market.
- Do tech suits make a difference? Yes! Advanced tech suits make a huge difference and you’ll likely notice a difference when racing in them.
About the brand Arena:
Arena, founded in 1973, has been around in competitive swimming and aquatic sports for a long time. With a deep-rooted passion for sport, innovation, and Italian design, Arena creates products that excel in performance, style, comfort, and fit. From the groundbreaking Skinfit® swimwear to its elite sponsorships, Arena has consistently pushed the boundaries.
This commitment to excellence is reflected in their mission: to improve the quality of life for all by promoting an active lifestyle in and around the water. Guided by values of authenticity, responsibility, innovation, and passion, Arena remains dedicated to transparency, environmental consciousness, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a legacy of championing athletes and a forward-looking approach, Arena is more than a brand; it’s a partner in the pursuit of greatness in the water.
About the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back:
The Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back suit is engineered to enhance your speed and mobility while delivering a seamless blend of comfort and compression. With advanced technology and materials, this suit redefines what it means to glide through the water.
The Power of Carbon Fiber: Flexibility, Compression, and Durability Together at Last
Carbon Fiber is known for its unmatched performance and speed, from F1 cars to space shuttles. We know carbon plated footwear is a huge deal in the running industry. After years of research and development, Arena has revolutionized the integration of flexible Carbon Fiber strands into the fabric of all Carbon Series race suits. This innovation delivers unprecedented strength and performance without compromising flexibility and range of motion. It’s wild, if you asked me ten years ago would carbon fiber make such a difference in athletics, I would have told you no.
- Flexibility: The integrated Carbon Fibers apply compression before the fabric is fully stretched, offering the additional stretch capacity needed for optimal flexibility and mobility.
- Compression: The combination of high-density woven nylon and infused Carbon Fiber provides advanced structural resistance and power in all Carbon Series suits.
- Durability: Thanks to Carbon Fiber’s inherent resistance to chlorine, Carbon Series suits offer a much longer lifespan than traditional race suits.
- Carbon Micro Cage Technology: Provides targeted compression for lower body muscle groups with a compact carbon fiber grid.
- Hydroglide Technology: Ultra-light material minimizes drag and turbulence around the upper body, creating an unbelievable feeling of speed in the water.
- Zero-Drag: Super-light and ultra-low-profile, the exclusive new
- Hydroglide fabric dramatically reduces surface drag for sensational underwater glide.
- Targeted Compression: The Carbon Glide utilizes a carbon grid that surrounds specific muscle groups for strong, targeted compression and reduced drag.
- Ultra-Light Construction: Combines both Hydroglide and carbon fiber materials, offering the perfect blend of lightness and compression for uncompromising performance and fit.
- Muscle Activation: Strategically placed Carbon Fiber-infused lining activates major muscle groups, providing added support, body-hold, and streamlined speed.
- Open Back Design: Offers a close-to-the-water feel for enhanced performance.
- FINA Approved: Suitable for use at FINA events, ensuring compliance with the world governing body’s standards for Aquatic sports. This is essential for any major competition. You cannot swim in a suit that is not Fina approved.
My Experience with the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back:
I ordered a size 28. Putting the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back is a challenge and likely a two-person job. Most people argue to go 1-2 sizes below their practice suit size. This is generally true although it will feel like a workout getting it on. Especially if you are soaking wet. Like most tech suits, it can be a challenge to get on. After about 20-30 minutes of putting the swimsuit on, I could feel how compressive it was. The suit goes just above your knees so it’s going to be a difference experience than a regular practice suit.
When I dove into the water, I could feel the suit is actually something special. It felt easier to float at the top of the surface and my stroke felt easier. I did end up swimming a minute faster than last time and I didn’t feel as though I was working too hard. Do I think the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back is fast? Absolutely.
I’ve since put it away, only to be used at big swim meets since it is so darn expensive.
Cost: $550
The elephant in the room is the cost. At well over $500, this suit is not cheap. They say it can last 20 swims so you can get your money’s worth.
Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back Conclusion:
Who should purchase the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back? Those swimming at highly competitive meets that want the best suit available.
Who should not purchase the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back? I don’t necessarily think every swimmer of every age group (especially younger swimmers) needs this. There are plenty of cheaper suits that are still providing an advantage.
You can purchase the Arena Powerskin Carbon Glide Open Back here and see all gear reviews here.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite brand of swimming suit?
Have you tried a tech suit?