Choosing Between the Speedo LZR Pure Intent & LZR Pure Valor

Speedo LZR Pure Intent – Perfect for Sprinters

The Speedo LZR Pure Intent is Speedo’s latest race suit addition, replacing the long-time favorite, the LZR Racer X. This suit is specifically designed for sprinters and excels in events ranging from the 50s to 200s. With its triple fabric construction and dual compression layers, the Pure Intent reduces drag and maximizes speed with texture fabric zones, bonded seams, and premium grips.

This suit offers a tighter compression than the Pure Valor, so it might take a little longer to put on, but once it’s on, you’ll feel comfortable and supported. Its flexible zone design allows greater freedom of movement, making it a versatile option for all four strokes. Whether you're swimming the 50m freestyle or the 200m butterfly, the Pure Intent provides the necessary power and compression to maximize your sprinting performance.

Best for: Experienced swimmers focusing on sprints and high-end meets. TAS highly recommends this suit for those racing events in the 50m to 200m range.

Speedo LZR Pure Valor – Ideal for Distance and IM Swimmers 

On the other hand, the Speedo LZR Pure Valor is less compressive than the Pure Intent, making it the perfect choice for middle-distance, long-distance, and IM swimmers. This suit is designed for events from the 200m all the way up to the 1500m/1600m. It’s especially popular among breaststrokers who need that extra flexibility.

The Pure Valor utilizes flat bonded seams to reduce drag and introduces an improved leg and waist band design, which enhances buoyancy and prevents water ingress. With its more comfortable, flexible fit, the Pure Valor is quicker to put on compared to the Pure Intent, and you’ll feel more freedom in the water. It’s the perfect suit for those who need power with mobility for longer events.

Best for: Swimmers looking for comfort and flexibility in middle-distance, long-distance, and IM events. TAS recommends this suit for swimmers who prefer a less rigid fit while still benefiting from high-end performance.

Insights from TAS on the Speedo LZR Pure Intent & Pure Valor 

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to see these two new Speedo racing suits in action at the High Performance Centre in Vancouver. Here are some key takeaways:

• The Pure Valor is a lighter suit, making it perfect for distance and IM swimmers. Swimmers loved that it felt very similar to the LZR Elite, so transitioning to this new suit was a breeze.

• The Pure Intent, on the other hand, is a more rigid suit, making it ideal for sprinters who need that extra compression. Swimmers did report a bit more of a struggle putting it on, but once they were in, they felt great in the water. The compression is higher than the Pure Valor, so it provides that extra edge for sprint performance.

Overall, both suits offer great features, but the choice comes down to your event specialty. If you’re a sprinter, the Pure Intent will give you the compression and power you need. For middle-distance and long-distance swimmers, the Pure Valor offers comfort without sacrificing performance.

SwimExpert Tip: Make sure to try on the suit and consider how much compression you prefer before purchasing. The right fit and feel are crucial to optimizing your performance!