About Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor
Choosing a Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor race suit is much easier when you understand how the suit is designed to feel in the water. At Ness Swimwear, we work with Speedo at some of the biggest national and British swimming championship events in the country as their retail partner, so we have fitted countless swimmers into Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor jammers and kneeskins face-to-face. The Valor range is designed for competitive swimmers who want mid-level compression, excellent flexibility and greater freedom of movement on race day.
The Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor is a strong choice for swimmers who want support without the same restrictive feel as the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent. It is suitable for all strokes and distances, but in our experience, it is especially well suited to swimmers racing 200m and beyond, or swimmers who need more movement through the hips, legs and body line.
Who is the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor race suit for?
In our experience fitting Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor race suits, this range is best suited to higher-level competitive swimmers who are racing regularly at the regional level or above. We believe Pure Valor works especially well for longer swims from around 200m upwards, where a flexible fit can help the swimmer hold their stroke and body position without feeling overly restricted. The fit of the suit is best on a mature, athletic, well-muscled or curvy physique.
The Pure Valor is usually a good choice for swimmers who want moderate compression through the legs, hips and core, but still need freedom of movement. It can be a strong option for breaststroke, IM and distance events, as well as swimmers who simply prefer a more flexible race suit feel. If you are a sprinter and want maximum compression and stability, the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent may also be worth considering.
Key features
| BENEFIT TO YOU |
TECHNOLOGY |
| Optimal hydrodynamics |
Flat bonded seams and improved finishes help create a smooth profile in the water |
| Greater core stability |
Dual-layered fabric around the core provides enhanced stability for greater power output |
| Optimised range of motion |
Moderate compression and an additional compressive inner leg seam provide muscle support while helping the swimmer move more freely |
| Feel lighter and ride higher in the water |
Lightweight construction helps the swimmer feel light, flexible and supported on race day |
| Male water-tight fit |
Premium lightweight high waist microfibre waistband helps reduce water ingress throughout the race |
| Female increased comfort and durability |
Updated silhouette with refined neck and arm openings improves comfort, fit and durability |
| Enhanced durability |
Lamoral Space Tech coating helps protect the fabric from the damaging effects of chlorine, so you can race at your best for longer |
| Approved for racing |
Current Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor 2.0 race suits are World Aquatics approved |
Speedo women's Fastskin Valor kneeskin information
The Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor kneeskin is available in both openback and closedback styles. In our experience, the openback is the regular choice for most swimmers because it offers more flexibility, feels easier to move in, and is usually easier to get on before a race. Speedo also describes the openback as offering freedom of movement, which may suit swimmers with arched backs.
The closedback version gives more coverage across the back and can feel more secure through the body. It was originally popular with backstroke swimmers because the higher back helped reduce water entering the suit, but many swimmers now choose it across other strokes when they want a firmer race day feel. The trade-off is that the closedback can be harder to get on than the openback and more restrictive, so it is usually best for swimmers who are already confident wearing race suits.
Speedo Men's Fastskin Valor Jammers Information
The Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor jammer is available in both regular waist and high waist options. Neither version is designed for a specific stroke, so the best choice usually comes down to fit preference, body shape and how much support the swimmer wants through the waist and core.
In our experience, the regular waist jammer is the more flexible option and is often the easiest choice for swimmers who prefer a traditional race jammer fit. The high waist jammer offers extra coverage and more support around the core, which can help the suit feel more secure on race day. It is also a strong option for taller male swimmers, especially those over 6ft, as the higher waistband gives roughly an extra inch of coverage compared with the regular waist version.
Need help choosing your Speedo Valor size?
Choosing the right Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor size can feel difficult, especially if you are buying a race suit online. At Ness Swimwear, we have a lot of experience fitting Speedo Fastskin race suits at major swimming events, so you are always welcome to contact us with your swimmer’s measurements for our best sizing advice. We can give you our most accurate estimate without seeing the swimmer, but trying the suit on in person will always be the best way to check the fit.
For women’s Speedo Pure Valor kneeskins, measure the widest part of the bust and the widest part of the hips. Use the larger of those two measurements to find the closest size on the Speedo size chart. As a general guide, most swimmers then choose one size up from that chart size for the Pure Valor. For example, if your measurement puts you into a size 25, we would usually recommend choosing a size 26.
This is a general rule that works for the majority of swimmers, but body shape matters. If you are tall, well-muscled, broad across the hips or between sizes, you may need to size up further. If you are moving from a Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent into a Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor, you may also need to consider going one size down because the Valor is generally more flexible than the Intent.
For men’s Speedo Pure Valor jammers, measure the waist and use the Speedo size chart to find the closest size. Most swimmers will then choose one size up from the chart size. If you are tall, have larger or more muscular legs, or feel between sizes, you may need to move up another size. Taller swimmers can also consider the high waist jammer, as this gives extra coverage around the waist.
| Suit type |
What to measure |
How to choose your size |
| Women’s Pure Valor kneeskin |
Widest part of bust and widest part of hips |
Use the largest measurement on the size chart, then most swimmers choose one size up |
| Men’s Pure Valor jammer |
Waist measurement |
Use the waist size on the chart, then most swimmers choose one size up |
| Tall or well-muscled swimmers |
Height, waist, hips and body shape |
You may need to size up further, especially if you are between sizes |
| Swimmers moving from Intent to Valor |
Your current Intent size and body measurements |
You may need to consider one size down because Valor has more flexibility than Intent |
If you are unsure, contact us with your measurements before ordering, and we will help you choose the most suitable size.
How to put on and care for your Speedo Valor race suit
The Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor is more flexible than the Intent, but it is still a high-performance race suit and should be put on carefully. Allow around 5 to 10 minutes, especially when the suit is brand new. Turn over the leg grippers, then work the material slowly up the legs and as high into the crotch as possible before lifting the suit over the hips.
Use the pads of your finger and thumb to gently pinch the fabric and move it bit by bit. Do not pull hard on the seams or straps, and avoid using fingernails. For women’s kneeskins, once the suit is high enough through the legs and body, keep your elbow tucked in as you place one arm through the strap. Then keep the other elbow tucked close to the body and bring your arm down towards the second strap before easing it through.
Remember, the compression will feel strongest when the suit is brand new. It will usually loosen slightly after wearing, and you will also get more confident putting it on with practice.
In our experience, swimmers who wear their Speedo Valor for warm-ups and then keep it on all day between races will usually see a reduced lifespan and reduced product effectiveness. Chlorine will break down the fabric over time, so rinse the suit after racing and change out of it between swims where possible. For more help, read our swimming race suit care guide.
Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor FAQ
Who is the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor best for?
The Speedo Valor race suit has been designed for flexible range of motion and mid level compression support, making it great for competitive swimmers racing 200m and further. The flexible range of motion is good for all strokes, including breaststroke and IM swimmers. Some sprint swimmers prefer the flexibility over high compression, and that is fine because everyone has their preference.
Is the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor good for breaststroke?
Yes, the Speedo Valor race suit has excellent flexibility and freedom of movement, making it perfect for breaststrokers.
What is the difference between the Speedo Valor and Intent race suits?
The Speedo Valor prioritises flexibility and freedom of movement while providing moderate compression support. It is better suited to strokes and distances when flexibility is required. The Intent has a higher compression fabric for locked-in support and is more suitable for shorter sprint swimming races.
Is the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor better for distance swimming?
Yes, the Speedo Valor has been designed with a flexible range of movement and is well-suited to distance swimmers.
Should I choose the openback or closedback Speedo Valor kneeskin?
Our experienced advice would be to choose an openback if this is your first Speedo Valor. The closedback can be considered once you have experience wearing and using the race suit. It will provide extra coverage for a performance boost at the cost of being more restrictive and more difficult to get on. If you have a long torso, straight back, or your openback gapes, a closedback could be a good option for you.
Should I choose the regular waist or high waist Speedo Valor jammer?
This comes down to your preference. A regular waist is fine for the majority of swimmers and gives you the optimum freedom of movement. Tall swimmers or those who prefer additional core support may benefit from a high waist option.
How should a Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor race suit fit?
The Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor should feel like a second skin. The fabric should be tight across your body with no fabric creasing or gathering. The openings of the race suit should have no gaps, and it should not cause pain or discomfort. Men should not need to rely on tying the waistband, and women's shoulder straps should not lift higher than about an inch. We recommend getting more material high up the legs for additional room on the waist or upper body.
Is the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor hard to put on?
Yes, the Speedo Valor is a compressive race suit designed to be a second skin. It takes time, patience and care to get on, and should take 5 to 15 minutes depending on experience. With experience, it will become second nature, and you will no longer consider it hard to get on.
Is the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor World Aquatics-approved?
Yes, the Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Valor is World Aquatics-approved and ready for race day.
How do I make my Speedo Valor race suit last longer?
To get the most out of your Speedo Valor race suit, you should always take care when putting it on and taking it off. Do not rush the process, and give yourself time to put it on stress free. Think of chlorine as the enemy, and make sure you rinse off your race suit every time you use it. Never machine wash it or dry it on heat sources like radiators. Prioritise which races you will use the suit for because, if you wear it for every race, that is a lot of exposure to chlorine. Never warm up or train in your Speedo Valor.
