In competitive swimming, small performance gains make all the difference. An independent study conducted by Global Sport Technology, Inc. examined whether certain racing swimsuits help swimmers move more efficiently through the water, and the results were clear. A3's newest tech suit, PRANA, is the fastest tech suit on the market, showing higher speed and reduced drag compared to its competitors. 

What Was Tested?

The study compared six different women’s racing swimsuits, including PRANA, against five other major suit brands. Testing was conducted using a technology designed to measure instantaneous swimming velocity at 60 times per second (60 Hz).

To ensure consistency, the swimmer completed a structured protocol of:

• 6 x 20 yd swims
• Effort level increased from aerobic pace to maximum speed
• Pulling position with a pull buoy (to eliminate kick variability)
• No breathing (to avoid technique disruption)

This helped isolate the suit’s impact on performance as much as possible.

What Did They Measure?

Instead of only measuring speed, the study focused on something called Distance Per Cycle (DPC). DPC is how far a swimmer travels per stroke cycle.

• Longer distance per stroke = more efficiency
• More efficiency = less drag
• Less drag = faster swimming

A suit that helps maintain a longer DPC at higher speeds is likely helping the swimmer move through the water with less resistance.

The Results

Most racing suits perform similarly at moderate speeds, but once swimmers hit race velocity, drag becomes a major performance limiter.

PRANA showed the slowest drop in DPC as speed increased, compared to all other suits tested. This means PRANA created the lowest drag, especially at speeds above 1.2 m/sec (competition speed), making it the fastest tech suit of the bunch. 

Check out the full independent testing results here. 

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About Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas

This independent performance analysis was prepared by Genadijus Sokolovas, Ph.D., a sports performance researcher affiliated with Global Sport Technology, Inc. He specializes in testing swim biomechanics, stroke efficiency, and performance variables using technology-based evaluation systems. 

Dr. Sokolovas is known for applying scientific measurement tools to real-world swimming performance, helping quantify how technique and equipment impact speed in the water.