Inspired by jet aircraft, the JETCONCEPT bodysuit uses a combination of technologies including Lycra® stretch fabric, Second Skin Fit, flatlock seams and strategically placed ribbed panels
Working in concert with each other, these technologies channel water more efficiently over the swimmer's back, greatly reducing drag, streamlining movement and cutting turbulence. The result is up to a 3% increase in swimming performance.
How does the suit work?
What was the inspiration for the suit?
The inspiration for the JETCONCEPT bodysuit came from the V-shaped grooves currently used on the wings and fuselage of civil aircraft. The strong performance improvement in these aircrafts has been transferred to the idea of form drag and friction drag reduction during a swimmer's gliding phase.
The science behind man in water
adidas technology is based on the pursuit of providing athletes with the most beneficial tools to perform in sport. The JETCONCEPT bodysuit is one example of achieving this pursuit.
The JETCONCEPT suit is one that adidas has studied, researched, tested and devised over several years together with Ian Thorpe and other top class swimmers. Overall, tested swimmers believe that the new suit raises legs higher and changes the body position for better horizontal and flat propulsion. This "feeling" is scientifically documented and based on the speed of water moving under the body, and less water on the swimmer's back. This phenomenon is best explained through the science of hydrodynamics.
Hydro Science and Technology
For swimmers, the challenge for increasing performance is based on the flow of the water over the body; adding riblets changes this water flow. To reduce an average of 70 kilograms of "dead water" that sit upon the swimmers back, riblets are placed in scientifically proven positions.
Drag and Kinetics
There are many forms of drag that a swimmer experience while in the water. Form drag, Friction drag and Wave drag. In simplest terms form drag is the resistance based on the shape of the swimmer; friction drag is the resistance of the swimmers skin, and wave drag pertains to the oscillation of the water. In general, for competitive swimming, friction drag accounts for 8 percent of the total drag, wave drag accounts for 36 percent and form drag accounts for 56 percent.
The overall result is; a swimmer's skin creates many natural forms of drag. With adidas JETCONCEPT riblet technology, drag is minimised, thereby increasing speed in the water.
The adidas JETCONCEPT bodysuit provides athletes with the most beneficial tools to perform. Just one example of innovation changing the face of sport.
The JETCONCEPT bodysuit:
Riblets
Ribbed panels extending from the underarm to the lower back and covering the gluteus maximus help channel water over the swimmers back to reduce active drag, streamline movement and cut turbulence. The amount of water carried on the swimmer's back is reduced.
JETCONCEPT Technology
The specific angle and position of JETCONCEPT technology on the back and gluteus maximus reduces form drag and friction drag ñ providing up to a 3% improvement in swimming performance.
Lycra® Power
Lycra® Power materials increase speed and endurance by using compression. This compression holds the body better in the water, stimulates skin receptors for a more accurate,
efficient swim stroke and allows for faster recovery times due to increased blood circulation.
Second Skin Fit
The "Second Skin Fit" provides maximum flexibility and freedom of movement by preventing water from penetrating at the neck, wrists and ankles - reducing water retention.
Flatlock Seams
Strategically placed flatlock seams reduce water drag and add comfort.
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