# Best racing jammers [Our recommendations in 2026]
Source: https://swimsorted.ie/test-of-competition-jammers/
Published: 2026-09-28
Modified: 2026-09-28
## Excerpt
For many years, competitive swimming used to be synonymous with brief-style Speedos. But when you watch swimming galas nowadays, the male swimmers are always wearing dedicated racing jammers that fit extremely tightly and go right down to the knees. In other words, a very specific type of swimwear. So what is it that makes these...
## Content
For many years, competitive swimming used to be synonymous with brief-style Speedos. But when you watch swimming galas nowadays, the male swimmers are always wearing dedicated racing jammers that fit extremely tightly and go right down to the knees. In other words, a very specific type of swimwear.

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-glide-carbon-infused-vowen-lining-4-1024x565-1.jpg)

So what is it that makes these racing jammers so special? I’ve set out to answer that in this guide, where I’ll also share my top recommendations for which models you should go for if you’re thinking about getting a pair.

**Specifically, in this guide I’ll cover:**

- What makes racing jammers unique compared to regular swim trunks
- What makes racing jammers so fast
- How much faster these dedicated racing jammers actually are
- What to consider before buying your own pair
- Which models I’ve tested and found to be the best, and therefore recommend
- The differences between the various models
- How to find the right size
- How to best care for and maintain your new racing jammers
- The most common questions about racing jammers and my answers to them
- Where you can buy your new racing jammers

## What makes racing jammers unique compared to regular trunks?

Let’s jump straight into the first point: what makes racing jammers unique compared to standard swim trunks. Because there really is a huge difference in performance between the two types. 

### The material

A standard pair of swim trunks designed for training is made from simple materials like nylon and polyester. This means they keep their fit and colour almost indefinitely, while also being chlorine resistant.

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-core-fx-showcase-hover-1024x960-1.jpg)

Racing jammers, on the other hand, are made from more technical materials such as polyamide and elastane. This makes them both water-repellent and elastic, so they stretch just enough to mould perfectly to your body. And not a bit more than that. 

### Fit

Racing jammers fit tightly. Very tightly. In fact, they fit so tightly and are so difficult to put on that you’ll probably think they’re too small at first. Because they need to fit so closely, putting on the right size can take a full 15 to 20 minutes the very first time you wear them.

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-glide-hydroglide-fabric-1-22-1024x565-1.jpg)

In terms of sizing, competition jammers also need to be smaller than your regular swimming trunks. A good rule of thumb is that they should be four sizes smaller than your training trunks. So if you wear a size 30 for training, your racing jammers should be a 26.

### FINA approved

To swim in official competitions under FINA – which includes all Irish swimming galas – your swimwear must be approved by FINA. FINA is the international swimming federation, and they set the rules for which swimwear is allowed. 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FINA-approved-logo-1024x342-1.jpg)

A pair of racing jammers is carefully designed, produced, and approved by FINA. Most regular training trunks simply aren’t. 

That’s why it’s essential to have a proper pair of competition jammers when you line up for races.

### Psychological effect

When you swim competitively, you want to optimise everything as much as possible. That means your training, diet, recovery, sleep, and gear. Once you have all of that dialed in, you gain a real psychological edge on race day.

And when you put on a pair of racing jammers, you just know you’ll swim faster. You simply feel far more confident. That psychological boost is, in itself, a proven recipe for faster swimming times.

## What makes racing jammers so fast?

As I touched on in the previous section, several factors make competition jammers faster than ordinary trunks. But what I haven’t told you yet is exactly what makes them so fast.

I’ll cover the three most important ingredients behind their speed below.

### They’re water-repellent

If you’ve been swimming even just once, you’ve probably noticed when taking off your trunks in the changing room that they’re heavy from all the water they’ve absorbed. And if you want to swim as fast as possible, that’s not ideal.

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-air2-02.jpg)

The fact is, the lighter your jammers are, the faster you can swim in them. And the less water they absorb, the less drag they create. That’s why competition jammers are water-repellent.

### They provide compression

Many people think compression is only useful for recovery. And while it’s true that it aids recovery, compression also has two other great benefits during the race itself. 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-glide-hydroglide-fabric-3-20-1024x565-1.jpg)

First of all, compression increases blood flow in your muscles. This brings a huge advantage: your blood can clear all the lactic acid produced by your muscles much faster. That way, you can swim faster and for longer without fatiguing. 

In addition, compression also streamlines your body shape. You get a smaller profile in the water, which reduces your body’s drag. And the less drag you experience, the faster you’ll swim.

### They’re seamless

Something as simple as seams and stitching isn’t something we usually think much about in our everyday training trunks. But when you’re chasing milliseconds, whether your jammers have seams or not makes a big difference. And that’s why competition jammers are seamless. 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-core-fx-showcase-hover-1024x960-1.jpg)

Something as simple as seams and stitching isn’t something we usually think much about in our everyday training trunks. But when you’re chasing milliseconds, whether your jammers have seams or not makes a big difference. And that’s why competition jammers are seamless. 

Imagine water gliding over your jammers. If there are no bumps, the water will flow smoothly across. But if the water hits a small irregularity like seams or stitching, turbulence will form around that area, which creates extra drag. 

### Seamless method

Competition jammers are joined using other seamless methods, such as heat bonding the materials together. That way, the jammers won’t have these surface irregularities. 

On top of that, competition jammers also fit very tightly. It would simply be uncomfortable to wear such a tight garment if there were seams pressing against your skin. 

Ultimately, competition jammers are meant to imitate a second skin. And with seams and stitching, they won’t feel like a natural part of your body at all. 

## How much faster are competition jammers compared to regular swimming trunks?

If you’ve made it this far in my little guide, I hope you’re in no doubt that competition jammers are faster than regular trunks. But you might be wondering *how*much faster they actually are.

I’ll try to give you the answer to that now. But keep in mind that while competition jammers are inherently faster than regular ones, there can be slight variations in how much faster they are from swimmer to swimmer. 

In a recent Dutch study, researchers found that competition jammers reduced drag by an average of 16.6 percent when test subjects were in a streamline position underwater. 

### Surface position

And when it comes to the surface position while swimming, competition jammers offer an average drag reduction of 5.2 percent. Those are percentages that would take an awful lot of training to achieve if you wanted to match them purely through pool time. 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/arena-powerskin-carbon-glide-hydroglide-fabric-1-22-1024x565-1.jpg)

The results were measured using underwater cameras, which provided precise footage of how far the test subjects moved per stroke. 
So there’s really no doubt that a pair of competition jammers lets you swim faster. And more easily. All at once!

## Things you should consider when choosing the right race jammers for you

With the obvious benefits of racing jammers, you might already be ready to buy your own pair. But before you pull out your debit card, I’ve got a few points you should consider. 

It would be a shame to buy a pair of racing jammers only to find out afterwards that they weren’t quite right for your needs and taste.

### Price point compared to your swimming level

The first point you should consider is how much you’re willing to spend relative to your swimming level. If you’re just starting out and heading to your first competition, one of the high-end top models might not be the right choice. 

If money is no object, go ahead and pick a top model. And if you train many times a week, you most likely have a solid swimming level, so you should probably go for one of the very best models too. 

But if you only swim a couple of times a week, one of the really expensive models might not be the right fit.

Below, I’ve gathered a few rules of thumb for which jammers you should choose based on how many training sessions you have per week. This is naturally just a guideline, so your own preferences play a role too.

#### 2–3 training sessions a week

If you’re completely new to competitive swimming and train 2–3 times a week, I’d say a pair of entry-level racing jammers would be your best buy. And in that category, nothing beats the Arena ST 2.0 jammers. 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/22UK_7168.01-B-31-02-03-01_1-1-859x1024-1.jpg)

For the price, they’re simply fantastic!

Arena ST 2.0 comes in a [junior version](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimsuit-for-girls-st-next-dark-blue&pid=8317) and a [men’s version](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swim-trunks-for-men-st-next-2-0-red&pid=8317). The junior version is available in sizes from 6 to 13 years. So if you’re older than that, you’ll need the men’s version. 

#### 3–5 training sessions a week

If you’re a bit more experienced, train 3 to 5 times a week, and want a bit more performance than the beginner models offer, go for the [Arena Carbon Air 2](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-air-2-light-blue&pid=8317). 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/a2c35fa6832512ada9c0030065c13237a2a55f4d2e71c525fd5c597486dad0a3-859x1024-1.jpg)

They have a slightly more advanced construction, so they’ll give you that bit of extra speed too. Prices start from around €230, making them slightly more expensive than the entry-level options, but less than the top-tier models.

#### 5 or more training sessions a week

If you’re hitting the pool 5 times a week or more, I’d imagine you take your training pretty seriously. And you probably want to optimise your performance in other areas beyond just the training itself. 

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/22UK_7180.01-H-32-03-02-04_1-859x1024-1.jpg)

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1_084e805e-d370-4b3d-832b-17ff0c2cb728-859x1024-1.jpg)

In that case, the [Arena](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts%3F_pos%3D1%26_psq%3Dkonkurrence%26_ss%3De%26_v%3D1.0&pid=8317)[Carbon Flex](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts%3Ffilter.p.vendor%3DArena&pid=8317) or [Arena Carbon Core FX](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-men-carbon-core-fx-black-gold-limited-2026&pid=8317) are my top recommendations for the right racing jammers for you. The Carbon Flex is a slightly older version of the Core FX, so you can often pick it up a bit cheaper without missing out on the great benefits they offer. 

Prices for these two models sit around €300. But for that, you really are getting some of the absolute best racing jammers on the market. 

### Design

Your swimming level and budget are one thing, but design matters too. There’s no point buying a pair of competition jammers if you don’t feel comfortable and confident wearing them. Otherwise, you’ll simply miss out on that psychological boost I mentioned earlier. 

The various models often come in several different designs, so check them all out and choose the one that suits you best. 

The goal is for you to be faster in the water and look great doing it!

### Preferred swimming stroke and distance

As a starting point, all racing jammers can be used across all strokes and distances. However, some models perform slightly better in specific disciplines. Below, I’ve listed the models that work best for the different areas of competitive swimming. 

This isn’t an absolute rulebook, but rather a helpful comparison so you can pick the right racing jammers for the strokes and distances you specialise in. It’s also worth noting that you really have to be at the top elite level before these small differences truly matter. 

Even so, I think you should have the chance to see which models excel at what. 

#### All strokes and distances

The jammers below are very balanced in their features and strengths. They’re well suited to all strokes and distances.

- Arena St 2.0 in the junior or men’s edition
- Speedo LZR Pure Intent
- TYR Avictor
- TYR Venzo

#### 400, 800, 1,500 metres freestyle and 400 metres individual medley

This model is very flexible and offers a bit less compression. That’s a real benefit for the 400, 800 and 1,500 metres freestyle, as well as the 400 metres individual medley, where you need plenty of comfort (since you spend more time in the water) and slightly less compression (because your muscles don’t build up as much lactate as in short sprint distances). 

If you’re a beginner or intermediate competitive swimmer, I’d also recommend this pair for other strokes and distances.

**Arena Carbon Air 2**

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1_2_b88f8886-7aaf-4ac7-a19a-8e0b4c59d442-859x1024-1.jpg)

[Buy Arena Carbon Air 2 here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-air-2-black-gold&pid=8317)

#### 50 and 100 metres breaststroke, butterfly and 200 metres freestyle and backstroke

If you specialise in the 50 and 100 metres breaststroke, butterfly, or the 200 metres freestyle and backstroke, the jammers below are a great choice. They offer a balanced mix of flexibility and compression, which works well for middle distances and breaststroke, where lactate levels don’t peak as high. 

**Arena Carbon Flex**

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/22UK_5387.01-B-10-02-02-03_1-859x1024-1.jpg)

[Buy Arena Carbon Flex here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts&pid=8317)

**Arena Carbon Core FX**

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2A900-681-M-PWSKIN-ST-2-FRONT-859x1024-1.jpg)

[Buy Arena Carbon Core FX here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-men-carbon-core-fx-black-gold-limited-2026&pid=8317)

#### 50 and 100-metre freestyle and backstroke

If your specialty is 50 and 100-metre freestyle or backstroke, you need maximum compression to help clear lactic acid from your muscles. In return, your need for flexibility isn’t quite as high. 

That’s why the racing jammers below are the best suited for these exact strokes and distances. 

**Arena Carbon Ultra**

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/s-l500_1-859x1024-1.jpg)

[Buy Arena Carbon Ultra here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts&pid=8317)

**Arena Carbon Glide**

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/a2c35fa6832512ada9c0030065c13237a2a55f4d2e71c525fd5c597486dad0a3-1-859x1024-1.jpg)

[Buy Arena Carbon Glide here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-glide-ocean-blue&pid=8317)

## Best in test: These racing jammers are the best!

I’ve now reached the part of my guide where it’s time for my top recommendations for racing jammers. Over time, I’ve tested loads of different models from various brands, so I’ve experienced firsthand which brands and models are truly the best. 

**These are the racing jammers we’ve tested**
To pick the test winners across the different categories below, I tested a wide selection of the most popular racing jammers in Ireland and abroad in the pool, ensuring you get the most honest recommendations directly from swimmer to swimmer. These include:

[Arena St. 2.0](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swim-trunks-for-men-st-next-2-0-red&pid=8317)

[Watery Rapidskin](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts%2Fproducts%2Fwatery-competition-swim-trunks-for-men-rapidskin-2-0-black&pid=8317)

[Arena Carbon Air 2](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-air-2-light-blue&pid=8317)

[Arena Carbon Flex](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts&pid=8317)

[Arena Carbon Core FX ](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-men-carbon-core-fx-black-gold-limited-2026&pid=8317)

[Arena Carbon Glide](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-glide-ocean-blue&pid=8317) 

[Speedo LZR Pure Intent ](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Fspeedo-racing-jammers-for-men-lzr-pure-intent-20-blue-red&pid=8317)

The racing jammers have been evaluated based on factors like shape, size, material, fit, price, design, and ultimately my own overall experience with each of them. It’s these thorough tests that form the basis for the recommendations below.

To keep things simple and clear, I’ve gathered the best racing jammers in a table below. In the table, I’ve listed approximate prices, key features, and which strokes and distances they worked best for. 

I’ve also noted in the table which swimming level each pair of jammers suits best. Finally, I’ve added a link to where you can buy each model. 

It really couldn’t be any easier.

|  | **Arena St 2.0** Entry-level model | **Watery Rapidskin** Entry-level model | **Arena Carbon Air 2** Mid-tier model | **Arena Carbon Flex** Discontinued model | **Arena Carbon Core FX** Top-tier model | **Arena Carbon Glide** Top-tier model | **Speedo LZR Pure Intent** Top-tier model |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Approximate price | €95 | €79 | €215 | €275 | €300 | €340 | €330 |
| Features | Like regular swim trunks, just water-repellent | Like regular swim trunks, just water-repellent | Maximum comfort, less compression | High compression and high comfort | High compression and high comfort | Maximum compression and less comfort |  |
| Strokes and distances | All strokes and distances | All strokes and distances | 400, 800 and 1500-metre freestyle, as well as 400-metre individual medley | 50 and 100-metre breaststroke, butterfly, and 200-metre freestyle and backstroke | 50 and 100-metre breaststroke, butterfly, and 200-metre freestyle and backstroke | 50 and 100-metre freestyle and backstroke | All strokes and distances |
| Complete beginner | Choose this, no matter what | Choose this, no matter what |  |  |  |  |  |
| 2–3 training sessions a week | Choose this if price is important | Choose this if price is important | Choose this if price isn’t an issue |  |  |  |  |
| 3–5 training sessions a week |  |  | Choose this if price is important | Choose this if price isn’t an issue | Choose this if price isn’t an issue |  | If you prefer Speedo, this is a great alternative |
| 5 or more training sessions a week |  |  |  | Choose this if price isn’t an issue | Choose this if price isn’t an issue | Choose this if you’re a sprinter | If you prefer Speedo, this is a great alternative |
|  | [**Buy here**](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-boys-st-20-dark-blue&pid=8317) | **[Buy here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts%3Ffilter.p.vendor%3DWatery&pid=8317)** | [**Buy here**](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-air-2-red&pid=8317) | [**Buy here**](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts&pid=8317) | [**Buy here**](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-men-carbon-core-fx-black-gold-limited-2026&pid=8317) | [**Buy here**](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-glide-ocean-blue&pid=8317) | [**Buy here**](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Fspeedo-competition-swim-trunks-for-men-lzr-pure-intent-2-0-black&pid=8317) |

## The difference between Arena ST 2.0, Air 2, Core FX and Glide

### Arena ST NEXT

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1_3_0cbb6898-a846-4755-beb4-3db49ba20f16.jpg)

Great swim trunks for beginners

### Arena racing jammers for boys - ST NEXT

Lowest price found: €71

[Buy with price match here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swim-trunks-for-boys-st-next-black&pid=8317)

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- ![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/themes/vandklar/assets/img/star-grey.svg)

4/5

Based on 12 reviews

Arena ST NEXT is a really solid pair of racing jammers. Especially if you also want to use them a little bit during training. A few compression bands have been added here and there to provide support and compression to the most critical muscles. 

At the same time, the fabric is of high quality. You get a pair of racing jammers that combine great hydrodynamics, muscle support, durability, and comfort, without breaking the bank. 

**Pros and cons of Arena ST NEXT:**

Suitable for both training and racing

Surface material designed for enhanced hydrodynamics

Targeted compression zones provide muscle support

FINA-approved

Very budget-friendly

Features seams that, although concealed, add slight drag and a touch of discomfort, though minimal

### Arena Carbon Air 2

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/22UK_2772.01-G-11-03-01-01_1.jpg)

Maximum comfort and less compression

### Arena Carbon Air 2 Jammer

Lowest price found: €188

[Buy with price match here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swimming-trunks-for-men-carbon-air-2-black-gold&pid=8317)

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- ![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/themes/vandklar/assets/img/star-half.svg)

4.5/5

Based on 11 reviews

Arena Carbon Air 2 features integrated horizontal carbon bands that support your hips and key kicking muscles in particular. In addition, the carbon bands also support the muscles in your glutes and thighs that tend to get overextended.

These jammers are made from a single piece of fabric, which has only been seamed in places that don’t affect water resistance. And because the jammers are made in one piece, they’ll feel just like a second skin. 

These racing jammers absorb less water than beginner models, which means you’ll experience less drag. This helps you glide more easily and further with every stroke. 

The suit itself is made from a single piece of fabric, seamed together only in places that don’t affect water resistance. Because the suit is crafted in one piece, it acts just like a second skin. This means it absorbs less water, which ultimately reduces drag and helps you glide further and more effortlessly with every stroke.

#### **Pros and cons of Arena Carbon Air 2:**

One-piece construction feels like a second skin and minimises water resistance

Features horizontal carbon bands that support your hips and thigh muscles

Optimised gliding properties let you glide further and more effortlessly with every stroke

Delivers solid compression around key kicking muscles

Stitched together, so even though seams are hidden in low-impact areas, it slightly reduces comfort

Price is close to elite models, but doesn't offer the final marginal gains of top-tier versions

### Arena Carbon Core FX

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/22UK_7168.01-B-31-02-03-01_1.jpg)

High comfort and high compression (newer model)

### Arena Carbon Core FX Jammer Limited 2020

Lowest price found: €206

[Buy with price match here](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-men-carbon-core-fx-black-gold-limited-2026&pid=8317)

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- ![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/themes/vandklar/assets/img/star-half.svg)

4.5/5

Based on 15 reviews

With Arena Carbon Core FX, you get all the support and compression you need. Featuring both horizontal and vertical carbon bands, you get enhanced support and compression for your hard-working muscles from the hip area down to the lower thighs.

In addition to the built-in carbon bands, dedicated taping runs from the top of your glutes down to your hamstrings. They have one purpose: helping you keep your legs up at the water surface, even towards the end of your race when you’re completely exhausted.

The jammers themselves are made from a single piece of fabric with the carbon bands integrated directly into it. This means they fit ultra-tight, giving you exceptionally low drag. The bands are placed in just the right spots, giving you freedom of movement where you need it and support where it counts. 

On top of that, these racing jammers are completely seamless, so they truly feel like a second skin once you’ve put them on.

#### **Pros and cons of Arena Carbon Core FX:**

One-piece construction fits like a second skin and minimises drag

Features both horizontal and vertical carbon bands to provide support and compression everywhere you need it

Taping runs from the glutes down to the hamstrings to help keep your legs high in the water, even when fatigue sets in

Feels like a second skin, offering superb comfort alongside minimal water resistance

Bonded seams throughout with zero stitching, reducing drag and increasing comfort

Seamless design prevents drag and uncomfortable chafing from stitched seams

Priced among the high-end models, but gives you a top-tier suit with attention to every detail

### Arena Carbon Glide

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/22UK_7168.01-B-31-02-03-01_1.jpg)

Maximum compression and less comfort

### Arena Carbon Glide Jammer

Lowest price found: €277

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- ![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/themes/vandklar/assets/img/star-full.svg)
- ![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/themes/vandklar/assets/img/star-full.svg)
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4.5/5

Based on 14 reviews

Arena Carbon Glide are the ultimate racing jammers available. All the latest technologies have been used, incorporating both vertical and horizontal carbon fibre bands to give your muscles maximum support and compression.

The jammers themselves are crafted from a special, patented material that Arena calls Hydroglide Fabric. This material offers the lowest water resistance possible with today’s technology. At the same time, the fabric is incredibly elastic, giving you a really tight fit without compromising on comfort. 

With these racing jammers, you simply get the lightest and longest glide. On top of that, they feature integrated muscle-activating bands that start working the moment you put them on. 

So right from the moment you step onto the starting block, your muscles are ready for the hard work ahead.

#### **Pros and cons of Arena Carbon Glide:**

One-piece construction fits like a second skin and minimises drag

Crafted in Arena's Hydroglide Fabric to deliver the lowest possible water resistance available today

Features both horizontal and vertical carbon bands to provide support and compression everywhere you need it

Built-in muscle-activating carbon bands prime your muscles before you even hit the pool

Feels like a second skin, offering superb comfort alongside minimal water resistance

Fully seamless design minimises drag and maximises comfort

Seamless design prevents drag and uncomfortable chafing from stitched seams

Priced at the very top of the market for racing jammers, but you get cutting-edge performance tech in return

### Watery Rapidskin

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/KidsRapidskin2.0Jammer-DarkGreen_2.jpg)

Best racing jammers for beginners

### Watery racing jammers for boys - Rapidskin 2.0

Lowest price found: €60

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4.5/5

Based on 28 reviews

Watery Rapidskin are a really solid pair of racing jammers. Especially if you also want to use them a little during training. A few compression bands have been added throughout, providing support and compression to key muscles. 

At the same time, the fabric is of high quality. You get a pair of racing jammers that combine great hydrodynamics, muscle support, durability, and comfort, without breaking the bank. 

**Pros and cons of Watery Rapidskin:**

Suitable for both training and racing

Surface material designed for enhanced hydrodynamics

Targeted compression zones provide muscle support

Very budget-friendly

Features seams that, although concealed, add slight drag and a touch of discomfort, though minimal

## How to find the right size

As mentioned briefly at the start of this guide, finding the right size is essential to get the most out of your new racing jammers. 

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as picking the same size as your training jammers.

As a rule of thumb, you should go down four full sizes compared to your normal training jammers. So if you train in a size 30, you should look for a size 26 in racing jammers. 

It might seem odd, but they’re genuinely meant to be that much smaller. 

However, this rule of thumb is only a guide. The best approach is to choose a pair of racing jammers based on your own measurements. 

I’d recommend checking out the Danish swim shop [Watery.ie](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2F&pid=8317). They provide visual examples for every model they sell, showing the model’s height, weight, and the size of jammers he’s wearing. 

This makes comparing much easier, helping you find the perfect size for you. 

### Arena sizing compared to Speedo and TYR

If you already have a pair of racing jammers from TYR, Speedo, or Arena and want to switch to another brand, the sizes from each brand might not match up directly. 

I’ve therefore put together a handy chart below, where I compare the different sizes. Hopefully, this makes it easier for you to cross-reference sizes between the three most popular brands in racing jammers. 

So if you have a pair of TYR Venzo in size 25, for example, and you want a pair of racing jammers from Arena, you should go for a size 26.

| Arena ST 2.0 Boys | 8–9 years | 10–11 years | 12–13 years |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Arena ST 2.0 Men |  | 22 UK | 24 UK | 26 UK | 28 UK | 30 UK |  |
| Watery Rapidskin Boys |  | 10–11 years / 140 cm | 12–13 years / 152 cm |  |  |  |  |
| Watery Rapidskin Men |  | 22 UK | 24 UK | 26 UK | 28 UK | 30 UK | 32 UK |
| Arena Carbon Air 2 |  | 22 UK | 24 UK | 26 UK | 28 UK | 30 UK | 32 UK |
| Arena Carbon Flex / Core FX |  | 22 UK | 24 UK | 26 UK | 28 UK | 30 UK | 32 UK |
| Arena Carbon Ultra / Glide |  | 24 UK | 26 UK | 28 UK | 30 UK | 32 UK |  |
| Speedo LZR Pure Intent |  |  | 23 UK | 24 or 25 UK (usually 25) | 26 UK | 27 UK |  |
| TYR Venzo |  | 23 UK | 24 UK | 25 or 26 UK | 27 or 28 UK | 29 or 30 UK |  |
| TYR Avictor |  | 23 UK | 24 UK | 25 or 26 UK | 27 or 28 UK | 29 or 30 UK |  |

### Moving from boys to men’s in Arena ST 2.0 – which size?

If you currently wear an [Arena ST 2.0 boys’ model](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-racing-jammers-for-boys-st-20-dark-blue&pid=8317) in size 12 to 13 years and want to move up to a larger size in the same range ([the Arena ST 2.0 adult version](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fproducts%2Farena-competition-swim-trunks-for-men-st-next-2-0-red&pid=8317)), as shown in the chart above, you need to go for a size 24 UK. 

At swim clubs, I’ve unfortunately seen many parents of boys around 13–14 years old accidentally buy a size 22 UK in the adult model. But since 22 UK is actually smaller than the 12–13 years model, the boys end up with a smaller pair of jammers than they had before. 

And that’s definitely not ideal.

So to keep it simple: if your son has outgrown size 12–13 years and needs to move up to an adult model, go for a size 24 UK. 

## How to best care for your racing jammers

There’s no doubt that a pair of racing jammers is quite an investment. So, I’m sure you want to make them last for as long as possible. I’ve put together a few tips and tricks below to help you extend the lifespan of your newly bought jammers.

### Don’t wear your racing jammers for longer than necessary

When you wear your racing jammers, you stretch the fabric they’re made of. And unfortunately, the longer you wear them, the more they stretch out. 

As the jammers stretch, they slowly lose their tight fit and their ability to support and compress your muscles. 

That’s why you should avoid training in your racing jammers. You also shouldn’t really wear them when you’re not swimming. That said, you shouldn’t take them off between heats at gala events either, because taking them on and off stretches the material quite a bit.

So, put your jammers on just before your first heat and take them off as soon as your last race is over. 

### Wear clothes over your jammers when you’re out of the water

Between your heats, it’s important to put on some clothing that completely covers your racing jammers. This is vital to protect them against sharp objects like fingernails, which can easily damage the stretched fabric. 

It really doesn’t matter what you wear over your jammers. A pair of long shorts will do the job nicely. Just make sure you wear something that protects them from sharp edges.

### Take your time putting on and taking off your jammers

Before you jump into the water for the first time, set aside plenty of time to get your racing jammers on. If you rush, you’ll significantly increase the risk of damaging them. That could be from your nails or from pulling too hard on the fabric.

And if you pull too hard, you’ll stretch them unnecessarily, which isn’t good for their lifespan. 

The same goes for taking your jammers off again. Take them off slowly, step by step. The more time you take putting them on and taking them off, the gentler you’ve likely been. 

### Rinse them in cold water after use

When you’ve finished your last race and taken off your racing jammers, don’t clean them with soap and warm water under the tap. And definitely don’t chuck them in the washing machine. 

All you need to do is fill a basin or similar with cold water. Put the jammers in and swish them around gently. That’s more than enough to get them clean, as they’re water-repellent and won’t harbour bacteria easily. 

### Carry your wet racing jammers in a towel

Once you’ve taken off your racing jammers and rinsed them in cold water, don’t try to dry them by wringing out the water before putting them in your bag. Wrap them in a towel instead, which prevents the jammers from soaking the rest of your kit bag. 

As a rule of thumb, I always recommend carrying your racing jammers wrapped in a towel anyway. That way, you won’t risk other swim gear or items in your bag puncturing your expensive swimwear. 

### Lay them flat to air dry

Once you’ve rinsed your racing jammers, don’t wring them dry—as mentioned before. Instead, leave them to dry somewhere out of direct sunlight. 

And when I say you should *lay* them out to dry, I don’t mean hang them up. They need to lie *flat*. If you hang them up, the weight of the water will stretch the fabric. And you definitely want to avoid that. 

### Only use them for competitions

If you want to get the absolute longest lifespan out of your racing jammers, only use them for galas and meets, not for regular training. Every single time you put them on and take them off, you stretch the fabric. The same happens just from wearing them. 

So save them just for competitions. And if you have multiple pairs of racing jammers, save your best pair for your most important races. 

When you only wear your racing jammers for competitions, you’ll also feel so much faster the moment you put them on. That alone gives you a massive psychological edge.

## Questions and answers on the most common questions about competition jammers

When I’ve visited various swimming clubs around Ireland, I’ve often heard a few different questions about competition jammers. The most common questions are how many pairs of competition jammers you should have, how to put them on most easily, and how tight they should fit.

You might be wondering about the exact same things after getting this far in the guide. So to give you a hand, I’ve answered those three questions below.

Over time, I’ve heard many questions and concerns about competition kneeskins at the swimming clubs. The most frequent ones are how many suits you should have, how to put the suit on most easily, and how tight it should fit.

### Should you have more than one pair of competition jammers?

This is a question mostly asked by parents. As you may have noticed, a pair of competition jammers can be quite a significant cost. In fact, it’s easily the biggest expense when it comes to swimming gear. 

Older swimmers often have more than one pair of competition jammers, though. So should your child have more than one as well?

As a rule of thumb, it’s not essential to have more than one pair. Especially not in the younger age groups. In older age groups, swimmers often race in both heats and finals on the same day, so having more than one pair is definitely an advantage. 

For younger kids, it really isn’t necessary. They don’t swim as many races, which means gala days are shorter too. 

Once your child reaches 16–17 years of age, I’d say it’s a good idea to have more than one pair of competition jammers. Until then, a single pair is definitely plenty.

### What is the easiest way to put on competition jammers?

Competition jammers are undoubtedly tricky to get into. That’s just how they’re meant to be so they fit as tightly as possible. But you’ll also want to look after them, so yanking and tugging at them to get them in place isn’t a good idea. 

Below, I’ve put together a quick step-by-step guide on how to get into your competition jammers as easily as possible. Follow these steps, and you’ll protect the material too.

#### 1 – Be 100 percent dry

Before putting on your competition jammers, set aside at least 30 minutes in the changing room to get completely dry. And remember that you shouldn’t wear another pair of trunks underneath.

#### 2 – Flip up the bottom part of the legs

At the bottom of each leg of the jammers, there’s a silicone gripper designed to keep them in place just above your knees. Flip these grippers up so you can slide your legs through more easily.

#### 3 – Guide one foot through the jammers at a time

Sit down on a chair or bench and slowly guide one foot at a time through the leg of the jammers. It can take up to 30 minutes in total if the jammers are brand new, so give yourself plenty of time.

#### 4 – Carefully pull the jammers up to your knees

Once both feet are through the jammers, gently pull them up to your knees. Avoid using your fingernails. A great tip is to wear thin fabric gloves so your nails can’t come into direct contact with the fabric of the jammers. 

You want to avoid making holes in them at all costs, as they can’t be repaired once torn. At the same time, make sure to gently pull the jammers up one leg at a time.

#### 5 – Make sure the jammers sit evenly on both legs

Once you’ve pulled the jammers up to your knees, check and ensure that both legs of the jammers sit evenly and symmetrically on your legs. This means panels, patterns and seams should sit in the exact same position on both legs, without being twisted or pulled out of shape. 

#### 6 – Gently pull the jammers up one centimetre at a time

You really want to avoid overstretching the suit. So pull it up gently, just one centimetre at a time on each leg. That way, you’ll avoid stretching and twisting the material too much.

#### 7 – Alternate between each leg

The higher up your legs you get, the tighter the jammers will feel to pull on. This is especially true once you get past your knees. To avoid overstretching the jammers, alternate between each leg in small increments. That means pulling up one centimetre on one leg, doing the same on the other, and continuing like that. 

#### 8 – Get the jammers up over your hips

By far the hardest part of putting on competition jammers is getting them pulled up over your hips. So make sure the entire suit is pulled well above your kneecap before you gently pull the rest up over your hips.

It’s during this stage, pulling them up over your hips, that you’ll feel most exhausted. And this is especially where you start questioning whether you even bought the right size. 

Don’t worry, that’s completely normal, as jammers are designed to be that tight!

#### 9 – Flip the bottom cuffs down and dive into your swim!

Once the jammers are fully in place from your hips down through your thighs, flip down the bottom part of the legs. That’s the part you folded up with the silicone grippers. And then you’re ready to swim fast!

### How tight should the jammers fit to be worn correctly?

It’s no secret that every swimmer wonders how tight their jammers are supposed to be when they first put them on. Because it’s genuinely tough work, and they sit extremely snug. 

But that’s entirely intentional. Competition jammers are supposed to fit *very* tight. 

In fact, competition jammers should be tight enough that it takes at least 15–20 minutes to put them on the first time. So if it takes much less than that, you’ve most likely picked a size too large. Either that, or you’ve perfected a brilliant technique for putting them on. 

In short: they need to fit very tight.

## Where can you buy competition jammers?

Since competition jammers aren’t exactly mainstream sportswear, you won’t usually find them in standard high street sports shops. You’ll need to go to a specialist swimming retailer, which is something I always recommend anyway when you’re buying swim gear and swimwear. 

And you really can’t look past Watery.ie. They have a huge selection of competition jammers (and everything else you need for swimming), alongside top-rated customer satisfaction on Trustpilot. 

I buy all my own swimming gear from them as well, and I’ve been delighted every single time. Both because of their prices and their fast delivery. Plus, their support chat is always quick to help out with any questions. 
So when it’s time to buy your competition jammers (and any other swim gear), I’d definitely recommend getting them at [Watery.ie](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2F&pid=8317).

![](https://swimsorted.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/watery-logo-1.jpg)

[Explore and shop the recommended jammers here!](https://swimsorted.ie/?vtp_go=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwatery.ie%2Fcollections%2Fcompetition-swim-shorts&pid=8317)

## Metadata
- Type: Post
- Author: Daniel
- Categories: All guides and recommendations, Swimming gear