Buying speed: The Virtual Pull-Buoy

Interesting question. I've sent a message to Charlie Crawford, Commissioner of Officials at USAT a message asking when does a wetsuit become an illegal flotation device in general and about this wetsuit in particular.

Given my past experience with asking Charlie for information, I expect something on the order of a full investigation including a double blind study in an hour or two. Say what you want about USAT and officiating, but I'm more than happy to pay membership fees as long as Charlie Crawford is on the staff there. 

The response from Charlie:

The fact is, as we both know, all wetsuits are flotation devices and many people wear them for that purpose rather than warmth. We have never defined how to build a wetsuit and what limitations on thicknes of the neoprene should be. We have allowed enormous growth in wetsuit design and manufacture by not having those restrictions on design. So, we know that wetsuits are flotation devices and that most people swim faster with them because most people need some help with body positioning during swimming. Wetsuits are our exception to the "no flotation rule" and use is restricted only by water temperature on race day.

All that may be more than you wanted but the summation is that the QR Superfull is legal for use as a wetsuit below the temperature limit outlined by Article 4.4 Wetsuits.

Hope that helps. let me know anytime you have a question and I will try to clarify.

Sincerely,

Charlie Crawford
USAT Commissioner of Officials