arena Carbon Core FX Review

If you bumped into me on pool deck, you would probably think I was an arena ambassador. Even as I sit here writing this article I have a pair of arena Icons bermuda shorts on and a arena x Dolly Noire t-shirt. In 30 minutes I will head to the pool and wear some arena Bishamon Briefs, Swedix Goggles and a Energy Standard cap which is made by arena. I have no hesitation in wearing all this stuff because it is of the highest quality, the apparel beyond standards of a swimming brand! But the real test of a swimming brand, their pride and joy should of course be their tech suit. In 2019 arena released two models, a refresh of a trusty favourite in the Carbon Air2 and a rather unique womens concept in the Carbon Duo. With 2020 being the planned Olympic year we saw not one but two new arena Tech Suit flagships in the Carbon Core FX and Carbon Glide.

Why Carbon Fiber?

I have made an entire video on YouTube detailing why arena has chosen to use and pioneer Carbon Fiber in their tech suit range. Give it a watch, I think it's easier than me trying to articulate their smart choices over type!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG4orczZ7OQ

The Carbon Core FX

Of the two new flagships I preferred the Core FX ($360), the cheaper of the two new offerings but probably their most sought after and the one that as a sprinter, seems most catered for me. Like we talked about in my Mizuno GX Sonic V MR review, a lot of brands are going down the route of offering multiple suits, with one not supposedly better than the other, just some suiting the needs of different individuals and events. arena does just that between their 3 different Powerskin based suits. Boasting tight fit and core support, it is obvious that of all these suits, the Core FX is the sprinters paradise!

Carbon Pro with Hamstring Taping?!

After the bodysuits were banned in 2010, we didn't really see a revolutionary jammer until arena released the Carbon Pro, which in professional opinion was leaps and bounds ahead of what Speedo, TYR and the rest of the manufacturer had spat out at this point. The compression of the carbon fiber was unparalleled and with the fluorescent colorways, it was the coolest suit in town. While since 2012 they have launched a plethora of brilliant suits, none have felt like a true sprint suit or a development on that OG model, that is until the Core FX. Featuring the exact same fabric choices, the compression is just brilliant, as is the ability to repel water and the properties of carbon fiber keep the tightness of the suits above par for meets and meets of races.

But this goes beyond the pro, it has a slightly higher waist fit, not absurd in its appearance but just giving stability to the core and holding the hips in place. It also provides snap and spring with two thick strips of hamstring tape, creating energy and pulling your legs back up to the surface after the down kick, providing extra speed and power in the kick as well as providing support when fatigue sets in. It may not be as buoyant as other offering being a single layered suit but compression, kick support and fit are high calibre.

Calypso

Even more exciting than the bright and bold designs of 2012, arena have added a new Calypso collection at the back end of 2022. arena say "The beauty of coral, crystal clear waters and crashing waves. The new women’s Powerskin Carbon-Core FX Calypso Bay limited edition race suit celebrates the Australian ocean and barrier reef, the largest coral reef in the world and the precious life forms that inhabit it." I love this collection and arena are also giving back to the environment!

Summary

If you are a sprinter, have an allegiance to arena, love the unique properties and huge levels of compression only Carbon Fiber provides or just want to wear the same suit as legends such as Adam Peaty, Florent Manadou and Bruno Fratus, then there is a good chance that the arena Carbon Core FX is for you. While you won't exactly swim slow in longer events, should you be a swimmer who likes to race a huge assortment of events, arena does have some other models to check out such as the Air2 and for extra buoyancy, the dual lined Carbon Glide.

Buy Core FX Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtdU1Z9l9Zs

---

Found Your Suit? Now Get Faster In It

A tech suit buys you tenths. The right training buys you seconds. I coach sprinters and racing swimmers all over the world, and I built a free 2-minute quiz that matches you to the exact training plan for your events, your schedule and your goals.

Take the free Find Your Plan quiz and get your match in 2 minutes, or jump straight into RAW SPEED 100, my sprint training membership at £39/month, cancel anytime.