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Speedo LZR Pure Valor 2.0 Review: The Most Popular Suit at the Olympics

Updated: 6 days ago




The Verdict — 8./10

Overall Rating: 8./10

Price (USD): ~$350

Best For: Distance swimmers (200m+), high-waist preferences, maximum comfort, multiple heats




Who Am I & How I Tested This

I'm Sonny aka TheSwimsuitGuy, a competitive swim coach with nearly 200K subscribers on YouTube. I've tested hundreds of tech suits over the years, and I take pride in giving honest assessments—not just marketing hype. For this review, I've worn the Pure Valor 2.0 extensively during training and competition, and I observed dozens of swimmers—including some of Britain's best—racing in it at the Aquatics GB Championships and British Swimming Trials.


Key Features of the Pure Valor 2.0


Lamoral Technology: The Star Feature

The headline innovation is Lamoral, a water-repellency treatment developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency. It sounds incredibly technical (satellite-grade water repellency!), and it absolutely is. The fabric has a noticeable glimmer and sheen that sets it apart. However, here's the honest truth: the performance difference compared to the original Valor is subtle. You get slightly better water repellency, but it won't transform your race times. What you're really buying is the latest technology and a suit that might last slightly longer.


The High-Waist Design

This is where the Pure Valor truly shines. No other brand does a high-waist fit like Speedo does. It's one of the biggest separators between this suit and competitors. The high waist provides incredible comfort and a secure fit—especially if you prefer that style. I wear a size 24, and the fit is perfect.




Material & Construction

The suit uses standard thin, lightweight, paper-like material typical of Speedo's lineup. It's flexible and comfortable—this is a suit designed for long-distance racing where comfort matters as much as speed. The construction is solid, and the packaging is exceptional (honestly, my favorite case design in the market).


Pros

  • Best high-waist fit on the market

  • Lamoral technology offers genuine water repellency

  • Incredibly comfortable for distance racing

  • Excellent packaging and presentation

  • Proven winner—it dominated the Olympics trials

  • Flexible and supportive across multiple events

  • Great aesthetics in both black and blue colorways


Cons

  • Price premium (2x the original Valor) feels steep

  • Not ideal for 50m and 100m freestyle sprints

  • Limited color options compared to competitors

  • The original Valor at $130 offers similar performance for far less

  • Lamoral benefit not dramatic enough to justify double price alone

  • May need replacement sooner than traditional jammers with heavy use




Fit & Sizing Guide

The Pure Valor 2.0 runs true to Speedo's standard sizing. I wear a size 24, which fits me perfectly through the high waist. The suit has a snug but not restrictive feel—it hugs your body without limiting your range of motion.


Key sizing notes:

  • If you prefer a high-waist fit, this is your suit—it's the best in the category

  • Sizing is consistent with other Speedo jammers

  • The material is stretchy enough to accommodate slight size variations

  • I'd recommend getting your size fitted in-store if possible, as fit is personal



Who Should Buy the Pure Valor 2.0


Buy This Suit If You:

  • Race primarily 200m or longer distances — This is where the suit's comfort and flexibility shine

  • Swim 200 IM or longer events — Perfect for multiple rounds in a session

  • Prefer high-waist designs — Speedo's high-waist fit is unmatched

  • Want maximum comfort and flexibility — This is comfort-first, not sprint-first

  • Are a serious competitor — You're investing in proven technology and proven results

  • Have budget flexibility — The $350 price tag is a significant investment


Skip This Suit If You:

  • Primarily race 50s and 100s — You'll want something with more snap and speed focus

  • Are budget-conscious — The original Valor at ~$130 (if shop around) gives you 99% of the performance for 40% of the price

  • Want maximum durability — Like all tech jammers



Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?


At the British Olympic Trials, I watched Matt Richards, Duncan Scott, Tom Dean, James Guy, Abby Wood, and Adam Petty all dominate their events in the Pure Valor 2.0. That's not a coincidence—it's a genuinely excellent suit. For distance swimmers who want the best high-waist jammer available and don't mind the price, this is the suit to own.


However, I'll be frank: you're paying significantly for the Lamoral treatment and the "2.0" branding. The original Valor can be found a lot cheaper and becomes an absolute bargain. If I had to choose between three original Valors and one Pure Valor 2.0, I might actually lean toward the three originals for versatility across multiple seasons.


My rating: 8/10. It's an excellent suit—comfortable, proven, beautiful to look at—but the price premium needs to be right for your goals and budget.



Frequently Asked Questions


Is the 2.0 really better than the original Valor?


Better? Maybe. Twice as good? No. The Lamoral technology genuinely improves water repellency, but the performance difference is very subtle. The original Valor is still an excellent suit at a fraction of the cost.


Can I wear this suit for training?


Technically yes, but I wouldn't recommend it as an everyday training suit. Save this for meets and the occasional competitive workout. The material will degrade faster with chlorine exposure.


What events is this suit best for?


Distance: 200 freestyle, 200 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, 200 IM and longer. Possibly 100 breaststroke where flexibility is beneficial.


Where should I buy it?


SwimOutlet is your best bet for availability and pricing. Check their site for current stock and pricing.




 



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Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support TheSwimsuitGuy and allows me to continue providing honest tech suit reviews.


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