HI all. I need help deciding what paddles to use. I just bought TYR Catalyst paddles size S. I am a male, 23 years old, weigh 150 and swim about 3-4 times a week. I would say that I am intermediate. Basically, I feel that the paddles provide too much resistance for me. Although, the Small size is what it recommened. I have no experience with paddles so I am un sure of how they are suppposed to feel. I am afriad that if I move a size smaller, my hands might be slightly too big for it. The XS is recommended for for males and females 11-12 years old. I am in a bind so any help would be appreciated!!!! Regards, Cliff :)
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Former Member
I use some paddles make by Lane 4, I think. They are small, triangular, and have a fin on the pushing surface, and attach only by the middle finger. Any stroke errors and they fly off into the next lane. That is annoying, but great for getting and maintaining a good freestyle stroke (I have to be careful not to grab the sides with my thumb and little finger). Let me explain - any sideways motion (as from a bad entry) pushes sideways on the fin and pulls the paddle off. Also, a careless recovery causes the bottom corners of the paddles to catch also, and again fly away.
As I see it, they will only allow me to push hard when I can do it correctly. I have yet to have a shoulder problem (knock on wood) and I think one reason is I approach paddles cautiously. Some day I will be using paddles as big a Gail's.
I use some paddles make by Lane 4, I think. They are small, triangular, and have a fin on the pushing surface, and attach only by the middle finger. Any stroke errors and they fly off into the next lane. That is annoying, but great for getting and maintaining a good freestyle stroke (I have to be careful not to grab the sides with my thumb and little finger). Let me explain - any sideways motion (as from a bad entry) pushes sideways on the fin and pulls the paddle off. Also, a careless recovery causes the bottom corners of the paddles to catch also, and again fly away.
As I see it, they will only allow me to push hard when I can do it correctly. I have yet to have a shoulder problem (knock on wood) and I think one reason is I approach paddles cautiously. Some day I will be using paddles as big a Gail's.
