Hello. The pool I've been swimming at for the past 8 or so years has always had these amazing solid white pull buoys that I always used. Gradually, these have been disappearing and now the last one of these is gone.
The pull buoy i am looking for is pictured here: swimming.about.com/.../pullbuoys.jpg.
It is the white one on the bottom. I have not seen one of these at any online swimming store, I do not know the manufacturer, and this is the only picture of what I am looking for I could find.
Does anyone have any idea where i could find this certain type of pull buoy or does anyone have one (or a few), used or new, that they would be willing to sell? Thank you.
I'm also looking for the hard white kind. I'm very glad someone supplied a manufacturer's name: Competitor. Anyone know of a source? Google comes up with nothing.
You're welcome!
I don't think they make them anymore... They are the same people that make a lot of the lane ropes and pace clocks you see in this country, but it appears they have decided to not focus on the buoys anymore... Can't blame them, for while they may be cheap as all get out to make, shipping has to be a bear (big box takes up lots of space; low weight not good for shippers who get paid by the pound).
I don't think they make them anymore... They are the same people that make a lot of the lane ropes and pace clocks you see in this country, but it appears they have decided to not focus on the buoys anymore... Can't blame them, for while they may be cheap as all get out to make, shipping has to be a bear (big box takes up lots of space; low weight not good for shippers who get paid by the pound).
I think you're correct that they are not manufactured anymore but I believe it's due to air emission challenges. One of the components (I believe) is an "ODC" - ozone depleting chemical - and at least discouraged (actually probably banned) from use in the US.
Customers would pick up the freight cost regardless of lack of weight because thay are generally charged by volume for low weight items.
I have one (since '95) and put my last name in permanent marker down both of the long flat sides so nobody gets "confused" as to whom it rightfully belongs.;)
:bump: BUMP!
I contacted the company and they said that they had to discontinue making the buoys because the raw material used in the product had been discontinued (perhaps for the reasons Jim mentioned aboved). The representative mentioned that the replacement material offered was not of the quality or finish needed for exposure to skin.
So if you have one, hang onto it. I've been using the Tyr Jr. Float Pull Buoy, which I also like.
