Can anyone recommend hand paddles not gloves that are great with all strokes. I am looking for a paddle that will help me build my strength and my technique.
I like Strokemaster paddles and they come in tons of sizes. They are quite easy on the shoulders.
Strokemasters are my favorites, but I found I'd usually break them after a year or two. I currently have a set of TYR Catalysts and they seem much more durable. They're thicker to begin with and they don't have the small through-holes that allow crack propagation like Strokemasters do.
Which ever paddles you choose, get the smallest size possible.
I disagree. Why bother using paddles if you use small ones? I certainly wouldn't advocate trying to use huge paddles and swimming fly, but for freestyle big paddles are great.
Strokemasters are my favorites, but I found I'd usually break them after a year or two. I currently have a set of TYR Catalysts and they seem much more durable. They're thicker to begin with and they don't have the small through-holes that allow crack propagation like Strokemasters do.
I agree with the TYR Catalyst. I've had a pair for close to 10 years now, and I'm just beginning to think of getting a new pair. I do go through tubing more often though, but it is pretty cheap and easy to replace.
Mine are XL, some guys joke that they're the size of dinner plates. I use them maybe 2-3 times a month, and I've never had shoulder problems from them. They certainly make me feel fast.
If the person using them has experience using paddles, has decent body strength to being with and decent form, bigger paddles are fine.
If the person is new to using paddles, new to swimming, then it is a good idea to start off with smaller paddles to let the body adapt to using them.
I would never recommend using bigger paddles if someone has never used them before, that is way too stressful on the joints.
I have to side with The Hairy One on this. You should buy the paddle that fits your hand, not some monstrous meat cleaver that puts too much stress on the shoulder.
I would never recommend using bigger paddles if someone has never used them before, that is way too stressful on the joints.
OK, I do agree with this. I'd choose based on the manufacturer's recommendations. I know many of them give this sort of info, e.g. the small (yellow) Catalysts say "older age group swimmers (12+ yes), beginning masters swimmers."
Strokemasters are my favorites, but I found I'd usually break them after a year or two. I currently have a set of TYR Catalysts and they seem much more durable. They're thicker to begin with and they don't have the small through-holes that allow crack propagation like Strokemasters do.
I have the same problem with Strokemakers. Planned obsolescence. They're still my favorites.
I disagree. Why bother using paddles if you use small ones? I certainly wouldn't advocate trying to use huge paddles and swimming fly, but for freestyle big paddles are great.
If the person using them has experience using paddles, has decent body strength to being with and decent form, bigger paddles are fine.
If the person is new to using paddles, new to swimming, then it is a good idea to start off with smaller paddles to let the body adapt to using them.
I would never recommend using bigger paddles if someone has never used them before, that is way too stressful on the joints.
http://www.hanspaddles.com/
This is what I use. Used them as a kid and got new ones when I started swimming again. The were designed by my old coach. Get a set of the originals to use for every stroke and for drills, and one set of grippers to use for free style and back stroke.
I am a real advocate of using paddles for technique.
When using paddles, you need to take off the wrist strap and make the finger strap very loose. That way, if your technique is bad, the paddle comes off. If you keep the pressure of the water on the hand, they don't come off.
If you have a bad stroke, you will get shoulder problems. If you have a bad stroke and strap on paddles tightly, you will get shoulder problems more quickly.
I swim and I coach and have experienced and observed great progress from the correct use of paddles.
