Swim Paddle Reviews?

Former Member over 15 years ago

Looking to experienced swimmers for recommendations on effective swim paddles for daily workouts. Trying to identify something that while effective for stroke development will not cause undue strain to shoulders -- but still gets the job done on promoting appropriate resistance. If you've got a solid/trusted recommendation please share. Thanks in advance for your professional advice.

Chris Stevenson over 15 years ago

Maybe this will help, if you haven't seen it: www.youtube.com/USMastersSwimming
Former Member over 15 years ago

I really like the TYR Mentor paddles. I switched from the TYR Catalyst paddles last year. The Mentor paddles are not as stiff and unforgiving as the Catalyst. The Mentor paddles flex a bit in the hand, which feels more natural, and they have a raised center under the palm. I suggest buying one size smaller than the brand recommends if you have any history of shoulder problems. I used the red paddles - considered Medium by Tyr. I have fairly strong upper body strength and am 5'8 and 175 lbs.
jaadams1 over 15 years ago

I use the TYR Catalyst paddles - red colored ones. I recently got them for my freestyle and I can really feel more power in the water. These are also the same ones I used in college when my coach brought some back from her coaching conference years ago.
Former Member over 15 years ago

I bought a pair of the Star paddles @ swimpaddles.com after reading all of the reviews in the Swimmer magazine and really like them. I think they have the reviews posted on swimpaddles .com's web sight. Got them really fast too!
Former Member over 15 years ago

Maybe this will help, if you haven't seen it: www.youtube.com/USMastersSwimming thanks for the link -- I have not seen this. Ton of useful insight on the subject. Appreciate your forwarding it my way.
Former Member over 15 years ago

I really like the TYR Mentor paddles. I switched from the TYR Catalyst paddles last year. The Mentor paddles are not as stiff and unforgiving as the Catalyst. The Mentor paddles flex a bit in the hand, which feels more natural, and they have a raised center under the palm. I suggest buying one size smaller than the brand recommends if you have any history of shoulder problems. I used the red paddles - considered Medium by Tyr. I have fairly strong upper body strength and am 5'8 and 175 lbs. Great information -- particularly appreciate your notes on how it performs for you and the sizing recommendation.
Former Member over 15 years ago

I have these ones: http://turtleswim.com/ They work sort of the opposite to normal paddles in that they give you less grip on the water, not more. I really feel the difference when I take them off after a few laps, as I've been forced to use my whole forearm to grip the water while using them. Sort of like swimming with closed fists - your hands feel bigger and more effective immediately after and they train you to keep your elbows up.
orca1946 over 15 years ago

I find that I use smaller than recommended paddles to keep from injuring myself - who ever makes then.
Former Member over 15 years ago

I don't use swim paddles, pool bouys, or kick boards. But if your going to use paddles take it slow as you you can get a shoulder injury from them. Enjoy the water Skipper :drowning:
Former Member over 15 years ago

experienced swimmers for recommendations on effective swim paddles The most effective paddles are the ones you grew on the ends of your wrists :agree: