Are you ready to add a set of swim paddles to your swim training? Not sure what type to get? Swim paddles can be used by both beginners and elite swimmers and has been a long been a favorite piece of equipment used by swimmer.
Similar to flippers or fins on your feet, swim paddles can help to increase power and strength in your lower body. Based on my over two decade in the pool, I can tell you that when you put on a pair of swim paddles, you get an incredible upper body workout that helps to strengthen your stroke, increase your speed level, and do swim-specific strength building.
Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best swim paddles for your next training session.
Contents
- 1 Our Recommended Swim Paddles
- 2 10 Best Hand Paddles for Swimming:
- 2.1 1. Agility Hand Paddles
- 2.2 2. Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle
- 2.3 3. Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle
- 2.4 4. Speedo Core Tech Competition Swimming Paddles
- 2.5 5. Synergy Hand Paddles
- 2.6 6. Aqua Sphere Ergoflex Hand Paddle
- 2.7 7. FINIS Adult Freestyler Hand Paddles
- 2.8 8. Speedo Power Plus Paddle
- 2.9 9. Speedo I.M. Tech Swim Training Paddles
- 2.10 10. Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle
- 3 How To Choose the Best Swim Paddles
- 4 Types of Swim Paddles
- 5 Factors to Consider When Buying Best Swim Paddles
- 6 FAQs
- 7 Conclusion
Our Recommended Swim Paddles
- Our Rating:
- Agility Hand Paddles
- Strapless design fits the natural contour of the hand
For all four swim strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle
Low-impact, will allow you to build muscle safely
- Our Rating:
- Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle
- Increased area around the edge of the paddle
Contoured shape helps the swimmer feel the proper hand position for water entry
Improved tubing straps at the finger and wrist
- Our Rating:
- Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle
- Ergonomic design to reduce shoulder strain
Convex palm shape for better feel and hand position
Multiple hand strap positions
10 Best Hand Paddles for Swimming:
1. Agility Hand Paddles
- Strapless design fits the natural contour of the hand and teaches you to apply positive pressure throughout your stroke.
- If you do not maintain a proper stroke, the paddle will let you know by shifting or falling off.
- USA Patented. Guaranteed to bringing awareness to stroke imperfections after just 1 lap.
- Versatile tool for all four swim strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.
- Low-impact, will allow you to build muscle safely.
Review
Providing constant feedback on your stroke, Agility Hand Paddles are strapless strength paddles that feature an ergonomic design. Improving your stroke efficiency, these paddles will teach you an early vertical forearm position while the convex shape of the paddles will encourage the correct palm positive hand position. With the strapless design of the paddle, if you use an incorrect technique, the paddles will fall off.
Building upper body strength, these are among the best swim training paddles to give instant stroke feedback when you use an imperfect technique. You can use the Agility Hand Paddles during all four swim strokes while they help to promote the proper muscle memory and catch position.
Their convex design helps to increase traction with the water to promote early catch while the comfortable thumb hole allows you to create a correct hand placement.
Designed to improve your stroke feedback with just one lap, this low-impact exercise allows you to build your muscles safely. With their ergonomic design, the Agility Hand Paddles will fit into the natural contour of your hand and teaches you the right application of pressure throughout the swim stroke.
Pros
- They feature a nice contour and a comfortable thumb opening
- It encourages a good stroke technique
- You can use it for all four strokes
Cons
- The grip encourages an odd thumb placement
- They sink easily and don’t stack well
2. Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle
- Tubercles increase surface area along the paddles edge, pushing more water and creating smooth pulling trajectory
- Contoured shape helps the swimmer feel the proper hand position for water entry
- Improved tubing straps at the finger and wrist
- Use with our Nemesis fins for the ultimate workout
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
With an improved ergonomic design, the Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddles can improve your technique and provide the ultimate workout. No matter what your swimming level, these paddles can benefit your swim stroke. Improved tubing straps are featured at the wrist and fingers while the contoured shape helps you to feel the correct hand position when you enter the water.
With correct hand positioning, you can lessen shoulder pain while you improve pull mechanics with the scalloped edges that push water away. Inspired by the fin on a Humpback whale, the tubercles help to increase the surface area of the paddle’s edge to create a smoother pull trajectory.
The Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle are some of the best swim paddles for triathletes and can help to improve any swimmer’s technique.
Pros
- They help to give you upper body a great workout
- These paddles are good for any level swimmer
- They help to keep your hand in the right position as you swim
Cons
- Sizes run small
- These paddles are only good with the breaststroke
3. Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle
- Ultimate training paddle for the elite swimmer
- Ergonomic design to reduce shoulder strain
- Convex palm shape for better feel and hand position
- Multiple hand strap positions
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Created for expert swimmers, the Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle is the ultimate training paddle for an elite swimmer. Featuring multiple hand strap positions, these hand paddles are designed to serve you during a really tough training session. Giving you a comfortable, natural, and safe grip, they are easy to wear and train with.
With an ergonomic design, the Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle will lessen shoulder strain while its convex palm shape gives you a better feel and hand position. The soft edges are very comfortable and prevent annoying rubbing along your wrists. Since they are not too flat or too curved, these paddles provide better water resistance to assist during extremely demanding and intense workouts.
Some of the best hand paddles for swimming, the Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddles give you a perfect feel for the water to make your swim stroke more natural. With the molding design of the paddles, it almost makes you feel like you are swimming with just your bare hands.
Pros
- They help to stop shoulder strain as you swim
- It almost feels like you are swimming with nothing on
- They have a pretty cool looking appearance and design
Cons
- They are too flexible for some users
- The rubber bands give them a bad chemical smell
4. Speedo Core Tech Competition Swimming Paddles
- Engineered to promote optimum hand position in the water and improve stroke technique
- Hydrodynamic design for optimum contact with water
- Unique air foil shape to improve hand lift motion
- Flow holes improve aquatic sensitivity
- Paddle: polypropylene, Strap: latex
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
These swimming hand paddles are perfect for any swimming ability level. The Speedo Core Tech Competition Swimming Paddles will help to improve your performance and technique in the water as well as your overall fitness and health. Using the latest materials and technology, these paddles have been tested by top athletes and a great accessory to your swim training session.
Made of compression-molded silicone, the Speedo Core Tech Paddles are soft and flexible. Perfect for anyone with sensitive skin, they are designed to give you the best hand position in the water while improving your stroke technique.
The Speedo Core Tech Paddles feature a hydrodynamic design that gives you the best water contact while the unique airfoil shape helps to improve your hand lift motion. These are really durable paddles that will last you years, plus they included flow holes will help to improve aquatic sensitivity
Pros
- These are very durable paddles that let you increase your stroke strength
- These paddles help you swim faster and makes swimming more fun
- Great training aids that improve technique
Cons
- N/A
5. Synergy Hand Paddles
- SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS - Comes in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large.
- PROVEN TECHNOLOGY EQUALS SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE - Broad-blade design for optimal water contact and building upper body strength.
- EXCEPTIONAL FUNCTIONALITY - Holes allow water to channel through the paddles so the fluidity of each stroke is unimpeded.
- CUSTOM-FIT - Wide-area wrist and finger straps are adjustable for a secure fit.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Well-designed with a broad blade, the Synergy Hand Paddles help you develop upper body and shoulder strength. They also give you a good feel of the water to help enhance your stroke quality every time. The paddle is also designed with holes to provide a smoother swim stroke thanks to a more directed water passage.
The ergonomic design of the Synergy Hand Paddles is perfect for any swimming resistance level. With adjustable straps, you can get a customized fit making them more convenient and comfortable. These arm paddles swimming also come in three sizes each with an ergonomic design that will fit the shape of your hand.
Pros
- They have a good design to build up your shoulders and upper body
- The adjustable straps give you a really good fit
- The ergonomic design keeps your hand in place
Cons
- They are a little bulky for some users
6. Aqua Sphere Ergoflex Hand Paddle
- Bones provide structure, while rubber frame maintains flexibility and feel for the water
- Rubber frame makes paddle safe for use with multiple swimmers in a single lane
- Contoured fit mimics proper hand positioning
- Wide, adjustable hand strap for custom fit
- One size fits all
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
If you are looking for hand paddles for swim training, check out the Aqua Sphere Ergoflex Hand Paddle. Created to build arm strength, they help to improve your strength through resistance training. Using a soft rubber frame, the paddle follows your hand’s natural to promote a good hand position while you are in the water.
With the contoured fit, you not only get correct hand positioning, but you can also flex to fit the individual stroke mechanics. The palm cup of the paddle allows you to feel the pull and catch phases as you swim while the adjustable straps will hold your hand comfortably and securely in place.
The interconnected parts of the paddle give you resistance and structure while the wide and durable hand strap allows you to customize your fit. The Aqua Sphere ErgoFlex Paddles also is a safe paddle to use with multiple swimmers in a single swimming lane thanks to its rubber frame.
Pros
- They help to increase your strength through resistance training
- Using these can help those that suffer from arthritis
- They fit really well and are super comfortable
Cons
- The loops can soften and tear after use
7. FINIS Adult Freestyler Hand Paddles
- Designed specifically for freestyle training to correct technique and build muscle.
- Surfboard shape decreases resistance through the water and planes the hand forward, lengthening each stroke.
- Patented skeg on the bottom of the paddle provides instant stroke feedback, streamlining and straightening hand entry.
- Improved hand entry creates a balanced body position and eliminates crossover.
- Reduces shoulder stress.
Review
Specially designed for freestyle training, the FINIS Freestyler Hand paddles help to improve reach and your distance per stroke by planning your hand forward through the water.
Using a unique skeg design and long fin shape, these swim paddles help to give you a strong pull through as well as increased efficiency and better hip-rotation. With this surfboard shape, you can decrease your resistance in the water and help to lengthen your stroke.
Featuring an adjustable finger strap design, you get a precise fit along with a narrow surface that stops should strain. If you are looking for swim paddles for beginners, the FINIS Freestyler Paddles will improve your hand entry to create a balanced body position and stop crossover.
And, the patented skeg on the paddle’s bottom will give you instant feedback on your stroke while straightening and streamlining hand entry.
Pros
- These paddles work better than other products on the market
- They really help to improve your swim stroke
- The adjustable strap design gives you a great fit
Cons
- It is frustrating to put the rubber tube in the holes
- Assembly needs a lot of patience
8. Speedo Power Plus Paddle
- Four size options make this paddle ideal for all resistance ability levels, drill work, and varying stroke choice
- Scalloped edges create a smooth pulling trajectory
- Multiple holes allow water pass-through and provide various strapping options
- Textured EVA foam
Review
Some of the best swim paddles for freestyle, the Speedo Power Plus Paddle is a great resistance training tool for all swimming abilities. The versatile Power Plus Paddle comes in four size options that are perfect for all resistance levels, different strokes, and drill work.
Designed with scalloped edges, you can create a smoother pulling trajectory while the multiples holes let water pass through the paddles and also give you different strapping options. Made of a texted EVA foam, the Power Paddle Plus allows you to increase your stroke technique and features tube straps that give you a more comfortable fit.
Pros
- You have several options to choose from to match how you train
- They fit really comfortably
- They work for any level of swimmer
Cons
- A little on the small side
- The strap can loosen as you use it
9. Speedo I.M. Tech Swim Training Paddles
- Multi-stroke technique paddle designed to benefit the catch, pull and feel for all four swimming disciplines
- Paddles may be interchanged between right and left hands for specific stroke technique
- Pronounced edge promotes better feel for catch phase of each stroke
- Tubing straps provide a snug and comfortable fit
- Combination of hard and soft materials for enhanced performance
Review
Basically a pair of swimming hand fins, the Speedo IM Tech Paddle can help to perfect all of your swimming strokes. Made with tubing straps, you get a comfortable fit, plus there are multiple water channel holes in the paddle to help you learn proper form and build up arm strength. This paddle will help to improve multi-stroke techniques and will benefit the catch and pull off all four swimming disciplines.
You can change out the paddles for each hand to improve specific stroke techniques and the pronounced edge of the battle improves your feel for the catch phase of a stroke. Made of both soft and hard materials, the Speedo I.M. Tech Paddle helps to enhance your performance while also improving your endurance and strength.
Pros
- Great paddles for swimming that help you develop strength
- They are adjustable and help to improve swim strokes
- These paddles will help to tone shoulder, arm, and back muscles
Cons
- The straps tend to break down in chlorine and sunlight
- They are harder to use than some users expected
10. Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle
- Ultimate training paddle for the elite swimmer
- Ergonomic design to reduce shoulder strain
- Convex palm shape for better feel and hand position
- Multiple hand strap positions
Review
If you are looking for hand paddles for water aerobics, check out the Arena Vortex Evolution Hand Paddle. Designed for tough training sessions, the Arena Vortex Evolution Paddles are molded to provide a comfortable, natural-feeling, and safe grip. The hand straps offer multiple positions to make them easy to wear, plus the soft edge will prevent any uncomfortable chafing on your wrists.
Designed to serve the needs of expert swimmers’, these paddles aren’t too flat or too curved making them perfect for a demanding workout by providing greater water resistance. The Arena Vortex Evolution Handle Paddle gives you a more natural swim stroke, almost like you were swimming with just your bare hands.
Created for power training, the hydrodynamic shape of these hand paddles makes them the perfect training tool for an elite swimmer.
Pros
- They are very comfortable and work really well
- These paddles give you a good amount of resistance
- You can these paddles for a lot of different pool activities
Cons
- Different colors are priced more than others
How To Choose the Best Swim Paddles
Worn during swim practice, swim paddles can help to improve shoulder and arm strength along with stroke technique. They can be used by anyone including Olympic swimmers or laps swimmers at your local pool. There are many types on the market that benefit different skill levels and types of water exercises. Keep reading to find out how to choose the best swim paddles for your training needs.
Types of Swim Paddles
Flat Swim Paddles
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, flat swim paddles are considered a classic piece of equipment for swimmers. Some flat paddles will have holes while others are solid.
Great for all lap swimmers, beginners need to be careful when using flat swim paddles and maintain their focus on technique as they use them.
Ergonomic Paddles
Reflecting advances in comfort and design, ergonomic swim paddles use curves that mimic your hand’s natural shape when you pull underwater.
The actual silhouette of the paddle will closely mirror your hand’s outline allowing you to benefit from resistance training and not disrupt your technique.
They also come in a solid design or with holes and come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. An ergonomic paddle is a great choice for both advanced and beginning swimmers.
Specific-use Paddles
Designed for a specific technique or stroke, you will often see swim paddles that are created for freestyle only. You can also purchase “catch” paddles that help you to develop the catch of the stroke instead of just the entire underwater pull. Usually, a catch paddle will be smaller, and you wear them just under your fingertips.
Recommended for read: 10 Best Swim Jammers
Factors to Consider When Buying Best Swim Paddles
FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Swim Paddles?
Using hand paddles while swimming will help to improve your power and technique.
Helping to accentuate everything that makes you more aware of your overall stroke, swim paddles will help to build power and strength with used properly as well as improve your stroke and pull technique.
A set of hand paddles will improve your efficiency of catch and pull while hand paddles that do not have straps will help to improve your hand entry.
When swimming with hand paddles on, you can lengthen your stroke by reaching farther with your leading arm and pulling more water so you can move forward.
With a more efficient pull, you can increase your distance-per-stroke and swim faster.
When you use paddles, you get a workout that is swim-specific strength-training. With the increased surface area of the paddles, you get more resistance forcing your shoulder, arm, chest, and back muscles to power through swim stroke and work harder. This, in turn, builds upper body strength allowing you to power pull when high-speed swimming.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using A Swim Paddle?
A great training accessory, swim paddles, when used excessively or incorrectly, can lead to injuries or bad habits. If you have an oversize pair, they can strain tendons and arm ligaments causing inflammation. Anyone with shoulder injuries or weak shoulder will see aggravation of their issues if they use swim paddles.
Make sure to only use a swim paddle for about ¼ of your workout and remember that overuse or incorrect use can cause stress on your body. This can lead to swimmer’s shoulder or incorrect muscle use.
How to Do You Maintain Swim Paddles So That They Last Longer?
Since swim paddles tend to be low maintenance, you won’t need to do a lot to take care of a set. Just keep them in good condition to ensure that they last long and always rinse them after they are used while remembering to carefully pack them in your swim bag.
Conclusion
The winner of the best swim paddles are the Speedo Core Tech Competition Swimming Paddles. These swimming hand paddles are perfect for any swimming ability level and will help to improve your performance and technique in the water as well as your overall fitness and health.
Soft and flexible, Speedo Core Tech Paddles feature a hydrodynamic design that gives you the best water contact while the unique airfoil shape helps to improve your hand lift motion.
These are really durable paddles that will last you years, plus they included flow holes will help to improve aquatic sensitivity The definite winner of the best swim paddles are the Speedo Core Tech Competition Swimming Paddles hands down.
