10 Pairs of Hand Paddles

Text, photos, videos and social media content: Marko Lysmä 
Test swimmers: Marko Lysmä, Mika Meller, Kirsi Päiväniemi, Tommi Vainio, Henri Simula, Anis Boulakhras, Jalmari Notko and several random swimmers
Translation: AI 

Hand paddle, palm paddle, pull aid—or simply paddle. A swimmer's best training tool has many names, but only one kind qualifies for this test. Choosing good paddles is worth the effort, because they suit each swimmer individually and have a major effect on technical details. Choosing the wrong pair of paddles can even lead to problems such as shoulder issues.

Ten different pairs of medium-size paddles were selected for the test. We compare how model, shape and weight affect the basics of a correct and efficient pull, such as water feel, power production and speed. Naturally, personal preferences and swimming technique level strongly influence the assessment.

We swam varied sets with flat, curved and special paddles, and timed 200- and 100-meter freestyle swims with several swimmers of different types. Each swimmer completed the distance at as even a pace as possible. Experienced swimmers can do this with astonishing precision. This test does not examine how well the paddles work, or how superior they are, in butterfly, breaststroke or backstroke.

The average stopwatch results can show how different paddle models affect a swimmer's speed. In addition, every swimmer evaluates the different characteristics from their own perspective.

Test Winner
Carbon 1 (flat model)
Price: €60–80
Weight: 35 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 42 flow holes
Size: M
Length/width: 19.5 cm/19 cm

Carbon 1 carbon-fiber paddles are the biggest surprise of the comparison. The pair was made as a unique handmade item specifically for this test. The shape imitates a traditional flat model, making the carbon fiber versus plastic comparison as direct as possible. These individual paddles are clearly the lightest in the test and probably the whole market, only 35 grams. The difference compared with the heaviest model in the test, the 120-gram Tyr Catalyst 2, is more than threefold. With so many repetitions by swimmers of different levels, there is no doubt about how well the lightness and pull response work. In every timed comparison, the flat carbon-fiber model with water-flow holes is at or near the top. No weakest times were recorded for this model. The carbon fiber flexes slightly at the edges, which can also improve grip on the water during powerful pulls. The lightness also benefits the shoulders and reduces strain in long sessions. Swimmers praise the flat model enthusiastically, but the sharpness of the edges draws many minus points:

"The best paddle I have ever tried."
"A larger size would be better; it left a small crease at the wrist."
"Light, fast and stable, so these immediately became my favorite."

+ lightness
+ fast
- sharp edges
- price (with reservations)

Ranking 2/10
Tyr Catalyst Stroke
Price: €35
Weight: 90 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 48 flow holes
Size: 7 sizes, XXS–XXL
Length/width: 21.5 cm/19 cm

Tyr Catalyst Stroke is the largest and heaviest traditional palm-shaped flat model among the medium-size paddles in the test. It has plenty of flow and adjustment holes. The large pulling surface, weight and fairly thick plastic do not suit everyone. The small-size model might perhaps have corresponded better to the other paddles. On the other hand, size categories can differ considerably between brands. The transparency is an impressive solution, as is the distinctive colored edge. The 90-gram weight may be felt in the shoulders, especially if technique is not in good order or if there is a background of corrective shoulder surgery. The weight difference compared with the lightest models is clearly noticeable. In active use, the difference is truly significant compared with models that are even half as heavy. In the timed comparisons, the large-surface-area paddle performs excellently and receives plenty of praise. For swimmers with a slow pull rhythm, a smaller size would be more suitable:

"The slipperiness of the surface material bothers me a little, but these are fast."
"A good model, and the low heart rate shows that the pull response is excellent."
"For me these are heavy, like swimming through tar."

+ flow holes
+ colored edge identifier
- weight
- slippery surface material

Ranking 3/10
Speedo Power Plus
Price: €35
Weight: 82 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 77 flow holes
Size: S–M–L–XL
Length/width: 22.5 cm/18 cm

Speedo Power Plus is equipped with a large number of small flow and adjustment holes, the highest count among the tested models. The visually distinctive paddles belong to the heavier group, weighing more than 80 grams. The plastic is about 0.3 cm thick. Even so, the water response is surprisingly pleasant thanks to the many flow holes. Credit goes to the turquoise color and design, and in this group it wins the appearance contest. The manufacturer's marking for right (R) and left (L) sides does not stand out because it is the same color. The plastic flexes because of the perforation. The flowing water can perhaps be felt most clearly in the palms with these paddles. Compared with a solid model, the shoulders are not strained as much. In the medium size category, these paddles are among the longest. They also somewhat resemble the popular Biofuse model, which is no longer manufactured. In the average timed results, the model places third and receives praise, although a few more critical comments are included as well:

"A good new product from a major manufacturer and a return to a functional basic model."
"A stable basic paddle with pleasing flow holes."
"Too much flow, and perhaps a little too heavy for me."

+ flow and adjustment holes
+ design
- weight, with reservations
- side markings

Ranking 4/10
Tyr Catalyst 2
Price: €28
Weight: 120 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 30 flow holes
Size: XS–S–M–L
Length/width: 27 cm/21 cm

Tyr Catalyst 2 is the largest and heaviest medium-size paddle of all the models by surface area. As a product being discontinued by the manufacturer, it was ordered from the Fruugo online store, presumably as a counterfeit. The shaped copy version is included in the test because the paddle weighs as much as 120 grams, the only model clearly above the 100-gram mark. Because of its large size and the thickest retention straps, the model sits firmly in the hand. The pull response is surprisingly good, even though the plastic is 0.3 cm thick. Somewhat unexpectedly, the model keeps close to the fastest paddles. At the same time, as speed repeatedly fades slightly toward the end, the copy raises the question: are the shoulders getting tired? If a swimmer covers a long-course length with 17 arm pulls, then over two kilometers 680 pulls already means more than 40 kilograms of load on the shoulders. Anyone with shoulder problems should consider its use carefully. An alternative is to choose a lighter model, especially if training often with paddles.

"The stiffness is suitable, and the pull response is really good with these."
"Heavy and an odd shape, like swimming with saucepan lids."
"Large, but they guide the arm pull well; perhaps the weight becomes a problem in long use."

+ surface area
+ thick retention straps
- weight
- shoulder strain, with reservations

Ranking 5/10
Strokemakers 2.0
Price: €28
Weight: 60 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 41 flow holes
Size: 6 different sizes
Length/width: 19.5 cm/17 cm

Strokemakers has remained one of swimmers' most popular paddles for more than two decades. The flat basic model is boringly simple, but extremely durable and functional. The palm-shaped flat paddle, sold in several basic colors, is available in as many as seven size categories, so every swimmer can find a very precise fit. The manufacturer's website has a comprehensive and commendable paddle selection guide. In the test, the manufacturer's marking for right (R) and left (L) sides does not stand out because it is the same color, so confusion can occur in rushed training situations. A personal tape or other marking may be necessary. The roughly half-centimeter flow holes allow water to pass smoothly through the pull, so the water response feels good during arm strokes. The fairly narrow plastic flexes slightly. The manufacturer's rubber retainers have good friction and therefore stay in place well, but they can break more easily; replacements are available. In the timed comparison, the model performs well and receives praise, though not adulation:

"The flexibility is suitable and the feeling of pressure is good."
"The slippery surface material bothers grip in places."
"There are enough adjustment and flow holes."

+ flow holes
+ water response
- side markings
- surface slipperiness, with reservations

Ranking 6/10
Arena Elite 2
Price: €30
Weight: 81 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 11 flow holes
Size: XS–S–M–L
Length/width: 20.5 cm/17.5 cm

Arena Elite 2 is a fairly new, rounded model that stands out with its simple design. It settles well around the palm. One round flow hole, a noticeable 5.5 centimeters in diameter, sits exactly in the center of the palm, bringing suitable water response to the rather inflexible plastic. Adjusting the retention straps is commendably quick, even in the middle of a busy workout. With these, there is also no need to worry about right- and left-side versions, because the Arenas fit both hands. The strap system works, although there are far fewer adjustment options than in most other models. One additional pair of adjustment holes would be needed lower down for the middle finger to achieve the best grip. In the average timed results, the model places steadily close to the top. Swimmers' assessments include cautious praise and a few complaints related to their own sense of pull response:

"A fairly good first impression, although the pull angle needs some searching."
"The shape is not completely stable."
"They feel larger than their size."

+ simple
+ can be used on either hand
- pull response, with reservations
- adjustment range for the middle-finger strap

Ranking 7/10
Carbon 2 (shaped model)
Price: €60–80
Weight: 45 g
Surface: Smooth, flat model, 12 flow holes
Size: M
Length: 19.5 cm/19 cm Width: 17 cm/23.5 cm

Carbon 2 carbon-fiber paddles were also made for this test, but they have more shaping and fewer water-flow holes. In the timed comparison they also perform well, but the design is not to everyone's liking, so individual differences of opinion increase. In the middle of the palm there is a larger opening reminiscent of Tyr's paddle design language. With the sharpness of the edges and also the center section, the manufacturer should consider rounding or some kind of taping. This can also be done by the user, but the end result is not necessarily the best possible. With bad luck, an edge could fray and nick an expensive swimsuit, but if the product begins to become more common, the manufacturer is likely to correct this detail. Some swimmers swim with paddles without wrist straps, but with this model it feels as if they are needed.

"My little finger came over the edge, so a larger version would be better."
"For me they may flex a little too much, and the sharpness is also felt in the palm."
"A really slippery surface, and perhaps too much shaping overall."

+ lightness
+ individuality
- sharp edges
- price (with reservations)

Ranking 8/10
Finis Agility
Price: €30
Weight: 51 g
Surface: Smooth, convex, strapless, no flow holes
Size: S–M–L
Length/width: 18.5 cm/15 cm

Finis Agility is the only strapless model. The convex design makes the paddles unique. The size is marked with dots, and two dots indicate medium. These paddles, especially popular among triathletes, have no flow holes at all. The thumb opening and the way the palm sits in its channel, protected by roughly one-centimeter-high edges, is a surprisingly functional solution. The right size must be chosen carefully, because a thumb opening that is too large makes use significantly more difficult. In that case, the swimmer has to press the paddle hard from the edge with the thumb, which does not allow a relaxed arm pull at all. The design aims to support a vertical forearm position, but because of the thick plastic, the palm's water response—that is, the feel for the water—remains insufficient for many. A roughened surface, or one that grips the skin of the palm better, would also be a better solution than a slippery one. In the timed comparison, Finis is the best of the convex models, but it remains clearly behind the top times. Both praise and criticism stay somewhere in the middle:

"My thumb gets sore because the opening is a little too large and the grip is not the best."
"These do not really feel like paddles; the swimming feels slow."
"They wobble strangely, and I cannot get a proper hold on the water."

+ easy to use
+ high-elbow grip
- water response
- fit of the thumb opening

Ranking 9/10
Beco Dynamic Pro
Price: €20
Weight: 61 g
Surface: Smooth, convex, 46 flow holes
Size: S–M–L
Length/width: 19.5 cm/14 cm

Beco Dynamic Pro is a highly convex model. It is available in three sizes, each with its characteristic color. The medium size is always blue. There are many different flow holes, but some of them are pinhead-small. The cupped grip strongly divides all the test swimmers. In a cupped grip, the fingers are held tightly together and the thumb is kept against the side of the index finger. Swimmers are not used to this, and many do not like the position in general. On the other hand, some swimmers naturally use a cupped hand, and for them a convex model may feel more natural. Getting used to the cupped model takes time, but in the test group initial interest turns into disappointment. In the timed comparison, Beco is repeatedly and clearly the slowest model. That said, it should be noted that none of the test swimmers normally uses this type of model, and the small surface area of a technique paddle does not allow strong stopwatch results. The retaining rubber strap is thick and wraps around all the fingers. The paddles stay well in the hand while supporting a cupped grip, but instead of praise the swimmers give many critical comments:

"You have to swim with the wrist held tight; otherwise the pull slips through."
"I need more strokes than with the other paddles. There are also too many retention straps."
"It feels like swimming with small soup ladles."

+ high-elbow grip
+ technical details
- water response
- use as a general-purpose paddle

Ranking 10/10
Zoggs Matrix
Price: €20
Weight: 81 g
Surface: Smooth, convex, 40+ flow holes
Size: M–L
Length/width: 22 cm/15 cm

Zoggs Matrix is included as the gray large model, which fits well among the others in terms of size. Orange would be the medium-size color. The convex and narrow model is more suitable as an aid for practicing technical details than as a general-purpose paddle. The retention straps wrap around the palm, and swimmers feel that the water contact is unstable. It leads to many additional swimming strokes, which slows the pace. In the timed comparison, the Matrix model consistently records the second-weakest times, and after the trials the swimmers are not enthusiastic about any of the paddle's characteristics. In a long-distance open-water trial, it requires a great deal more work than the flat models. "Not advancing to the next round," one swimmer says immediately:

"It feels like I have to take an absurd number of extra arm pulls, and the straps press."
"You can slow down a fast swimmer by giving these to them."
"My wrist gets sore because the final push has to be made with the wrist straight."

+ high-elbow grip
+ technical details
- water response
- use as a general-purpose paddle

Further information:

Retailers
www.altaalle.com
www.uintikauppa.fi
www.klubbensport.fi
www.intersport.fi