The selection of Pull Buoys is huge and there are hardly any differences between individual models. How do you know which Pull Buoy is the right one for your needs?
The good news:
Pull Buoys are not only suitable for beginners, but also for professional swimming training.
Recognize quality:
BeyondSurfing has put together the best models 2024 in 21 hours of research. Find out how to take your swimming training to a new level.
The best Pull Buoy 2024?
Content
In a hurry? Our Pull Buoy favorite:
- Buoyancy provides optimum water position
- Ergonomically shaped
- No chafing on the skin
Pull Buoy Checklist
- What for? Pull Buoys are a simple tool for training arm technique and strength in the water.
- Which models? Although all models are fundamentally similar, there are differences that affect performance.
- Who is it suitable for? Pull Buoys are just as suitable for beginners as they are for professional swimming training.
Also interesting: The most popular swimming gloves 2024.
These are the top 7 Pull Buoys in 2024
1. Aqua Speed Pull Buoy Active
Advantages
- Buoyancy provides optimum water position
- Ergonomically shaped
- No chafing on the skin
Disadvantages
- Not enough buoyancy for tall/heavy people
- Very small
Summary
A blue Pull Buoy that is suitable as a buoyancy aid for children and adults. The buoyancy is just right to optimize the water position and support swimming. Perfect for improving swimming technique and training arm strength.
The Pull Buoy is ergonomically shaped and sits comfortably between the legs. The edges are rounded to prevent chafing on the skin. The material dries within 2 to 3 minutes after use. The high-quality workmanship makes the Pull Buoy a long-lasting training companion.
Conclusion
An outstanding quality Pull Buoy with all the features that make this product so popular.
Product details
Size: 23 x 10 x 13 cm| Material: EVA foam | Weight: 141 g
Customer ratings
The buoyancy is just right for swimming training. The material is smooth and pleasant on the skin, but not slippery. This keeps the Pull Buoy in position while swimming. The material is robust, dimensionally stable and hard-wearing. It also dries quickly. The bright colors stand out in the pool.
Around 15% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The buoyancy is too low for tall or heavy people (from 80 kg upwards) and the Pull Buoy is too small overall.
FAQ
2. arena unisex pullbuoy
Advantages
- Ergonomically shaped
- Material free from harmful substances
- Subtle color
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for tall/heavy people
- Comparatively high price
Summary
The Pull Buoy in discreet black and gray is suitable as training equipment for both recreational and competitive swimmers. It improves your position in the water and your posture when swimming.
The soft foam is free from PVC and plasticizers. This Pull Buoy is ergonomically shaped and therefore sits comfortably and securely between the thighs.
The manufacturer recommends rinsing the Pull Buoy with clear water after each use. This extends the service life.
Conclusion
A good Pull Buoy in subtle colors for those who find the usual brightly colored models too flashy.
Product details
Size: 4.6 x 25.4 x 13.6 cm | Material: Foam | Weight: 4.5 g
Customer ratings
The Pull Buoy is very well made and of high quality. The rounded edges ensure a pleasant surface that does not chafe even on sensitive skin. The buoyancy ensures an improved body position in the water and enables effective arm training. The color is stylish. Thanks to its small size, the Pull Buoy is easy to transport.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The Pull Buoy is too small and has too little buoyancy for tall or heavy people. It is relatively expensive.
FAQ
3. Finis Kids Foam Pull Buoy
Advantages
- Junior size
- Buoyancy ideal for children and petite adults
- Eye-catching design
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for taller/heavier adults
Summary
The versatile Pull Buoy is designed in eye-catching black and yellow stripes. It gives buoyancy to the legs in the water. This provides more strength in the upper body to train the arms.
According to the manufacturer, the junior model is recommended for children up to the age of 12. However, it can also be used by smaller adults for whom other Pull Buoys are too big.
Conclusion
A Junior Pull Buoy that is particularly suitable for children, teenagers or petite adults due to its small size.
Product details
Size: 10.2 x 27.9 x 15.2 cm | Material: Foam | Weight: 109 g
Customer ratings
The buoyancy is perfect for smaller or lighter people, as well as for children and teenagers. The eye-catching color means that the Pull Buoy is not easily confused or forgotten in the pool. Overall, customers attest to the Pull Buoy’s good price-performance ratio.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
As this is a junior model, the buoyancy is not sufficient for larger or heavier adults.
FAQ
4. arena unisex pull kick
Advantages
- Can be used as a pull buoy and kickboard
- Asymmetrical shape for a good fit
- Skin-friendly, comfortable material
Disadvantages
- Not enough buoyancy for heavy people
- Isolated quality defects
- More expensive than simple Pull Buoys
Summary
The Arena model is not only a pull buoy, but also a kickboard. It can be used for targeted training of both arms and legs.
When used as a pull-boy, the asymmetrical shape ensures a good fit between the thighs. On the other hand, different hand positions are possible when used as a kickboard. This makes this pull kick board one of the most versatile training devices.
The soft material prevents skin irritation, even when switching quickly between the different application options. The Pull Buoy is available in four different colors, from subtle black to eye-catching neon shades.
Conclusion
For all those who want to train in a versatile way without having to have several swimming aids with them.
Product details
Size: 5 x 32 x 28 cm | Material: Polyethylene foam | Weight: 13.6 g
Customer ratings
Customers particularly praise the versatility of the Pull Kick. When reviewed against simple pull buoys, this model has more buoyancy and a longer storage area between the legs. This results in a better grip and optimized water position. It is ergonomically shaped and also sits comfortably in the hand as a kickboard. The material is robust and durable.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
For some customers, the buoyancy was not sufficient. Some products had quality defects such as rough seams, low resistance or risk of breakage due to a middle section that was too thin. The product is more expensive than simple Pull Buoys.
FAQ
5. speedo unisex adult elite pull buoy
Advantages
- Suitable for adults with a higher weight
- Pleasant on the skin
- Durable material
Disadvantages
- Poorly visible in water
Summary
The Pull Buoy was designed to strengthen the arm and shoulder muscles, as swimming is particularly demanding on the upper body. This can compensate for an imbalance in the distribution of strength between the legs and upper body.
The Pull Buoy also helps to train various swimming techniques and improve the arm stroke. Posture is also improved by the optimized water position.
The durable EVA foam is comfortable against the skin and offers just the right amount of grip to stay securely between your legs while swimming.
Conclusion
The ideal pull buoy for larger or heavier adults, as it offers more buoyancy than many other models.
Product details
Size: 22 x 11 cm | Material: EVA foam | Weight: 148 g
Customer ratings
The shape is comfortable when swimming and allows the Pull Buoy to sit well between the legs. The buoyancy is also sufficient for heavier or larger people. Overall, customers rate the quality as very good.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 2% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
6. verisa pull buoy buoyancy aid
Advantages
- Ergonomic shape
- Material does not cause skin irritation
- Very durable
Disadvantages
- Rather low buoyancy
- Too small for tall/heavy adults
Summary
The Pull Buoy is suitable for swimmers of all ages, from children to senior citizens. It corrects the swimming posture of beginners and helps advanced swimmers to improve their upper body and arm strength.
The asymmetrical, ergonomic shape makes the Pull Buoy easy to use. The EVA foam is skin-friendly and soft. It does not chafe, is hard-wearing and can withstand pool chemicals. This means it remains ready for use for a long time.
Conclusion
One of the cheapest models with high quality and durability – price-performance winner.
Product details
Size: 11 x 23 x 12 cm | Material: Foam | Weight: 145 g
Customer ratings
The Pull Buoy is of high quality and shows no signs of wear even after prolonged use. The material is firm and has a good grip. The slightly rounded edges prevent chafing. The aqua-dynamic shape ensures that the Pull Buoy stays in position even when swimming fast. The material dries very quickly after use.
Around 14% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The buoyancy of the Pull Buoy is relatively low. It is also very small overall, making it more suitable for children and petite adults than for more robust people.
FAQ
7. Beco Uni buoyancy aid Pull Buoy Pro
Advantages
- Skin-friendly material
- Sits well between the legs
- Eye-catching stripe design
Disadvantages
- Partial processing defects in the form of sharp edges
- Not suitable for tall/heavy people
Summary
The Pull Buoy from Beco comes in a stylish striped design with 5 layers in blue and yellow. It certainly stands out in the swimming pool.
The material is high-quality PE foam. This is skin-friendly and has a good grip. It feels pleasant on the skin. The buoyancy is ideal for training shoulder and arm strength without having to concentrate on the legs.
Conclusion
A reliable Pull Buoy for smaller adults.
Product details
Size: N/A | Material: PE foam | Weight: N/A
Customer ratings
The Pull Buoy is well made and comfortable to use. It has no sharp edges and does not chafe the skin. The buoyancy is ideal for swimming training. Overall, customers rate the price-performance ratio as very good.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some models were poorly made and had abrasive edges. The buoyancy and size are not sufficient for larger or heavier people.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular pull buoys
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy Pull Buoy:
How to make the right decision
Although most Pull Buoys are very similar, there are some differences that need to be considered when buying.
In the following buying guide, BeyondSurfing explains what is important when choosing this classic buoyancy aid and how you can recognize good quality.
What you need to consider when buying a Pull Buoy
To find the right Pull Buoy, you should pay attention to the following features:
- Size
- Shape
- Material
- Price
Also interesting: The best swimming aids at a glance.
The right Pull Buoy size
Size is the most important purchase criterion for Pull Buoys. When looking for a suitable model, this should be the focus.
Taller people need larger Pull Buoys:
The most important factor here is the size or circumference of the legs. If you have wide or muscular legs, the Pull Buoy must provide more buoyancy to keep them afloat. Otherwise your legs will sink when you swim and the quality of your training will suffer.
Petite and smaller people are better off choosing small models:
For very slender legs, a smaller model with less buoyancy is sufficient. A pull buoy that is too large would put the body in an unnatural swimming position. The lower back and shoulders in particular suffer from this.
Many manufacturers offer junior models for children and teenagers. These are also very suitable for small and petite adults.
The width of the Pull Buoy also has an effect on the quality of training:
- Problem if too narrow: If the Pull Buoy is too narrow, the legs have to be squeezed very tightly together to hold it in position. The focus is then more on holding the training equipment and less on the training itself.
- Problem if too wide: If the Pull Buoy is too wide, the legs are stretched too far apart. This position becomes uncomfortable over time when swimming.
- Just the right width: Depending on your stature and the width of your hips, make sure that the Pull Buoy is held comfortably between your legs. You should not have to stretch them too far or squeeze them too tightly.
The right Pull Buoy shape
The shape of Pull Buoys does not differ greatly between the different models. However, there are a few small details and special features that BeyondSurfing presents here.
The standard form
While the first Pull Buoys used to consist of two pieces of foam that were connected with straps, today they are usually a single piece of foam. This is shaped like an eight.
The advantage of this modern form is the greater comfort. There are no more straps that could cause chafing between the legs.
Symmetrical or asymmetrical?
The important difference between different models is symmetry. With some Pull Buoys, both ends are equally thick. In others, one is significantly wider than the other.
Asymmetrical pull buoys often fit better between the legs. Ultimately, however, both variants work well and it all depends on which you prefer.
Special shapes
Some manufacturers offer special versions of Pull Buoys. They deviate from the standard shape and therefore offer additional functions.
The most important variants are
- Pull Kicks or Pull Kickboards: The buoyancy aids can be used both as pull buoys and kickboards. This allows you to train your arms and legs in a targeted manner.
- Ankle floats: In addition to their classic use as pull buoys, these models can be attached to the ankles by slipping your feet through the holes provided. This provides additional training opportunities.
The Pull Buoys material
As with the shape, there is little variability in the material of Pull Buoys. The majority of models are made of EVA foam.
Advantages of EVA foam:
There are good reasons for the frequent use of this special foam. The outstanding properties of EVA foam include
- Resilience
- Flexibility combined with dimensional stability
- UV resistance
- Long shelf life
- Waterproof properties
- Pleasant on the skin
- Stable texture, therefore not slippery
Not all EVA foam is the same:
The firmness can differ for different variants of EVA foam. If this is an important criterion for use, it is worth testing different models to see which one meets your individual requirements.
Beware of harmful substances:
Another issue is pollution. As a rule, EVA foam does not contain any harmful ingredients. The only exception is formamides, which may be contained in some variants of EVA foam.
As formamides are suspected of being carcinogenic, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the absence of harmful substances.
Alternatives to EVA foam?
Some manufacturers use other types of foam, such as PE foam. This shares many properties with EVA foam, but may be less robust or more uncomfortable on the skin.
Prices from Pull Buoys
Most Pull Buoys are priced between approx. 8 and 15 $. There are always deviations upwards or downwards.
Decisive for the price are above all:
- Brand
- Material
- Size
Signs of quality?
Because Pull Buoys are so similar, it can be tempting to simply go for the cheapest model. However, as shown in this buying guide, there are definitely differences in quality between different models.
In addition to customer reviews and empirical values, the manufacturer can therefore provide an indication of the quality of the Pull Buoy.
BeyondSurfing recommends the following brands that have made a name for themselves with high-quality products:
Arena, Speedo, Aqua Sphere, Beco, Zoggs, PI-PE, TYR
How to use Pull Buoys correctly
The use of Pull Buoys is largely self-explanatory. The narrow middle section is tucked between the legs above the knees so that the wider ends are at the front and back.
Make sure that the Pull Buoy sits as high as possible between your legs. This is the best way to hold it.
Things get a little more complicated with asymmetrical models. The wider end should point down towards the bottom of the pool to optimize buoyancy.
Advantages and disadvantages of swimming with a Pull Buoy
- Additional buoyancy on legs and hips
- Full concentration on arm movement
- Faster and more enduring swimming by taking the strain off the legs
- Neglect of training other parts of the body due to frequent use
- Not sufficient for holistic training
Pull Buoy tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Öko Test conducted a test in 2018 in which 15 swimming aids for children were examined. These included three Pull Buoys, the Finis Pull Buoy Junior, the Maris Junior Pull Buoy and the Sport-Thieme Pullbuoy Junior.
The result?
Öko Test found harmful substances in 10 of the 15 swimming aids. Therefore, pay particular attention to the materials used in swimming aids and the manufacturer’s information on harmful ingredients.
Consumer Reports has not yet carried out any Pull Buoys tests.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about Pull Buoys
What is a Pull Buoy?
How do you use a Pull Buoy?
The right Pull Buoy size?
What does a Pull Buoy cost?
Where can you buy Pull Buoys?
Conclusion: The most popular Pull Buoys reviewed
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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