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The best swimming paddles 2024?

by Tim

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Would you like to swim faster and increase your training effect? Swimming paddles are the perfect solution. They are also known as hand paddles and are inexpensive, handy and extremely easy to incorporate into training.

What many swimmers don’t know:

The design is similar for all manufacturers. However, the water resistance should be chosen carefully so as not to under- or overstrain the muscles and endurance.

Avoid buying mistakes now:

BeyondSurfing has spent over 15 hours researching and presents the most popular swim paddles 2024. Our buying guide helps you to understand the subtle technical differences and find the ideal model.

The best swimming paddles 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite swimming paddle:

Special Offer
Arena Unisex Vortex Evolution*
What characterizes the offer?

  • 3 Designs
  • Ergonomic shape
  • Soft edges
  • Infinitely adjustable bracket

Swim Paddle Checklist

  • Swimming paddles are not only fast. The training is also significantly more strenuous and effective for the same duration.
  • The size influences the water resistance just as much as the flow channels and the shape.
  • Beginners should start with a small model.
  • Swimming paddles should be used in intervals (about 25%) and not permanently.
  • Swim paddles also improve your posture. The correct arm position and angle when dipping become clearer.
  • The use of swimming paddles should be built up slowly, week by week.
  • The paddle should never “flap” on your hands.

Also interesting: The most popular swimming earplugs.

The 6 best swimming paddles 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

The best swim paddles with stepless adjustment

1. Arena Unisex Vortex Evolution

Advantages

  • 3 Designs
  • Ergonomic shape
  • Soft edges
  • Infinitely adjustable bracket

Disadvantages

  • Currently only available in M and L
  • Not for beginners

Summary

The design of these hand paddles from Arena is somewhat reminiscent of a bear’s hand. They look powerful and unusual. The intense neon colors also contribute to this. The manufacturer offers neon green, neon red and silver.

The customer can choose from sizes M and L. These do not necessarily refer to the size of the hand, but to the size of the resistance surface. Remember: the larger the surface area, the more strenuous each paddle stroke becomes. The rubber holder is infinitely adjustable.

The shape of the paddles is ergonomic. At the same time, the surface bulges slightly to adapt ideally to the relaxed hand. The incorporated holes act like flow channels and reduce the water resistance somewhat. At the same time, they enable a precise feel for the flow.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an unusual design and want the elastic bands to fit perfectly, you’ve come to the right place. Arena is also a very experienced manufacturer.

The product is not suitable for beginners due to its size.

Product details

Size: 29 x 20 x 8 cm | Material: Rubber | Weight: 26 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 88% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The paddles are also great for freestyle swimming. The rubber bands can be attached flexibly, so that the muscles are challenged in different ways. This feature is emphasized positively several times. Some customers already own their second or third pair of this model and have been loyal to the manufacturer for years. That speaks for their satisfaction.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The paddles smell very strong and unpleasant after delivery. However, this can be removed with mild soap and airing out. One customer is missing instructions for use in the scope of delivery.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can you also swim breaststroke with this model?
Yes, this is possible without any problems.
How can I fit the rubbers without any instructions?
If you take a look at the back of the packaging, you will find some sample photos.

The best swimming paddles for freestyle swimmers

2. Finis Hand Paddle Freestyle

Advantages

  • Hydrodynamic shape
  • Two designs
  • Supports correct posture
  • Also available for children
  • To improve technology

Disadvantages

  • If the technique is incorrect, the paddles fall off the hand
  • Complicated threading of the rubber loops

Summary

The swimming paddles from Finis have a special shape. They are somewhat reminiscent of a small surfboard for the hands. Dipping is particularly easy thanks to the shape. The shoulders and joints are spared, while the correct technique is encouraged.

The manufacturer has patented this shape. It is therefore something very special on the market. Body position in the water and technique are improved by the direct feedback from the paddles.

The customer can choose from two sizes and designs. One for children and young people and the other for adults of all genders.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a freestyle paddle to fine-tune your technique, you’ve come to the right place.

This floating paddle is not for the impatient. Because it takes some practice to get the hang of it.

Product details

Size: 28 x 13 x 8 cm | Material: N/A | Weight: 100 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 86% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

These fins are really ideal. If the wrong technique is used, they simply fall off. Of course, this can also be frustrating, but at the same time it is a great incentive to develop further. Buyers recommend the product with conviction. The special design also protects the shoulders, which means that this model can be used without hesitation even if you have problems in this area.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

A few buyers complain that they keep losing the floating paddle. However, you will be informed that this is a technical error on your part. And not a product defect.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

What do the Jr. and Sr. sizes indicate?
Jr. (Junior) is suitable for children and teenagers and Sr.(Senior) is the universal size for adults.
Are both designs available in both sizes?
No, yellow is for adults and white is for children and teenagers.

The best swimming paddles with pull rope for home training

3. ferok pro hand paddles with pull rope

Advantages

  • Ideal for training at home
  • Transport bag included
  • Ergonomic design
  • Can be used anywhere
  • Two thicknesses available
  • Multiple designs

Disadvantages

  • Not for use in water
  • Not suitable for technology improvement

Summary

These swimming paddles are very different from the others. This is because they are intended for home training and not for use in the water. No further accessories are required. Simply attach to the door or another object and train.

The two paddles are connected by the pull rope. The swimming movement of the arms is imitated and worked against the resistance of the rope. This trains all relevant muscle groups.

The manufacturer offers the product in two thicknesses and two colors. You can choose between yellow and green, and between 6.3 and 10.6 kg resistance.

Conclusion

If you want to continue training at home without a swimming pool, you can do so here. In the long term, this is a cheaper way to train your swimming strength because you don’t have to go to the pool and you can train at home in between.

These paddles do not correct the swimming technique. Beginners should make sure that they still perform the movements correctly.

Product details

Size: 23 x 22 x 10 cm | Material: N/A | Weight: 330 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The material is very solid. It can really be used anywhere, all you need is something to attach the pull rope and the training can begin. Many triathletes use this home trainer. The muscles are trained effectively and efficiently. It’s a great appliance, especially for the winter months.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Swimming technique is not trained with this device. Due to the lack of water, the movement can theoretically be carried out completely incorrectly and incorrect movements can become habitual. Unfortunately, a few customers broke the rope.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

The best swimming paddles for forearm strength training

4. arena unisex swimming competition training aid forearm

Advantages

  • Favorable price
  • Especially for forearm training
  • Free palm increases feeling for the water
  • Adjustable elastic bands
  • PVC free

Disadvantages

  • Some customers describe delivery errors

Summary

These swimming paddles from Arena fall into the category of so-called finger paddles. They do not cover the palm of the hand, but only the length of the fingers.

The reduced resistance surface puts the focus particularly on the use of the forearm muscles. At the same time, the feeling for the water is improved, as it can hit the palm of the hand without braking.

Arena offers the product in several sizes and colors. In addition to black, there is also green and pink.

Conclusion

Anyone who wants to concentrate on forearm training and a precise feel for the water will be very satisfied with this product.

For training the entire arm musculature, it is better to choose a large hand paddle.

Product details

Size: 5 x 18 x 7.2 cm | Material: Polyethylene and thermoplastic rubber | Weight: 100 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 88% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The infinitely adjustable elastic straps are highly praised by some customers. The product is also suitable for small hands. The material is high quality and durable. The manufacturer’s choice of colors is also praised. The price-performance ratio is very good and so is the customer service. Even regular use cannot affect the longevity of the product.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

A few customers have only received one paddle. But when they asked the supplier, they were sent a second one.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are two paddles included in the scope of delivery?
Yes, a complete set is supplied.

The best swim paddles for direct technique feedback

5. finis unisex agility paddle

Advantages

  • With buoyancy
  • Signal color
  • 4 different sizes
  • For precise technical feedback
  • Comfortable to wear

Disadvantages

  • Frustrating for beginners
  • High price

Summary

These technique feedback paddles from Finis come in 4 different sizes: from XS – L. The design is neon yellow. You are guaranteed not to be overlooked in the water.

The design is designed to “slip in”. Simply push your hand into the opening, place your thumb in the recess provided and you’re ready to start training. Due to the loose fit without elastic bands, the paddle can simply fall off if the swimming technique is incorrect.

It is precisely this finesse that improves the swimming style enormously, as feedback comes from the paddle even for the smallest mistakes. Only those who swim correctly cannot lose the swim paddle.

Conclusion

A great product for improving your swimming technique. Even if the paddle is lost, it floats on the surface of the pool.

Beginners can easily become frustrated without professional help. Because with them, the paddle is sure to get “lost” a time or two.

Product details

Size: 12.7 x 12.7 x 1.78 cm | Material: Plastic | Weight: 80 g

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92 % of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The majority of customers have switched to this product and found it to be superior to other products. Every training session is described as fun and effective. They are very comfortable to wear and much easier to put on than other models. The feedback from the paddles is unbeatable.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One customer describes that the opening for the thumb was too narrow for him personally. He had pressure sores afterwards. Another customer complains about poor return conditions. However, Amazon is generally very accommodating when it comes to returns.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

What hand circumference fits size S?
The hand circumference for size S is around 18.8 to 20.3 cm.
How do I find the right size?
The size is determined based on the circumference of the hand. A suitable table is then provided by the manufacturer. BeyondSurfing explains how to determine your hand circumference here.

The best swimming paddles for reduced muscle fatigue

6. speedo finger paddle training aid

Vorteile

  • BioFuse Technologie sorgt für besonders hohen Komfort
  • Besonders griffige Oberfläche
  • Ergonomische Handfläche
  • Verringert die Ermüdung der Muskulatur
  • Günstiger Preis

Nachteile

  • Nur ein Design verfügbar
  • Einheitsgröße

Zusammenfassung

Diese Schwimm Paddles von Speedo fallen ebenfalls unter die Kategorie Fingerpaddel. Das bedeutet es sind Schwimm Paddle, die nicht die gesamte Handfläche abdecken. Zusätzlich ist das Design so gefertigt, dass es die Muskeln vor Ermüdung schützen soll.

Der Hersteller will über ein ergonomisches Design, besonders festen Grip und eine BioFuse Technologie erreichen, dass eine Muskelüberreizung verhindert wird. Das Paddle sitzt außerordentlich komfortabel und lässt sich leicht anlegen.

Das Design ist eine Mischung aus zwei Grautönen und sehr auffälligen, Neon-Gelben Schlaufen. Diese lassen das Produkt sehr sportlich aussehen. Der Preis ist dabei verhältnismäßig günstig.

Fazit

Wer nach einem Finger Paddle sucht, das Ermüdung vorbeugt, um länger trainieren zu können, greift hier zu.

Für besonders anspruchsvolles Krafttraining eignet sich ein großes Hand Paddle besser als dieses Finger Paddle.

Produktdetails

Größe: 31 x 22,5 x 7 cm | Material: Silikon und TPR | Gewicht: 5 g

Kundenbewertungen

Das sagen Kunden
Ganze 78 % aller Kunden bewerten das Produkt mit vier bis fünf Sternen als gut bis sehr gut.

Einige Kunden nutzen das Modell schon seit mehreren Jahren. Das praktische ist, dass die Gummischlaufen separat nachgekauft werden können. Da diese als einzige nach 1 – 2 Jahren verschleißen, ist die Erhaltung des Paddle sehr günstig. Die Schlaufen sind einfach zu verstellen und passen sich dadurch jeder Handform an.

Rund 10 % stehen dem Produkt neutral gegenüber, während 13 % das Produkt als mangelhaft und unzureichend bewerten.

Das Schwimmen damit wird als sehr anstrengend empfunden. Das ist aber mit allen Handpaddles der Fall und gerade für Anfänger stellt sich trotz des speziellen Designs dieses Modells eine Ermüdung ein.

Hier geht es direkt zu den Kundenbewertungen »

Bewertung: Schwimm Paddles im Vergleich

Evaluation Criteria: The most important features von Schwimm Paddles in direct comparison. Find out what makes a good product in our tests in the guide.
NamePreis*Mehrere Designs?Verstellbar?Ergonomisch?Für Anfänger geeignet?Finger Paddle?Hand Paddle?
Arena Unisex Vortex Evolution23 €JaJaJaNeinNeinJa
Finis Hand Paddel Freestyle22 €JaNeinNeinJaNeinJa
Ferok Pro Handpaddles mit Zugseil33 €NeinNeinJaJaNeinJa
Arena Unisex Trainingshilfe Unterarm14 €JaJaNeinJaJaNein
Finis Unisex Agility Paddel22 €NeinNeinJaUnter AnleitungNeinJa
Speedo Fingerpaddel Trainingshilfe15 €NeinJaJaJaJaNein
*Ungefähre Preisangabe inkl. MwSt. Zwischenzeitliche Änderung der Preise möglich.

Bestseller: Die beliebtesten Schwimm Paddles

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-09-16)

Buy swimming goggles:
How to make the right decision

 
Swimming paddle guide picture

“I would never have thought it before, but you can also effectively train your muscles for surfing with swimming paddles. I now have a home trainer with elastic and take my hand paddles to the pool with me from time to time. Since then, I’ve been much fitter on surfing vacations and get more waves.”

Maximilian Naumann ★★★★★
Surfer from Dortmund


Swimming is becoming increasingly popular. Studies show that more and more people are taking up swimming as a hobby. And several times a week. While there were still 710,000 swimmers in 2018, surveys in 2020 revealed a figure of 1.04 million amateur swimmers.

As a result, the range of training aids is also growing. This also includes swimming paddles. In the BeyondSurfing buying guide, you can find out the most important features to consider when buying.

What to look out for when buying swimming paddles?

When looking for the best swimming paddles, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics before buying:

Pro tip: Bigger, heavier, sportier … All of this does not always mean a product advantage. The fit between model and user is crucial.

Material: Which material is best suited?

In most cases, manufacturers use a mixture of:

  • Rubber
  • Silicone
  • Plastic

These materials are waterproof and usually have good buoyancy. This is useful so that the paddles don’t sink in the water if they slip off your hand. The advantage is that they are easy to clean, do not encourage the accumulation of germs and are fairly flexible and robust.

The straps for attaching the swimming paddles to the hand are mainly made of silicone. This is particularly soft and flexible.

Size: Which paddle size suits which use?

There are different sized swimming paddles. These are not only sorted by hand size, but also by technology. There are so-called finger paddles and their larger siblings, the hand paddles.

Anyone training with a swim paddle for the first time should start small in the truest sense of the word. However, this does not immediately mean that a finger paddle is selected. This is because they focus in particular on training the forearm muscles. But if you want to train your entire arm muscles, use a small hand paddle.

As you gain experience, you can gradually choose a larger paddle. An ergonomic design is also recommended for intensive and regular training. This fits the hand particularly snugly and can therefore usually be worn for longer.

Good to know: For beginners, we recommend swimming paddles with a surface that is perforated in several places. These holes reduce the resistance in the water. Although only minimal, they still allow easier control of the hand position.

Weight: How does weight influence the impact of paddles?

The heavier a hand paddle, the more strenuous each paddle stroke becomes. Just as a larger surface area increases resistance, weight also plays a role. This can often be recognized by the thickness: A particularly thick hand paddle is made from more material and often weighs more grams.

Please note: At first glance, this appears to be minimal, as the differences are only a matter of grams. But don’t let this fool you. 2 grams more with several hundred paddle strokes makes a considerable difference.

Water resistance: Which properties (apart from size) influence water resistance?

As previously mentioned, there are other factors besides surface area and weight that influence resistance. This is partly due to the shape and partly due to the flow channels and openings.

The shape
A pointed shape “cuts” the water when immersed. It behaves more flow-friendly and can therefore be pulled through the water somewhat more easily. A very flat or angular shape, on the other hand, is more cumbersome.
The flow channels
Built-in flow channels and openings guide the water more effectively past the paddles, or even through them. This reduces water resistance and makes paddling easier. Ideal for beginners or gentle training.

Mounting: What kind of brackets or handles are available?

There are several ways of attaching the paddle to the hand. Rubber or silicone straps are most commonly used. These can be pulled through openings in the paddle and adjusted. They are flexible and relatively soft. This holder keeps the hand most securely connected to the paddle so that it does not get lost.

Caution: This is not always an advantage, because it also reduces the feedback on the correct technique. Paddles with straps are much more forgiving.

On the other hand, there are models with simple openings into which the thumbs are inserted. Just slip in and paddle off. The correct technique is very important here. Otherwise the paddle will simply fall off your hand.

There are also paddles with a single loop for individual fingers. Similar to the thumb openings, these provide precise feedback for the correct arm movement.

Who are swimming paddles suitable for?

In principle, swimming paddles can be used by all swimmers. But small children should not start directly with it. Young muscles can quickly become overstressed.

Under these conditions, paddles are generally suitable for athletes who have two goals:

  1. The increased water resistance specifically trains the muscles in the arms and shoulder girdle used for swimming. Stamina is also improved.
  2. Confident swimmers can also use the swimming paddles to refine their technique. With this training device on your hands, you can easily check which hand or arm position offers the greatest resistance in the water. This is the most effective position for swimming.

A further prerequisite is that the respective swimming style for which the paddle is to be used is really mastered. If you are unsure, you should only swim with it under the supervision of a trainer.

Floating paddle tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?

There are currently no tests on the subject of swimming paddles. In general, however, care should be taken to ensure that no toxic ingredients have been used.

You can find a good contact point for identifying non-toxic and toxic textiles here: https://utopia.de/ratgeber/schadstoffe-textilien/

Well-known brands and manufacturers?

The best-known and most popular swim paddle brands & manufacturers include

  • Speedo
  • Arena
  • Empty
  • Finis

Why is this important? Its fame is no coincidence. These manufacturers have a lot of experience in the field and have made a name for themselves thanks to the quality of their products.

However, this does not mean that no-name swimming paddles are no good. New providers can also be given a chance if the customer reviews and available buying guides are taken into account.

Tips for training with paddles?

In this video you will learn valuable tips and tricks for training with swimming paddles:

Finger paddles vs. large paddles in use?

This is a practical demonstration of how finger paddles differ from larger swimming paddles:

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about swim paddles

What are the advantages of swimming paddles?

Swimming paddles enable efficient technique training. At the same time, they improve the swimmer’s power in the water. Swimmers have to use more force when using paddles. Swimming technique is also corrected through direct feedback. Poorly guided paddles fall from the hands or flutter in the water.

How do you use swim paddles?

The fingers are held in either loops or integrated openings. In this way, the paddle is connected to the hand as an enlarged surface. Now you can swim as usual, provided you have already mastered the technique. You will find that every paddle stroke is more strenuous than without a paddle.

What do swimming paddles cost?

Swimming paddles or finger and hand paddles vary in price depending on the manufacturer, quality and technology. In general, the average price for a solid pair is around 30 $.

Which are the best swimming paddles?

It always depends on the fit. If you only use the paddles for leisure, you will need a different pair than someone who is training for a major competition (e.g. triathlon). The size also depends on the size of the hand and the desired resistance.

Where can I buy swimming paddles?

Swimming paddles are available in all kinds of stores that sell training accessories for swimming. One example is the empty sports chain. Those who like to buy online will find one of the largest ranges on Amazon. Here you also benefit from very accommodating return conditions.

Are swimming paddles a good training aid?

Yes, because they improve technique and, in the long term, endurance and strength. Anyone who wants to make progress in training can definitely benefit from their commitment.

Which muscles are trained more with swimming paddles?

In general, swimming paddles are used for strength training for the entire arm and shoulder musculature. In other words, all muscle groups relevant to swimming technique.

Conclusion

Anyone who wants to make progress in training will definitely benefit from swimming paddles. However, the fit between the float and paddle must be carefully selected.

As the market is large, research can be laborious. The BeyondSurfing guide provides you with all the important information you need during the purchasing process. If you make an informed purchase decision in this way, you will enjoy the product for longer.

Your favorite paddle was not included, or you have questions and suggestions? Please leave a comment. BeyondSurfing is always happy to receive feedback.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*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.

Tim

Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

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