The 10 Best Pull Buoys
Special Honors
MySwimPro App Investing in a pull buoy and other swimming workout tools is a good start, but if you really want to train smart, the MySwimPro App is worthy of consideration. It helps you set goals, create personalized workouts, monitor your progress, and much more, ensuring that you're getting the training you need both in and out of the water. myswimpro.com
Editor's Notes
July 01, 2020:
Not everyone enjoys or even finds it necessary to train with a pull buoy, but for those who do, the benefits can be immense. They can be slightly frustrating to use for beginners, however, so don't be surprised if you need to try one or two to find the right fit and shape. With that said, we like the Nike Anthracite and the Speedo Team Training Aid, for asymmetrical choices, and the Arena Freeflow, when it comes to a symmetrical version. The former gives users positioning options, as each can be flipped so either the larger or smaller end face up; the latter is the same size on both ends, and so offers only one method of use. If even more buoyancy is required than these can offer, there's the Huub Big Buoy 4. It gives you 34 newtons of buoyancy flotation, making it helpful when training for wetsuit swims or for correcting issues related to leg sinking.
We also opted to add a handy two-in-one design, the Arena Pull Kick. You can use it as a pull buoy or as a kickboard, making it a great companion for travel or for those who simply can't lug a lot of training aids around. It comes in several colors and is affordably priced, given its usability. Or, if you like tools with multiple uses, consider the Finis Axis, as well. It can be used between the legs, just like other models, or secured between the ankles thanks to openings made expressly for this purpose. Note that it isn't one-size-fits-all, however, so you'll want to select a size carefully.