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Carlton Bale
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Speedo Contoured Swim Paddles review

  • Price Paid:$12.00
  • User rating:
    (3.8)
  • Would buy again from this company: Yes
  • Used product for: 6 months
  • # of logged workouts:

"These paddles work well but aren't perfect. Perhaps a flat paddle would be better as it wouldn't deflect your hand as much during entry, but a flat paddle also might not fit as well during the stroke."Carlton Bale

(3)

Ease of installation

The straps go over the sides of your hand as well as over your middle finger. They require a good deal of wiggling to get them on.

(3)

Ease of use

The primary benefit of hand paddles is to add extra resistance for strength training; the second is that is slows the stroke to allow fine-tuning form. This secondary area is where there is a deficit because the curved shape of the paddle causes your hand to dive as it enters the water, changing your stroke slightly. Once you expect it, you can compensate, but it will be a slightly different stroke than without the paddle. A flat paddle would be better for this.

(4)

Quality of Construction

The paddles themselves have excellent construction. The straps do not, as they will eventually fatigue and break, but there is a second set of straps included, which is OK but not ideal at this $12 price point.

(5)

Fit

I ordered the medium size, and they fit my hands very securely throughout the stroke. For a little additional stability, you can wrap your thumb/little finger around the edges, but this really isn't necessary.

(5)

Comfort

Not too tight on my writs, just enough stretch to fit securely, but so tight as to be uncomfortable. The concave shape fits my hand well.

(2)

Adjustability

The only "adjustment" is through the stretch of the straps; there is no way to tighten them or loosen them. But they do come in different sizes, so you need to get the correct size to begin with. I have average sized hands for a guy and the medium fits well and I think the large would as well. I definitely couldn't get my hands into a small.

(3)

Durability

The straps will eventually break, after about 6 months frequent use. Luckily, there is a second pair of straps included. Had these been more expensive, I would be more disappointed, but at only $12, the durability is moderately acceptable.

(3)

Value

Very reasonable price, but both pairs will eventually fatigue and break.

(5)

Appearance

As far as hand paddles go, these look pretty nice.

(5)

Performance

For the primary function of producing increased resistance during the stroke, these work great. They are available in multiple sizes for increasing levels of resistance. I started with the Medium size and may go up to the next size if/when the straps are worn out. The concave shape does produce some additional resistance for the size of the paddle.

Strengths

No adjustments needed. Look pretty nice as far as hand paddles go. Various sizes to fit your hand size and resistance needs. Very reasonable price ($12.)

Weakness

Straps will eventually wear out. Curved shape diverts you hand as it enters the water.

Buyers clubContoured Swim Paddles
  • 5 people use
  • 0 workouts logged
  • 4.32 miles / 2.02 hours logged