Best Pull Buoy for Swimming in 2025 (Tested by a World Championship Swimmer)

The pull buoy is one of the most deceptively simple tools in competitive swimming — and one that separates serious training from casual lap swimming. I've been incorporating pull buoys into structured training sets since I was 8 years old, across a career that spans a Silver Medal at the 2008 FINA World Championships, two U.S. Olympic Trials appearances, an American Record in the 100 Yard Butterfly for ages 35–39, and ongoing competition in U.S. Masters Swimming as a member of Deboer Swim's Team Elite program. The right pull buoy enhances body position, isolates arm pulling strength, and teaches the high-hip posture that fast swimming demands.

When evaluating pull buoys for this list, I looked at buoyancy level, figure-8 vs. single-piece design, foam density, durability in chlorine, and how each option affects body alignment across different swimmer builds. Not every pull buoy works for every swimmer — larger swimmers need more buoyancy, sprinters benefit from higher hip positioning, and distance swimmers often prefer a more natural feel. Here are the five best pull buoys for 2025.

#1 Speedo Pull Buoy — Best Overall (~$15–20)

The Speedo Pull Buoy is the standard figure-8 design that you’ll find in nearly every competitive swim program, and for good reason. The two-piece foam construction fits snugly between the thighs without slipping, provides reliable buoyancy to lift the hips into a horizontal position, and holds up well to extended chlorine exposure. I’ve trained with this pull buoy through distance aerobic sets, broken-up pulling sets, and USRPT-style stroke-count work. The buoyancy level is appropriate for most competitive swimmers without over-lifting the legs, which would mask hip-drop issues in the stroke. It’s durable, widely available, and an excellent all-around choice for any serious training program.

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#2 TYR Pull Float — Best Runner-Up (~$15–20)

The TYR Pull Float offers a slightly different figure-8 shape that many swimmers find fits more comfortably between larger thighs. The foam is firm and dense, which means it maintains its shape longer than cheaper alternatives, and the buoyancy is comparable to the Speedo version. What distinguishes it is the slightly higher hip lift, making it a better choice for swimmers who struggle to maintain horizontal body position during long pulling sets. I’ve seen this work particularly well for backstroke and breaststroke specialists who benefit from the extra posterior support. It’s competitively priced and a genuine alternative for swimmers who find the Speedo pull buoy doesn’t quite fit.

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#3 Arena Pull Kick — Best Value / Dual-Use (~$20–25)

The Arena Pull Kick is a unique dual-purpose tool that functions as both a pull buoy and a kickboard — two essential pieces of equipment in a single compact design. For swimmers who want to minimize their gear bag or are just starting to build out their training kit, this is exceptional value. The dual-function design doesn’t compromise either role significantly: as a pull buoy it provides solid hip lift, and as a kickboard it offers enough surface area for standard kicking sets. The foam quality is excellent and Arena’s reputation for competitive gear translates here. The trade-off is that it doesn’t excel in either function as much as a purpose-specific tool, but for recreational and fitness swimmers it’s an intelligent purchase.

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#4 Deboer Swim Training Kit — My Training Brand (Use Code TE_RANDALL10)

Deboer Swim is the brand I train with every day as a member of their Team Elite program. While Deboer doesn’t make pull buoys, if you’re serious about pull set training, you should be doing it in a suit that doesn’t drag or bag out during high-yardage work. Deboer’s training suits are chlorine-resistant, compression-fit, and engineered to stay tight through weeks of hard training — exactly what you need when you’re grinding through long pulling sets with a buoy between your legs. Use code TE_RANDALL10 for a discount on your first Deboer order.

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#5 FINIS Alignment Pull Buoy — Best for Body Position (~$20–25)

The FINIS Alignment Pull Buoy takes a different approach than standard figure-8 designs. Its rectangular shape forces swimmers to squeeze it between the thighs rather than rest it passively, which engages the hip flexors and reinforces proper body rotation during the pull. The higher buoyancy level makes it especially useful for swimmers with lower body density who struggle to maintain horizontal position with standard buoys. FINIS is known for making technically-oriented training tools, and this pull buoy fits that philosophy: it’s not the most comfortable option, but it teaches body mechanics more actively than a passive foam float. Ideal for technical work and stroke correction sets.

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Final Verdict: Which Pull Buoy Is Right for You?

Best Overall: Speedo Pull Buoy — the reliable standard that works for most competitive swimmers at any level.

Best Runner-Up: TYR Pull Float — if you’re a larger swimmer or want a slightly higher hip lift during pulling sets.

Best Value / Dual-Use: Arena Pull Kick — if you want both a pull buoy and kickboard in one compact, affordable tool.

Best Training Gear Pairing: Deboer Swim — serious pull set training deserves a suit that keeps up. Use code TE_RANDALL10 for a discount.

Best for Body Position: FINIS Alignment Pull Buoy — if you need active feedback on hip flexor engagement and body rotation during pulling sets.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally tested or would use in my own training. The Deboer Swim link uses my Team Elite discount code TE_RANDALL10, which gives you a discount and supports this site.