Best Pull Buoys for Training 2025 (Tested by a World Championship Swimmer)

Pull buoys are one of the most underrated tools in a competitive swimmer's training bag — they isolate the upper body, eliminate kick timing errors, and let you focus entirely on feel, rotation, and stroke mechanics. I've been competitive swimming since age 8, raced at the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, earned a silver medal at the 2008 FINA World Championships in the 4x100 medley relay, and currently hold the American Record in the 100 yard butterfly for ages 35–39. Pull sets with a great buoy are a staple of every serious training week I do.

The best pull buoys stay firmly in place, offer comfortable leg support, and don't shift during flip turns. Here are my top 5 pull buoys for training in 2025.

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

The Speedo Pull Buoy is the classic standard — figure-eight foam design, firm enough to hold your hips up without rotating or shifting mid-stroke. It's the right size for most swimmers and the EVA foam holds up for years of heavy use. Perfect for long aerobic pull sets where you want zero distraction from your buoy.

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

The TYR Pull Float has a slightly softer foam than the Speedo, which some swimmers prefer for longer sets. It floats your hips high, comes in multiple sizes, and the shape stays locked between your thighs without slipping. A great pick if you want a little more cushion than the standard Speedo offers.

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#3 Arena Pull Kick — Best 2-in-1 Option (~$20–25)

The Arena Pull Kick is unique because it doubles as both a pull buoy and a kickboard — one end goes between your legs for pull sets, flip it around and use the other end for kick sets. Slightly firmer foam and a distinctive shape. Great for swimmers who want to travel light with fewer pieces of gear.

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#4 Deboer Swim Pull Buoy — My Training Brand

Deboer Swim is my personal training brand — I'm a member of their Team Elite program and use their gear in every training block. Their pull buoy is engineered for competitive swimmers who care about position and feel. High-density foam, a secure fit between the thighs, and built to the same performance standards as their tech suits. If you take your pull work seriously, this is the brand I trust.

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#5 Finis Alignment Kickboard Pull Buoy — Best for Technique (~$25–30)

The Finis Alignment Kickboard doubles as a pull buoy but has a built-in slot that lets you slip your head through to practice proper alignment — ideal if you're working on your body position during pull sets. Slightly bulkier than a standard buoy but the technique feedback is unmatched for swimmers focused on improving their horizontal line in the water.

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Final Verdict: Which Pull Buoy Should You Buy?

After 30+ years of using pull buoys at every level of training, the right one is really just a matter of what fits your body and goals. Here's my bottom line:

Best Overall: Speedo Pull Buoy — the reliable classic that works for 95% of swimmers.

Best Runner-Up: TYR Pull Float — softer foam, great for masters swimmers with longer sets.

Best 2-in-1: Arena Pull Kick — doubles as a kickboard, ideal for minimalist gear bags.

My Training Brand: Deboer Swim — performance-first design trusted by elite competitive swimmers.

Best for Technique: Finis Alignment — use the head slot to drill body position and horizontal alignment.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally tested or trust based on my experience as a competitive swimmer.