Best Swim Pull Buoys for Training 2025 (Tested by a World Championship Swimmer)
- Competitive Swimwear
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
I've been competing as a swimmer since the age of 8, representing the United States at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials and earning a silver medal at the 2008 FINA World Championships as part of the U.S. 4x100 Medley Relay. Pull buoys are one of the most essential pieces of equipment in any competitive swimmer's training bag, isolating the upper body to build arm strength, improve stroke technique, and develop feel for the water without the distraction of kicking. Selecting the right pull buoy can make a significant difference in the quality of your pull sets.
I currently hold the American Record in the 100 yard butterfly for ages 35–39 and train as a member of the Deboer Swim Team Elite. In this guide, I share my top five swim pull buoys for 2025, evaluated on buoyancy, durability, grip, and value.
FINIS Pull Buoy (~$15)
The FINIS Pull Buoy is a go-to choice for competitive swimmers at all levels. Its figure-eight shape provides stable, consistent buoyancy that keeps your hips elevated and lets you focus entirely on your pull mechanics. The foam is dense and durable, resisting waterlogging even after thousands of yards of use. I've used FINIS pull buoys throughout my training career and consistently appreciate the reliable lift they provide without being overly buoyant. The contoured shape grips comfortably between the thighs and stays in place during fast training sets. For swimmers looking for a dependable, no-frills pull buoy that performs well at every level, FINIS delivers excellent quality at a great price.
Speedo Pull Buoy (~$18)
The Speedo Pull Buoy is a premium option that has earned its place in practice bags at every level of the sport. The ergonomic design provides excellent support through the hips and upper thighs, and the buoyancy is calibrated to give you a natural, balanced body position in the water. I've always found Speedo pull buoys to have a satisfying feel — they're firm enough to be effective but shaped in a way that doesn't create discomfort over longer sets. The material is high-quality EVA foam that doesn't absorb water and maintains its integrity through years of training. For swimmers who want a slightly more substantial pull buoy with a trusted brand behind it, Speedo is an excellent choice.
TYR Pull Buoy (~$16)
The TYR Pull Buoy offers a great balance of performance and affordability. The classic figure-eight shape creates reliable buoyancy that keeps your hips high while you work through drill sets and distance pull work. TYR's foam construction is sturdy and holds up well to daily use in chlorinated pools. The buoy grips naturally between the thighs without requiring you to squeeze hard to hold it in place, which helps keep your lower body relaxed during sets. I've always appreciated how TYR pull buoys hold their shape over time — many lower-end options start to compress and lose buoyancy after heavy use, but TYR maintains consistent performance season after season. A solid choice for competitive swimmers at any stage.
Deboer Swim
As a Deboer Swim Team Elite member, I train daily in Deboer's high-performance swimwear. While Deboer specializes in elite racing and training suits rather than equipment like pull buoys, their technical training suits are specifically engineered to complement resistance and drill-focused training. When I do pull sets, having a suit that fits precisely and moves cleanly through the water makes a real difference in how efficiently I can isolate and train my upper body. Deboer's suits are built for serious competitive swimmers who want every element of their training optimized — from the gear they wear to the tools they use in the water.
Arena Pull Kick (~$14)
The Arena Pull Kick is a versatile two-in-one training tool that functions as both a pull buoy and a kickboard, making it an outstanding value for swimmers who want to maximize their gear investment. As a pull buoy, it provides solid buoyancy that keeps your hips elevated during upper-body focused sets. The compact, tapered shape makes it easy to grip between the thighs without feeling bulky. Arena's EVA foam construction is durable and resistant to the wear and tear of regular pool use. For beginner to intermediate competitive swimmers or anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, the Arena Pull Kick delivers reliable performance at a very accessible price point.
Final Verdict
• FINIS Pull Buoy: Best all-around pull buoy for consistent buoyancy, durable foam, and comfortable grip at a great price.
• Speedo Pull Buoy: Best premium pull buoy for ergonomic support and a natural body position during pull sets.
• TYR Pull Buoy: Best for long-term durability and consistent buoyancy that holds up through heavy training volume.
• Deboer Swim: Best for elite training and racing suits engineered to complement pull and drill-focused swim training.
• Arena Pull Kick: Best budget-friendly two-in-one option that doubles as both a pull buoy and kickboard.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Deboer Swim Team Elite member, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on my personal experience as a competitive swimmer.
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