TYR Catalyst Swim Paddles Reviews

By Brian from Deerfield Beach, FL on 8/16/2012

Size: Feels true to size

Got these based on recommendation from my coach to help improve my stroke. They have definitely helped me to feel what I need to do differently and hopefully after some more time I'll improve. I'm glad I listened to the other reviews about size and went with the lower size. I was split between the M and L, after using them I'm glad I went with the M.

Also found a bunch of drills to do with them that I haven't had a chance to try yet but looking forward to it. Glad to have these in my swim bag!

By DrK from Santa Cruz, CA on 7/18/2012

Size: Feels true to size

Difinitely strengthens your stroke and makes sure you mechanics are OK

By johncvent from Baltimore, MD on 7/6/2012

Size: Feels true to size

Has been a great workout so far.  Surprisingly, it is really very useful with breaststroke.  I also really enjoy backstroke and freestyle.  You can really feel the pull!

By Karlene I. from Wichita, KS on 5/18/2012

Size: Feels too big

The size small is way too big.  They are at least 3 times the size of your hand.  These will hurt your shoulder is sending them back.  I bought the same paddles before and loved them.  They must have been XSmall not small

By Ruth S. from Verona, WI on 4/14/2012

Size: Feels too big

Too hard to use.  Dangerous to others in the same lane.

By Todd 1 from Thousand Oaks, CA on 3/26/2012

Size: Feels true to size

Extra cords are the best!  The chlorine breaks down the cords so having extra ones extends the life of the paddles.  The size is great for me, I originally returned the large.  I swim about 6k a week and the mediums are perfect.

By Susan M. from Claremont, CA on 1/30/2012

Size: Feels too big

I bought the "small" size (yellow) which is intended for older age group swimmers and beginner masters.  I consider myself more advanced than a beginner masters swimmer, but I wanted to make sure I got a smaller paddle to avoid shoulder strain.  As it is, I wish I had bought XS instead -- within two weeks of using these (for no more than a few hundred yards on any given workout) I have slight twinges of pain in my shoulders.

I like the way they fit, and I like the holes that help you feel the water and reduce the resistance, but I wish I had followed my gut and returned them to get the XS.

By Mike. from Canoga Park, CA on 5/27/2011

Size: Feels too big

I use these paddles mostly for freestyle, they are kinda too big for any other stroke unless you get a smaller size. But they are awesome for improving entry into water, power through stroke, and exit of water. They are big and create a lot of resistance. I love the straps, much more comfortable than gloves or speedo paddles.

By Abomb from New Zealand on 4/9/2011

Size: Feels true to size

These paddles are really solid. My coach wanted me to get the biggest paddles that I could find, so I got these. They are pretty much what I expected. I have seen paddles from the same exact brand in other sizes, and I would say that they are true to size. A very good buy! :-D

By Tristan from San Diego, CA on 2/21/2011

Size: Feels true to size

Great for arm workouts - drills and pull swimming. I went with the largest size and they are not TOO big, just a good workout. If you have shoulder issues you'll need to be careful with these but I do have issues, and have been careful, and they are great. Sculling with these is good therapy. They come with three extra rubber straps.