I teach water aerobics and love the fact that you can vary the intesity by closing the paddles.  Also love that they are  easier to carry and do not get moldy like the foam ones.

I have rotator cuff issues and the floating dumbbells were difficult for me.  These paddles are much easier on my shoulders and still give me the resistance I need in the water.  I read reviews that they were hard to adjust but I didn't find that to be so, although I use them closed all the time.  These were recommended by my physical therapist.  I only wish they floated so I could let go as needed but I guess that would defeat the purpose of being easier on my shoulders!

I aqua exercise 4 times a week and prefer these paddles because they do not bother my golfer's elbow. The gloves put way to much pressure on my tendons and the barbells also bother me. These paddles don't bother me at all and I get a great workout. They are a bit difficult to adjust but not that big of a deal.
If  you can get an amazing entire upper body workout with these paddles.

There are only 2 small reasons this didn't get all five stars:
1.  the fan heads are a little hard to adjust (but you'll probably want them on the fully closed position all the time anyway, so that's not a big deal)

2.  it would be GREAT if the handles were slightly rubberized/cushioned

Otherwise, these are perfect, they provide a terrific upper body workout in the water, they are very easy to travel with and to use. I was thrilled to find them but even more thrilled to take them on vacation where I could work out in gorgeous Lake Tahoe with mountain views all around me.....LOVE THESE!  Recommended them to the entire Aqua Fit class that I take each week.

They are easy to use and great for bringing on a vacation or just to the gym's pool.

I used paddles like this in water therapy & plan to continue to do some of those exercises with these paddles in my leisure water activities.