If you’ve been following along with us this year, you have likely seen a few of our product spotlights. Each month we take some of the newest and most innovative swim gear on the market to the pool for quick product testing, and share our results with our fans and followers on social media. If you haven't, then make sure to start following us on Instagram @SwimOutlet, Snapchat @SwimOutlet or Facebook.com/SwimOutlet. As we look back at our year, and the evolution of products in the swim industry, we’re excited to see what 2018 will have to offer.

But, before we wrap up 2017, we rounded up five of our favorite products from the year in no particular order.

1) FINIS ISO Swim Paddle

Perhaps the most unique swim paddle we saw in 2017, the ISO paddle by FINIS, uses a strapless design to isolate specific muscle groups and develop proper hand positioning. There are two ways to wear the paddles—inside isolation, which engages the pectoral, bicep and deltoid muscles, and the outside isolation, which focuses on the trapezius and triceps. We tested the ISO paddle over the summer, and got a great response from our swimmers. We loved getting a better feel for the water, instant stroke feedback and that it offers a more comfortable fit.

2) Dolfin Kickball

We tested the Dolfin Kickball in the spring of 2017 and were very impressed. This EVA foam ball is a Jack-of-all-trades, and a must-have in your equipment bag. It can be used in your hand for one-arm side kicking, between your knees in lieu of a pull-buoy, or underneath your chin to help with head and body positioning in the water. The kickball engages a lot of muscles that your traditional kicking and pulling gear wouldn’t, earning a spot on our list!

3) Arena Python Goggles

Arena’s newest goggle in 2017, the Python, hit the market in early fall. We love these goggles because of the sleek, snake-eyed style that provides a wider, optimized field of vision. The Python is equal parts comfortable and practical, and the perfect goggle for any competition swimmer, earning five stars in our book!

4) Speedo Switchblade Swim Fin

This innovative swim fin offers a whole new angle on training with its unique 10-blade angle that provides maximum stability and engagement throughout the kick cycle. We tested the Speedo Switchblade in September of this year and were impressed by the maximized comfort and propulsion. The sculpted side rails engage hip rotation and down kick drive, making this an ideal fin for the seasoned swimmer.

5) TYR Riptide Kickboard Drag Chute

The TYR Riptide Kickboard Drag Chute really takes your kick sets up a notch, and it’s nothing like we’ve seen before. We strapped the Riptide parachute on to the back of our kickboard in mid-September and loved how much it activated our leg muscles during a simple kicking set. With adjustable drag, you can control the amount of resistance in your training, but you’ll undoubtedly feel the burn, take it from us!