By SwimSwam on SwimSwam
A good pull buoy is a non-negotiable part of every swimmer’s gear bag—right up there with paddles, fins, and a suit that won’t fall apart after two sessions. Whether you’re dialing in body position, focusing on upper-body mechanics, or just getting through your aerobic base work without kicking your legs off, the right pull buoy makes a difference.
We took a look at over a dozen pull buoys on the market—ranging from elite-level training tools to budget picks for age group swimmers and high schooler swimmers who misplace gear faster than they swim 50s.
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Here’s our pull buoy breakdown listed from the highest to the lowest price.
High-Performance / Specialty Buoys
FINIS Hydrodynamic Ankle Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$29 This is not your average buoy. Designed specifically for use at the ankles, this forces a neutral body position and removes the crutch of exaggerated buoyancy in the hips. It’s punishing—but in a good way. Perfect for elite athletes looking to challenge their core and improve overall alignment. It’s pricey, but you’re paying for a specialized piece of equipment.
Arena Freeflow II Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$25 Sleek, firm, and with a slightly narrower profile, Arena’s Freeflow II is built for performance. It’s best for swimmers with decent core stability already—offering lift without being bulky. This one has been gaining popularity at the NCAA level and with some international pros. A solid step up from your basic club buoy.
Training Workhorses (Standard Buoys)
Float Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$22 Despite its generic-sounding name, this buoy delivers reliable performance with a wide, stable base. It’s got a no-frills design, which can actually be a plus—less to distract you from the work. It floats well, lasts long, and it won’t crack on the pool deck.
FINIS Adult Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$20 The FINIS Adult version hits a sweet spot for many swimmers: buoyant enough for solid body position, without being so oversized that it forces unnatural positioning. The EVA foam is soft and doesn’t rub skin raw even on long sets. Still one of the best all-around options for club and masters swimmers.
FINIS Junior Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$18 Scaled down but not dumbed down. This one’s a smart choice for younger athletes—still supportive, but designed to match the smaller frame of 10-14-year-olds. If you coach age groupers, having a few of these on hand is a no-brainer.
SPEEDO Team Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$16 A classic. You’ve seen it in every high school and college program across the country. Speedo’s Team Pull Buoy doesn’t try to do too much—and that’s why it works. Durable foam, simple shape, neutral buoyancy. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
SPEEDO Jr. Team Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$16 Just like the adult version, but scaled down for smaller swimmers. Good for clubs with lots of new swimmers still developing strength and technique. It’s basic, but dependable.
KEMP Solid Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$16 The KEMP buoy has a chunkier feel. Some love that—it provides serious lift. Others find it a bit too much. Best for heavier swimmers or those really struggling with sinking legs. Not our favorite for elite-level training, but useful in the right context.
Bettertimes Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$16 This is the pull buoy you’ll find in a dusty mesh bag at your local YMCA—and that’s not a dig. It’s been around forever because it’s reliable. Strong floatation, basic design, near indestructible. A solid buy for teams on a budget.
Bettertimes Pull Buoy Float – Approx Price: ~$16 Almost identical to the classic Bettertimes model, but with slightly softer edges and smoother foam. It’s a minor upgrade in comfort. Worth it if you’re training a lot or have sensitive skin.
Budget Buoys (Still Get the Job Done)
USMS Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$12 The official U.S. Masters Swimming-branded buoy. It’s nothing fancy—but if you like repping the USMS brand, this one’s for you. The foam quality is solid for the price point, and it holds up surprisingly well over time.
SPORTI Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$10 A budget beast. This is the cheapest full-size pull buoy on the list—and it performs better than you’d expect at that price. It’s a bit firmer than higher-end models, but for new swimmers or anyone who constantly loses gear, it’s a worthy investment.
SPORTI Junior Pull Buoy – Approx Price: ~$9 For just under ten bucks, this is the best low-cost option for younger swimmers. Not as long-lasting as FINIS or Speedo models, but when you’ve got six 11-year-olds using it every day, you’re going to need replacements anyway.
Final Take
If you’re an elite or masters swimmer focused on fine-tuning your mechanics, the FINIS Hydrodynamic Ankle Pull Buoy and Arena Freeflow II give you the most bang for your training buck. For most club swimmers and high school athletes, the FINIS Adult, Speedo Team, and Bettertimes models are the go-to standards. And if you’re shopping for a team or just trying to save some coin, SPORTI’s budget buoys are the kings of value.
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