Good feedback… however, the reason I asked the question was that for me at least paddles don’t seem to punish missing the catch with your forearm… as you’ve still pulling a big piece of plastic through the water, you’ll still get up a decent lick even without 90 degree elbow. Mind you there’s no logical reason why this should be any better with webbed gloves.
what paddles are you using? As others have mentioned, the shape and hole placement of the Catylysts encourage proper technique. I’d also recommend removing the wrist band…
Good feedback… however, the reason I asked the question was that for me at least paddles don’t seem to punish missing the catch with your forearm… as you’ve still pulling a big piece of plastic through the water, you’ll still get up a decent lick even without 90 degree elbow. Mind you there’s no logical reason why this should be any better with webbed gloves.
what paddles are you using? As others have mentioned, the shape and hole placement of the Catylysts encourage proper technique. I’d also recommend removing the wrist band…
The TYR Catalysts are pretty sweet. I’m an ex-distance swimmer, so I use the blue ones. The less experienced you are the smaller the paddles to use.
Just like any other training aide, paddles have their place. I like to work them into my swim training right after the base phase. By then I’ve built up some good yardage and it is time to start incorporating some power swimming to work on distance per stroke stuff.
I should emphasize the need to work your way into using them or else you’ll have shoulder problems. Most people I meet who won’t touch paddles are ones who have had bad experiences with them. If you use them properly, then you will be okay. I mean, you don’t go out for a 3 hour long run in January, you do an hour run in January and build up to 3 hours, right?
This thread is virtually identical, in philosophy, to the recent thread about fins. Some use them, some don’t, some thing they are evil, etc, etc… Everyone has an opinion.
-I believe that the bottom line is that, if something will help you train better, then you should use it, or give it a try. Personally, because of my swimming background, I will get more use from fins and paddles. Where someone with little swimming experience would be better served to sticking with perfecting stoke mechanics and forget about training aides.
Here is the thing with paddles: you need to have the proper catch and the proper pull through. I think the paddles are FAR SUPERIOR to gloves, which are only useful for surfing.
The paddles actually force you to have the proper catch. The Tyr catalyst paddles allow you to perfect your entry into the water–any improper entry and the paddles are jarred off, while the shape of the paddle essentially mimics your hands. The proper catch is when you put your hand in the water and extend in front of you, you must then bend at the elbow (keeping your elbow high in the water) until you get to about a 90 degree angle.
Good feedback… however, the reason I asked the question was that for me at least paddles don’t seem to punish missing the catch with your forearm… as you’ve still pulling a big piece of plastic through the water, you’ll still get up a decent lick even without 90 degree elbow. Mind you there’s no logical reason why this should be any better with webbed gloves.
Dood, get out there and try the gloves versus paddles and you won’t think like this anymore. Paddles >>>> gloves. Plus, gloves are a pita to mess with and they stay wet.
I will preface this with “I work for TYR”…that said three of the paddles mentioned in the post were designed by the same man. Ron Johnson (Former Masters World Record Holder and ASU Head Swim Coach) first designed the Strokemaker paddle, then improved upon that design with the TYR Catalyst Paddle and then completely revamped his design with the TYR Mentor Paddle. I was fortunate enough to sit in on a tech session with Ron Johnson several years ago at an American Swim Coaches Association clinic. At that time he said the two most important aspects of a hand paddle were the paddle should have holes in it for water exit/entry and the paddle should emulate the shape of the human hand.
The TYR Catalyst Paddle improves stroke technique and builds strength. The keyhole design of the paddle helps to evenly distribute pressure through the stroke and increases the “feel” for the water reducing shoulder stress compared to simple square or round paddles with no holes. The Catalyst Paddle is used by more of TYR’s coaches and swimmers than any other paddle. The Catalyst paddle is constructed of UV resistant polypropylene making it very durable. The downside to this is that it will be harder on shoulders than the Mentor paddle.
The TYR Mentor paddle is also designed to improve technique and build strength without losing your feel for the water. The Mentor paddle will exaggerate the catch phase of the stroke enabling the swimmer to catch quicker upon entry. This paddle is made of lightweight soft PVC foam and will be easier on the swimmers shoulders. This paddle however is not as durable as the Catalyst. You must decide what is more important to you as the swimmer…more durable paddle OR more durable shoulders.
One note regarding the Mentor paddle - It is not recommended to use this paddle without the wrist strap. The raised dome in the Mentor paddle encourages the swimmer to have a relaxed - more “natural” pull throughout the stroke. Without the wrist strap, the palm of the hand does not stay in contact with the paddles.
If you are looking for a paddle that strictly helps with the catch phase of the stroke and is perfect for drills and technique sets than check out the TYR Catch Paddle. This paddle encourages the early catch more than others and is also very easy on shoulders. If you have had shoulder problems or are anxious about injuring the shoulder muscles then maybe the Catch Paddle is a better option for you.
The TYR Mentor paddle is also designed to improve technique and build strength without losing your feel for the water. The Mentor paddle will exaggerate the catch phase of the stroke enabling the swimmer to catch quicker upon entry. This paddle is made of lightweight soft PVC foam and will be easier on the swimmers shoulders. This paddle however is not as durable as the Catalyst. You must decide what is more important to you as the swimmer…more durable paddle OR more durable shoulders.
My wife and I are each on our third set of Mentors in the last 12-15 months. Both previous Catalyst users but she hurt her shoulder in a bike wreck and I also had a shoulder mishap last year, so we have both found the Mentors to be a better fit. Is 6-8 months what to expect for the longevity? We don’t swim in the heat of day or store the paddles in extreme temperatures so I can’t think of anything else to prolong their lifespan. If they aren’t designed to last more than 6-8 months, then I’ll just count on replacing them periodically. We still have our original catalysts from many years ago, so it has been odd having to replace the Mentors so frequently. Thanks for your input.
Very cool to get a response from Tyr. These paddles are clearly the best and when you released them they were the only good paddles on the market. The design is so obvious, yet no one had done it. I don’t understand why your patents do not grant you exclusivity over pointiness or shape (zura seems similar) but man am i glad these are on the market. After reading this thread I played with my paddles yesterday and fell in love all over again!
Can you give me a little more information? Are you and your wife using the same paddle or are you both experiencing this at the same rate with both of your paddles? The most common thing that seems to happen to this paddle is the user places something on top of the paddle and because of the softness of the paddle and the number of holes on the raised dome it cracks along the holes in the dome. That said, under normal use the Mentor Paddle should last about 12 months.
I just noticed Monday that my Mentors are developing cracks from the thumb/index finger curve in toward the index finger knuckle on both paddles. Just out of curiosity, what is it that’s making you replace yours?
Can you give me a little more information? Are you and your wife using the same paddle or are you both experiencing this at the same rate with both of your paddles? The most common thing that seems to happen to this paddle is the user places something on top of the paddle and because of the softness of the paddle and the number of holes on the raised dome it cracks along the holes in the dome. That said, under normal use the Mentor Paddle should last about 12 months.
We each have our own set; I use yellow and she uses red. The cracks have seemed to occur at roughly the same point in the lifespan (about 6-8 months). She was out of the water for an extended period last fall so her current set has been in service for longer than previous sets. My most recent crack occurred last July. I don’t recall the exact location of the cracks in hers, but I know that my most recent crack was somewhere along the outside edges, possibly in the same vicinity reported by The_Mickstar above. I can take some pics of the damaged paddles and post them later. Thanks for your response.
Wow - this is AWESOME to get such “in the know” feedback! Thanks!
I picked up a set of paddles last year because my Masters coach told me to. She didn’t specify which ones, and paulo told me that he likes the old skool rectangular ones - but that with my shoulder history I should get really small ones. I ended up with the smallest paddles in the Speedo line (red or orange - I don’t remember). My Masters coach commented on the size of my paddles, but upon remembering my shoulder issues determined that it was probably a good idea to have such tiny paddles. Everyone else thinks they’re hilarious (along with my tiny Zoomers). My hands are actually bigger than the paddles - but I still feel them!
Maybe after my shoulder surgery this Spring I’ll look into the Mentors or the Catch paddles.
Good feedback… however, the reason I asked the question was that for me at least paddles don’t seem to punish missing the catch with your forearm… as you’ve still pulling a big piece of plastic through the water, you’ll still get up a decent lick even without 90 degree elbow. Mind you there’s no logical reason why this should be any better with webbed gloves.
Dood, get out there and try the gloves versus paddles and you won’t think like this anymore. Paddles >>>> gloves. Plus, gloves are a pita to mess with and they stay wet.
I ended up using both paddles and gloves yesterday… ironically because I hit the lane rope with the Mentors, and one broke. Maybe its just me, but I do prefer the gloves…
I also get about 6-8 Mths out of my Mentors. The left paddle, as that’s the hand that I hit the wall with splits across the middle, like you were trying to fold it in half. This is because of your hand trying to bend, to grab the end of the pool at the end of each length.
It’s no big issue though, they’re not overly expensive, so I’m happy to replace them.
