SWIM BAG Product manufacturers and retailers provide the products reviewed in Swim Bag to SWIMMER at no cost. BY DANIEL PAULLING Training Gear F O RMASTERSSWIMMERS BY MASTERS SWIM M E R S Laura M. Hamel TYR HYDROBLADE FINS tyr.com $60 TYR’s Hydroblade Fins are medium-bladed fins, which are designed to help swimmers develop a proper rhythm for their flutter kick. These fins come with a heel strap and pull-tab to help swimmers put them on more easily and quickly. The fins come in small (men’s 4–6/women’s 5.5–7.5), medium (men’s 6–7/women’s 7.5–8.5), large (men’s 8–9/wom- en’s 9.5–10.5), extra large (men’s 10–11/women’s 11.5–12.5), and extra extra large (men’s 12–14/women’s 13.5–15.5). TESTER FEEDBACK • “I like how they work your legs. You can keep your kick going at similar pace as your kick without them, which is nice. The de- sign of the strap is nice, as it makes them easier to put on. One problem is the size that was supposed to fit me, a women’s 9.5– 10.5, was too small. I’m a size 10, and my toes were pushing up against the end of the fin. The next size up was much better.” • “I found the TYR Hydroblade Fins to be comfortable and effec- tive. The heel loop is a great feature to ease putting them on and also to identify which one goes on your right foot and your left foot. I found the design and color choices appealing. Out of the water, they did feel a bit heavy, but once in the water, they did not weigh down my legs and moved me quite easily through the water. All around, I think they are a great training fin and will improve leg strength and encourage a more effective kick.” • “I loved these fins! I could feel them making me work for a fast-paced kick. I liked that my legs and feet felt connected and could turn over fast. I liked them for backstroke and but- terfly as well, but freestyle was the best for a connected feel. I had to size down. I’m a women’s 8, and I had to go to the small. The small is a little cramped in the toe box but much better fit on the entire foot.” 42 usms.org