TYR Catalyst Hand Paddle Size Guide

The TYR Catalyst® Stroke Training Paddles are engineered for training at every level. Contoured to follow the natural form of an athlete’s palm, they provide a comfortable, natural feel in the water while building strength and improving stroke technique. The clear paddle surface helps swimmers better assess correct hand positioning during each stroke. Constructed from durable K-Resin® with silicone tubing and multiple gridded lacing options, the Catalyst paddles offer the perfect balance between impact resistance, flexibility, and fit.

Sizing is based on paddle dimensions — each size is colour-coded and available in a distinct colourway. Use the size table below to find the right paddle for your hand size.

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Sizing Table — TYR Catalyst® Stroke Training Paddles
Size Colour Width (inches) Length (inches) Width (cm) Length (cm)
XXS Fluorescent Orange 5.2 6.1 13.2 15.5
XS Green 6.0 7.0 15.2 17.8
S Fluorescent Yellow 6.9 7.9 17.5 20.1
M Red 7.5 8.8 19.1 22.4
L Blue 8.0 9.4 20.3 23.9
XL Black 8.9 9.7 22.6 24.6
XXL Navy 9.0 10.5 22.9 26.7

Paddle dimensions are the physical size of the paddle, not a hand measurement. As a general guide, the paddle should be slightly larger than your hand. If you are between sizes, consider your training goal — a smaller paddle closer to hand size builds technique; a larger paddle builds strength and resistance. Contact Allens if you need guidance.

Fit Notes — TYR Catalyst® Stroke Training Paddles
  • The Catalyst paddles are sized by paddle dimensions, not hand measurement. As a general rule, choose a paddle that is slightly larger than your hand for a balanced training experience.
  • Each size is colour-coded and only available in its specific colourway — XXS in Fluorescent Orange, XS in Green, S in Fluorescent Yellow, M in Red, L in Blue, XL in Black, and XXL in Navy.
  • Smaller paddles (XXS–S) are closer to hand size and are better suited to technique-focused training, improving hand positioning awareness and stroke efficiency.
  • Larger paddles (M–XXL) increase surface area and water resistance, making them more effective for building upper body strength and power through the stroke.
  • The silicone tubing and gridded lacing system allows the fit to be adjusted across the fingers and wrist. A well-fitted paddle should feel secure without restricting movement or cutting into the hand.
  • The clear K-Resin® surface allows you to see your hand position during each stroke, which is useful for identifying inefficiencies in entry angle and pull-through technique.
  • Rinse in fresh water after every session and allow to dry naturally. Do not leave in direct sunlight for extended periods.
  • Unsure? Contact our team or call +44 1827 330600.
Frequently Asked Questions — TYR Catalyst® Stroke Training Paddles

As a general guide, choose a paddle that is slightly larger than your hand. Use the dimensions in the table above and compare the width and length against the size of your palm. If you are between sizes, consider your primary training goal — a paddle closer to hand size suits technique work, while a larger paddle increases resistance for strength building. Contact our team if you are unsure.

Smaller paddles (XXS to S) are closer to hand size and provide a more natural feel in the water. They are better suited to technique-focused sets where the goal is improving hand entry angle, pull-through path, and stroke efficiency. Larger paddles (M to XXL) significantly increase surface area and water resistance, placing greater load on the shoulders, arms, and back — making them more effective for strength and power development.

TYR assigns a unique colour to each Catalyst paddle size, making it easy to identify the correct size at a glance in a busy training environment. The colour is fixed per size — XXS is Fluorescent Orange, XS is Green, S is Fluorescent Yellow, M is Red, L is Blue, XL is Black, and XXL is Navy.

K-Resin® is a durable, flexible thermoplastic used in the construction of the Catalyst paddles. It provides a good balance between rigidity (so the paddle maintains its shape in the water) and flexibility (so it can flex slightly with the hand during the stroke). The clear finish of K-Resin® also allows the swimmer to see their hand position through the paddle surface during training.

The Catalyst paddles use silicone tubing threaded through a gridded lacing pattern on the paddle surface. The tubing loops over the fingers and around the wrist and can be routed through different holes in the grid to adjust the fit and finger position. Experiment with different lacing configurations to find the setup that feels most secure and comfortable for your hand size and stroke style.

Yes. The Catalyst paddles are designed for swimmers at every level. Beginners typically benefit most from a smaller size (XXS, XS or S) that sits closer to hand size, as this provides a more natural feel and makes it easier to focus on correct hand positioning without the additional resistance of a larger paddle. More experienced swimmers may use larger sizes to target strength and power development.

Rinse the paddles and silicone tubing in cold fresh water after every session to remove chlorine and debris. Allow to dry naturally away from direct sunlight. Check the silicone tubing periodically for signs of wear or cracking and replace if needed. Store flat or hanging to prevent the paddle from warping over time.