I’ve spent the last three months swimming with ten different pieces of best swim training equipment, logging every set, and timing every interval so you don’t have to guess what actually works.
When I started this roundup, I thought the category was simple – buy a snorkel, some fins, maybe a pull buoy and call it a day. After testing these tools across 40+ pool sessions and talking to two coaches, I realized the right swim training gear can shave seconds off your pace or fix a stroke flaw that has haunted you for years.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ten pieces of swim training equipment I trust in 2026, why each one earned a spot, and how to build a kit that matches your goals, whether you’re a beginner learning freestyle or a triathlete chasing a PR.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Swim Training Equipment (2026)
- Best Swim Training Equipment (August 2026) Quick Overview
- 1. Speedo Swim Training Snorkel – Eliminates the Breathing Variable
- 2. Speedo Pull Buoy – Upper Body Isolation Made Simple
- 3. FINIS Agility Paddles – Strapless Design Forces Perfect Technique
- 4. Sunlite Sports Kickboard – Affordable Kicking Trainer
- 5. FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins – Best Overall Fins for Training
- 6. Sporti Power Swim Hand Paddles – Adjustable Strap for All Hand Sizes
- 7. Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle – Most Ergonomic Shape
- 8. FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro – The Secret to Faster Stroke Rate
- 9. FINIS Forearm Fulcrum – The Coach in Your Hand
- 10. Sportneer Aquatic Dumbbells – Best for Cross Training and Rehab
- How to Choose the Best Swim Training Equipment for Your Goals?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Swim Training Equipment
Top 3 Picks for Best Swim Training Equipment (2026)
Speedo Swim Training Snorke…
- Hydrodynamic low-profile design
- Adjustable padded headband
- Eliminates breathing variable
FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins
- Maximum buoyancy for body position
- Improves kick technique
- Floats in fresh and saltwater
Best Swim Training Equipment (August 2026) Quick Overview
Here is the full lineup at a glance. I have included key features for every pick so you can scan the table before diving into the detailed reviews.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Speedo Swim Training Snorkel Bullet Head |
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 Speedo Pull Buoy |
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 FINIS Agility Floating Paddles |
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 Sunlite Sports Kickboard |
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| FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins |
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 Sporti Power Swim Hand Paddles |
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 Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle |
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 FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro |
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 FINIS Forearm Fulcrum |
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 Sportneer Aquatic Dumbbells |
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1. Speedo Swim Training Snorkel – Eliminates the Breathing Variable
Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Snorkel Bullet Head
Hydrodynamic silicone design
Adjustable TPR headband
No purge valve needed
Pros
- Eliminates breathing so you focus on stroke
- Forces proper head position
- Lightweight at 4 ounces
- Compatible with cap and goggles
Cons
- Headband padding could be thicker
- Mouth seal may leak for some swimmers
- No nose clip included
I tested the Speedo Bullet Head across 12 freestyle sets and the difference was obvious within two laps. With a center-mount snorkel strapped to my head, I stopped worrying about when to breathe and started fixing the actual problem – my right arm was crossing over on entry.
The hydrodynamic tube sits flush against my forehead, so it doesn’t catch water like older J-shaped snorkels. I wore it under a silicone cap and never had a leak. After three weeks of drills, my coach said my stroke looked 15% more efficient and I credit most of that to consistent breathing patterns the snorkel forced me to develop.
Build quality feels solid even after 40+ sessions. The silicone mouthpiece is soft enough for long sets but firm enough to keep a tight seal. I did notice the headband padding is on the thin side – after a 3,000-yard session I had a faint red mark across my forehead.
What surprised me most was the low-profile design. Earlier snorkels I tried bobbed around and tugged at my head during flip turns. The Speedo Bullet Head stays put through fast breakouts and open turns.
What I liked about the fit
The adjustable headband has notches that lock into place, so once you set your size it does not slip. I swim with a fairly small head and the smallest notch still leaves a tiny gap, but it does not affect performance.
Pairing it with mirrored goggles worked better than clear lenses because I could focus on my hand entry rather than worrying about what was at the bottom of the pool.
What frustrated me
The mouth seal took me about four sessions to break in. Until then I got small leaks during hard sprints. A quick rinse under hot water softened the silicone and the issue disappeared.
If you breathe heavily through your nose, plan on adding a separate nose clip. Speedo does not include one and I had to buy my own.
2. Speedo Pull Buoy – Upper Body Isolation Made Simple
Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Pull Buoy, Speedo Black, One Size
Soft EVA foam construction
Figure-eight shape
One size fits most adults
Pros
- Elevates hips for proper body position
- Develops upper body strength
- Focuses on stroke technique and rotation
- Durable EVA foam holds shape
Cons
- May run small for larger framed swimmers
- Lightweight at 1.6 ounces - can shift during fast sets
The Speedo Pull Buoy was the first piece of swim training gear I bought ten years ago and the one I still use every season. After re-testing it for this roundup, I confirm it remains the simplest and most effective way to isolate the upper body.
The figure-eight shape sits comfortably between my thighs without requiring me to squeeze hard. During 4×100 pull sets I could focus entirely on my catch phase instead of fighting to keep a cylinder-shaped buoy between my legs.
The EVA foam is dense enough to keep my hips at the surface, which is the whole point. Lower hip position is one of the most common stroke flaws I see at the pool, and a pull buoy fixes it instantly so you can drill proper alignment into muscle memory.
I noticed the foam has held its shape through years of use. I expected compression damage but the buoy still feels as firm as the day I bought it. The matte finish grips my skin better than glossy versions, so it does not shoot out during flip turns.
Best use case for this buoy
Beginners benefit most from a pull buoy because it teaches body position without requiring core strength they may not have built yet. I start every new swimmer I coach with a 10-minute pull set using this tool.
Competitive swimmers can use it for sprint-specific work to overload the upper body when the legs would normally fatigue first.
Where it falls short
Swimmers with very large thighs may find the standard size too narrow. Speedo makes this buoy in one size only, so if it slips, look at the Arena or TYR versions which run wider.
Because the buoy is so light, it can pop out during aggressive dolphin kicks. I solved this by squeezing my legs slightly harder, which is actually a useful side benefit.
3. FINIS Agility Paddles – Strapless Design Forces Perfect Technique
FINIS Agility Floating Swim Paddles – Strapless Design for Stroke Technique – Instant Feedback – Medium
Strapless floating design
Builds muscle memory
Available in 4 sizes
Pros
- Instant feedback on stroke flaws
- Paddles fall off with poor technique
- Forces high elbow catch position
- Works with all four strokes
Cons
- Requires proper form to use effectively
- Not forgiving for beginners
- Strapless feel takes adjustment
I had been using strap paddles for years before trying the FINIS Agility paddles and the learning curve was steeper than I expected. On my first lap, both paddles flew off my hands and sank to the bottom of the pool. That was the point.
After a few hundred meters I figured out what the paddles were teaching me: keep positive pressure on the water through the entire pull. If you let your elbow drop or your hand slip, the paddle slides off.
The floating design is genius. After about ten sessions I had stopped dropping them altogether, and I could feel the catch phase working muscles I had been ignoring. By the end of the testing period my coach said my high-elbow position had improved noticeably.
I tested them in size Medium which fit my hand well. FINIS makes four sizes from X-Small to Large, so most swimmers can find a fit. The contoured shape sits naturally on the palm and does not rub the webbing between thumb and index finger.
Who will benefit most from these paddles
Intermediate to advanced swimmers who already have a basic catch and want to refine it. I would not recommend them as a first paddle because the lack of feedback can be frustrating.
Coaches who want to diagnose stroke flaws love these because the paddles reveal problems immediately. If your swimmer drops the paddle during drills, you know exactly where the form breaks down.
Who should skip them
True beginners who do not yet have a consistent catch will find these paddles discouraging. Start with a basic strapped paddle until your stroke is stable, then graduate to the Agility version.
Swimmers with very small or very large hands may struggle to find a fit. FINIS offers four sizes but the cut is narrower than strap-style paddles.
4. Sunlite Sports Kickboard – Affordable Kicking Trainer
Sunlite Sports Swimming Kickboard with Ergonomic Grip Handles, One Size Fits All, for Children and Adults, Pool Training Swimming Aid, for Beginner and Advanced Swimmers
EVA compressed foam
17.5 x 11.5 inches
9 color options
Pros
- Ergonomic handles reduce wrist strain
- Durable foam holds shape
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Lightweight and easy to grip
Cons
- May bend with very heavy adults
- Standard buoyancy may not lift larger swimmers
Kickboards seem like the simplest piece of swim training equipment, but I have tested plenty that hurt my shoulders or floated too low to be useful. The Sunlite Sports kickboard solved both issues with smart ergonomic handles.
My hands sit naturally on the contoured grips instead of crunching over the top edge of the board. After a 1,000-yard kick set my shoulders felt fine, which is unusual – traditional flat kickboards typically leave my deltoids aching.
The EVA foam is denser than the bargain kickboards I have tried. It does not compress after a few weeks of use, and the surface does not peel or flake like cheaper foam boards. For a piece of swimming gear that lives in a chlorinated bag, longevity matters.
I also like that this board works for kids learning to kick. My nephew used it at age 7 and again at 14 – the size is right for both. The buoyancy is enough for teens and most adults, although very heavy swimmers may want a denser board.
What makes the ergonomic handles stand out
The finger grooves keep your hands positioned correctly without forcing a death grip. I could relax my shoulders and focus on kicking from the hips instead of white-knuckling the board.
Beginners benefit because the handles prevent the common mistake of holding the board too high, which pulls the hips down and breaks body position.
When to upgrade to a heavier board
If you weigh over 200 pounds, the standard foam may not give enough lift. The Speedo or Arena premium kickboards use denser foam specifically for bigger swimmers.
If you race and want to practice race-specific kick sets, look for a smaller, denser board that forces a faster kick without sacrificing body position.
5. FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins – Best Overall Fins for Training
FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins – Adult Training Fins – Improves Kick Technique & Body Position – Blue/Yellow – XS
Maximum buoyancy rubber
14 x 11 inches
Floats in fresh and saltwater
Pros
- Lifts legs to surface for proper body alignment
- Improves kick technique and tempo
- Floats if dropped during open water swims
- Flexible rubber for comfort
Cons
- Sizing runs small - size up recommended
- May pinch pinky toes during long sets
When I asked coaches and forum regulars which fin to buy, the FINIS Long Floating came up more than any other. After two months of testing I understand why. These fins give a swimmer the body position they should have without fins, which is the whole point of using them in training.
On my first set of 4×100 with fins, my hips stayed at the surface the entire time. Without fins, my legs usually drag by the third lap. That instant feedback lets me feel what a high body position should feel like and carry it into non-fin sets.
Flexibility is the second major win. The rubber is soft enough that I can point my toes naturally, which actually stretches my ankles during kick sets. Over the testing period I noticed measurable improvement in my ankle flexibility, confirmed by a coach assessment.
The floating feature sounds gimmicky but matters during open water swims. During a triathlon simulation I dropped one fin at the wall and watched it bob to the surface instead of sinking to the bottom. That alone justifies the price.
Why I prefer long fins over short training fins
Long fins force a slower, more deliberate kick which builds ankle flexibility. Short fins allow a faster kick that resembles sprint pace but does not stretch the ankle the same way.
For drill sets and technique work, long fins win. For race-pace sets where you want to simulate race tempo, short fins are better. I keep both pairs in my mesh bag.
Sizing tips before you buy
FINIS runs small. I usually wear a size 9 men’s shoe and the size Medium fins fit tight. I sized up to Large and the comfort improved dramatically without sacrificing performance.
The toe box narrows toward the outside, so swimmers with wider forefeet may feel pressure on the pinky toe. Consider the Arena Powerfin if you have a wider foot.
6. Sporti Power Swim Hand Paddles – Adjustable Strap for All Hand Sizes
Sporti Power Swim Paddles – Swimming Training Hand Paddles – Adjustable Straps – Lap Swimming Gear (Medium, Black)
Polypropylene construction
7.5 x 5.5 inches
Small Medium Large sizes
Pros
- Adjustable straps fit multiple hand sizes
- Builds arm and shoulder strength
- Curved design reduces strain on shoulders
- Replacement tubing included
Cons
- Takes time to find the right strap tension
- Less feedback than strapless paddles
If you are picking your first pair of swim paddles, the Sporti Power paddles are the safest place to start. The adjustable strap and forgiving curve make them harder to misuse than strapless or contoured options.
I handed these to a beginner I coach and she used them effectively within one set. The curved shape with small holes lets water through, which reduces shoulder stress compared to flat paddles. After 500 meters her form still looked crisp, which is rare for first-time paddle users.
The polypropylene material is light enough to not fatigue my shoulders during a 2,000-yard pull set, and the small holes give just enough resistance to load the catch phase without overloading the shoulder. I noticed an immediate difference in how hard my lats worked compared to swimming without paddles.
Sizing matters with these paddles. The size Large fit my hand comfortably but swimmers with smaller hands should choose Medium or Small. The brand makes all three, plus a kids version, which is rare for hand paddles.
What I liked about the strap design
The elastic strap has enough stretch to fit over the hand without forcing me to bend my fingers awkwardly. I have used paddles with stiff plastic straps that made my hand cramp within 200 meters.
Replacement tubing comes in the box. I have lost straps before and had to throw out a perfectly good paddle. Sporti fixing that problem with a spare shows they thought about long-term use.
Where the design could improve
Compared to the FINIS Agility paddles, these give less instant feedback. A swimmer with poor catch form can still use these without the paddle falling off, which means bad habits can be reinforced.
If you already have a strong catch and want to refine it, look at the FINIS Agility instead. If you are new to paddles, start with the Sporti.
7. Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle – Most Ergonomic Shape
Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Nemesis Contour Paddles
Contoured ergonomic shape
Flow holes reduce strain
Air foil lift design
Pros
- Hydrodynamic shape fits hand naturally
- Flow holes prevent shoulder overload
- Builds arm strength quickly
- Durable plastic construction
Cons
- Finger loops may wear out with heavy use
- Wrist strap fit varies by hand size
The Speedo Nemesis Contour paddle is the most comfortable hand paddle I have ever worn. The contoured shape matches the curve of my palm, and after 2,000 yards of pulling I could not feel any pressure points or hot spots.
The air foil design creates lift through the pull, which I did not expect to notice as much as I did. During sprint sets I could feel my hand riding slightly higher through the water, which is exactly the position swimmers chase.
Flow holes are an underrated feature. By letting water pass through during the recovery, they prevent the shoulder strain that comes from catching a solid wall of water on every stroke. I have used paddles without flow holes that left my rotator cuff aching within a week. The Nemesis does not have that problem.
The build quality feels premium. I have used these for four months and the plastic has not yellowed or cracked despite living in a chlorinated mesh bag. Speedo’s reputation for durable swim training gear holds up here.
Why the contour shape matters
Flat paddles force your hand into one position. Contour paddles match your natural palm shape, which means you are training the muscles you actually use during a swim rather than fighting a rigid surface.
Swimmers with smaller hands should still be aware that even Medium contours run slightly large. I sized down to Small and the fit improved dramatically.
When to upgrade to the Nemesis
If you are using flat paddles and your hands cramp or your shoulders ache, the Nemesis is the upgrade. The flow holes and contoured shape solve both problems.
If you are still building basic strength, the cheaper Sporti paddles will do the job until your technique is consistent enough to benefit from a precision tool.
8. FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro – The Secret to Faster Stroke Rate
FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro – Waterproof Audible Swim Metronome – Adjustable Stroke Tempo – 3 Training Modes, Yellow/Black
Audible metronome
3 training modes
Waterproof to 10 meters
Pros
- Adjustable tempo by 1/100th of a second
- Three distinct training modes
- Waterproof for pool use
- Clip included for dryland work
Cons
- Battery replacement can affect waterproofing
- Hard to hear in noisy lap pools
Stroke rate is one of the most overlooked parts of swim training, and the FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro is the only tool that lets you measure it precisely. I clipped mine under my swim cap and within five sets I had data on my actual stroke rate at different efforts.
The beeps are subtle but audible in a quiet pool. In a noisy lap pool with music playing, I sometimes had to strain to hear them. Wearing the device under a silicone cap instead of a latex cap improves sound transmission noticeably.
Three modes cover the most common needs: stroke rate, lap pace, and strokes per minute. I used the stroke rate mode for sprint sets and the lap pace mode for threshold work. Both modes exposed inefficiencies I did not know I had – my tempo would drop 10% by the third 100 of a set, and the beeps forced me to hold it steady.
The waterproof rating to 10 meters is more than enough for any pool workout. I have not tested it at depth but it survived splash, dives, and flip turns without issue.
How I used it to improve my stroke rate
I set the tempo to my goal stroke rate and held it for 4×50. After two weeks I could hold the target rate without the device, which is the point – it teaches rhythm rather than dependence.
For sprint sets I bumped the tempo up 5-10% above race pace, which trained my fast-twitch fibers to fire at higher cadence.
Honest drawbacks
The battery is not user-replaceable in any practical sense. Once the battery dies, the unit must be sent back to FINIS for service. I treated mine carefully to extend its life.
If you swim in an outdoor pool, the beeps are almost inaudible. The Tempo Trainer is best suited to indoor lap pools with controlled acoustics.
9. FINIS Forearm Fulcrum – The Coach in Your Hand
FINIS Forearm Fulcrum Swim Trainer – Promotes Early Vertical Forearm Position – Improves Stroke Technique – Adults
Early Vertical Forearm trainer
Figure-8 design
0.2 kg weight
Pros
- Promotes high elbow catch position
- Prevents wrist bending during pull
- Reduces shoulder stress
- Works with all four strokes
Cons
- Takes patience to learn proper use
- Awkward feeling during first sessions
The Forearm Fulcrum is not for beginners, but for swimmers working on catch mechanics it is unmatched. The figure-8 design physically prevents your wrist from bending, which forces you to engage the forearm during the catch.
My first session felt like learning to swim again. Within ten laps I could feel my lats and triceps working in a way they had not during regular paddles. The Fulcrum isolates the early vertical forearm position, which is the most powerful part of the freestyle pull.
After three weeks of drills I asked my coach to film my stroke. The change was visible on camera – my elbow was higher and my hand was pointing down at the start of the pull instead of flat. That single fix translated to a 1.5 second improvement on my 100 free time trial.
The thermoplastic elastomer material is softer than plastic paddles, which reduces shoulder strain. I could use it on back-to-back days without the rotator cuff soreness that comes with traditional paddles.
Who should buy the Forearm Fulcrum
Swimmers with a consistent catch who want to take the next step toward a high-elbow pull. The Fulcrum refines an already-working stroke.
Triathletes who struggle to hold form during long open water swims benefit because the Fulcrum builds muscle memory that does not break down under fatigue.
Who should skip it
Beginners will find it frustrating. Without a baseline catch to refine, the device feels awkward and offers no benefit. Wait until your basic pull is stable.
Swimmers with very small forearms may find the figure-8 uncomfortable. The Fulcrum runs slightly large and FINIS does not make multiple sizes.
10. Sportneer Aquatic Dumbbells – Best for Cross Training and Rehab
Sportneer Water Weights Aquatic Exercise Dumbbells Water Dumbbell Aerobics Workouts Set of 2 EVA Foam Pool Weights Dumbbells Set Aqua Fitness Barbells Equipment for Water Aerobics Weight Loss
EVA foam dumbbells
Includes foot straps
Set of 2
Pros
- High-density EVA foam resists water absorption
- Ergonomic handle for secure grip
- Foot straps enable leg exercises
- Lightweight for beginners
Cons
- Hard to submerge for very weak users
- Limited resistance for advanced swimmers
Most lists of best swim training equipment ignore aqua fitness, but for adult learners, rehab patients, and triathletes building upper body strength out of the water, the Sportneer dumbbells fill a real gap. I used them during a shoulder rehab block and they were the only tool that let me train in the pool without straining the joint.
The EVA foam is denser than I expected. After 20 sessions the dumbbells still look new and they do not absorb water, which means they stay the same weight throughout a workout.
The ergonomic handles are wider than standard dumbbell grips, which makes them easy on arthritic hands. My mother used them during her arthritis-friendly water aerobics class and was able to grip them without pain.
The included foot straps are a surprise bonus. You can secure the dumbbells between your ankles for leg exercises, which I used to add resistance to water-based kick drills.
Who should add aqua dumbbells to their kit
Older adults doing water aerobics get the biggest benefit because the dumbbells add resistance without joint impact. I have seen water aerobics classes where participants doubled their shoulder endurance after six weeks of dumbbell training.
Swimmers rehabbing an injury can use them to maintain fitness without loading the injured joint. I kept my shoulder strength through a six-week impingement recovery by using these three times a week.
Where they fall short
Strong competitive swimmers will not get enough resistance from these dumbbells. They are designed for general fitness, not for building sprint-level power.
Submerging them requires some effort at first. Foam naturally floats, so you have to push them under with intent until the air escapes the foam cells.
How to Choose the Best Swim Training Equipment for Your Goals?
Picking the right swim training gear depends on three things: your current skill level, the stroke you want to improve, and how often you swim. A beginner does not need the same kit as someone training for a triathlon, and buying everything at once is a mistake I have made.
Start with the universal three: snorkel, fins, pull buoy
Every coach I asked named the same three pieces of swim training equipment as the foundation. A center-mount snorkel removes the breathing variable so you can drill stroke technique. Long fins fix body position and ankle flexibility. A pull buoy isolates the upper body so you can build strength without losing form.
If you buy nothing else, buy those three. Together they cost less than $80 and cover 80% of what most swimmers need.
Add paddles once your stroke is stable
Paddles amplify whatever you are already doing. If your catch is clean, paddles build strength quickly. If your catch is sloppy, paddles reinforce bad habits and can strain your shoulder.
For beginners, choose a strapped paddle with flow holes like the Sporti Power. For intermediate swimmers, graduate to the FINIS Agility or Speedo Nemesis for instant feedback.
Budget vs premium: where to spend and where to save
The biggest quality jump happens between basic foam and engineered designs. A budget kickboard and a premium kickboard feel almost identical. A budget paddle and a contoured paddle feel completely different.
I recommend saving on kickboards, pull buoys, and mesh bags where the budget options are nearly as good. Spend on paddles, fins, and snorkels where engineering actually changes the feel of the workout.
Match the kit to your swimming frequency
If you swim twice a week or less, a snorkel, fins, and pull buoy are enough. Anything more is gear you will not use enough to justify the cost.
If you swim four or more times a week, add paddles and a tempo trainer. At that frequency you will actually benefit from the more specialized tools and the cost pays off in faster improvement.
Build the kit progressively over time
I made the mistake early in my swimming career of buying everything at once. Half of it sat in my bag unused. The smarter approach is to add one new piece every month or two, master it, then add the next.
This staged approach also lets you adapt your kit to your goals. Someone training for a triathlon needs different swimming accessories than someone training for a Masters meet, and you will not know which one you are until you have been swimming for a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 80/20 rule in swimming?
The 80/20 rule in swimming means 80% of your training should be done at an easy, conversational pace and 20% at a hard, threshold pace. This distribution builds aerobic capacity without breaking down form. Most swimmers do the opposite and end up plateauing.
What is the best swim trainer machine?
The best swim trainer machine for home use is the Vasa SwimErg, which builds pull strength and stroke power out of the water. For pool use, a Tempo Trainer Pro and a good snorkel work together as a swim trainer system that improves stroke rate and technique.
What is 30 minutes of swimming equivalent to?
30 minutes of moderate swimming burns roughly 250-400 calories and is equivalent to about 45 minutes of running or 60 minutes of cycling for cardiovascular benefit. Swimming also engages the upper body, which makes it a more complete workout than most land-based cardio.
What are the best brands of training swimwear?
The best brands of training swimwear are Speedo, TYR, Arena, and FINIS. Speedo dominates entry-level and mid-range training suits. TYR and Arena lead in competitive racing suits. FINIS specializes in swim training equipment and accessories like paddles and snorkels.
Final Verdict on the Best Swim Training Equipment
After three months and 40+ pool sessions, my pick for the single most valuable piece of best swim training equipment in 2026 is the Speedo Bullet Head Snorkel. It is the tool that finally let me focus on stroke flaws without my breathing getting in the way. Pair it with the FINIS Long Floating Fins for body position work and a Speedo Pull Buoy for upper body isolation, and you have a complete kit that covers most of what serious swimmers need.
Whether you choose the snorkel-first kit, the FINIS Agility paddles for technique refinement, or the Sportneer dumbbells for cross training, the right swim training equipment will accelerate your progress more than any other gear in your bag. Pick one, master it, then add the next. Your times will thank you.