Growing up swimming in the 70's/80's we used an inner tube around our feet while pulling. On my team (Little Rhody Aquatic Team) these inner tube pulling thingies were pretty much standard issue. Fast forward to the mid-2,000's I started searching for these inner tubes again. But I never did find
them. One day in a Masters swim practice a lane mate had one so I asked him about it and it turned out he took the inner tube out of a wheel barrel and was using that. Pretty damn smart if you ask me! Now I never did go get an inner tube but recently I stumbled upon the next best thing, the D-Band dband4pulling.com.
The what band? The D-Band!
D-BAND simple and innovative.
The D-BAND is worn around the ankles, holding the feet and legs together while swimming, to eliminate kicking. Training with the D-BAND is effective in all four swimming strokes when used with, or without, a pull buoy.
D-BAND allows coaches and swimmers to focus on what matters most...proper angles, balance, and strength in proper technique.
The D-BAND™ is made from long-lasting 100% virgin silicone and is to be used by advanced swimmers with, or without, a pull buoy.
Utilizing the D-BAND™ allows the swimmer to focus on pulling, rather than having to worry about holding their legs together. Easy to put on and take off, the silicone provides a firm, comfortable feel, and does not fall off. This hot new piece of equipment is quickly becoming the newest "go to" item for coaches and swimmers.
Since I just got mine in the mail I had to hit the pool today to do a test drive or swim with it!
So I only did two short pulling sets half without paddles and half with paddles. The D-Band is so easy to slip right on. The D-Band seems pretty damn strong and it's made of 100% virgin silicone. Hmm…I guess as opposed to 100% tramp silicone. Anywho! As I said the D-Band is easy to slide on and off for quick trips to the restroom or changes in between sets.. So for Fit and Durability the D-Band gets an A!
Now as for pulling with it I gotta say I love it! LOVE IT! Yes, I love pulling. Since I do like to pull on my own and during warm ups I've noticed that my legs fish tail behind me. Which as we know is not a good thing! But while wearing the D-Band I really noticed it. After a few 50's I was then able to fix my fish tailing and work on my body rotation a bit more. So for Easy of Use the D-Band gets an A!
Now the look? It's Yellow. I'm not a fan of yellow but my Strokemaker Paddles are yellow and the fins I currently use but will replace in the New Year are yellow. So I guess Yellow if the new Black! Fashionably in the pool lane!
You can purchase the D-Band and read more about it at dband4pulling.com
