We assembled a crack team of swimmers to test a range of swimming training aids to bring you our choice of the best kit to use in your training sessions

KIT TESTERS

Dan Abel

Swimmer and swim coach at Fit&Abel

Lisa Lloyd

English Channel swimmer

Jonathan Cowie OS editor

Alice Gartland OS contributing editor

ZOGGS CENTRE LINE SNORKEL

£24, zoggs.com

They say: Encourages focus on stroke technique. Nose clip included.

Alice: I’ve used this snorkel for a long time – nice upper range airflow and easy to set up. Slightly bigger than some snorkels but really comfortable, including the mouth piece. I don’t use the nose clip, but that’s just personal choice.

LOMO SNORKEL

£9, lomo.co.uk

They say: A comfortable mouthpiece and efficient purge valve for easy clearing. The high visibility colour makes this snorkel easy to see in the water.

Alice: Very good value. The airflow is upper range, so it’s comfortable to breathe.

Dan: Would be good for a beginner working on their stroke.

“Centre-line snorkels are excellent for working on body position, kick, arm recovery actions (including catch and pull) and rotation” Dan Abel

FINIS SWIMMER"S SNORKEL

€26.99, finisswim.com

They say: Allows swimmers to focus on stroke technique without the interruption of turning the head to breathe. A silicone purge seat allows water to flow out of the snorkel without entering the mouthpiece.

Dan: This snorkel is very comfortable and easy to set up.

AQUA SPHERE MP FOCUS SNORKEL

£33.55, aquasphereswim.com

They say: Features a unique, low-profile design, allowing the swimmer to focus solely on technique and proper body position. Offered in regular fit and small fit.

Dan: I like the triangular shape. The headpiece is very comfortable, although remember like goggles, snorkels are quite individual. This has a smaller airflow. I like it, but I wouldn’t swim at a strong pace with it.

AQUA SPHERE FOCUS RESTRICTOR CAP

£5.99, aquasphereswim.com

They say: Focus Restrictor cap is placed inside the barrel of the Focus Snorkel, restricting breathing by 40% to increase cardiovascular strength and build lung capacity.

Jonathan: Hard work! For advanced swimmers.

AMEO POWERBREATHER

From £70

They say: Core benefits for swimmers: strength and endurance training thanks to constant fresh air; freedom to focus on swim technique training; specific respiratory muscle training to increase respiratory volume.

Dan: This encourages a real workout, but that’s best approached once you’ve got comfortable with breathing technique. Best suited to a more advanced swimmer. Also great for a holiday!

Lisa: With other swim snorkels you have to push the air out; but with the Powerbreather you don’t have to at all.

Varies