Recent acquisition: Finis Tempo Trainer

 This is a very simple device that you can clip on to your goggle strap or tuck under your bathing cap.  You set the frequency of beeps with the up and down buttons (seconds:one-hundredths).  This is a great way to practice maintaining a constant Stroke Rate, timing every spearing of the hand to the beep.

There are many ways to use the device to increase efficiency in the water.  One drill consists of setting the TT to a comfortable, moderate rate.  You then swim a couple of laps to determine your base Strokes Per Length (SPL).  Next, you decrease the Stroke Rate (SR) in increments of 5 or 10 (pressing the right button).  Do another few laps, counting SPL.  Repeat this a total of five times keeping note of the change in SPL.  The slower SR forces you to spend more time gliding and maintaining proper balance and streamlining.  Next, gradually increase the SR back to your starting point, trying to maintain the same relaxation, ease, and stroke length that was achieved at the slowest of SR.  Most people should find that they can shave a couple of SPL off their original baseline.  Pretty cool, eh?

The Finis Tempo Trainer can be purchased online for about $35+tax.  I got mine from Amazon.ca for $40 all included, free shipping (arrived within 48 hours of ordering).