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Best Wrist Guards
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Fit
A good fit is essential.
Guards do not come in a standard size. What may fit you may not necessarily fit someone else. If you end up making a random selection, you may end up with guards that are either too big or too small for your hands. Small guards are really uncomfortable. The chances are, that you will have a hard time putting them on, or that they won’t even fit you. An extremely tight hold may also work against you if you fall. Larger ones will fit you loosely and may stick out too much. Getting a proper fit is vital because such guards will sufficiently protect you.
To help you make better purchasing decisions, most manufacturers have size charts. It’s not right to assume that you can use the same measurements to buy different guards. Some manufacturers use wrist circumferences to determine their guard sizes. Others use palm measurements instead. There are also those that use middle finger measurements, to set up their sizing categories. These are just a few of the ways manufacturers determine sizes. You should be keen and follow any instructions laid out to determine your size, because of such differences.
Versatility
Versatile guards offer convenience.
Some wrist guards are meant for a specific use, while others are multifunctional. From the list, you can tell that there are a few multi-sport options as well. It’s only advisable to purchase guards that are specific if you only partake in that activity or sport. Sporty people with several interests and hobbies are better off looking for versatile alternatives.
By doing so, you will use the same ones conveniently for different activities. Such guards also help you save money. At the end of the day, you won’t have to spend extra for more pairs of guards. Some multi-sport alternatives are useful for; mountain biking, roller skating, weightlifting, inline skating, and snowboarding, to mention a few. So take some time and ask yourself, “what else you would want to do with the guards?” before you make your final decision. We have provided a variety of options for both single and multiple use guards, for you to choose from.
Effectiveness
Make sure the guards fulfill their purpose.
It is essential to check how effective the wrist guards are. You will get to know if what they can do. It’s also the best way to tell if the guards will meet your expectations. You should analyze the kind of protective features the guards have. After all, the main reason you are buying them is for protection. Some guards disperse impact to do so, while there are those that absorb it. For impact absorption, you will find anatomically shaped pads in some guards. Others have aluminum stay and detachable skid pads.
Not all of them can absorb the shock, but those that do often have EVA foams, among others. Some guards offer better support than others. If you are looking for a design, one of the models you should look for is that of guards with ABS splints in their fronts and backs. Some guards are exceptionally made that they are ideal for people with; wrist fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and repetitive strain injuries among other conditions. So, don’t just rush to make a purchase, make sure you will get just what you need from the guards you’re considering.
Features
Make sure the guards have the right features.
The features are an essential aspect that can’t be overlooked. You need to check the kind of features the guards have to promote the user's coziness and protection. Guards with padding in the interior are a good alternative. If the options you want to buy have appropriate cushioning, you stand to benefit more even during impact. Others have adjustable straps, which you can fix whenever you feel the fitting is off.
Additionally, some guards have room for flexibility. They come in designs that do not restrict your fingers. You will have a full range of motion as you would if you were not wearing a guard. Others have flexible material. Their elasticity also improves one’s comfort. You should also check if the guards are breathable, to avoid having sweaty hands. Another critical feature is durability. There is no doubt that these guards are going to encounter some harsh situations. Some guards last longer than others because of the materials used and their construction. Some of the best have durable threads and double stitching mechanisms.
The quality of the fabrics used will also play a significant role when it comes to how long the guards will last you. There is a multitude of materials that are typically used in these products. You will often find neoprene, which is comfortable and adds compression. Another common material is EVA foam. EVA foam is a layer that is often found in running shoes. It provides great comfort and shock absorption. Some guards also feature gel pockets, which are comfortable but less durable.
Top 10 Picks
1. Evoshield
Who better to help you find a solution than someone who understands what you need? Evoshield is the kind of company that you can count on for this. Authentic individuals and athletes came together and formed the company back in 2005. That’s why they know the kind of products that will help enhance your performance. The best person to help an athlete is another athlete. So, you can rest easy knowing that the company always has your back.
Read moreFit
Evoshield gloves are available in almost all sizes. You can get one that fits regardless of your age. The glove sizes are based on wrist circumference measurements. Buyers can choose from; XL 8-9", LG 7-8", MD 6"-7" and SM 5:-6".
Versatility
Athletes combined their efforts to make protective guards for their fellow athletes. Therefore, you can use them for several athletic activities. The guards underwent physical testing in playing fields before their release into the market. As such, they are versatile enough to handle whatever is thrown at them.
Effectiveness
When using the guards, you will never experience any bruises or sore wrists. You can be confident that they will protect you from hard ground balls, wild pitches, among other scenarios. They are different in that, they do not absorb any impact. The guards have a custom-molding wrist shield, which is capable of dispersing impact. That is part of what makes them unique. You will not experience such levels of protection with foam or plastic. People who switch to this pair never go back to using traditional guards.
Features
They are breathable so you won’t have to deal with sweaty hands. Their sleeves consist of Neoprene, which holds the protective shield in place. The tape-like compression of the guards also comes from the neoprene. You will realize that they feel lighter on your hands than the average guards do.
The reason for this is the Evoshield material that the company has patented. It measures a ¼ of an inch, and it is very light. What makes it interesting is the fact that it contours to your body shape and then hardens later on. As a result, each fit will be custom to the individual’s hands. It will be as if you have molded your own lightweight armor in half an hour.
Overall
The guards are not going to distract you as you play. They have a low profile to ensure that there will be no interference. Once you fit the shield, you will be set for all seasons.
2. Rollerblade Bladegear
Quality is what you get with this pair of Rollerblade guards. They offer protection to skaters of all skill levels. So whether you are a beginner or you have been skating for some time, they are certainly worth adding to your gear collection. The guards will boost your confidence when skating and will prepare you for any unpredictable situations.
Read moreFit
These guards come in four different size categories. They are available in x-large, small, large, and medium options. If you aren’t sure about the kind of selections to go for, Rollerblade offers a sizing chart to guide their clients.
Versatility
From the name, you’ve probably been able to tell that the company specializes in rollerblade guards. However, the plus side is that these guards are multi-sport. What this means is that you can use them when engaging in other sporting activities as well. The guards are also unisex. This makes them easy to share with someone of the opposite gender, as long as they wear the same size as you do.
Effectiveness
For protection, these guards have anatomically shaped caps. The caps absorb impact and shield the user from harm. They also have excellent cushioning and are highly flexible. You won’t feel as if your movements are being restricted when you move your hands. Users find them useful for all kinds of skating.
Features
They won’t come off as you play, thanks to their closure system. You just have to make sure that you close straps properly. Their lining consists of breathable mesh. The mesh ensures that you are always going to feel cool and dry when skating.
Overall
Sometimes people get their guards jumbled, and end up wearing them on the wrong sides. That won’t happen with this pair because their straps have right and left labels on them.
3. Killer Pads
Like many other companies, 187 killer pads claim to offer the best guards in the market. What makes them believable is the level of success the company has in terms of sales. The feedback they get from those who have purchased the guards prove that they don’t just talk big, but they deliver as well. This is your chance to own a pair of this highly regarded gear.
Read moreFit
Over 80% of the people who bought these guards claim that they fit them as expected. You can trust that you are more than likely going to get a good fit. In addition to that, the guards have an angled design. It’s really convenient since it enhances the fit after conforming to the user’s hands.
Versatility
The guards are ideally for skating. They are not as versatile as some of the options we have already come across. Nevertheless, they are an excellent buy for those who skating is a hobby or profession.
Effectiveness
The base of the guard hands has a concentration of extra thick splint protection. Reason being, the hands are where the impacts mostly occur. The company uses industrial-weight stitching and ballistic nylon; as a result, the guards durable. The thumbhole and the palm area have reinforcements for the same purpose. It will be long before you need replacements.
Features
The guards are comfortable. One of the reasons why they are so cozy is because of their padded interior. The company also likes to refer to the guards as ‘comfortable protection.’ The guards live up to the statement in every way.
Overall
Every single detail about the guard’s construction will impress you. A lot of work went into making them, and that is part of what makes them reliable.
4. Triple 8 Saver Series
Triple 8 is a well-known company that deals with protective gear. The company has been in existence for over 15 years and has continued to produce top-notch products ever since. Users can consequently push their limits courageously, because of the trust they have in their gear. You will also love the support they offer as you focus on your goals.
Read moreFit
Once you measure your hands, you can check the company’s available sizes and make your order. If your measurements range between six to seven inches, you should order for the junior size. People whose measurements are between seven to eight inches fall under the small size category. Medium size wearers are those whose measurements are eight to nine inches. The last group is for people who measure nine to ten inches. You should order for large guards if you fit the description.
Versatility
They are great for people who love roller sports. If you like inline skating, these guards will come in handy. You can also use them for roller derbies.
Effectiveness
Triple 8 guards are ruggedly durable. They are the kind of gear that you’ll end up taking on all your skating adventures. The reason why they offer excellent support is that they have ABS splints on the wrist back and front. These splints are resistant to impact and are of high density.
Features
In between the wrists and the support, splints are secured EVA foams. The foams offer additional protection thanks to their shock-absorbing function. They are also stretchable; thanks to the nylon mesh material used in their construction. This material stretches in four ways and is responsible for the snug fit, which the guards offer.
Overall
More than 70% of the buyers were happy with their purchase. As long as you take your time and choose a proper fit, you won’t regret making this purchase.
5. CTHOPER
CTHOPER guards are an excellent option for people who need protection during intense sporting activities. The guards are incredibly versatile and are perfect for people struggling with certain medical conditions. Reason being, they not only protect your wrists but they also offer exceptional support. You will be amazed at how convenient they are, once you see what they can do.
Read moreFit
You can choose between one of the three-guard sizes. Unlike other brands, this one uses the breadth of the palm for measurements. If yours measures 2.7 to 3.14 inches, you are supposed to buy the small sized guard. You’re classified as a medium if your palm breadth measures 3.14 to 3.54 inches. Lastly, 3.54 to 4.33-inch palm sizes fall under the large category.
Versatility
The guards are useful for mountain biking, motorcycle riding, snowboarding, weightlifting, skating, and roller-skating, to mention a few. As you can see, they are also useful indoors depending on the kind of activity you are engaging in.
Effectiveness
With these guards, you will get pain relief. They will also help you whenever you are dealing with some bit of swelling. The design’s level of support is comprehensive, such that the guards will be useful to people who have; wrist fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, and repetitive strain injuries among others.
Features
You won’t lose any tension as you work out because they will fit and support you accordingly. To ensure that the guards are secure in your hands, they have adjustable Velcro straps. You will love how the guards don’t interfere with your thumb and fingers. Moving them around in full range will not be an issue.
Overall
You might want to consider these guards if you are looking for gift options. They are unisex, so both genders can correctly wear them. You can also present them as a gift them to your kid, or anyone you feel may deserve them.
6. Hillbilly
Hillbilly is a company that offers several forms of protective gear, with their most popular options being impact shorts and wrist guards. The company often takes unique approaches to how they construct their products. As such, they stand out because they often have something different to offer. This brand is perfect for people who like unique items.
Read moreFit
The company advises you to take measurements before ordering, to get a proper fit. You need to measure from your middle finger webbing up to its tip. Afterward, take that measurement and compare it to the available sizes to get the category you fall under. If you get 2.5inches, select a small sized guard. Medium sized guards measure 2.5 to 3inches, while large ones range from 3 to 3.5inches. People who are above 3.5inches need to buy extra-large sized guards.
Versatility
The glove's design makes them useful for several applications. Some of the people who often use them include skaters and trail riders.
Effectiveness
The gloves have ABS palm splints, to protect your wrists and palms. They are impact-resistant and will help shield you in case of anything.
Features
Hillbilly uses goatskin to make the gloves. To top it off, they also use a double stitching technique. Using such material and combining it with heavy-duty nylon thread, makes the gloves durable.
Overall
With such gloves, you can conveniently take on further activities. Reason being, they only cover half your fingers. You won’t need to take them off every other time.
7. Dakine
Ever since the late 1970s, Dakine has been a significant player in the sportswear and sports gear industry. Most people in alternative sports are familiar with their products and have nothing but excellent feedback. Their guards are of top quality and come at a reasonable price as well.
Read moreFit
The company’s size chart has six categories. They offer; extra small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large guard sizes. It’s rare for buyers to complain that they failed to get a size that fits them.
Versatility
If you love snowboarding, you are definitely in luck. These guards are the go-to alternatives for most people. They are also a favorite among skateboarders as well.
Effectiveness
The gloves are not just well-constructed, their interior also has aluminum stay. The aluminum stay offers users additional protection. It is extremely strong but interestingly lightweight.
Features
The company boasts that the guards have the Dakine trademark quality. One of their strong points is their low profile design. You can comfortably wear them under your gloves as you snowboard or on a chilly day.
Overall
They are stress-free to wear and take care of. Make sure you remember to wash them by hand whenever you want to clean them up
8. Pro-Tec Street
Pro-Tec is a brand that’s been in existence for over 45 years; therefore, they know what people want. With their years of experience, they provide quality at unbeatable prices. The same applies to these guards. They come at an affordable price, and their quality is very competitive. If you are looking for a stylish alternative, then you will love this purchase even more.
Read moreFit
The Pro-Tec Street guards are available in X Large, Large, Medium, Small, and youth. To find a size perfect for you, measure around your knuckles, using a string and find the circumference. The X-large is suitable for lengths between 9 and 10 inches, and the smallest one is sufficient for 5 to 6 inches. The others cover all the sizes between. With a wide variety, you are sure to find your precise size.
Versatility
The brand is synonymous with skateboarding products. Still, this pair is excellent for other sports like kayaking. Also, the many size options you can effortlessly get a set for a kid. Most other brands do not provide such variety.
Effectiveness
The ergonomic design splint makes them comfortable to wear. Thanks to the lower support straps, and elastic Lycra, your wrists are in safe hands, figuratively.
Features
The materials used are elastic; therefore, you can wear a pair of light gloves under them. Additionally, this stretchiness is beneficial, because the stitching won’t come undone if you fall hard.
Overall
When you consider its price, you’d expect it to be of poor quality. However, the manufacturer has the experience to know where to source the cheapest materials for the process. Many rivals offer inferior products at double the price.
9. Demon Flexmeter
A manufacturer that gives you a warranty on arm guards is a rare spectacle indeed. It exudes confidence in a product, meant to protect you from high impacts. The guards will cushion your hand fittingly thanks to their all-around design. Compared to other guards, the coverage they offer your hands is quite extensive.
Read moreFit
You can get this pair in small, medium, or large sizes. That makes it possible for different buyers to get their ideal match. When making your selection, you will find further explanations of which size to choose, in accordance with your hand. The Velcro straps are adjustable and lengthy so that you can secure the guards in the coziest manner possible.
Versatility
They are suitable for summer or winter, thanks to the kind of material they have. Therefore, you can ride your bike under the blazing sun, or use them in winter sports. You won’t have to worry about getting sweaty since they have moisture-wicking capabilities. They also have skid plates that you can remove to fit your needs.
Effectiveness
The perfect blend of materials in this product ensures your arm is well protected against impact. It constitutes mostly of 10 % polyethylene and 90 % neoprene. They also have a 4-inch EVA foam that will significantly reduce the chance of you getting hurt, in case you fall unexpectedly.
Features
The Velcro straps have a hook and loop design. There are three loops in total, one over your hand and two around your wrist. Additionally, the thermoplastic Hytrelgives your hand more flexibility than most, without compromising on quality. They also have a soft gel just below the fleximeter, for added comfort.
Overall
A one year warranty and sound design make this a must-have pair, for those who want to protect both their arms and hands. They are stretchy under the cuff, made of neoprene, making them easy to wear and provide a comfortable fit. Additionally, your range of motion is not restricted thanks to the hinged design of the guards.
10. soaReD
If you have suffered an injury in the past, you know that excruciating pain. This pair of guards from soaReD is a great protective product to protect you from future incidents. They are composed of ABS plastic boards, nylon-mesh, nad nylon velcro straps. While they don't offer much flexibility, they will definitely protect your wrists.
Read moreFit
These guards are available in sizes Medium, Large, or Extra Large. Oddly enough, size Small is not offered by the manufacturer. To dial in the fit, there are adjustable nylon straps on the wrist and palm with velcro, allowing you to tighten the guards to your comfort level. They are quite bulky but have been said to fit under most gloves over just about any pair of gloves. To determine which size is right for you, there is a chart available that determines your size by measuring the width of your palm.
Versatility
These guards are only slightly flexible. If you are looking for a product to protect you in a hands-on sport, these would not be ideal. However, they are a great option for sports such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, or ice skating. One benefit of the stiffness of these guards is the protection that they offer.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is the name of the game, right? There is no reason to invest in a pair of protective guards that won’t properly protect you. These soaReD guards are stiffer than they are flexible and offer great protection. There are two ABS plastic pieces that are specifically molded for a natural hand shape. With one of these pieces on the front and back of your hand and then secured in place with lycra mesh and nylon straps, your wrists are in great hands.
Features
Besides the protection, another great feature of this product is its breathability. There are holes in the plastic and mesh fabric on each side of the hand to promote great airflow and overall breathability. For comfort, there is also about a ¼ inch of cushion integrated into the guards. There are no additional color choices outside of black.
Overall
The soaReD guards are a great addition to any extreme sports enthusiasts. They offer mild flexibility which does hinder your ability to partake in some sports, but they offer great protection.
Sources
- , Do Wrist Guards Protect Against Fractures?, Study
- , Do Wrist Guards Have The Potential To Protect Against Wrist Injuries In Bicycling, Micro Scooter Riding, And Monkey Bar Play?, Journal
- , Do I Need a Brace for My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?, Case Study
- , The Use of Wrist Guards by Snowboarders in Switzerland, Study