Falls during a leisure activity, practice or competition can put you off your game for long periods. If you want to ensure maximum safety until you’ve mastered a new technique, consider wrist guards. We created a list of carefully selected products based on extensive research and comparison for different users and needs, as well as wrist guard users and athelete’s feedback. Continue reading, and you’ll find the best wrist guard according to your requirements!
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What is the Best Wrist Guard?
To find the list of absolute Best Wrist Guard, we as fitness enthusiasts have researched many Guards for Wrist and what people who bought and used them say about these products. Based on their personal uses and experiences, we compiled for you the top 6 wrist guards.
Also, to make it easier for you to making the right choice, we also wrote a mini Guards for Wrist Buying Guide and frequently asked questions (FAQs). You will find it at the end of this article.
1. 187 Killer Pads Wrist Guard
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.53 pounds (0.24 kg) Materials: Ballistic nylon, plastic splints Best suited for: Skating, roller blading, skateboarding |
Whether you’re a professional skater or just a beginner, the 187 Killer Pads Wrist Guard is a decent pick that boasts industrial-grade materials and super-thick splints. As such, they can withstand the hardest impacts easily.
For better adjustability and proper fit, the product has three straps and an angled design that reflects the palm shape. Although it seems compact and suitable for use inside the gloves, the Velcro here catches the fabric easily making it a less pleasant experience.
It’s a shame that many buyers weren’t happy about them running small. Luckily, the variety of sizes and colors makes up for it.
Pros
- Withstand hard crashes well,
- Three heavy-duty straps for better adjustments,
- Industrial-grade materials and reinforced thumb zone,
- Excellent choice of sizes and colors
Cons
- Run small,
- Tenacious Velcro can catch the clothes
2. Copper Compression Wrist Brace
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Materials: Nylon Best suited for: Sprains, strains, arthritis, tendinitis, tendinopathy, ganglion cyst, CMC, carpal tunnel syndrome |
If you are tired of constant pain due to injury or chronic conditions, the Copper Compression Wrist Brace is a great solution that provides optimal support. The good news is that you can wear it all day long, and it won’t rub or feel uncomfortable thanks to 4-way stretchable nylon. As if it’s not enough, it wicks excess moisture away well and has a compact design.
This provides mild compression with Velcro straps for faster pain relief. However, you won’t achieve maximum tension here. On the other hand, it is very simple to put on and remove.
Unfortunately, it has no padding in the palm zone. Still, the material is soft to touch and very durable.
Pros
- Doesn’t rub even during prolonged use,
- Easy to put on and remove,
- Slim and moisture-wicking design,
- 4-way stretchable to maximize freedom of motion
Cons
- Velcro straps don’t allow max tightening,
- Lacks padding in the palm area
3. Dakine Mens Wrist Guards Low Profile Wrist Protection
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Materials: Neoprene Best suited for: Skiing, snowboarding, winter sports |
The Dakine Mens Wrist Guards Low Profile Wrist Protection is an excellent addition to winter sports gear. They won’t wear and tear easily after dozens of falls thanks to durable neoprene material. On top of that, this design doesn’t limit your wrist movements while still providing maximum protection even without tightening them.
The wide variety of sizes makes it possible to find a suitable pair for anyone, and the hook and loop closure offers better adjustability depending on your preference.
Although you can find them in multiple sizes, be mindful about that when purchasing and check the charts and customer feedback as they run small.
Pros
- Fit under the gloves,
- Grant optimal protection without tightening,
- Provide free wrist movement,
- Exceptional durability
Cons
- Lack protection on the top side,
- Run small
4. Doctor Developed Copper Wrist Brace
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.15 kg) Materials: 65% neoprene, 35% nylon Best suited for: Arthritis, carpal tunnel, thumb arthritis, tendonitis or tendinopathy, ganglion cyst, a wrist sprain or strain |
If you suffer from conditions like thumb arthritis, ganglion cyst, or any other wrist condition and wish to find a faster way to recover, check the Doctor Developed Copper Wrist Brace. Even after wearing it for a few days, you’ll start noticing how the pain fades. For higher therapy efficiency, you can get a handbook developed by doctors with helpful tips.
Along with the therapeutic compression, the product helps to retain the body heat to keep your hands warm. But as a drawback, it might develop a noticeable smell if not washed on time. Luckily, any washing method is fine here.
Some may find it inconvenient because it only comes in a single size. Still, the double fastening strap allows adjusting the tightness to make it sit properly.
Pros
- Grants pain relief and has a wide area of use,
- Keeps your hands warm,
- Copper-lined and non-slip design,
- Comes with a doctor-written handbook
Cons
- Available in a single size,
- Develops a smell after a while
5. Seirus Innovation 5660 Jam Master Exo Under Glove Wrist Protection
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Materials: Plastic splints, super-thin mesh Best suited for: Snowboarding, ice skating, skiing |
The Seirus Innovation 5660 Jam Master Exo Under Glove Wrist Protection features a thin design which makes them a great addition to your gloves or mittens. Since the main material is mesh, your hands won’t get sweaty even after hours of skiing or snowboarding.
For extra protection, the manufacturer added splints for both sides of your hand. Although these plastic inserts don’t feel very soft, they are incredibly durable. You can also adjust the fit with the elastic Velcro strap.
Before making your final decision with these, it’s better to check the size once again. The finger holes might feel too small for some. Fortunately, there are different sizes available.
Pros
- Can last for years without any signs of wear and tear,
- Fit inside gloves and mittens easily,
- Excellent breathability,
- Allow holding devices comfortably without removal
Cons
- Protective material could be softer inside,
- Finger holes are quite small
6. WristWidget Patented Adjustable Support Wrist Brace
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Materials: Nylon, cotton Best suited for: TFCC treatment, sports, and exercise |
The WristWidget Patented Adjustable Support Wrist Brace is a smaller model for TFCC treatment that also boasts a lightweight design and decent breathability. You can even continue wearing it if the water gets on it because the material is water-safe. The adjustability here is impressive, and you’ll still retain the full range of motion with your wrist while wearing it. It comes in a single size that fits most wrist sizes, and there are multiple colors available.
People with larger hands might experience some discomfort, as the straps are quite thin. This can also lead to rubbing, so it’s better to use it with Kinesio tape or soft material.
Pros
- One-size-fits-all design,
- Allows free wrist movement,
- Water-safe material,
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- The straps are too thin,
- Can rub the skin
Verdict
After all of our long research about the Best Wrist Guard, we found that 187 Killer Pads Wrist Guard is the best wrist guard available today.
There’s also a Premium Option with all the best features and high-quality materials if you have more money to spend, namely Copper Compression Wrist Brace.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the Dakine Mens Wrist Guards Low Profile Wrist Protection as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Skateboard Wrist Guard
- Best Wrist Guards for Snowboarding
- Best Wrist Protector for Olympic Weightlifting
What You Should Know Before Buying wrist guards
Material
When considering a wrist guard, you want to make sure the material is comfortable and breathable in both cold and hot conditions. If the material doesn’t breathe well, it won’t hold up or feel good when you start to sweat from exercise or activity. You also want to make sure the material doesn’t chafe your wrists as you move or cause skin irritation as you wear them. Some wrist guards may be made with water-repellant materials to combat sweat and built up from exercise and sports activity. The best materials for wristguards will be flexible, breathable, and comfortable on your skin.
Size
Wrist guards need to be worn at the correct size for your hand and forearm. While some wrist guards are sold by the exact circumference of the hand, others are divided into small, medium, and large size categories based on the combined length of your forearm and diameter of your palm. To find the best fit for you, you should get a soft measuring tape to measure the length of your forearm and the width of the widest part of your hand. Once you have these dimensions, you can pick a size that is best for you whether by exact measurements or sizing categories. Remember: you want your wrist guard to be snug but not too tight. If it is cutting off circulation or causing discomfort, go up a size as long as it is not too loose.
Flexibility
Though you want your wrist guard to be rigid and sturdy to protect your wrist, you also don’t want it to be too rigid! A small bit of flexibility is normal in wrist guards to allow for normal bending in your wrist when you fall. It also makes it easier to continue using your wrist as you perform activities such as lifitng your snowboard, swinging a racket, picking up a skateboard, or holding onto bike handlebars. The wrist guard should ideally be flexible enough to be comfortable to wear but sturdy enough to prevent your wrist from bending back all the way when you fall.
Built Quality
The build quality of your wrist guard is extremely important to ensure it will last you a long time. You don’t want to invest in a pair of wrist guards if they are going to fall apart or be destroyed after only a few falls. Because of this, you want to look for a pair of wrist guards that is made of thick, durable fabric, has extra-secure stitching, and has sturdy splint guards. By making sure every part of the wrist guard is made of quality building, you can ensure that your wrist guards will last you a long time in many sports and activities. Better build quality also increases your chances of being fully protected from a fracture, sprain, or break in your wrist when you have to use them.
Questions and Answers About wrist guards
How do you measure for a wrist guard?
Because wrist guards are designed to absorb the impact from a fall onto your wrist, it is important that they are sized for you correctly. Many wrist guards are adjustable, but most have different sizes depending on hand and knuckle width. You should use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of the widest part of your hand to find the best fit for you. You may also want to measure the length of your forearm if you are between sizes.
Do wrist guards prevent fractures?
Wrist guards can absolutely prevent fractures in many falls. Because wrist guards absorb some of the impact from your fall and also prevent your wrist from being bent too far, they can help prevent fractures, sprains, and breaks. However, it is important to note that more severe falls may still result in a fracture or sprain even with a wrist guard, depending on the height, force, and impact of the fall. Regardless, wearing a wrist guard still significantly decreases the chances of this happening.
How do you wrap your wrist for tennis?
If you have a weak wrist, you may want to wrap it before playing a wrist-heavy sport like tennis. You will want to use sports tape to wrap your wrist and tape your wrist in a neutral position. You should have a few wraps around your palm, above your thumb, and around your wrist and forearm to secure it. Conditions like tennis elbow can also be relieved by wrapping your wrist before playing.
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