Best Ski And Snowboard Wrist Guards Reviewed In 2023

Are you prepared for a fall? This accessory is common in a collection of protective gear. Falling during extreme sports can cause injury. Protecting weaker areas such as the wrist is essential. Novice users have a good use for an item like this. They need to learn to fall properly. Until this is done, the best snowboard wrist guards or ski wrist guards act as a safety net.

The Best Wist Guards For Snowboarding and Skiing Are:

Wrist protection is something that should be taken seriously before skiing or snowboarding. Wrist and hand injuries are surprisingly common. Said injuries often occur because when a person falls, they will land on his or her outstretched hands. This puts enormous pressure on a person’s delicate hand and wrist bones, resulting in sprains and fractures. Fortunately, wearing a wrist guard can prevent such injuries from happening.

Snowboarding continues to become increasingly mainstream and popular, especially among adolescents. Despite this popularity, proper protective measures are often neglected. While the overall popularity of snowboarding has increased to almost meet that of skiing, the wearing of wrist protection has actually decreased. Wrist protectors should not be viewed as optional; they are nearly as important as helmets and eye protection.

There are multiple styles and varieties of wrist braces on the market that offer support, strength, and aid in injury prevention. Which option will work best for you?

This can depend on a variety of factors. Some selections offer all-around performance. This includes support and comfort. Our top selections give you the best of what the industry has to offer. Follow along as we review the top 6 ski and snowboard wrist guards in 2023.

 

Top 6 Ski And Snowboard Wrist Guards

1. 187 Killer Pad Wrist Guards

These 187 Killer Pad Wrist Guards have an angled design that fits your hand perfectly. The reinforced thumbhole and palm provides an advanced lifespan of this product. The wrist is  completely encased to prevent any injury from falls.

Strong, comfortable fit

It’s made out of Ballistic nylon material to ensure durability; and has industrial weight stitching for added strength. There is extra padding inside these wrist guards for increased comfort.

Protection that is comfortable

The protection these wrist guards offer is primarily due to its thickness. Protection provided at the base of your hand, where most impact results.

Cost and Value

The optimal support these wrist guards offer is what gives it value. In addition, its unique shape creates an ideal fit.

Rating Criteria

Style: 100

Materials: 100

Advanced Features: 98

Water Resistance: 100

Protection: 100

Average: 99.6

2. Burton Adult Wrist Guards

The Burton Black Wirst Guard has a unique blend of construction materials. It comes in a range of sizes starting at small.

This item is a blend of four core materials (rubber, polyester, nylon, and polyurethane). It is not machine washable but it can be washed by hand. The support at the top of the structure is flexible. This allows users a higher rate of maneuverability. It also has an adjustable strap for ease of use.

Simple Design

The style of this selection does not scream high-end fashion. It is simple featuring design spect that are common to its market range. It does, however, offer a high-grade performance.

Padded Palm

Protection is high on the list of features for this product. Pads have been inserted in the palm area of the wrist guard. a  ensures any fall is well-cushioned. An excellent choice for novice athletes.

Cost and Value

The Burton Black Guard has a low price range. Its compact design allows you to wear it under your gloves when on the ice. The wrist lock keeps the structure in place during use.

Rating Criteria

Style: 100

Materials: 98

Advanced Features: 96

Water Resistance: 100

Protection: 98

Average: 98.4

 

3. DaKine Wrist guard Gloves

The Dakine Wrist guard has a range of sizes. It features rubber technology for high performance.

This item has a waterproof insert to help keep you dry. It also offers a high level of insulation to keep you cool. This ensures internal temperatures are ideal even in the snow. In addition to rubber technology, there is a degree of padding. This is located in the palm area of the glove.

Shell Construction

The shell of this selection is comprised of nylon and polyester. This ensures both strength and durability. The fibers have been treated with water repellers. DWR will keep your gear from taking in moisture and fluids.

Inner Lining

It is customary for products like these to contain a fabric lining. This improves both comfort and performance. The inner lining of this glove is made from fleece. This fiber is soft to the touch and aids in insulation.

Cost and Value

The Dakine Wrist guard has a very high price range. It goes way past the wrist in length fitting almost gauntlet like. This design offers you a high range of protection and improves insulation properties.

Rating Criteria

Style: 98

Materials: 98

Advanced Features: 94

Water Resistance: 98

Protection: 98

Average: 97.2

4. Andux Ski Gloves Extended Protection

The Andux Glove Protection has both wrist and palm protection. Hard, adjustable gauntlets make this guard ideal for multiple sports.

This item has an adjustable wrist strap that makes it highly versatile. You can easily adjust the wrist-based on your personal preferences. Even with high wrist support, this design is still flexible. By measuring your palm accurately you can secure an ideal fit.

Solid Construction

There are two straps for this selection. One is located around the wrist. The other strap is located around the knuckles. This helps to secure your more vulnerable areas while engaged inactivity.

Flexible Design

There is a shell at the back of the product to hold your wrists in place. The mesh material allows you to have an easy movement without sacrificing your safety. This allows you to maneuver without any risk of injury.

Cost and Value

The Andux Glove Protection has a low price range. It has an extended guard that protects your wrist and hands in the event of a fall. Both the palm and the back of the hand features hard plastic.

Rating Criteria

Style: 96

Materials: 98

Advanced Features: 92

Water Resistance: 96

Protection: 98

Average: 96

5. CTHOPER Wrist Guard Protective Glove

The CTHOPER Wrist Glove features supporting padding. It can be used for multiple sporting activities.

This item features shock-absorbing pads at the back and front of the structure. It effectively protects your palms, wrist, and hand. The features of this item can be used in any type of extreme sport. These include mountain biking and skating. The company makes a sizing chart available to help you secure your ideal fit.

Reliable Support

You are given reliable support with this high-grade selection. It goes beyond fall protection. You can use this to support injuries and during an illness such as carpal tunnel. It is also excellent at relieving pain.

Velcro Closure

There are strategically located velcro straps at the wrist and knuckles. These have an integral part in maintaining tension during use. They are adjustable allowing users to set the glove to their desired comfort.

Cost and Value

The CTHOPER Wrist Glove has a low price range. It is easy-off and easy-on for user convenience. Both male and female consumers can utilize this product. If you’ll be engaged in high-intensity activity, this is a great choice.

Rating Criteria

Style: 98

Materials: 96

Advanced Features: 94

Water Resistance: 96

Protection: 96

Average: 96

6. LEVEL Fly Mittens with Wrist Guards

The LEVEL Mittens wrist Guard has a biomex design. Its palms a made from a material called kevlar.

This item features a biomex design to protect your wrist area. It is built into the mittens in order to give users 360 protection. The thermo technology used provides insulation to keep your hands cool and dry. Water-resistant fabric is used to prevent water intake and control moisture.

Removable Lining

The inner lining of this selection can be removed. This allows you to get the entire mitten dried quickly after washing. It also makes it easier to inspect it periodically for any damage.

Reinforced Palms

Kevlar is one of the highest quality materials available. It is extremely strong and can withstand high levels of wear. The palms of this product have been reinforced with this heavy-duty fiber.

Cost and Value

The LEVEL Mittens Guard has a very high price range. It has custom material at its tip for nose wiping. There is also a special insert that can be used to clean other gear such as goggles.

Rating Criteria

Style: 96

Materials: 96

Advanced Features: 92

Water Resistance: 96

Protection: 94

Average: 94.8

Criteria

Style

These selections are available in many different styles. Some of them come in a full glove kit. These offer support and protection along with other features. Their gauntlet style appearance allows them to give you additional thermal protection. Others may offer the basics with a focus on splint support around the wrist and knuckle area. You can often wear these under standard gloves.

Materials

The materials used to construct this type of gear depends on the grade of the product. Lower-priced items tend to use common fibers such as nylon and polyester. As product grade increases you may find materials such as rubber. At the pinnacle of superiority, you can find standouts such as kevlar. This four-season material is added to heavy-duty performance and durability.

Materials determine whether a brace is stiff and immovable, or malleable and flexible. Experts have determined that wrist braces should ideally have a certain degree of flexibility, yet enough firmness to prevent the hands and wrists from bending at certain angles in the event of a fall. Determining the right degree of malleability to resistance is a delicate balance. Physiologists and orthopedists are currently working together to offer recommendations as to the materials and design of wrist protectors so that the guesswork is removed from the equation.

Advanced Features

The better the features the more appealing the product. It is no different when it comes to ski and snowboard wrist guards. One interesting feature is the introduction of specialized fingertips. This special material allows you to use your phone without having to remove your gloves. This is great for persons who are active in sub-zero conditions.

Water Resistance

A membrane is sometimes built into these products. It gives them the ability to resist water and moisture. A useful feature if you will be on the ice. There are some selections that go a step further by spraying the outer shell. This spray is able to help seal out water from more vulnerable areas. These include the palm and near any mesh surrounding the structure.

Protection

Staps are used to secure the wrist in position. When this is done it can safely move in any direction without danger of breaking. This feature protects novice users as they learn to fall the right way. It is vital for any athlete who engages in high-risk activities. This is especially the case when you have a high chance of falling. Many designs are able to accommodate multiple sporting activities.

As mentioned above, a study is currently underway to determine which style of wrist brace provides the best protection from injury. What experts do know is that a brace must be both strong and malleable, allowing for movement, but preventing the bones, tendons, and ligaments of the hands and wrists from becoming misaligned in the event of a fall. If a brace is too stiff and doesn’t allow for some movement, it becomes as dangerous as having no protection at all. If a brace is too malleable, it cannot adequately protect the hands and wrists from impact. In other words, the ideal brace prevents the bones of the wrists and hands from becoming displaced.

Expert Tip

 

Getting the right size is integral to the performance. It can be tempting to get a slightly larger size for comfort. This is especially the case when securing a glove instead of just a guard. Size can affect how securely you are able to attach your selection. A loose fit can mean less support and more room for your wrist to move. In effect, it can be the difference between being injured or not.

In addition to wearing a brace, there are other steps you can take to avoid wrist injuries. One step that is easy, while somewhat counterintuitive, is avoiding the urge to outstretch your hand when falling. This will decrease the likelihood that your hands and wrists will bear the brunt of your body’s weight if you should fall. If you are skiing, try to let go of the poles you are holding prior to falling. Looping your hands through the straps of a ski pole makes this step virtually impossible, so avoid holding your poles that way.

In the event you do suffer a wrist injury while skiing or snowboarding and you suspect it is a fracture, report to the nearest emergency room immediately. Wrist fractures require immediate medical attention. If the fracture is severe enough, prompt surgery may be required. Pins, plates, and screws are often utilized to realign the bones and keep them in place during the healing process. If the fracture is well-aligned, your wrist bones may be set in plaster for a period of approximately six weeks while healing takes place. Subsequent rehab work may be necessary.

Other Factors

Feature

At times foam or pads are inserted into selected areas. This promotes comfort and security. With padded palms, you get extra cushion when you fall. It absorbs some of the impacts so your joints don’t have to. It can also help secure a more comfortable fit. This is often present with fill glove designs. Padding may be present at other high impact areas.

Currently, a team of physiologists is working together to design the best, most effective style of wrist protector. An international standard is being developed to determine what type of wrist guard best prevents injuries. The physiologists, working with orthopedists, are studying different simulations of falls. This includes a wide variety of factors and variables, such as the speed of the fall, the angle of impact, whether it’s a backward or frontward fall and so forth. Using this information, the team will be able to make recommendations as to how the wrists can be best protected from injuries sustained while skiing or snowboarding.

Versatility

You can use these types of items for multiple sporting activities. Any high intensity, high impact sports can use this product to its advantage. Roller skaters also have a high risk of injury. You may even want some extra support for a medical condition. Whatever the reason, multiple selections on this list can fit the bill. Some even have removable inserts.

Insulation

Some companies rely on fabrics or fibers for insulation. Others have moved forward into thermo technology. This synthetic product works to take your heat retention to the next level. This is vital for gear that is advertised for use in snow. Temperatures can drop below zero. This is when you need your wrist guard or glove to work for you. Third party tests have been carried out for efficiency on selected options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these tested for quality?

A: There are some items on this list that undergo vigorous testing before reaching the market. These tests include temperature and water. It is designed to ensure users get the quality performance advertised when they use it in the field.

 

Q: How do you measure for one of these?

A: The best way to ensure you have an ideal fit it so measure across the knuckles. This is the widest area of the hand. It can be done using an everyday tape measure. You can then match your results with the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer.

 

Q: Can this gear be used by both men and women?

A: Both men and women can use most of the selections reviewed. Options are made available based on size. Designs within selected product lines that are sized for females specifically. Reviewing specs on the manufacturer’s website can clear up any concerns.

 

Q: Can I use these for other sports?

A: These selections offer a great deal of support. They are also quite compact. It makes it easy to transition to everyday sports such as roller skating and cycling. Any activity where falls maybe an issue can utilize this type of gear.

Sources

1. Ryan, The strengths of kevlar
2. Foam Sealant, EVA foam for protection
3. Outdoor Research, The superiority of synthetic insulation
4. Better Braces, The Most Common Snowboarding Injuries and How to Avoid Them
5. Holland Hospital Bone and Joint Center, Wrist Injuries in Snowboarders
6. Science Direct, Wrist Injuries in Snowboarding – Simulation of a Worst Case Scenario

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