Powder chasers, park rats, and backcountry junkies unite!
Before you hit the slopes and shred gnar like a pro, make sure you’re laced up with the right gear. As an experienced snowboarder, I know first-hand the dangers of not protecting yourself on the mountain. That’s why I’ve created this unbiased snowboarding wrist guard review to help you choose the best protection for your rides. From hard-shell to soft-shell guards and the top picks in the market, I’ve got you covered. So grab your board, buckle up, and get ready to hit the powder with confidence.
Why Snowboarders Need Wrist Guards?
If you’re a snowboarder, the chances are that you already know how important it is to remain safe while hitting the slopes. With the excitement that comes with snowboarding, many first-timers usually overlook the importance of wrist guards. But why do you need to wear one?
Wrist guards are designed to protect your hands, wrists, and forearms from any injuries you may sustain while snowboarding. When you’re on your board, your arms and hands are often used to brace yourself during falls, which can result in fractures, sprains, or even broken wrists.
With wrist guards, you’ll have extra support that can help absorb the shock when you fall, minimizing the risk of injuries and enabling you to get up and keep riding without pain. Moreover, many wrist guards on the market today come with features such as high-impact panels that offer additional protection from wrist injuries.
In a nutshell, wrist guards are essential for keeping you safe and protected while snowboarding, ensuring that you can keep riding without worrying about injuries. So, if you’re a snowboarding enthusiast, you should never hit the slopes without wearing one!
Types of Wrist Guards Available for Snowboarding
When it comes to snowboarding wrist guards, there are typically two types available on the market: hard-shell and soft-shell versions. The hard-shell wrist guards offer a more rigid and durable form of protection, ideal for those engaging in aggressive, high-velocity snowboarding. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the soft-shell wrist guards are lightweight and flexible, making them a convenient option for beginner snowboarders or those simply seeking a slimmer fit. Let’s take a closer look at each type to help you decide which wrist guard is most suitable for your needs.
Hard-Shell Wrist Guards
Hard-shell wrist guards are designed to provide maximum protection by utilizing a rigid outer layer that absorbs heavy impacts. These wrist guards have a sturdy exterior made of plastic or metal, which often results in a bulkier and heavier design. However, this extra weight is well worth it if you’re looking for the best possible protection for your wrists while snowboarding.
The hard-shell wrist guards are ideal for expert snowboarders who tackle challenging terrain, half-pipes, or perform aerial tricks, where the risk of a hard landing or impact is high. The hard-shell’s durable design ensures that your wrists stay safe from injuries even after a heavy impact.
While these types of wrist guards offer the highest level of protection, they may not be the most comfortable option available. The lack of flexibility due to the hard-shell design can limit movement, making it harder to adjust your gloves or grip your snowboard.
Overall, if you are a seasoned rider tackling difficult terrain or pushing your limits, hard-shell wrist guards are an excellent choice to provide the highest level of protection. However, if you prefer more flexibility or less bulk, a softer option may be more comfortable.
Soft-Shell Wrist Guards
Soft-shell wrist guards are made of flexible materials like neoprene, nylon, or spandex that provide a snug fit and are less restrictive than hard-shell wrist guards. These guards are perfect for snowboarders who don’t want to compromise on their mobility and flexibility. Soft-shell wrist guards are also more breathable and come with moisture-wicking technology that prevents sweat buildup inside the guards. Some soft-shell wrist guards come with gel or foam padding that absorbs impact and protects the wrist from injuries.
However, soft-shell wrist guards may not be as effective in protecting the wrist from high-impact falls as hard-shell wrist guards. Snowboarders who frequently attempt big jumps or ride on steep terrain may want to opt for hard-shell wrist guards instead. It’s essential to choose wrist guards that fit snugly and have adjustable straps for a secure fit, regardless of whether they’re hard or soft-shell wrist guards.
Overall, soft-shell wrist guards are an excellent option for snowboarders looking for flexibility and comfort without compromising on protection. If you’re a casual rider looking for a comfortable and effective wrist guard or someone with a history of wrist injuries looking for something softer, then soft-shell wrist guards are worth considering.
Top Snowboarding Wrist Guards in the Market
Without proper protection, snowboarding can be a dangerous and injury-prone sport. That’s why choosing the right wrist guard is crucial. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the top three snowboarding wrist guards available in the market today: the Burton Impact, Dakine Wrist Guard, and K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard. We’ll give you an honest, first-hand review of each one, so you can make an informed decision before hitting the slopes.
Burton Impact Wrist Guard
The Burton Impact Wrist Guard is an excellent choice for snowboarders who want a durable and reliable wrist guard. This wrist guard is made with a comfortable neoprene material that allows for flexibility while also providing excellent protection. It comes with a molded ABS splint that helps to spread the force of impact, effectively reducing the chances of injury should a fall occur.
One of the best things about the Burton Impact Wrist Guard is that it fits well under gloves or mittens. As a snowboarder, the last thing you want is to have a bulky wrist guard that prevents you from moving your hands freely. This wrist guard, with its low profile design, allows for maximum mobility without sacrificing protection.
The Burton Impact Wrist Guard is also easy to put on and take off, thanks to its adjustable strap system. The strap can be adjusted to fit any wrist size, ensuring a secure and snug fit. Additionally, the wrist guard is designed to be breathable, which means your hands won’t get too sweaty or damp inside.
Overall, the Burton Impact Wrist Guard is a top-notch choice for snowboarders who want a reliable and comfortable wrist guard. With its durable construction and comfortable fit, this wrist guard is an essential piece of gear for any serious snowboarder.
Dakine Wrist Guard
The Dakine Wrist Guard is a top pick for snowboarders seeking reliable and durable protection. The guard is constructed with a stretchy neoprene material which provides excellent flexibility and comfort, while still maintaining a snug and secure fit. The splint on this guard is made with aluminum, which offers superior impact protection without adding any unnecessary bulk. The wrist closure system is also adjustable, allowing you to achieve a customized fit that is just right for you. The Dakine Wrist Guard is great for both beginners and experienced snowboarders alike, providing peace of mind when you’re flying down the slopes. If you’re looking for a wrist guard that is both affordable and high-quality, the Dakine Wrist Guard is definitely worth considering.
K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard
The K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard is a great option for snowboarders who are looking for both comfort and protection. The guard features a three-point compression system that provides excellent support for your wrist. The guard is made from durable materials that can withstand strong impacts.
One of the best things about the K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard is that it is very easy to put on and take off. The guard features a strap that goes around your wrist, and another that goes around your palm. You can adjust both of these straps for a perfect fit.
The K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard is also very lightweight, which means that it won’t weigh you down as you ride down the mountain. You’ll hardly notice that you’re wearing it at all.
Another great feature of the K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard is that it is very affordable. This makes it a great option for snowboarders who are on a budget.
If you’re looking for a wrist guard that is both comfortable and protective, the K2 Snowboarding Wrist Guard is definitely worth considering. It provides excellent support for your wrist, and it won’t break the bank. Plus, with its lightweight design, you’ll hardly even know that you’re wearing it.
Tips and Tricks for Choosing the Best Snowboarding Wrist Guard
Choosing the best snowboarding wrist guard is not an easy task. There are several options available in the market, and each one of them has its pros and cons. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you choose the best wrist guard for your snowboarding venture.
Firstly, consider the type of snowboarding you do. If you are someone who spends most of their time on the park, then a soft-shell wrist guard might be a good fit for you. Soft-shell guards are more flexible and comfortable, which makes them perfect for park riding. However, if you are someone who enjoys the backcountry and freeriding, then a hard-shell wrist guard might be a better choice. Hard-shell guards provide more protection and support, which is necessary when you are riding in rough terrains.
Secondly, consider the fit of the wrist guard. The wrist guard should fit snugly around your wrist without causing any discomfort or restricting your movement. It should be comfortable enough to wear for the entire day without causing any irritation. Make sure to try on different sizes to get the perfect fit.
Thirdly, consider the material of the wrist guard. Wrist guards can be made of various materials such as neoprene, leather, and plastic. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Neoprene is comfortable and flexible but doesn’t provide enough protection. Leather is durable and provides excellent support, but it can be heavy and uncomfortable. Plastic is sturdy and provides maximum protection but can be bulky and restrictive.
Lastly, consider the price of the wrist guard. Higher price does not always mean better quality. Consider your budget and look for wrist guards that fit your budget and meet your requirements.
Following these tips and tricks can help you choose the best snowboarding wrist guards that provide you with safety and comfort while you are on the slopes.