Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport, filled with thrills and challenges, but it also comes with its risks. Among the most common injuries in snowboarding, wrist injuries are a significant concern for both beginners and experienced riders. A fall onto the snow can quickly lead to sprains, fractures, and even more severe injuries to the wrist, which are often caused by improper hand placement or a reflex to catch oneself during a fall.
Wrist injuries can sideline a rider and severely affect their overall experience on the slopes. Fortunately, wrist protection gear is designed to reduce the likelihood of injury and provide support in the event of a fall. In this article, we will explore the seven best wrist protection options for snowboarding, helping you choose the right one to keep your wrists safe while enjoying the sport.
Why Do You Need Wrist Protection for Snowboarding?
Snowboarding involves high speeds, sharp turns, jumps, and the possibility of falling, making wrist protection essential.
When a rider falls, their first instinct is often to extend their hands to break the fall, which can lead to an impact on the wrists. Without proper protection, the risk of injury increases, particularly in more extreme conditions or aggressive riding styles.
Wrist protection serves multiple purposes:
Prevention of Injuries: Wrist guards help distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of fractures and sprains.
Support and Stability: Wrist guards offer additional support for those who may have weak or previously injured wrists.
Comfort and Confidence: Knowing that you have wrist protection can help boost your confidence on the slopes, allowing you to focus on riding instead of worrying about potential injuries.
Choosing the right wrist protection is vital, as not all wrist guards are created equal. There are various types to choose from, each designed to cater to different needs, riding styles, and levels of protection. Below, we will look at seven of the best wrist protection options available for snowboarders.
1. Burton Custom Wrist Guard
Burton is a well-known brand in the snowboarding world, and their Burton Custom Wrist Guard is one of the most trusted and popular options. Designed with a low-profile design, these wrist guards are comfortable and unobtrusive. They offer excellent protection without compromising mobility, making them ideal for snowboarders who prefer a flexible, minimalist feel.
Key Features:
Low-profile design: Fits easily under your gloves or mittens.
Ergonomic fit: Contours to the natural shape of the wrist for a snug fit.
Flexible protection: Provides both wrist support and shock absorption.
Highly durable: Made from strong, high-quality materials that resist wear and tear.
The Burton Custom Wrist Guard provides a good balance between comfort, protection, and flexibility, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.
2. Troy Lee Designs Wrist Guards
Troy Lee Designs is known for creating some of the best protective gear for extreme sports, and their wrist guards are no exception. Built with a solid foundation of protection and comfort, these wrist guards are specifically designed for aggressive riders who want both style and security on the slopes.
Key Features:
Heavy-duty protection: Features a robust plastic splint for wrist protection during high-impact falls.
Lightweight and breathable: The mesh materials allow for airflow, preventing overheating and discomfort.
Dual closure system: Ensures a secure, adjustable fit that minimizes shifting during use.
Ergonomic design: The guards are designed to offer full range of motion while providing ample support.
Ideal for those looking for extra support, the Troy Lee Designs Wrist Guards are perfect for aggressive riders or those who regularly ride in more challenging conditions.
3. Dakine Wrist Guard
Dakine is another leading name in snowboarding gear, and their wrist guards are designed to provide excellent protection while maintaining comfort. These wrist guards feature a combination of soft and hard materials to deliver high-impact resistance while ensuring flexibility and movement.
Key Features:
Adjustable fit: Adjustable straps make it easy to find a secure, personalized fit.
Pre-curved design: Designed to mimic the natural curvature of the wrist for a comfortable fit.
D30 padding: D30 is a unique padding material that hardens upon impact, providing superior shock absorption.
Breathable material: The lightweight construction helps keep your wrist cool and dry.
Dakine’s wrist guard is a great choice for riders looking for durable protection without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
4. Smith Optics Wrist Guard
Smith Optics is famous for their high-quality gear, including goggles and helmets. Their wrist guard, designed for snowboarding, incorporates a minimalist approach while still offering protection from the elements. These wrist guards are light weight and flexible, ensuring that snowboarders can maintain a good feel of their board and surroundings.
Key Features:
Flexible yet protective: Features an elastic material that offers both protection and flexibility.
Simple design: A low-profile design that fits easily under your gloves.
Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric: Helps to keep your wrist dry and comfortable during long sessions on the mountain.
Compact design: Allows for easy packing and storage.
The Smith Optics Wrist Guard offers a no-fuss, reliable solution for snowboarding protection, particularly for those who value lightweight gear.
5. Level Gloves Wrist Guards
Level Gloves has developed a wrist guard that is built into their snowboarding gloves, which makes them an excellent choice for riders who want all-in-one protection. These wrist guards offer convenient protection without the need for separate wrist gear, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
Key Features:
Integrated wrist protection: The wrist guard is built directly into the glove for ease of use.
Thermal insulation: The gloves offer additional warmth, keeping your hands and wrists insulated on the slopes.
Flexibility and control: The design allows for full wrist movement while offering enhanced protection.
Adjustable fit: The wrist guard provides a customizable fit to match your wrist size and shape.
These wrist guards are ideal for those who prefer a glove with built-in protection but don’t want to compromise on comfort.
6. Pro-Tec Street Wrist Guard
The Pro-Tec Street Wrist Guard is a versatile and well-regarded option for snowboarding, skateboarding, and other action sports. Known for its excellent protection, the Pro-Tec wrist guard is designed for riders who need reliable, all-around support and protection.
Key Features:
Dual-strapping system: Provides a customizable fit that allows for more precise adjustments.
Heavy-duty splinting: Features rigid splints to ensure maximum wrist stability and protection.
Breathable materials: Helps prevent overheating while keeping your wrist dry during intense rides.
Easy to wear: The guards are lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear for extended periods.
The Pro-Tec wrist guard is a great option for riders who need comprehensive protection while maintaining freedom of movement.
7. Reusch Wrist Guard
Reusch is another trusted brand in the snowboarding world, and their wrist guards are designed for serious riders who want top-tier protection. Their wrist guards incorporate solid splints and adjustable straps to provide a secure fit that minimizes the risk of injury.
Key Features:
Hard shell protection: The guard features a hard plastic shell for maximum protection during falls.
Lightweight and flexible: Despite the hard shell, the guard remains lightweight and flexible for ease of movement.
Anatomical fit: Designed to conform to the natural shape of the wrist for added comfort.
Shock absorption: Offers excellent cushioning to minimize the force of impact.
For riders seeking optimal wrist protection, the Reusch Wrist Guard delivers on both security and comfort.
Conclusion
Wrist protection is an essential part of snowboarding safety, and choosing the right wrist guard can make all the difference in preventing injury. Each of the options discussed in this article offers unique benefits, from lightweight and flexible designs to heavy-duty protection for aggressive riders. Whether you are a beginner just learning the ropes or an experienced snowboarder pushing your limits on the slopes, investing in a quality wrist guard is a wise decision for ensuring your safety and improving your overall performance.