When you get on a skateboard, having fun and learning new tricks are probably your main aims. But staying safe is still key (especially for newbies).
Any sport comes with its fair share of dangers, and skateboarding is no different. Hand and wrist injuries are the most common issues associated with skateboarding. And while they can’t always be avoided, good quality protective gear can help lessen the impact of any miscalculated moves and limit any damage you can cause yourself.
But which wrist guards are best for you? Which offer the most protection, without compromising your freedom of movement? Does the best protection come from simple padding or high-tech impact absorption? In a big market, which are the best skateboard wrist guards?
Chill. To help you stay safe on your board, we’ve compiled a list of the best available wrist guards. Safety, comfort, and minimal interference with your technique combine in all the wrist guards you need to know about.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you navigate the hows and whys of buying the best and most practical wrist guards, so that even the newest skateboarder can stay safe while having fun.
In a hurry? Here’s our top pick.
Top 5 Best Skateboard Wrist Guards
OUR TOP PICK
The Triple Eight Wristsaver Wrist Guards are our first choice from the many on the market, for their combination of high construction quality, effective protection, comfort, and ease of wear.
The Triple Eight guards are available in two styles, either slip on or wrap around. They come with removable support splints, and have become firm favourites with skateboarders everywhere.
The Triple Eights have slim splints which give you much needed protection without adding to the weight or bulk on your hands, so they won’t impede your natural technique.
Although they’re at the higher end of the average price range depending on size, with added adjustability and a choice of styles, you are definitely getting more bang – though hopefully not more bump -for your buck.
Slimline yet sturdy, the Triple Eight wrist guards provide support without compromising on comfort.
The splints on these Wristsaver wrist guards are impact-resistant splints on both sides, and have been molded to closely fit the hand, so you get superior support while still allowing you flexibility and range of motion.
Both splints are entirely removable in both styles – slip on and wrap around removable. That means the Triple Eight wrist guards allow you to choose the best option for you, without compromising on quality.
Whether you choose the slide on sleeve or the wraparound strap closure version, you still get some high-tech shock-absorbing EVA foam for your wrist guard dollar, which will both support and cushion you as you try out your tricks. The foam has been placed between the support splints and the wrist, which allows for extra cushioning on impact.
Made from 4-way nylon mesh, these wrist guards provide support and padding while still being breathable and comfortable. That combination of choice, high-tech impact support, comfort and style is what pushes the Triple Eight wrist guards to the top of our list.
Pros
- Two style options
- Size and measuring guide
- Removable splints on both sides
- Shock absorbent EVA foam
- You can wear over and under clothing
Cons
- Depending on size, comes at the higher end of the price range
- Thin splints with limited knuckle and finger support or protection
EDITORS CHOICE
Cthoper is a recognisable name when it comes to protective sports gear. With recognisability comes reliability, and the certainty that you’re investing your money in actual protection.
These non-slip wrist guards contain shock-absorbent EVA foam and have a hard plastic shell so they will take any impact and act as a barrier between you and any surfaces you might unintentionally come into contact with.
Available in several sizes, the guards also feature splints on the front and back of each guard. These splints are designed to work with the shape of the hand to ensure the hand and wrist are supported while still allowing necessary range of motion.
The nylon strap allows you to strap your hand in securely, with the ability to adjust the sizing easily. If the fit is too snug or too loose as sold, these guards allow for a quick and easy fix.
These wrist guards can be paired with any clothing and their adjustability allows for them to not only fit a range of hand sizes, but also fit over gloves and other accessories.
Pros
- Shock-absorbent EVA foam provides cushioning as well as support
- Available in several sizes with a Velcro strap for adjustability
- Lower price point than many on our list
- Hard shell on palm to protect against scraping and grazes
- Non-slip design on palm increases friction to prevent slipping on impact
Cons
- Bulky design
- Design does not provide much finger support
BEST VALUE
The Dakine Wrist Guard has a sleek style with a hook and loop wrist cinch, making it adjustable and suitable for both adults and older children and teenagers. Unlike other wraparound guards, the Dakine can be easily slipped on and strapped up so that you’re ready to go in no time.
The guard also features a lightweight aluminum stay, which provides support to the wrist and hand. The adjustable strap is fitted directly over the wrist guard to provide extra support.
The Dakine design also features extra material across the palms to protect against scrapes and grazes. Protecting against more serious injuries such as bruising is a primary feature of all protective gear, but the impact of grazing, especially on such sensitive and mobile areas as the palm, should still be a big consideration. As such, the Dakine wins points for building palm-protection into its design.
Another main feature of the Dakine that cannot be ignored is that they simply look good. This is of course not the main purpose of protective gear, but it also doesn’t do any harm. The Dakine guards manage to look good and feel comfortable over clothing, and don’t feel or look bulky under gloves or other clothing items.
Protection, extra thought given to palm injury, and the sheer style quotient they bring to your boarding game make the Dakine guards impossible to ignore.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Easy slip on style
- 100% neoprene material allows for flexibility
- Comfortable, long-line design
Cons
- Limited finger support
- Adjustable only on the lower half
RUNNER UP
If flexibility is your main concern, then the Andux Gauntlets are for you. Fitted with a protective bendable plastic shell, these wrist guards still allow for great flexibility and range of motion.
With a simple yet effective design, the Andux Gauntlets have great flexibility without compromising on protection.
These slip on gauntlets feature two adjustable straps which hold the splint in place and support the fingers as well as the wrist.
The mesh material allows for flexibility but, unlike sleeker models, these guards are chunky and not easily disguised. The Andux guards are more focused on practicality than style, but with a focus on safety, they do what you need them to when you get on your board.
With tough guards on the tops and bottoms, they will support your hands and wrists, while also protecting your palms and knuckles against scrapes.
The style of the likes of the Dakine guards may be absent here, but when it comes to the substance, and the practicalities of protection, the Andux deserve more of a look than you might first imagine.
Pros
- Breathable mesh material
- Two adjustable straps at wrist and knuckles
- Padding for extra wrist support
- Size guide
- Splint and guard running full length of wrist guard
Cons
- Limited thumb support
- Variable flexibility. Mesh material allows for some range of movement, however, the hard shell limits wrist movement
RUNNER UP
The Turbulence guards from Cthoper are the company’s second showing on our list of the best on the market. The Turbulence guards deliver support to the wrist and fingers with two sets of straps, and a hard shell on top protects against grazing and bruising. Much more than these and you’re starting to rock the Iron Man look.
To balance out the hard-top shell, these wrist guards are made of a soft and breathable mesh with a padded lining. The lining provides comfort and also works as a buffer, while still allowing flexibility in the hands. With only soft padding only on the tops however, there is limited protection against grazed knuckles.
The material also allows for full range of movement while supporting the wrist and providing protection for both the thumb and fingers.
Even packaged in a reusable mesh bag, these wrist guards have almost everything. However, their lack of hard protective material over the knuckles sees these wrist guards placed lower down on our list than would otherwise have been the case.
The simple design of the Turbulence guards will still do at least most of the job you need, giving you a much higher likelihood of walking away from a fall or a flip without serious injury. The light padding over the knuckles though might still give you a painful reminder of your fall, letting down an otherwise impressive set of guards.
Pros
- Breathable mesh lining to keep hands cooler and drier
- Packaged in a reusable mesh bag
- Impact-absorbent hard shells on wrist and palm
- Various sizes suitable for adults and children
- Adjustable strap
Cons
- Bulky style
- Padding only on top could leave knuckles exposed to severe grazing in the event of a fall
Best Skateboard Wrist Guards Buying Guide
When you’re buying wrist guards, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Guardians Of Freedom
Freedom of movement is something many of us take for granted, so a wrist guard may seem like an unnecessary accessory as it protects against something that only ‘might’ happen. That’s why it’s best to look for something that will provide solid support to your joints without interfering with your range of motion – it is not impossible to find protective gear that will protect you without being irritating.
Speaking of irritating, the material from which your wrist guards are made is as important as the shape and style of the product. Wrist guards can feature plastic or metal elements to provide support through splints which will brace your joint and act as a barrier against any potential breakage as well as scrapes and grazes. These aspects will keep you safe, but the material of the glove itself cannot be ignored.
Depending on how frequently and how long you spend on your board, your skin will be in constant contact with the guard and the last thing you want is an irritating, uncomfortable material which can be distracting and plain annoying.
When it comes to material, aim for something breathable so that you can spend as much time doing what you like without being confined and irritated by clammy hands. Protective gear is supposed to be snug and form fitting, so a mesh material will balance out the weight from the plastic or metal splints and also allow for flexibility.
Column A, Column B…
The key when choosing any kind of protective gear is to prioritize what you’re looking for. Keeping yourself safe is your main aim, but depending on how much time you spend wearing them, you will still need to be comfortable. If you’re buying wrist guards for someone else, especially a teenager or young person, then you need to be sure that they will actually wear them. That means you have to factor in the style of the guards. Style needs to be a factor, but getting a combination of style and substance is your key goal. The majority of people who end up in the emergency room with skateboarding injuries are under 15 years old. You can be as stylish if you like and it will mean nothing when you’re faced with medical bills.
Best Skateboard Wrist Guards FAQ's
Do wrist guards actually work?
With this one, it entirely depends on the product and the brand. Protective gear is important for any sport, and skateboarding, while popular and easy to get into, can be dangerous too. When it comes to any kind of protective gear, there is no guarantee that you won’t get hurt at all, but it can definitely provide a defence. Think of it like wearing a seatbelt or a bike helmet: they won’t protect you from everything, but they will act as a buffer between you and something potentially serious.
Is style important?
How something looks is not the most important thing when considering what protective gear to buy, but that doesn’t mean style should be ignored. When it comes to wrist guards, style can vary with regard to material, weight, and adjustability as some might be slip on and others wraparound. Personal preference plays a part here and comfort is also key.
What size should I get?
Size is important as you will benefit best from a snug and structured fit. Most wrist guards come in small, medium, and large sizes, and brands will often provide guides to measuring and getting the right fit. With any protective gear, it’s important to make sure the fit is best for you and will keep you safe.
I’ve been skateboarding for years and never had an accident; do I really need to buy a wrist guard?
It is entirely up to you, but being as safe as you can be is never a bad thing. You can be a champion skateboarder and still hit some uneven ground, get distracted, or mess up a trick.
You may buy wrist guards and never need them, but some of the most common skateboarding injuries are associated with the wrist and hand. When it comes to any sport, whether you are completely green or a seasoned pro, it is always better to be safe.
How do I know which kind of wrist guard I need?
This generally depends on your experience and skill. It might sound strange, but there is a skill when it comes to falling. If you fall the wrong way, a wrist guard will not do you much good, but if you learn properly, they can protect more than you might expect.
Wrist guards generally come with padding to help buffer you against direct impacts, scrapes, and grazes; this is especially for palms and knuckles which are the most likely to suffer minor injuries. Another of the most prominent features of many wrist guards is the splint. Splints are the long hard strips of plastic or metal which help to keep your wrist in place on impact. The splint supports your wrist and, while it might not protect you from a very severe injury, even the impact of a broken bone can be lessened as the splint will support the bone until you can get to a hospital.
The majority of wrist guards will have the same basic safety features and any extras are personal preference and dependent on quality: what will work for you depends on what kind of skateboarder you are.