Like all sports, skateboarding can come with some risks. Wrist fractures are extremely common amongst both amateurs and pros of this sport. This is because, when a person falls, they naturally throw their arms out to the ground to try and catch themselves.
If this happens to you, your wrists, which have incredibly thin bones, may sustain an injury as a result of the hit. It’s a highly delicate area that is prone to fractures, scratches, and sprains.
When skateboarding, it is always best to wear some form of wrist protection to protect this area of your body.
A wrist guard can protect your hand, skin, joints, and bones. If you are a beginner, it is even more important that you wear this protection, as it is likely that you will be falling more during practice.
Here are the best wrist guards that you can buy right now. We have also included a buyers guide at the end of this article for you to see all the essential things you need to look for when buying these products.
Best Wrist Guards For Skateboarding: Triple 8 Hired Hands Gloves
These Hired Hands wrist protectors from Triple Eight are not for the faint of heart. It is referred to as the “burliest” guard by the company and provides total wrist protection. These gloves cover nearly all of the fingers while leaving just the top third of them unprotected.
Made from incredibly durable materials, these protectors are constructed of top-grain leather and two layers of EVA shock-absorbing foam that are double-stitched.
Given the expense of these gloves, the detachable top and bottom ABS splints are a convenience. This is important as it means that this portion of the gloves may be replaced if damaged heavily. The glove’s thickness safeguards you from injury in the case of a fall.
When buying skateboarding gloves and wrist protection how well they fit is a vital part of how well they protect you. That’s why you will love these gloves as they have a robust neoprene strap that keeps the gloves securely on your hands.
Triple Eight says that these guards are perfect for skateboarding and rollerblading. If you’re a serious skater concerned about the impact of a fall, these gloves will provide adequate protection.
Pros & Key Features
- Super durable – these gloves can go through so much wear and tear that they will last you for years potentially
- Replaceable splints – if this portion of the gloves do get damaged, then you can replace them without having to buy replacement gloves
- Gives good protection – thanks to the shock-absorbing foam and the materials used in the construction, these gloves give you loads of protection if you fall
Possible Cons
- Expensive – these gloves are very pricey compared to others on the market
- Run small – the sizing on these gloves can be a bit weird, and it might be best to get the gloves one size bigger than you think you’ll need – though this can work well when buying for more petite children
Also Available At
- Top grain leather skateboarding gloves with integrated wrist guards designed for maximum protection and support
- Impact-resistant ABS splints on top and bottom are removable and replaceable after heavy wear and tear
- Includes EVA shock-absorbing foam layers with double stitching for durability
- Thick neoprene support strap with adjustable hook and loop closures ensure a secure fit with EZ pull-on loop
- Available in four sizes for kids, youth, and adults (measure around the hand at knuckles): Small fits 7-8 inches, Medium fits 8-9 inches, Large fits 9–10 inches, and X-Large fits 10–11 inches
Best Wrist Guards For Skateboarding: CTHOPER Impact Skateboard Wrist Guard
The first thing you will notice about the CTHOPER wrist guard is its unique design. It doesn’t look like any other wrist guard on the market. This is because this product was designed with breathability in mind.
These gloves encourage airflow, as seen by the lack of material on the back of the hand and the lack of finger protection. It’s a fantastic summer pick when the weather is hot and you don’t want your hands to become too sweaty.
While riders may be concerned that their backhands may receive less protection, most wrist guards are usually designed to protect just the front of the hand and the wrist.
Your covered hand is adequately safeguarded with these gloves. The palm and wrist protection is made of ABS plastic bone shells. Between the splints and the wrist, shock-absorbing EVA foam provides extra cushioning and comfort.
Three sizes are included, ensuring that these are suitable for both youngsters and adults. Two adjustable nylon straps on the palm and wrist allow for maximum customization to give you a snug fit.
These wrist covers for skateboards keep your hands secure while enabling you to utilize your fingers freely. Additionally, your thumb has a considerable range of motion, which may make your hand feel less trapped and uncomfortable in the gloves.
Pros & Key Features
- Breathable – your hands won’t get sweaty with these gloves
- Adjustable fit – the nylon straps means that you can tighten these gloves to make them fit better
- Good Protection – the materials are very shock absorbent.
Possible Cons
- Small – many buyers have reported these gloves run small so order a size up to be sure that they fit (though these may be a better fit for younger riders)
- Not very durable – after a few falls you may find that these gloves are too damaged to keep using
Also Available At
- Package content: 1 Pair Wrist Guard Palms Protection Gloves for Skiing, Roller Skating, Snowboarding, Skating, Motocross, Biking, packaged in a reusable mesh bag.
- The hard shells on wrist and palm absorb the impact, provide the best wrist and palm support, and right amount of protection with flexibility to allow for proper sporting.
- Breathable mesh in the lining helps keep cooler and drier. Easy to wear, comfortable for both women and men. Perfect gift for kids, youth and adult.
- Velcro closure straps made it adjustable for a perfect fit without losing tension during your workout, provides the best wrist support while maintaining full range movement of thumb and finger.
- 3 sizes available, Size S for palm breadth of 2.55-2.95", Size M for palm breadth of 2.95-3.34", Size L for palm breadth of 3.34-3.94".
Best Wrist Guards For Skateboarding: Smith Safety Gear Scabs Wrist Guards
The Smith Safety gloves are ideal for all forms of skating and are an amazing value for teens on a budget. They are tailored for improved fit and comfort.
The three adjustable velcro straps allow you to tailor the fit of the guards to your specific needs. They lack fingers to maximize flexibility, though this does lower their protection.
However, for further protection, these guards have an extra-thick splint. If you’ve suffered past injuries or are concerned about dangerous falls, the splint may provide additional security.
Also, the guard’s durability is enhanced by the ballistic nylon and strengthened double-stitching.
These guards are quite recognizable due to their color variations, allowing for more expression and creativity in your gloves of choice. The gloves come in a variety of colors, including brown, red, purple, and blue.
While these gloves are more situated for teenagers, any adults who like expressing themselves with bright colors will love these gloves. And while they are bright and fun, they give you pretty good protection as well.
Pros & Key Features
- Comfortable – as these guards don’t cover your whole hand, they are pretty comfortable to wear while also giving you a good fit
- Many color options – if you are bored of the usual black gloves and wrist protection, then these are the ones for you
- Good protection – the very thick splint will protect your wrists if you fall
Possible Cons
- Not very durable – after some falls, these wrist guards may need to be replaced
Also Available At
- Extra thick Splint
- Provides Ultimate Protection
- Flexible and Contoured
- 3 Adjustable Velcro Straps
Best Wrist Guards For Skateboarding: 187 Killer Wrist Guard
This fingerless skateboard wrist guard by 187 Killer Pads allows you to use your hand free while still providing you with the needed protection. Your hand may move more freely without the fingers on the glove.
The guard plate is curved and cupped to fit a greater area of your palm and wrist, providing comprehensive protection against forceful blows. Additionally, the splint is extra-thick at the base, which is the most vulnerable area to injury during a fall.
The glove’s inside is padded for your comfort. For extra comfort as well, these gloves are super breathable. The 187 Killer guards are made of perforated textiles that allow for more ventilation, and a sweatband is included with the purchase.
For extra durability, these guards have reinforced thumb holes and palms. Also, the ballistic nylon material is stitched using industrial-grade thread, allowing these guards to withstand several falls before you notice any damage to the product.
They are available in a range of sizes from X-small to Large and have an adjustable strap. Although these gloves were designed for roller derby skaters, they perform equally well for skateboarding and are great if you want a lot of protection for your wrists.
Pros & Key Features
- Very comfortable – thanks to the breathable material and the added padding, these guards are super comfortable
- Very durable – these gloves should last you a very long time, no matter how much you fall
- Freehand movement – as they do not cover your fingers, your hand can move a lot more
Possible Cons
- Small – like a lot of wrist guards, these run small so get a size up from the recommended one
- Angled design conforms to hand for excellent fit
- Reinforced thumb hole and palm increase longevity
- Ballistic nylon with industrial-weight stitching ensures durability. Its design encases the wrist to provide safety from certain injuries related to skating and other action sports
- Padded interior provides increased comfort
- Extra thick splint gives concentrated protection at base of hand where most hard impacts occur
Buyers Guide For Skateboarding Wrist Guards
Here are all of the features that you need to look out for when buying any wrist protection for skateboarding.
The Fit And Flexibility
How much range of motion does the wrist guard allow in terms of flexibility? While a skateboard wrist guard may be well-made and provide protection, it may become an issue if you feel trapped in the guard.
You want the guards to feel comfortable. Because fit and comfort are closely related, choose wrist guards with adjustable straps.
While most regular guards use three straps to help maintain a secure fit, some are designed to be put on and off more quickly
Certain brands run small, which is great if you’re shopping for a youngster but might cause issues if you don’t take the time to double-check the sizing. You’ll want to double-check your measurements and choose the suitable size to give you the best protection.
Durability And Materials
What type of material is the guard made from? The better the material, the more protection the guards will give you and will make them last longer as well.
You want a material that will last for an extended period and is weather-resistant. If the weather is warm, try wearing lightweight, breathable materials.
Thick textiles are better overall though because they provide more protection. If you want a strong material, carbon fiber and hard foam are good options.
Generally, the thicker the material, the more protection it provides. On the negative side, you may experience increased perspiration and a loss of flexibility due to these strong materials.
Purpose Of The Guards
The majority of wrist guards can be used in a variety of sports from skateboarding to skiing, roller derby, and snowboarding.
However, you must think about the brand’s intended use for the gloves, since this may affect your experience. The best wrist guards for street skateboarding will differ somewhat from those developed for roller derby or other sports.
The length and width of the palm splint may vary. Prices may also vary somewhat, so before purchase, confirm that the skateboard gloves are purpose-built.
While derby-specific gloves are fine for skateboarding, if you’re participating in roller derby, you will need the added protection given by derby-specific guards.
More Skateboarding Safety Advice And Products
Before you set your kids off in the skatepark – or even just playing on the driveway with their penny boards or skateboards, make sure they are equipped with the proper safety gear:
- These are the best dual-certified kids skateboarding helmets
- Equip your child with a set of protective elbow and knee pads for skating
Jump back over to all our skateboarding advice and buying guides for kids
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