4 Best Snowboard Wrist Guards

Injuries are always a possibility when you are snowboarding, and doing everything you can to prevent them can pay off. Wearing wrist guards when you ride is one way to help protect your hands and arms when you fall. 

I’m a certified snowboarding instructor who has dealt with my fair share of injuries over the years. I don’t always wear wrist guards, but I have experience with different models that I think are highly effective. 

The Dakine Wristguard is my pick for the best snowboard wrist guards. This is a comfortable option that will give you plenty of additional wrist support without affecting your riding. 

There are a few other solid options out there to choose from, so I’ll give you a list of all my favorites in this post. 

Let’s get started.  

Who Should Get This

Every snowboarder wants to stay protected, which is why every boarder can use wrist guards.

Though you never want an accident to occur, it always helps to be ready when one does. Unfortunately, even the best boarders fall from time to time.

Lowering the severity of that fall is extremely important, and wrist guards can help prevent sprains and breaks. 

The wrist guards listed here are handy for people who are more likely to fall while on their board. Beginners who are just getting used to the mountain can benefit from them, as can more experienced snowboarders who like to catch big air in the park.

Top Snowboard Wrist Guards

Here are my top picks for the best snowboard wrist guards. 

1. Dakine Wristguard

• Best for: Overall
• Key features: Durable, flexible, secure fit, adjustable velcro cinch, comfortable, supportive
• Style: Over wrist, thumb hole, velcro wrap
• Fit: Form-fitting
• Cost: $$

The Dakine Wristguard is my top overall pick for the best snowboard wrist guards. It is a comfortable and effective solution that will give you more support and protection if and when you fall. 

These are made from 100% neoprene which gives them a strong and durable construction that is also very flexible. They will fit around your wrists snuggly and securely for long-lasting comfort and protection. 

An adjustable velcro wrist cinch lets you customize the level of tightness you want, so you can dial in extra support or loosen things up. The wrist guards also come in a variety of sizes to fit just about everyone. 

These don’t have a rigid plastic piece, so they might not be the strongest supporting option.  

==> You can also get it on Walmart or Snow And Rock or Christy Sports.

2. Bodyprox Wrist Guards

• Best for: Rigid Option
• Key features: Strong protection, protective plastic splint design, lightweight, easy fit
• Style: Over wrist, thumb loop, wrap, rigid
• Fit: Adjustable
• Cost: $$

For added strength and stability, you’ll want an option with a plastic splint. The Bodyprox Wrist Guards are the best rigid option. 

These wrist guards come with an included plastic splint that runs down the front side. This gives you extra support and protection, which can help prevent injuries. 

They are made of a Neoprene cuff that is very lightweight and fits around your hand easily and effectively. They also have a velcro strap that allows you to dial in an exact fit to your comfort and support preferences. 

An easy slip-on fit makes the guards very easy to get on and off, even if you want to adjust them outside on the mountain. 

They can get a little loose if you don’t have the strap attached tight. Be sure to adjust throughout the day.  

==> You can also get it on Bodyprox.

3. Flauto Wrist Guards 

• Best for: Low Profile
• Key features: ABS plastic shell, breathable, comfortable, low profile, adjustable nylon straps
• Style: Palm fit, low profile
• Fit: Loose
• Cost: $

If you are looking for a low-profile option that won’t get in your way, check out the Flauto Wrist Guards. 

These have an over-the-hand fit that utilizes ABS plastic construction over the palm and wrist areas. This gives you excellent protection from impact while offering a smaller design for added dexterity. 

They are also very breathable, thanks to a sweat-absorbing inner cushion pad. This pad also adds extra protection. 

Two adjustable nylon straps allow you to dial in a perfect fit. In addition, the strap design enables you to maintain full use of your wrists and fingers. 

These are good at protection against impacts but aren’t the best option for preventing wrist sprains. 

4. Burton Wrist Guards

• Best for: Fit
• Key features: Comfortable, two-strap adjustments, flexible tapered top splints, soft palm pad
• Style: Over wrist, thumb hole, two-strap
• Fit: Snug
• Cost: $$

The Burton Wrist Guards are the most comfortable option out there. These will fit like a dream while still giving you plenty of safety and protection. 

They feature a 100% polyester construction with flexible tapered top splints. This gives you a solid and durable material that will last for many seasons of use alongside a rigid layer of protection against injury. 

An adjustable closure and two velcro straps allow you to get the perfect fit. As a result, you can expect these wrist guards to offer superior protection and a customized fit. 

They also have a soft palm pad that adds extra cushion and increases comfort. 

The Burton Wrist Guards are a slightly bulky option. 

==> You can also get it on Burton or Evo or Buckman’s.

Best Snowboard Wrist Guards: What to Consider

Here are some essential things to keep in mind when deciding which wrist guards will work best for you. 

Construction

Wrist guards mainly exist to break your fall. So you want a durable pair that can stand up to a lot of abuse. Look for hardy models crafted to take hard crashes and impacts while providing the support and protection you need.

You never know how you’re going to brace for a crash or how you’re going to take a particularly rough impact. A well-made wrist guard keeps you protected no matter how or why you fall.

Style

When getting wrist guards, you also want to pay attention to their design. Each model can have a slightly different shape. Some may work with your body, while others may be too stiff or tight.

Get a pair that allows you to properly move your hands without being so loose that they won’t help when you need them. Models that conform to your wrist shape are beneficial because they provide a better fit.

Flexibility

Good wrist guards protect you from injury, and they do so by bracing your hands. However, the pair you pick should let you move around even when they’re locked in.

Do your best to get guards made with neoprene or any other stretchy materials that let you move around. This should never compromise durability, but it is important to look out for.

FAQs

Here are some common questions relating to snowboard wrist guards. 

Are wrist guards good for snowboarding?

Wrist guards can come in handy for beginners or anyone who has trouble with their wrists. Beginners fall more often than more experienced riders, and their chance for injury is greater. Wrist guards can help prevent wrist injuries for any ability level of rider. 

Do most snowboarders wear wrist guards?

I don’t think that most snowboarders wear them. From what I’ve seen on the mountain, most snowboarders don’t wear them. Typically, it’s only beginners or anyone who has had troubles with their wrists before who wears them. 

How do you protect your wrists while snowboarding?

Wrist guards are one of the best ways to protect your wrists while you are out riding. They are the most proven way to prevent injuries. But you can also use a wrist wrap or tape for a little extra support. You can also avoid using your hands when you fall (easier said than done!).

Are wrist guards necessary?

Wrist guards aren’t necessary. I would say that a helmet is more important. But if you are worried about injuring yourself and have any sort of wrist issue, wrist guards are more than recommended. They are cheap and easy to use. 

Useful Tips

Wrist guards provide you with extra support while snowboarding, but they are not the only way to stay safe out on the slopes. When getting ready to ride, always remember to follow basic safety measures so you can minimize your risk of injury.

Though wrist guards are an excellent snowboard accessory, they are far from the only ones on the market. There are many small items you can pick up to make your rides much more enjoyable. 

If you’re curious about such items, check out my other articles:

• Best Snowboard Helmets
• Best Snowboard Gloves
• Best Snowboard Padded Shorts
• Best Snowboard Stomp Pads

Final Verdict

My pick for the best snowboard wrist guards is the Dakine Wristguard. These will give you good support to help you limit your chance of injury when you fall. They are also very comfortable, and you can easily wear them all day long without worry. 

Snowboarding is an extreme sport, and it comes with certain inherent risks. While many remember to wear a helmet or warm clothing, wrist guards are easy to overlook.

All of the options listed here come highly recommended and will help you stay safer and have more fun when you ride. 

About Lorraine