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When I first started looking into purchasing wrist guards to protect my wrist/forearm from the impact of the kettlebell, I found it hard to know which wrist guard to purchase. I was unsure about which products were better than others because I didn’t necessarily know what features to look for, and what qualities made one product better than others on the market.
After doing my research I’ve narrowed it down to the 4 best kettlebell wrist guards on the market.
What Is The Best Overall Kettlebell Wrist Guard? The best kettlebell wrist guard overall is The Fit Guy Kettlebell Wrist Guard because it has almost 360 degrees of protection, it has adjustable straps to make it nearly one size fits all, it's easy to put on, and it’s extremely durable.
It’s important to understand that not all wrist guards are created equal, and some of them will actually hinder our ability to perform kettlebell movements; to avoid this, we need to know what to look for in a good kettlebell wrist guard.
In this article I’ll discuss:
- The 3 most important factors to consider before purchasing a kettlebell wrist guard
- The 4 best wrist guards on the market for specific uses
- What features make a kettlebell wrist guard better than other wrist guards on the market
The 3 Biggest Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Kettlebell Wrist Guard
The 3 biggest factors we need to consider before purchasing a kettlebell wrist guard are:
- Skill Level
- Budget
- Level Of Protection
1. Skill Level
Our skill level is important to consider before purchasing kettlebell wrist guards because if we are a beginner lifter, we are going to need more coverage and protection while we develop our technique.
If we’re a more advanced lifter, we’ll only need protection for higher repetitions as we’ll likely have less aggressive contacts due to the refinement of our technique.
What this means is that beginner kettlebell users will likely benefit more from a kettlebell wrist guard while they’re learning the proper technique on how to avoid hitting your wrist in kettlebell movements.
2. Budget
Our budget is an important factor to consider before purchasing a kettlebell guard because it will determine the quality of the product that we are able to purchase.
Depending on the flexibility of our budget, it may be worth paying more for a product that is more durable – as it will last longer and save us money in the long run.
3. Level Of Protection
The level of protection that the wrist guard provides is an important factor to consider because it will determine how much of the wrist will be covered by the plastic inserts, and how much shock absorption the inserts will have.
This is important because each person will have a different level of tolerance for kettlebell contact, and different areas that the kettlebell makes contact.
Top 4 Kettlebell Wrist Guards On The Market
The top 4 kettlebell wrist guards are:
- The Fit Guy Kettlebell Wrist Guard – Best Overall
- Quest Wrist Guard – Best Budget Option
- EVOShield Wrist Guard- Best For Beginners
- CFF Kettlebell Wrist Guard – Best For Small Wrists
The Fit Guy Wrist Guard – Best Overall
The Fit Guy Kettlebell Wrist Guard is the best wrist guard overall because it has almost 360 degrees of protection, it has adjustable straps which make it one of the easiest wrist guards to put on, it is one size fits most, and its neoprene material makes it very durable.
The Fit Guy Wrist Guard has an advanced design because it is one of the only kettlebell wrist guards on the market that offers almost 360 degrees of coverage with its plastic inserts. This is extremely attractive in a kettlebell wrist guard because if we’re after protection, then we are going to want a product that offers the best protection and coverage – while still being flexible enough to allow us to move.
The Fit Guy Wrist Guard has a neoprene outer shell that is extremely durable and won’t fall apart even with frequent contacts with the kettlebell. The downside to neoprene is that it does not absorb sweat, but by designing the product with adjustable straps we can easily take the wrist guard off and on between sets and/or loosen the straps to allow for more ventilation.
The straps on this wrist guard are a game changer, because we can easily take the wrist guard on and off and we can adjust how tight we want the wrist guard to be. Other wrist guards on the market are typically impossible to get on once we start to sweat – so if we have it on during the workout, we cannot take it off until we’re sure we’re absolutely done with it.
The downside to the wrist guard is that it does only come in one size fits all, which can be difficult because often one size does not fit all. However, with this product I think it is fair to say that one size fits most – because of the adjustable straps which make it more customizable. It is also one of the more expensive wrist guards on the market, but overall is still quite affordable and it is certainly durable.
Pros
- Adjustable Straps
- Nearly 360 Degree Protection
- Extremely Durable
Cons
- More Expensive
- One Size Fits Most Sizing
Quest Wrist Guard – Best Budget Option
The Quest Wrist Guard is the best budget option for those wanting a kettlebell wrist guard because it has an insert to protect the wrist/forearm from the kettlebell, it’s outer layer is designed to absorb sweat, and it’s very affordable.
The Quest Wrist Guard is the best wrist guard for those looking to keep their expenses low, while still getting a product that is going to get the job done. They have a plastic insert that offers protection from the kettlebell, particularly during movements like the snatch and the clean.
These wrist guards do not have 36o degrees of protection, so we may need to adjust the wrist guard to the area we need the most protection because it only has one insert that covers one area of the wrist/forearm – but this is not uncommon for many of the kettlebell wrist guards on the market.
The Quest wrist guard also has a cotton/terry cloth that slides onto the forearm similar to a sweatband. The wrist guard's ability to absorb sweat gives it bonus points from me because this is such an important quality in not only the comfort level of the product, but also the performance level as well.
The downside to this product is that it is not as durable as other wrist guards on the market but this is likely the reason that they are so affordable. I think that these are the perfect option for those who want to try out kettlebell wrist guards but don’t necessarily plan to use them every single day.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sold In Pairs
- Absorbs Sweat
Cons
- Not As Durable
- Does Not Have 360 Degrees Of Protection
EVOShield Wrist Guard – Best For Beginners
The EVOShield Wrist Guard is the best wrist guard for beginners because it covers a larger area of the wrist/forearm for additional protection while we’re learning the movements, and it’s the most customizable for a better fit.
The EVOShield is a longer product which will provide more protection along the wrist and forearm while kettlebell training.
This is a feature that may be more valuable to those who are beginners because they will typically have more technique flaws that cause them to hit their wrist and forearm more frequently; therefore, the extra coverage is welcome.
Those who are more experienced and have refined their technique, particularly in the snatch or clean, may not require this much coverage from their wrist guard but as a beginner this is more of a necessity until we master the technique of the turnover.
The EVOShield Wrist guard also stands out because it has a Gel-To-Shell Technology which molds to our body, and claims to provide extra protection by dispersing energy upon impact as opposed to other products that are designed to absorb the energy instead.
When the product arrives it has gel insert that once inserted molds to our wrist and forearm and hardens to provide the protection we need from the kettlebell.
The level of customization for this product is what really makes it stand out, as it can be molded to our specific body so the insert lays against our skin perfectly, and comes in a variety of sizes for the sleeve itself – while most other products are designed for one size fits all.
Unfortunately the outer shell of the EVOShieldis made of neoprene, which does get points for durability, but does not get points for sweat absorption.
My worry with this material is that because it does not absorb sweat, it has a great risk of sweat accumulation – which could cause us to lose our grip because of the amount of moisture around the hand, wrist, and forearm while we’re training.
Pros
- Gel-To-Shell Technology
- Sold in Multiple Sizes
- Stays In Place
Cons
- Does Not Absorb Sweat
- Not Sold In Pairs
CFF Wrist Guard – Best For Small Wrists
The CFF Wrist Guard is the best wrist guard for those with small wrists because it is built smaller than most other wrist guards on the market, it’s outer layer absorbs sweat to prevent pooling, and it is very affordable.
The CFF Wrist Guard has a smaller fit than other wrist guards even though they claim to be one-size fits all. The CFF wrist guards do not appear to have been built this way on purpose as they are not marketed for those with smaller wrists, but they do tend to be too small for those with average-to-large size wrists.
The CFF Wrist Guard is designed with a plastic insert to protect against impact from a kettlebell while still being flexible enough to move the wrist. It does only have the insert on one side of the wrist guard rather than 360 degrees of protection but for those who have a good handle on their technique, this is probably the right amount of protection.
This wrist guard also has a cotton/terry cloth out layer which absorbs sweat like a sweatband, which is an added bonus because moisture tends to be the enemy when it comes to kettlebell training.
I will say that the CFF wrist guard may not be the most durable wrist guard out there but they are quite affordable, which makes me feel better about them not lasting more than 2 to 3 years.
The wrist wraps are likely the best on the market for those with smaller wrists, as not many of the products are built for smaller wrists/forearms. In addition, although they may not be the most durable kettlebell wrist guard on the market, they are likely durable enough for those who don’t plan to wear them everyday.
Pros
- Absorbs Sweat
- Sold In Pairs
- Smaller Fit
Cons
- Not Very Durable
- Does Not Provide 360 Degree Protection
Best Kettlebell Wrist Guards: Buyer’s Guide
The features that make a kettlebell wrist guard better than others include:
- Design
- Quality Of Inserts
- Ability To Remove Inserts
- Outer Layer Material
- Durability
Design
The design of a wrist guard is important because it will determine whether the wrist guard will work for us, or if it will impair our movement. In addition, it will affect the amount of protection that we will get from the product.
The best wrist guards for kettlebell training are the ones that are designed with kettlebell training in mind – these designs very from other wrist guards because they do not cover the palm, or wrap around the thumb; instead, the kettlebell wrist guards pull on like a sweatband and only cover the wrist/forearm but do not restrict movement of the wrist.
Quality Of Inserts
The quality of the wrist guard inserts are an important feature to consider when choosing a kettlebell wrist guard because we want an insert that is thick enough to protect the wrist/forearm from the kettlebell, but not so thick that it feels restrictive.
Most inserts will differ in the stiffness and flexibility of the insert, but the right insert needs a balance of both to ensure that we have enough mobility to perform kettlebell movements correctly, but with enough protection that we do not bruise or irritate the forearm upon contact.
The quality of the inserts also refers to the comfort of the insert against our skin. While some inserts can be molded to fit, others are only available in plastic that have their own form that may or may not sit comfortably.
Ability To Adjust Inserts
The ability to adjust inserts is a valuable feature because it allows us to reposition inserts to give us the coverage we want, but also to double up in areas that perhaps require extra protection.
Most products on the market do not have the ability to adjust the inserts, but the KettleGuard wrist guards are now being designed with this new feature. It is a gamechanger for wrist guards because it allows us to customize the wrist guard to our needs.
When we do not have the ability to adjust the inserts, we will likely have to move the wrist guard more often to ensure we’re protecting the area where the kettlebell will actually be contacting the wrist/forearm. We also need to make sure the insert is sewn into its own pocket; otherwise, it has the potential to move around when we don’t want it to.
Outer Layer Material
The material of the outer layer of the wrist guard is important because it will determine whether the wrist guard absorbs sweat and is breathable, or if it causes sweat to pool and feels more like a wetsuit on our wrist/forearm.
Cotton/Terry Cloth
The cotton/terry cloth outer layer is perfect for those who are particularly sweaty and need a wrist guard to absorb sweat, to help prevent sweat from accumulating and affecting our grip on the kettlebell.
Neoprene
Wrist guards made of neoprene may not be the best option for those who tend to get sweaty while training, because it will not absorb sweat and instead it will encourage sweat to pool which can negatively affect our grip on the kettlebell.
Durability
The durability of our kettlebell wrist guards is important to assess because it will help us to determine if we’re investing in a product that is going to last a long time, or if we’re wasting money on a product that will only last for a handful of uses.
The durability of a product is best assessed by reading reviews from those who have purchased the product themselves and used it for a longer period of time, as they will be able to provide the best insight to how the product held up over time and where it started to show signs of wear and tear.
Other Kettlebell Resources
- Cast Iron vs Steel Kettlebells: Pros, Cons, Differences
- Powder Coat vs Competition Kettlebell: Pros & Cons
- Best 5 Kettlebells For Small Hands
- Plastic Kettlebell vs Iron Kettlebell: Pros, Cons, Differences
- Best 5 Kettlebells For The Money (That Are Still Well Made)
- 1 Arm vs 2 Arm Kettlebell Swing: Pros, Cons, Which Is Best?
- E-Coat vs Powder Coat Kettlebells: Pros, Cons, Differences
- Adjustable vs Standard Kettlebell: Pros, Cons, Differences
- 33mm vs 35mm Kettlebell Handle: Which One Should You Get?
- Kettle Gryp Review: Pros, Cons, Is It Worth It?
- 5 Best Competition Kettlebells (Crossfit or Kettlebell Sport)
- 7 Best Kettlebell Swing Alternatives (With Pictures)
- 5 Best Kettlebell Gloves To Protect Your Hands
- Best 5 Kettlebells For Two-Handed Swings
- 3 Best Rubber-Coated Kettlebells
- 7 Best Kettlebell Apps For Both iOS & Android
- How To Chalk A Kettlebell Properly (4 Steps To Follow)
Final Thoughts
The Fit Guy Kettlebell Wrist Guard secures the win for the best all around kettlebell wrist guard because of the amount of protection it offers, its adjustable straps that allow us to customize the fit and provide an easier on/off process, and it’s level of durability that ensures this product will last a long time.
The EVOShield Wrist Guard is in second place because of it’s gel-to-shell technology that molds the protective insert to our wrist/forearm for a more customized fit, but falls short of the title because it only has inserts on one side, and is harder to get on and off.
Finally, the third runner up is the Quest Wrist Guard which absorbs sweat and is the most affordable (likely because it is not the most durable). It lands in third place over the CFF Wrist Guard because its fit accommodates more than just those with smaller wrists.
About The Author
Amanda Parker has a passion for competing and coaching in both powerlifting and weightlifting. She uses her knowledge from her Kinesiology Degree, CSCS, and Precision Nutrition certification to coach athletes and lifestyle clients for performance in training and nutrition. Connect with her on Instagram.
