Today we’ll be covering the best kettlebell wrist guards available. Kettlebells are some of the best tools for any kind of workout, especially circuit training and CrossFit. With that being said, they can be awkward to use, and even the most experienced users can hurt themselves with kettlebells. We highly recommend picking up a set of wrist guards for kettlebells to protect yourself from any bumps, bruises, and injuries. Without further ado, here are the best kettlebell forearm guards on the market.
Top 5 Best Kettlebell Wrist Guards Reviewed
- THEFITGUY Kettlebell Wrist Guards - Top Pick
- Sedroc Wrist Forearm Guards - Runner Up
- PROFORCE Forearm Guard
- Kneebees Cotton Kettlebell Wrist Protective Pads - Best Alternative
- Quest Kettlebell Wrist Guard with Pad - Budget-Pick
1. THEFITGUY Kettlebell Wrist Guards - Top Pick
- Type: 7mm padding
- Material: Neoprene with Chrome Buckles
- Color: Black
- Size range: Wrists - 5.2-8”, Forearms - 8.2-14.5”
- Hand Orientation: Palm Down
- Closure Type: Adjustable Strap
THEFITGUY Kettlebell Wrist Guards are our top pick for kettlebell forearm guards. The Fit Guy was a company founded by two fitness fanatics looking to provide the best possible products to their customers. These wrist guards certainly deliver on this ambitious mission.
These wrist guards were designed with comfort in mind, and have no stiff insert like many other wrist guards out there. Their quality neoprene material is also designed to last for years, with the chrome buckles being sturdy and well-made. The adjustable straps also make sure you can get the perfect fit, regardless of forearm size. They are also one of the best-looking sets of kettlebell arm guards on the market today. These have earned the top spot on our list for their durability and comfort while working out, as well as their excellent design.
Although they are the most expensive option on our list, the quality is worth the extra price. The only real con to speak of is the fact that they don’t offer palm-up forearm protection. With this being said, the primary purpose of wrist guards is palm-down protection, so this is not a major issue.
Positives:
High-quality material
Durable even through the toughest workouts
Very comfortable
Best looking design
Could be better:
Most expensive option
Only offers palm-down forearm protection
2. Sedroc Wrist Forearm Guards - Runner Up
- Type: 7mm padding
- Material: Neoprene
- Color: Black
- Size range: One size fits all
- Hand Orientation: Palm Down
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop Closure
The Sedroc wrist forearm guards are our runner-up for best forearm guards on the market. Similar to THEFITGUY guards, Sedroc’s project provides a slightly cheaper option than the guards at the top of our list.
In our opinion, these slightly edge out the top spot in the category of comfort. Using a hook and loop closure system, Sedroc’s product gives a more comfortable fit for all different athletes. Although they are also made of neoprene, these wrist guards don’t feel quite as sturdy as the top product on our list.
Also, the logo printed on them makes them slightly less aesthetically pleasing, even if they do a good job of serving their functional purpose. These also do not offer palm-up forearm protection, so if that’s important to you, you may want to consider one of the other options on our list. Overall, these are some of the best forearm guards on the market, and if you’re ok with a big logo printed on them, they should serve you just fine.
Positives:
Well made, especially for the price
- Hook and loop closure system make them highly adjustable
- Slightly more budget-friendly
Could be better:
Doesn’t have the best designAlso does not have palm-up forearm protection
- Type: ½” padding
- Material: Foam Rubber
- Color: Black
- Size range: Small, Medium, & Large (Knuckle Width of 3 ¼ - 3 ¾”)
- Hand Orientation: Both
- Closure Type: Sleeve (No Closure)
Next up are Proforce’s forearm guards. These aren’t specifically designed to be kettlebell arm guards, but they do serve this purpose effectively. While the first two options on our list only cover the wrist and some of the forearms, these go all the way down to nearly the elbow. This means they are an excellent choice if you are working out with larger kettlebells that go further down your arm.
They are also the first sleeve-style guards on our list, which make them slightly less comfortable than the previous options, although this may be a matter of personal preference. They come in small, medium, and large, so there’s a chance your arms won’t quite fit into any of these sizes. They are quite sleek looking which is a plus and can serve several purposes as more versatile forearm guards. They are also another more budget-friendly option, being the cheapest guards we’ve covered on this list so far.
With these not being specifically designed to be kettlebell guards, they may not offer the best protection in the heavier weights but should be perfect for most lighter kettlebells. They are also the first option on our list that offers both palm-up and palm-down forearm protection, which is a major plus.
Positives:
Longer sleeve goes further down the arm
Sleek design
Palm-up and palm-down protection
Budget-friendly
Could be better:
Not specifically designed for kettlebells
Sleeve design may lead to poor fit
4. Kneebees Cotton Kettlebell Wrist Protective Pads - Best Alternative
- Type: Double Layered Padding
- Material: Cotton & Spandex/Latex Blend
- Color: Black, Red, and Multi-Colored Stripes
- Size range: One Size Fits All
- Hand Orientation: Both
- Closure Type: Sleeve
Kneebees Cotton Kettlebell wrist pads are the perfect choice if you’re looking to add some flare to your workout attire. While all the other options on our list only come in black, these come in red, as well as a wide variety of multi-color stripes.
Because of the spandex & latex blend, they can also stretch out to fit most sizes. Unfortunately, each time they are washed they stretch back to the smallest size, so you will have to restretch them a lot if you have bigger forearms. These also feature palm-up and palm-down protection, making for a more versatile product. These are also one of the only options on our list that features sweat-wicking material to keep your forearms dry during your workout.
Where they lose points is their ability to handle heavy amounts of weight. They just aren’t as well padded as the top options on our list and don’t seem to be designed for the heaviest kettlebells. With that being said, if you’re planning on using lighter weights, these are likely a great choice.
Positives:
Many different colours to choose from
Moisture wicking
Able to stretch for adjustable fit
Another budget-friendly option
Could be better:
Lower weight protection
Must be restretched after every wash
5. Quest Kettlebell Wrist Guard with Pad -Budget-pick
- Type: Plastic Pad
- Material: Cotton & Plastic
- Color: Black
- Size range: One Size Fits All
- Hand Orientation: Both, adjustable
- Closure Type: Sleeve
The final choice on our list is the Quest wrist guards, specifically because they are the most budget-friendly option out there. Easily being the cheapest option on our list, these are perfect if you’re not looking to spend too much on wrist guards.
They are also moisture-wicking, which is always a plus for those tough workouts. With that being said, these are likely the least comfortable option on this list as well. Featuring a stiff plastic pad, these guards offer the least amount of flexibility out of all our options. Although this means solid protection, it also means lower comfort. They do also lose points for their design, featuring a big logo on them, similar to Semroc’s product. They do offer both palm-up and palm-down protection, but only one at a time as you have to rotate the plastic pad to achieve this.
Overall, you’re getting what you pay for with these wrist guards, which is a relatively bare-bones product that still serves its primary purpose.
Positives:
The cheapest option on our list
Also features moisture wicking
Durable and able to handle high weight
Could be better:
The stiff plastic pad may be uncomfortable
Has to be adjusted to protect both sides of your forearm
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What Are the Benefits of Kettlebell Wrist Guards?
Injury Protection
The main purpose of kettlebell forearm guards is to protect yourself from injury while training. Especially if you’re just beginning training with kettlebells, wrist guards can help you learn the techniques without straining yourself. Regardless of what exercise you’re doing, it’s very common for beginners to bruise themselves, or even sprain their wrists while training with kettlebells. Even if you’re an experienced athlete, it’s worth investing in the protection that wrist guards offer you. Regardless of who you are, it’s smart to have a pair of wrist guards to keep yourself safe while working out.
Increased Weight Load
Especially if you’ve been training for a while, wrist guards can help give you confidence when using higher weights than what you’re used to. This goes back to the previously mentioned point about injury prevention. The higher weight you use, the greater chance you may get injured. By protecting your wrists and forearms with guards, you can test out new weights with added confidence. While wrist guards won’t magically make you any stronger, they may give you the added level of confidence to push yourself further during your workouts.
Comfort While Working Out
There’s nothing worse than having to stop a set because of discomfort instead of actual fatigue. Even if you’re not injuring your wrists, kettlebell workouts can still put a strain on your joints that may lead to discomfort and thus poorer performance. This may be alleviated by wearing wrist guards during your workouts. The added support from the wrist guards may allow you to better train targeted muscles because you won’t have to stop when your wrists get sore. By eliminating the discomfort that many athletes experience with kettlebells, you can truly get the most out of your workouts.
What to Look For in Kettlebell Wrist Guards?
Comfort
One of the most important features of a wrist guard is how comfortable it is to wear. Because one of the main purposes of wrist guards is to increase your comfort levels while working out, it doesn’t make sense for a wrist guard to be uncomfortable. This usually comes down to both design and fit. Most wrist guards come with either an adjustable strap design or a sleeve design. It’s up to you to decide which one suits you better. Adjustable straps tend to be more comfortable because of the level of versatility in the fit that they offer. Whatever you decide, they must be comfortable, because if they aren’t, you likely won’t want to wear them at all.
Durability
Another important factor to consider is how long wrist guards will last you. There’s no point in spending money on a product if it’s only going to last for a couple of workouts. Any wrist guards you buy should be made of high-quality material that you’re confident will endure through even the toughest workout. Especially if you’re an athlete who regularly trains with kettlebells, durability is easily one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase.
Price/Quality
When looking for wrist guards, it may be tempting to buy the cheapest option on the market. As with anything, with wrist guards you get what you pay for. It may be worth spending slightly more to get a product that is both comfortable and durable. With that being said, there’s no need to break the bank on wrist guards either. Even the most expensive option on our list is relatively cheap, so there’s no need to spend an insane amount to get a high-quality product. Be sure you do your research, and know what you’re buying. Don’t spend too much on wrist guards, or too little.
Design
Although secondary to all the features mentioned above, design is still important to consider before making a purchase. Similar to the comfort of a product, if you hate how it looks, you’re much less likely to use it. Choose a design that you think looks cool, and you’ll want to wear it for every workout you do. This ultimately comes down to a matter of preference, but do your research before making a choice. Be sure to pick a pair of wrist guards that you’ll be excited to wear in the gym.
FAQs
Should you use wrist guards for kettlebells?
Yes. Especially if you’re a beginner they can help prevent injury when learning proper form. For more advanced lifters, wrist guards can help build confidence when trying heavier weights. There are benefits to using wrist guards for all lifters. With this being said, they aren’t necessary to achieve good form or high performance. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.
Are wrist guards worth it?
It depends. If you’re concerned about injuries, then wrist guards are a smart choice to protect yourself. If you feel confident in your form, and aren’t worried about bruising, they might not be necessary for you. They certainly aren’t necessary to get a good workout. While it comes down to personal preference, most people will likely feel much more comfortable using kettlebells while wearing wrist guards.
Why shouldn’t you use wrist guards for kettlebells?
It comes down to preference. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing them, or if you’re certain you have good form, they certainly aren’t necessary. As already mentioned, they are a product more designed for kettlebell beginners. Experienced lifters can still find many benefits from them, mainly added peace of mind when trying out heavier weights.
Can you break your wrist with wrist guards on?
Yes. Wrist guards will not give you complete protection from all injuries. They are also not a replacement for good form. If you are using poor form with a weight that’s too heavy, you can still break your wrist while wearing guards. They are only designed to prevent injury within reason, so always use common sense while working out.
Conclusion
Wrist guards are an excellent choice for any athlete who uses kettlebells. While our top pick is THEFITGUY’s kettlebell wrist guards, there are plenty of other quality options out there to choose from. Do you have a pair of wrist guards that you would recommend? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
References:
- Kettlebells for Bodybuilding: 5 Reasons 'Bells Rule for Muscle Growth // Bodybuilding: https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/kettlebells-for-bodybuilding-5-reasons-bells-rule-for-muscle-growth.html
- Kettlebell // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettlebell#Exercises
- The 15 Most Dangerous Kettlebell Mistakes // Mens Journal: https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/top-10-dangerous-kettlebell-mistakes/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.