Updated August 9, 2025
Wrist injuries are brutal. One wrong fall can take you out for the season — I’ve been there, twice.
After plenty of slams, I’ve learned which guards actually feel good, stay in place and keep you protected. These are the only ones worth strapping on this season.
🏆 Quick Pick
The best snowboard wrist guards are the Demon Flexmeters. Most guards just transfer the impact higher up your arm. The Flexmeters spread out the force, reducing wrist fractures by up to 67%. They’re also far more comfortable than those stiff old-school metal splints. If you’re serious about avoiding fractures, this is the one to get.
Best Wrist Guards For Snowboarding
1. Demon Flexmeter Snowboard Wrist Guards
- Single-sided support that spreads impact
- Three adjustable straps for a locked-in fit
- Designed with physicians and trauma specialists
- Flexible design keeps natural wrist movement
- Proven to reduce wrist fractures by up to 67%
The Demon Flexmeter Wrist Guards are in a different league from the stiff, short guards most riders know. I first found these back when they were just called Flexmeter, built by a small team of wrist surgeons and trauma specialists who wanted gear that actually prevents fractures.
Most guards just push the impact higher up your arm. These don’t. The longer support spreads out the force, and the double-sided version uses D3O – that soft, flexible material that hardens when you slam. It’s clever, and it works without feeling like you’re riding with a cast.
You’ll see two versions:
- Single-Sided: My go-to for snowboarding. Low profile, comfortable, and you can still tweak grabs and strap in easily.
- Double-Sided: Adds a palm skid plate and more coverage. It’s overkill for snow, but it’s perfect for longboarding, skating, or anything where you’re hitting pavement.
Personal take: I’ve had my Flexmeters for years and they’ve saved me more times than I can count. They’re not cheap, but they’ve outlasted multiple pairs of gloves and I wouldn’t ride without them.
Best for: Every rider who values keeping their wrists intact — especially if you’ve dealt with injuries before or just want peace of mind.
Pros
- Unmatched wrist protection
- Patented Flexmeter design
- Comfortable under most gloves
- Durable and long-lasting
- Trusted by experienced riders
- Reduce fractures by ~67%
- Still flexible enough to strap in and adjust your gear.
Cons
- Pricier than basic wrist guards
- Bulkier than low-profile options
2. Dakine Wrist Guards Budget Pick
I’m hesitant to recommend anything other than the Flexmeters — they’re the only guards I truly trust to prevent serious fractures. But if you’re just looking for something cheap and basic, the Dakine Wrist Guards are a solid fallback.
They’re minimal — just a neoprene sleeve with a rigid palm bar — and they slide under most gloves without a fight. The slim fit is nice though, because they slide under gloves or mittens without much fuss.
The trade-off? You lose some flexibility. I’ve used them for shorter sessions and they work fine, but after a full day my hand felt cramped from the stiff palm bar. Honestly, I’d pay the extra for the Flexmeter option, but I know times are tough.
Best For: Beginners or anyone wanting cheap, no-frills protection that still does its job.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Low-profile design fits under most gloves
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight and minimal
Cons
- Less protective than Flexmeters
- Rigid palm bar can cause cramping
- Limited flexibility
3. Dakine Wrist Guard Snowboard Gloves
- INSERT: DK DryΓäó (100% polyurethane with PFC-free DWR)
- INSULATION: Hi Loft (50% recycled polyester, 50% polyester) [110/230g]
- SHELL: 53% recycled polyester, 34% polyester, 11% Non-P PVC, 2% goat leather with PFC-free DWR
- PALM: Rubbertec (100% Non-P PVC with PFC-free DWR)
- Dakine, Wristguard, Skiing, Snowboarding, Protection, Snow
Dakine’s all-in-one wrist guard gloves combine a basic rigid palm guard (like the Dakine standalone version above) with an insulated, waterproof glove. It’s a smart fix for the common problem of cramming separate wrist guards under gloves.
Personal Take: I didn’t expect much, but these work well. The gloves are warm and durable, and the built-in guard stays in place with the outer straps. The trade-off is that you can’t adjust the guard and glove separately, so it’s harder to get a perfect fit.
Best For: Riders who want a simple setup with both gloves and wrist protection in one — especially if you’re tired of layering gear.
Pros
- Warm and waterproof
- Built-in wrist guard solves glove layering issues
- Durable outer material
- Guard stays securely in place
Cons
- Guard and glove cannot be adjusted separately
- Less flexibility than standalone guards
- Fit can be tricky for some hand shapes
4. Burton Kids Protective Wrist Guards Best Kids Wrist Guards
- Sturdy, tapered top splints
- Soft palm pad
- Flexible hook-and-loop adjustment
- Low-profile design
- Unisex sizing
The Burton Kids’ Impact Wrist Guards keep things simple but effective. They’ve got a low-profile build that slides easily under mittens or gloves, so kids don’t complain about bulky gear. The sturdy tapered splints offer solid protection, while the soft padding and adjustable straps keep them comfortable for a full day on the hill.
The materials are what you’d expect from Burton — durable polyester with a polyethylene insert that can take a hit. They’re not as advanced as something like the Flexmeters, but for kids learning the basics, they get the job done without overcomplicating things.
Best For: Young riders who need reliable, no-fuss wrist protection that fits under standard gloves.
Pros
- Kid-friendly low-profile design
- Slides easily under mittens or gloves
- Solid protection from tapered splints
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Not as protective as premium options like Flexmeter
- Limited adjustability
5. Bodyprox Impact Wrist Guards
- Flexible ribbing along the top of the wrist to prevent overextending.
- High-density EVA foam padding protects palms from impact. Our design features a larger padding section than the typical to cover more surface area
- Velcro closures along the top of the hand and wrist to adjust the fit
- 4 sizes available: measure the circumference of your palm with a flexible measuring tape.
- Interested in full body coverage? BODYPROX has Padded Shorts, Elbow Sleeves, and Knee Pads to take the fear out of falling!
The BODYPROX Impact Wrist Guards are one of the better budget options. We’ve already rated their padded shorts highly in our Best Impact Shorts article, and these guards follow the same formula — simple, affordable and effective enough for light use.
They slide under most gloves without too much hassle, which is a plus at this price. That said, they don’t spread impact the way a Flexmeter does, and they’re not as comfortable or durable as something like the Dakine guards.
Personal Take: These are fine if you’re just starting out or riding a few weekends a season. If you’re a regular rider though, I’d still save up for Flexmeter.
Best For: Beginners who need affordable protection or anyone who already trusts Bodyprox gear.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Slides under most gloves easily
- Decent protection for casual use
- Good entry-level choice
Cons
- Less impact dispersion than Flexmeter
- Durability not as high as premium models
6. OutdoorMaster Wrist Guards for Snowboarding
- Premium Protection: High-density, impact-resistant molded PE splints on front and back for support. The "bump" of the wrist guards splint that run along the palm and wrist to ensure proper coverage, gives concentrated protection when most hard impacts occur. Includes EVA shock-absorbing foam layers with double stitching for durability
- Breathable & Comfortable: Wrist guards are made of polyester and spandex blend that is lightweight and breathable that won’t irritate your skin or weigh you down, helps keep your hands cool, dry and comfortable. Slim enough to fit under gloves for winter sports
- Adjustable Straps: Slide-On Design for easy on and off. We added a thumb hole for extra flexibility, and the whole thing is secured with only one strap, you’ll enjoy their snug, stretchy fit. The finger slots help to ensure they won't slip out of place. We provide beautifully stickers. This stickers is made of high quality silicone. Self-adhesive design, you can decorate your wristsaver
- Multiple Outdoor Sports: Solid wrist support and protection, front to back. Wrist guards are designed for sports safety protection, for roller skating, inline skating, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding and other extreme sports which need impact protection gear
- What You Will Get: 1 Pair Wrist guards. Available in five sizes, please measure the circumference of your palm with a flexible measuring tape. If your measurements are in-between the sizes, we strongly recommend sizing up to the larger size
I grabbed these to see if a true budget wrist guard could hold up for snowboarding and honestly, they’re not bad for the price. The dual splints (front and back) give a decent level of support, and the fit is slim enough to slide under my mittens without feeling awkward.
They’re definitely more of a light-protection option. I wouldn’t trust them to take the same heavy hits as my Flexmeters, but for cruising days or beginner falls, they do the job. The materials aren’t premium, so I wouldn’t expect them to last forever, but for the cost, it’s hard to complain.
Best For: Riders who want cheap, functional wrist protection for casual snowboarding without layering guards under gloves.
Pros
- Dual splints for added support
- Slim enough to fit under most gloves or mittens
- Affordable entry-level pick
- Easy to adjust with Velcro straps
Cons
- Not as durable as higher-end guards
- Limited impact absorption on big falls
- Materials feel a little cheap
7. Triple Eight Undercover Snowboard Wrist Guards
- Sold as a pair
- Fits under most snowboard gloves
- Perforated neoprene body for extra breathability and a comfortable fit
- 2" wide elastic support strap
- EZ pull-on loop
The Triple Eight Undercover Snow Wrist Pads are about as low-profile as it gets. I barely noticed them under my gloves, which is great if you hate bulky gear. They slide on well as they’re basically a thin neoprene sleeve with a single rigid splint in the palm
They’re not going to save you from every crash, especially heavy side impacts, but for mellow riding or if you just want a little peace of mind, they’re a good, simple option. I used them for a couple of easy days and completely forgot I had them on – which is kind of the point.
However, they do feel nowhere near as sturdy as my beloved Flexmeters. Sorry Triple Eight!
Best For: Riders who want discreet, lightweight wrist protection for cruising and casual park laps.
Pros
- Ultra slim and low-profile
- Quick to put on/off
- Reliable polyethylene splint protects against most common wrist injuries
- Solid budget choice for casual or beginner snowboarders
Cons
- Minimal protection compared to dual-splint or premium guards
- Minimal adjustability — can feel loose or tight depending on hand size
How I Tested These Wrist Guards
After a brutal fall a few years back that left me with a double wrist fracture, I knew I had to take protection more seriously. One season off the slopes was more than enough!
So when I got back, I committed to finding the best snowboarding wrist guards on the market. Over the course of a full season, I tested a dozen different pairs – across powder, ice, park, and everything in between. I’ve worn them in sub-zero temps, wet slush and high-impact landings. These top picks are the real deal.
Features to Look for in Snowboard Wrist Guards
Choosing wrist guards isn’t just about picking the thickest or most expensive pair. Here’s what actually matters:
Flexibility: The best wrist guards protect without making your hands feel like they’re in a cast. You want solid support and enough movement to grip, grab and ride comfortably.
Breathability: Insulated doesn’t have to mean swampy. Look for guards that keep your hands dry and ventilated, especially on warmer days.
Comfort: You’ll likely wear these all day, so pressure points and awkward bulk are deal breakers.
Glove Compatibility: A big challenge! If you’re buying separate guards and gloves, check sizing carefully. Guards and gloves from the same brand (and same size) tend to work better together.
Types of Snowboard Wrist Protection
When you start shopping for snowboard wrist protection, you’ll notice there are two main styles. Each has its own pros and cons depending on how much protection you want and how you like your gear to fit.
1. Standalone Wrist Guards
These are the classic, tried-and-true style. Standalone wrist guards are separate from your gloves and slip on over your base layer before you put your gloves or mittens on.
They usually have a rigid splint or support bar along the palm (and sometimes the back of the hand) that spreads out the force of an impact to help prevent wrist fractures.
Why riders like them:
You can pair them with any gloves you already own.
They often offer the highest level of protection for snowboarding, especially premium options like Flexmeter.
Easy to swap in and out depending on the day’s conditions or terrain.
If you’re serious about reducing wrist injuries while snowboarding – especially if you ride park or are learning – standalone wrist guards are the safest bet.
2. Wrist Guard Gloves and Mittens
These combine a basic palm guard with an insulated snowboard glove or mitten. The idea is to solve the annoying problem of cramming separate wrist guards under your gloves.
Why riders like them:
No need to layer two separate pieces of gear.
The guard stays in place because it’s built into the glove.
Often warmer and more convenient for casual riding days.
The trade-off is that most glove-based wrist guards aren’t as adjustable or protective as standalone models. Still, if you’re after comfort and simplicity (and want wrist guards for snowboarding without adding extra bulk) they’re a great all-in-one option.
Final Thoughts
Wrist guards might not be exciting gear, but they can save your season. I’ve worn mine for years, and they’ve saved me more times than I can count.
If you value riding without worrying about a busted wrist, just make them part of your setup.
Snowboard Wrist Guard FAQ
They’re not essential for everyone, but they can significantly reduce the risk of sprains and fractures. If you’re learning, riding park, or prone to falling, they’re a smart piece of gear.
Yes, most low-profile guards fit under gloves, especially if you size your gloves up slightly. Some snowboard-specific gloves even have built-in wrist support.
Good wrist guards should still let you grip and adjust your bindings comfortably. Cheaper or bulky ones can feel restrictive, so look for ergonomic designs made for snowboarding (Demon Flexmeters!)
Yes. Snowboard wrist guards are usually slimmer, use softer materials and fit inside gloves. Skate guards tend to be bulkier and made for bare-handed use.
They should be snug but not cut off circulation. You want firm support with no slipping and they should sit comfortably under your gloves without bunching up.
