Updated August 1, 2025
I’ve broken my wrist before. Twice. First was snowboarding. Second was a dumb skate fall that should’ve been nothing. After that, I stopped messing around and bought the Demon Flexmeter guards. That was over ten years ago.
I’ve worn them in the park, in powder, through spring slush, and on icy groomers. They’ve been stuffed in wet bags, forgotten in cars and slammed into more hardpack than I want to admit. One of them even has a bite mark. Don’t ask.
And through all that? They just worked. I only replaced them recently, not because they broke, but because I figured it was probably time. Here’s my full take on the Demon Flexmeters, after a decade of abuse.
Full Review
I bought my first pair of Demon Flexmeters over a decade ago. I was tired of cracking wrists, taping up bruises and trying guards that felt like medieval torture devices.
These weren’t like the others.
They were comfy, low-profile, and actually protective — not just some glorified foam sleeve. I’ve worn them through park seasons, icy slams, spring hikes and even a few sketchy skate sessions. They finally wore out recently… and I replaced them with the exact same model.
This isn’t a sponsored review. Just a snowboarder (and skier) who’s broken enough wrists to know what works.
Let’s dive in.
1. Fit & Comfort
The first thing I noticed about the Flexmeters was how wearable they were. Most wrist guards feel like strapping on a plastic cage. These don’t. The inner padding is soft, the neoprene sleeve hugs your wrist, and the flexible top plate adds protection without making you feel like a robot.
I’ve worn them for full days on the mountain without ever needing to rip them off at lunch. That’s rare. Even with gloves over the top, they never felt bulky or awkward.
If you’re used to the standard foam-and-strap guards, this is a major upgrade.
2. Protection
Let’s be clear — these things are beasts when it comes to impact protection. The Flexmeter uses a single flexible splint design with a plastic plate running along the top of your wrist. It disperses force across the forearm rather than jamming your wrist into the ground.
I’ve taken slams on ice, hit rails at full speed and caught edges I didn’t see coming. More than once I’ve stood up fully expecting my wrist to be wrecked… and it was totally fine. The plate flexes just enough to stop you from snapping, but stiff enough to take the hit.
Would I ride park without them? No chance.
3. Durability
I got my first pair sometime around 2014. No exaggeration, they lasted me nearly 10 seasons. The stitching finally started to fray and the Velcro wore out, but I probably could’ve patched them and kept going.
The updated model I bought last year looks and feels just as solid. These aren’t throwaway gear. They’re built for riders who put in long days and take hard hits.
If you’re looking for something to last more than a season or two, these are it.
4. Compatibility With Gloves
This is the part people always ask about: Can I wear these under gloves?
Short answer — yes, but you’ll want gloves that are either slightly oversized or designed for guards. I’ve used them under Oyuki Senchos and Dakine trigger mittens without much issue. They slide in snug but not tight, and the low-profile build helps a ton.
If you’re wearing pipe gloves or “under sleeve” mittens, it’s trickier. But with any normal winter glove, they’ll fit.
5. Skateboarding Too?
Yep. I’ve used them while skating and they’ve saved me more than once bombing hills or trying dumb stuff at the park. They’re technically designed for snow, but honestly? They work great for both.
If you’re someone who crosses over seasons, they’re worth having in your kit year-round. For skateboarding or longboarding, you probably want the doubled sided version though.
6. Pros & Cons
Comparison With Other Wrist Guards
I’ve tested loads of other guards too. These win out for protection, but check out my full wrist guard comparison here if you’re weighing up different options.
What About the Double-Sided Flexmeters?
If you’ve come across the Double-Sided Flexmeter Wrist Guards, they’re basically the same core design with an extra palm plate added underneath. That palm protection makes more sense for street skating or long boarding.
For snowboarding, though, the extra plate usually just gets in the way. It adds bulk under your gloves and isn’t really needed. Demon even recommends removing it if you’re using them on snow.
Unless you’re planning to use them for both snow and street, the regular (single-sided) version is the better call. It’s lighter, more glove-friendly, and still gives you all the wrist protection you actually need.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re not trendy. They’re just ridiculously solid wrist guards made for people who ride hard. The price might feel steep compared to some generic brands, but after 10 years of personal use… I’d still call them a bargain.
They’ve protected me more times than I can count, and I’ll keep recommending them to anyone who’s had even one sketchy wrist fall.
If you want the best wrist guards out there — these are it.
