If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best kettlebell wrist guard for Crossfit WODs is, then I’d recommend the CFF Kettlebell Wrist Guard as the best one.
While kettlebells are not just for CrossFit WODs (workouts of the day), the unusually shaped fixed resistance weights are a staple of CrossFit and other functional fitness routines.
With their upper handles and ball or barrel shaped lower parts, kettlebells really do look like kettles.
But instead of tea, you will be making sweat, muscle micro tears, and possible repetitive motion injuries in the pursuit of strength and balance with kettlebells.
Kettlebell guards are made to reduce the impact, correct form, and prevent bruised wrists or forearms. We’ve rated five of them to help you get started working with kettlebells and protecting yourself.
Here are the top kettlebell wrist guards we’ll be reviewing:
- Quest Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guard
- CFF Kettlebell Wrist Guard (black)
- Cotton Kettlebell Wrist Protective Guards
- Treadlife Fitness Kettlebell Wrist Band
- Apollo Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guards
Kettlebell Wrist Guard – Buyer’s Guide
The best kettlebell wrist guard is one you will feel comfortable using every time you need it. Unlike traditional dumbbells, kettlebells put direct pressure on your wrist.
If you try doing a standing curl with one, notice how the bottom part falls and rests against your wrist at the top of the rep. That can cause bruising, especially when you start using heavier weights.
And in CrossFit WODs, we often want to do as many reps as possible in a short amount of time. The quick movement, plus the weight, means you need to take safety measures.
And while CrossFit instructors do a great job of preventing injury, it is still possible to hurt your wrist or fingers with less than perfect form.
It happens to all of us when we are pushing hard and getting tired, but can’t stop because we’d rather finish our WOD.
Researching and purchasing your best kettlebell wrist guard will help you maintain form, whether you are curling, swinging, or deadlifting a kettlebell.
Who Needs Strength Training
We are big fans of strength workouts here. Everyone who wants to be more fit can benefit from them, whether your resistance comes from body weight, Olympic barbells, hand weights, or resistance tubing.
We don’t say this to shame our friends who primarily do cardio, though. If you don’t have the energy or comfort level to lift, walking every day or most days will still help a lot.
It will keep your joints healthy and flexible. Walking or other cardio, too, will get your heart rate up, training the heart to be more effective so you can have more energy throughout the day while boosting your immune system.
But after doing cardio for a while and feeling better, most of us realized we needed to cross train. As few as two strength workouts a week will help you improve your walk or run pace, letting you go longer without fatigue.
You can also do things like HIIT cardio workouts with your newfound strength. Building the trunk muscles aids in balance, and stronger legs will reduce back pain.
Adding strength training to your weekly routine helps you see how all the systems of your body work together.
Kettlebells and Strength Training
We said all that to say, kettlebells are a great way to introduce the strength training element if you are a beginner.
If you have been using dumbbells for a long time, you may find that kettlebells allow for more range of motion and help you target neglected muscle groups.
They are easier on the wrists and joints, and don’t lock you in to a limited arc or plane of motion. Any time we go to the gym, we see groups of people swinging kettlebells around.
They are part of many group fitness classes. If you want to use kettlebells more, wrist guards should be part of your gear.
Common Materials
The best kettlebell wrist guards are usually made of cotton, with stretchy spandex which ensures a snug fit. Cotton, by itself, tends to lose shape over time.
So the spandex helps retain shape, and also adds to cotton’s natural sweat absorbing quality. Some guards are machine washable, while others are not.
Always read the directions or care label. Typically, cotton guards will go back to their original size after washing; these products are almost always one size fits all, and can overstretch quickly.
Vital Features
When we search for and review wrist guards for kettlebell users, we look for fabric that is breathable, soft, and won’t fray.
Poorly made wrist guards can fray and expose any plastic piece inside. The plastic isn’t sharp, but exposed edges can press down between the kettlebell and your wrist, causing injury.
About that plastic piece. It isn’t mandatory, but the best kettlebell wrist guards are more effective because the plastic adds a layer of protection.
Think of the plastic like the hard part of a soccer or hockey shin guard. It isn’t going to add pressure or restrict movement, but it will lessen the impact of a cast iron kettlebell.
Plastic inserts are usually curved, and many times they can be taken out when you wash the wristband.
The ideal length for a kettlebell wrist guard is about four inches. Some of the ones we looked at are longer, giving more protection. One that’s too long can get in your way and cause excess sweating.
Just like the best compression socks squeeze gently without excess heat, the best kettlebell wrist guards prevent injury but let your skin breathe.
Air circulation is important, and that’s also why the fabric should be as thin as possible while still providing protection.
The 5 Best Kettlebell Wrist Guards Reviewed
Here are the five best kettlebell wrist guards we were able to find, with pros and cons for each. We hope this helps you with your purchase decision.
Quest Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guard
The Quest Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guard is a low cost fabric wrist piece with a plastic insert in the middle. It protects your wrists from bruising, while gently encouraging good form with each rep.
The band is knitted, so it is durable but soft on the skin.
The guards are made of breathable, sweat-fighting fabric, so they won’t get stinky after regular use. The Quest Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guards are one size fits all, and you can wash them in cold water (air dry afterwards).
PROS
- Plastic insert makes for a tough, form-enforcing guard
- Cost is reasonable for beginners, who may decide kettlebells aren’t their thing
- Protects against hard swings and pressure on arm and wrist
- Can turn around to protect inner or outer wrist as desired
CONS
- “One size fits all” actually one size fits most–not suitable for those with exceptionally large or small frames
- Quest Athletics website provides very little information; does not reveal type of fabric (not all fabrics appropriate for all users)
CFF Kettlebell Wrist Guard
The CFF Kettlebell Wrist Guard were designed by people who lift kettlebells every day, so we’re sure they are suited to your protective needs.
They feature injection molded plastic on the inside; the injection process uses heat and pressure to make a perfectly shaped, ergonomic, ultra durable plastic piece.
The fabric also has those sweat absorbing properties that your neighbors at the gym will thank you for. They come in pink with a black CFF logo, or black with a red logo.
CFF even offers a 90 day warranty, not common for such a low cost item.
PROS
- Easy to clean by hand–washer could damage plastic insert
- Insert is ergonomic and curved for comfort
- Will fit most adult wrists; not suitable for children under 12 or so
- Terry cloth fabric has excellent moisture/sweat wicking properties
CONS
- Warranty only covers manufacturing defects
- Insert is just on one side–some guards have it all the way around
- Not the most durable, though OK if you don’t do kettlebells most days
KneesBees Cotton Kettlebell Wrist Protective Guards
KneesBees Cotton Kettlebell Wrist Protective Guards lack a plastic insert but are machine washable.
If you bought a pair of cotton socks with mild compression, tried them on your wrists for snugness, and then cut the closed part off, you’d have a DIY version of these guards.
If you prefer the more firm protection of an internal plastic piece, these gloves are a no go. But on the plus sides, they are machine washable and can go in the drier.
Kneebees also provides the exact dimensions, rather than saying “one size fits most” and leaving you to wonder if “most” includes you.
PROS
- Material is stretchy to fit most wrists, with mild compression thanks to spandex content
- No plastic insert could be better if you find the plastic restrictive
- Soft fabric allows for full range of motion
CONS
- Fabric is made to stretch out, which you may not like–washing and drying is supposed to shrink the guards back down
- No insert means you may not get the lockdown and protection you prefer
Treadlife Fitness Kettlebell Wrist Band
We’re not sure the Treadlife Fitness Kettlebell Wrist Band qualifies as a kettlebell guard.
It is a 4 inch long fabric wristband with a embroidered kettlebell on it.
The band doesn’t come in pair. It is sold as a single band.
If you order two of them, with shipping for each, you will pay more than you would have for something with a plastic insert and reversible design to protect your inner or outer wrist.
Materials, as far as we can tell, are cotton and spandex.
We don’t want to be completely negative.
If you wear a fitness tracker watch, the Treadlife will protect it from kettlebells and other weights. It can take the bite out of doing push ups or planks with the watch on.
But if you are looking for the best kettlebell wrist guard, we suggest looking elsewhere.
PROS
- Cotton is breathable and sweat wicking
- Design is minimalist, just a band with decorative kettlebell
- Can help if you have a wrist injury (does not take the place of a brace)
- Goes on and comes off easily
CONS
- Not sold in pairs
- No plastic insert
- Cotton is prone to mildew, shrinkage, and pilling
Apollo Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guards
These one size fits all bands are not the best kettlebell wrist guard we have found, but they deserve a spot on that list.
The Apollo Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guards are longer than most at 4 and a half inches, and have a slim, thin design that won’t restrict movement or put pressure on your wrist.
The curved plastic insert comes out for cleaning, or if you want to use the guard as a regular sweatband. The wrist guards are lightweight and sweat absorbent. They can be washed in the washer with cold water, then air dried.
The Apollo Athletics Kettlebell Wrist Guards are more expensive than any others we examined. They are still a bargain for something that will protect your wrist during kettlebell swings and give you peace of mind.
PROS
- Curved, ergonomic insert very similar to a soccer shin guard
- Easy on/easy off design and fabric
- Wrist guards are very plain looking, with no logos or decoration
- Can remove the insert to wear as a general purpose wristband
CONS
- A little more expensive than usual
- Insert is one size, like the band, and may not protect larger wrists
Conclusion
Our pick for the best kettlebell wrist guard is the CFF Kettlebell Wrist Guard. The price is reasonable, and you have a couple of color choices.
The fabric is stretchy, but won’t lose shape, and it’s thin enough to let your skin breathe.
The insert uses injection molding, so it is both durable and contoured.
That contouring means it will go easy on your wrist, and the rounded edges won’t poke through the fabric over time. You can also rotate the guard to your outer wrist for different lifts.
If there’s a negative with the CFF guards, it’s that the insert appears not to be removable. There’s no slit on top of the cuff, and cutting your own could make the guard less effective.
So if you are going to jump from kettlebell swings to push ups or bench presses, you may have to take the wrist guards off to get a full range of motion and avoid discomfort.
But when it comes to stopping the dreaded kettlebell bruises, we are confident in saying the CFF guard can’t be beat.
