Bowling Wrist Guards
Whether an amatuer or professional, wrist guards are a common choice for all types of bowlers. Wrist guards are an optional piece of equipment that will likely improve your game. They are becoming more and more popular and some are even built into bowling gloves directly. There is a lot to learn about the many types of wrist guards.
What are wrist guards used for?
There are a few different uses for bowling wrist guards. The main reason that people use wrist guards is to support their wrist when delivering their throws. When throwing a bowling ball, the bowler may turn their wrist depending on the type of delivery. Wrist guards are meant to prevent the bowler from turning their wrist too far or bending it awkwardly. This will improve the overall consistency of one’s throws.
Wrist guards work especially well for people with weaker wrists. The support that the wrist guards provide will help make up for weak wrists and will even prevent soreness or injury. Using a wrist guard is entirely up to the bowler and is not required. Some people prefer the stability of wrist braces while others may feel like it inhibits their range of motion.
Things To Consider
When looking for bowling wrist guards, you'll want to consider the following:
- Are you looking for a fixed or adjustable wrist guard?
- What type of wrist guard are you looking for?
- How much are you looking to spend on a wrist guard?
- What size wrist guard do you need?
Types
The three different types of wrist guards are hand braces, wrist positioners, and wrist supports.
Hand Brace
Hand braces are different from wrist supports and wrist positioners in the sense that they offer more support to the hands as well as the wrists. They typically wrap around the thumb and are especially useful if you have weak hands along with weak wrists.
Wrist Positioner
Wrist positioners are the most commonly used form of wrist guards. They offer support to the wrists, but also promote proper bowling technique. These can be used as training aids or can be used throughout one’s entire bowling career if they prefer the more restrained feel.
Wrist Support
Wrist supports are usually the smallest type of wrist guard. Their main purpose is simply to support and take pressure off of the wrist. Unlike positioners, wrist supports do not necessarily aid in maintaining proper form during a throw. These are popular for people who have weak wrists but still like a near full range of motion.
Materials
The most common materials found in wrist guards are neoprene, nylon, and velcro.
- Neoprene: Neoprene is a fabric material that is the base for a lot of wrist guards. It is cushiony and stretchy which makes it comfortable to wear. It is also very breathable.
- Nylon: In wrist guards, nylon is made into a mesh material to provide lightweight and breathable lining. It is often mixed with neoprene, and the two provide a stretchy yet limited feel.
- Velcro: Velcro is a type of fastener that is used on almost all wrist guards. It allows the user to adjust tightness to preferred levels and makes it easy to take on and off.
Brands
The most popular brands that produce wrist guards are Brunswick, Mongoose, and Storm.
- Brunswick: Brunswick is one of the premier bowling equipment brands in the world. They make all different types of high quality wrist guards.
- Mongoose: Mongoose is a smaller company that specifically produces bowling wrist guards. They focus on making wrist guards that provide both wrist support and improved mechanics.
- Storm: Storm is another company that produces all types of bowling equipment. They make a wide variety of wrist guards at various different price points.
Considerations
When deciding on which wrist guard to buy, you should always consider the durability, cost, and different sizes available.
Durability
Bowling wrist guards should last a long time. Wrist supports and wrist positioners may last a little longer than hand braces since they are not usually rubbing against the ball. Wrist guards that are built into bowling gloves will also not be as durable since they will need to be discarded with the glove.
Cost
The cost of wrist guards will vary based on materials and the amount of technology that is in them. Wrist supports and hand braces will likely be cheaper than wrist positioners. Braces and supports will likely cost around $20 to $40, while positioners can cost upwards of $60.
Sizes
Wrist braces usually range from S-XL. The sizes for each brand will likely vary based on factors such as hand size and forearm size. As with any other piece of equipment, it is always best to look on the manufacturer’s website to see if there is a size chart that will correlate to your exact measurements.
FAQ
Do professional bowlers wear wrist guards?
Yes, many professionals use wrist guards. While some professionals may like to have a wide range of motion, some may have weak wrists or prefer the consistency of wrist guards. It ultimately comes down to the bowler’s preference, and there is no rule for or against wrist guards.
Why does my hand hurt when bowling?
There are a few different injuries that can contribute to one’s hand hurting during bowling. Ultimately, pain in the hand comes down to repeated stress against the hands and wrist from throwing. People with weaker hands or wrists are more likely to experience hand pain. Wrist guards and hand braces can help prevent this pain.
Why do bowlers wear wrist guards?
Bowlers wear wrist guards for a few different reasons. Wrist guards can improve performance by maintaining a consistent throwing motion. They restrict wrist movement and ensure that the wrist is in the proper position at the point of a throw. Wrist guards can also help prevent soreness or injury to the wrists, hands, or forearms by taking pressure off during repeated throwing.