What to look for

When you're shopping for wrist guards, look for:

• Breathable material: Neoprene or rubber will be comfortable but may be sweaty. These materials will also cool quickly.
  
  
• Comfort: If the wrist guards aren't comfortable in the shop, they won't be comfortable after a day on the slopes. There shouldn't be any pressure points when you bend your wrist back and forth.
  
  
• Convenience: Can you use your hands or remove your gloves easily? Can you release, secure, and adjust bindings without having to undo a guard?
  
  
• Design: Support splints should be contoured to fit the curve of the hand and wrist.
  
  
• Fit: Guards shouldn't slip up and down on the wrist. They should stay in place regardless of whether they're worn under or over the glove. Brands should offer a range of sizes to ensure a good fit.
  
  
• Flexibility: There should be some flexibility in the splints - but you shouldn't be able to bend them in half.
  
  
• Left- and right-hand guards: Wrist guards designed to fit either hand won't stay in place as well as those designed specifically for each hand. There should be a clear indication whether the guard is for the left or the right hand.
  
  
• Length of guard: Longer guards are generally better than shorter guards. The length of the guard should be longer than your watch strap.
  
  
• Palm support: There should be some cushioning at the point of impact, to spread the load. A fan-shaped support will be most effective.
  
  
• Support splints: Support splints should be on the top (back) of the hand and on the palm. The palm support should be stiffer than the support on the top.
  
  
• Wrist extension: Guards should be stiff enough to stop you bending your wrist back more than 45 degrees.