Best Kettlebell Gloves & Guards
While a lot of people have no issues working out with kettlebells bare-handed, some find it easier to grip and prevent blistering by using gloves. However, you can’t just throw on any glove. It should be properly ventilated and be able to handle perspiration, no sweat. Okay, bad joke but you get the idea!
Just as important, kettlebell guards offer protection for your arms and wrists. Since a lot of kettlebell exercises involve the bell flipping from one side of your wrist to the other, there is a potential for bruising. Wearing a guard helps to absorb the impact so you can concentrate on exercising instead of injury.
There are many options when it comes to choosing kettlebell gloves or guards. We could have easily had them separated into two categories. However, the list below will offer a couple of choices of each that will give you the best results.
1. Ventilated Weight Lifting Gloves with Built-In Wrist Wraps
Protect your hand and entire palm with these ventilated gloves from Fit Active Sports. Made from Silicon Printed Neoprene, they are resistant to water and oils which provides durability for many kettlebell workouts. The open backhand allows your hands to breathe and not overheat. There is a generous amount of space for your fingers and thumb to extend past the glove. This will give you the grip you need while reducing the chance of calluses.
The built-in wrist straps do a good job of providing support while performing snatches, cleans and other exercises. The velcro straps make adjustments easy. Work out comfortably no matter if you prefer them wrapped loosely or tight.
There is also no need to worry about whether they will fit your hand. There are many sizes to choose from for both men and women. Sizing options include: xx small, extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. Check my detailed review on these gloves for more information.
Kettlebell Glove Features:
- Made of Silicon Printed Neoprene – This high quality material is designed to withstand rips, tears, heat, water and other chemicals.
- Excellent Grip – The unique palm design is not only great for kettlebells but also pull ups, barbells and more.
- Safety & Performance – Protect your hands from injury without sacrificing performance.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
How many inches is the wrist wrap support?
Seller’s response: The wrist wraps are 14 inches in length.
Can the gloves be machine washed?
Seller’s response: Yes, but they should be air dryed afterwards.
- Full Palm Protection * No more torn hands and calluses. Fit Active workout gloves are designed to protect the palms of the hands from calluses, blisters, and other types of injuries that can occur during weight lifting training exercises. Less Rips and Tears, More, Max Reps and PR's.
2. GymPaws Leather - Neoprene Weightlifting Gym Grips
It’s the glove that isn’t a glove! Touted as a gym glove alternative, this pad features four finger loops to ensure it stays securely attached to your hand. This pad is made of high-quality neoprene and genuine cowhide leather. Unlike other pads made of fabric or rubber, the GymPaw pad won’t bunch up on you.
One thing to note is that since it is made of genuine leather, there is a breaking-in period needed in order to get a great custom fit. Much like when you purchased a new pair of shoes, once you’ve used it several times, you’ll wonder what you did without it. Extra care has been taken with double and triple stitching to provide even further durability.
Kettlebell Glove Features:
- Genuine Cowhide Leather – As one of the most durable materials, you can really challenge yourself with intense workouts.
- Minimal Padding – Just enough padding to prevent hand fatigue, but not too bulky to get in the way.
- Specially Treated – This pad undergoes the Napa vegetable oil tanning process to give it a soft and supple feel. It’s even machine washable and dryer safe.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Is this a pair or single grip?
General consensus: It comes as pair.
Will it fit over large fingers?
Seller’s response: Yes, the neoprene loops have elasticity allowing them to stretch.
- The ORIGINAL Genuine Leather Grip Pads For Weight Lifting - The Alternative to Bulky Workout Gloves
3. KettleGuard Kettlebell Wrist Guard
This wrist guard is designed and made by kettlebell lifters. In fact, it is approved for use at the World Kettlebell Championships in Russia. Just because the pros use it doesn’t mean beginners can’t enjoy the same benefits. It’s so popular that there is even a patent for it (U.S. Patent No. 8,726,413).
The KettleGuard Kettlebell Wrist Guard comes with inserts that can be added or removed. As you progress with your kettlebell training you can adjust the number of inserts to suit your comfort level. This particular wrist guard is considered the compact version and is approved for competition.
Kettlebell Wrist Guard Features:
- Designed by Professionals – Made by the Masters of Sport in Kettlebell Lifting, they’re perfect for competing or training.
- Inserts Inlcuded – Removable inserts allow you to adjust the wrist guard for maximum comfort. You can even turn them inside out fur further adjusting.
- Kettlebell Sport Ready – Approved by prestigious kettlebell organizations such as the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting and the International Gira Sport Federation.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Can they be washed?
General consensus: Yes. Users report no issues with drying either.
Do they help to absorb perspiration and sweat?
Manufacturer’s response: Yes, the terry cloth material absorbs moisture and water.
No products found.
4. Quest Kettlebell Wrist Guard (Pair) with Pad
One size fits all with these Kettlebell Wrist Guards. A plastic insert provides protection from bruising your wrist. You can easily put them on and take them off to quickly start your workout instead of fumbling around with other cumbersome guards. The stretched cotton terry material is also great for absorbing sweat.
Obviously, the main purpose of these guards is to prevent forearm bruising. However, they are also great for protecting your forearms from plyo box bashing and rope burning. When you’re done working out hand wash them in cold water and then air dry for easy cleaning.
Kettlebell Wrist Guard Features:
- One Size Fits All – Some guards can be difficult to wear depending on your size. This one fits over your forearm whether it is large or small.
- Streamlined Design – Flexible padded inserts will adjust to your foreman size and will not interfere with your workout.
- Easy Maintenance – Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. They’ll be ready to go for your next exercise session.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Can the plastic inserts be removed?
General consensus: No, the inserts are embedded into the wrist guard material.
Can they be turned inside out?
Seller’s response: Yes, turning them inside out will affect the level of impact from kettlebells.
- Strong plastic insert surrounded by a traditional knitted wrist band;
5. Steel Sweat Workout Gloves
Stylish and effective, these gloves look like they’re straight out of a sci-fi action movie. They’re made from premium leather and are available in Black & White, Black & Grey, Grey, and Camo. Depending on how big your hands are you can use the provided size chart to purchase gloves from X-small to XX-large.
Reading the product description it is hard to miss not one but two trademarked features. The CoolWeave™ technology enhances ventilation and offers superior comfort to reduce sweating. The Powa™ comfort pads make up the palm portion of the glove lessening the impact of handles and bars. With all these features you would expect them to be difficult to remove. Thanks to pull tabs on the fingers and thumb, taking them off is a cinch!
Kettlebell Glove Features:
- Multiple Styles and Colors – Available in Camo, Black/White, Black/Grey, and Grey. There are even more options with similar gloves of this brand.
- Comfortable and Breathable – Premium leather provides a comfortable fit while the CoolWeave™ technology helps ventilate and absorb sweat.
- Easy to Put On and Remove – Pull tabs on the finger tabs make short work of taking off the gloves. No post-workout stressful fiddling.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Do they work with the Steel Sweat Wrist Wraps?
General consensus: Yes they can be used together.
What is the difference between scarr and zed gloves?
Seller’s response: The main differences include the wrist wrap closure, palm padding, and choice of colors.
No products found.
Kettlebell Gloves & Guards Roundup
All of the options listed above are similar in price. The great thing about these choices is that you can decide on what attributes matter most to you. Maybe you want a combination of wrist and hand protection. The Ventilated Weight Lifting Gloves with Built-In Wrist Wraps would make an excellent choice in that case. If style and comfort is your thing, you’d be hard-pressed to argue against the Steel Sweat Workout Gloves.
Those of you who use competition kettlebells will probably appreciate the KettleGuard Wrist Guard. If professionals design and use it for training and events, you know it has to be good.
