6 Gymnastics Wristbands for Protection Coaches Actually Recommend
Protect wrists and prevent friction burns with the right gear. We list 6 coach-recommended gymnastics wristbands for optimal support and performance.
Your gymnast comes home from practice, excited about the new skills they’re learning but rubbing their wrists. You see other kids at the gym with colorful bands or even more serious-looking braces, and the questions start. Is this something my child needs? Which one is right? Navigating the world of specialized gear can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right wrist protection is a simple way to support their safety and confidence as they progress in the sport.
Why Wrist Protection is Crucial in Gymnastics
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When you watch a gymnast, you see grace and power. What we don’t always see is the incredible, repetitive force being placed on their small, developing joints. From a simple cartwheel to a complex vault, the wrists bear a significant amount of weight, often at high speeds and awkward angles.
Wrist protection in gymnastics isn’t just about preventing a few scrapes. It’s about providing the stability needed to prevent hyperextension, reducing the strain that can lead to overuse injuries, and building the confidence to attempt new skills safely. Think of it as scaffolding for their strength; it helps them maintain proper form while their own muscles and bones are still developing.
It’s important to understand that "wrist protection" falls into two main categories. First, you have simple, soft bands designed to prevent chafing and absorb sweat under grips. Second, you have structured supports or braces designed to limit motion and absorb impact. The one your child needs depends entirely on the skills they are performing and whether or not they are wearing grips.
Tiger Paws for Maximum Tumbling & Vault Support
Has your child started working on back handsprings, round-offs, or skills on the vaulting table? If you notice them frequently shaking out their wrists or complaining of soreness after tumbling, it might be time to discuss a more robust support system with their coach. This is where Tiger Paws enter the conversation.
Tiger Paws are not simple wristbands; they are adjustable wrist supports with removable plastic and foam inserts. This design allows you to customize the level of rigidity, providing significant protection against hyperextension—that scary moment when the wrist bends too far backward. They are specifically engineered for high-impact events like floor exercise and vault.
These are an investment, and they are not necessary for a young, recreational gymnast working on forward rolls and basic cartwheels. Tiger Paws are recommended for intermediate to advanced gymnasts who are generating the power and impact that puts their wrists at greater risk. Think of them as essential safety equipment for gymnasts who are seriously training tumbling and vaulting skills, typically at the competitive team level.
Gibson Terry Wristbands for Under-Grip Comfort
The day your gymnast gets their first pair of dowel grips for the uneven bars is a huge milestone! It also marks the day they might start complaining about the rough leather straps rubbing their skin raw. This is a universal gymnastics problem with a very simple, classic solution: a basic terry cloth wristband.
Gibson is a long-standing, trusted name in gymnastics, and their terry wristbands are a gym bag staple. Their sole purpose is to create a soft, absorbent barrier between your child’s skin and their grips. They prevent chafing, absorb sweat that can make grips slippery, and make hours of bar practice much more comfortable.
These bands provide no structural support for the wrist joint itself. They are purely for comfort and abrasion prevention. They are an inexpensive and absolutely essential item for any gymnast, from the beginner who just got their first "palm guards" to the elite athlete training for hours a day. This is a must-have as soon as grips enter the picture.
Reisport Wristbands: The Classic Grip Companion
If you’ve been around the gym long enough, you’ve heard the name Reisport. They are legendary for their high-quality leather grips, used by countless competitive gymnasts. It’s no surprise, then, that they also offer wristbands designed to be the perfect partner for their flagship product.
Functionally, Reisport wristbands serve the same purpose as other terry cloth bands: they prevent chafing from grip straps. However, many coaches and gymnasts prefer them because they are specifically sized and constructed to work seamlessly with Reisport grips. They are known for being durable, highly absorbent, and maintaining their shape well after many washes.
Choosing Reisport wristbands is often a matter of brand preference and creating a consistent "kit." If your gymnast is using Reisport grips, getting the matching wristbands is a reliable choice. While a more generic terry band can do the job, families invested in high-quality grips often find it worthwhile to stick with the same brand for a perfect fit and feel.
US Glove Neoprene Bands for Durable Protection
Is your gymnast in the gym multiple days a week? Are their basic cotton wristbands getting stretched out, worn thin, or just not holding up to the constant use and washing? For the dedicated gymnast, upgrading to a more durable material like neoprene can be a smart move.
Neoprene is the same material used in wetsuits. It’s a synthetic rubber that is incredibly durable and provides a slight compressive feel without being a full-on support brace. Unlike cotton, it doesn’t absorb as much sweat, but it creates an exceptionally smooth and resilient barrier under grips, which some gymnasts prefer.
This is a great option for the competitive gymnast who is tough on their gear. If your child is training 10 or more hours a week, the longevity of a neoprene band from a trusted brand like US Glove can make it a more economical choice over time than constantly replacing cheaper cotton bands. Consider this the durability upgrade for the serious athlete.
Panda Paws for Adjustable Wrist Stabilization
Sometimes a gymnast needs more than a simple cotton band but less than the rigid support of a Tiger Paw. They might be experiencing general soreness, building back strength after a minor tweak, or just want a little extra stability across all four events. This is the perfect scenario for a more flexible, adjustable support like Panda Paws.
Panda Paws typically feature a combination of comfortable fabric and adjustable Velcro straps, often with removable foam or gel inserts. This design provides compression and a moderate level of support without completely immobilizing the wrist. It gives the gymnast a feeling of security and stabilization, which can be a huge confidence booster.
These are an excellent middle-ground option. They are particularly useful for gymnasts who need versatile support that can be worn on floor, beam, and even bars, where a bulkier brace might interfere with gripping the apparatus. The adjustability makes them a great tool for managing day-to-day wrist fatigue for gymnasts at the intermediate level.
TEN.O Wristbands for Basic Abrasion Prevention
You’ll see TEN.O wristbands in every gym pro shop and online store, and for good reason. They are the quintessential, no-frills, get-the-job-done wristbands that come in a rainbow of colors and are incredibly affordable.
Like the Gibson and Reisport bands, their job is not to support the wrist joint. Their one and only mission is to prevent grips from turning your child’s wrists into a chafed, blistered mess. They are soft, absorbent, and do exactly what they are supposed to do.
For the parent of a new or recreational gymnast who has just been told to get wristbands for their first pair of grips, this is your starting point. There is no need to overspend. Grab a pair (or two!) of these, and you are good to go. Their low cost means it’s not a disaster when one inevitably gets lost in the depths of a gym bag.
Sizing and Care for Your Gymnast’s Wristbands
Choosing the right type of wristband is only half the battle; getting the right fit and taking care of it is just as important. A support brace that is too loose offers no protection, while one that is too tight can be dangerous. Always follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide, which usually requires measuring the circumference of your child’s wrist. When in doubt, ask your coach for a recommendation.
Gymnastics gear gets sweaty. All wristbands, from simple terry cloth to complex braces, need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and skin irritation. Most soft bands can be tossed in the washing machine—use a mesh delicates bag to keep them from getting lost. For supports like Tiger Paws, you’ll need to remove the plastic inserts before washing the fabric portion.
A final piece of practical advice: buy at least two pairs of the simple under-grip wristbands. This way, one pair can always be in the wash while the other is clean and ready in the gym bag. It’s a small, inexpensive step that eliminates the frantic search for a crusty, forgotten wristband five minutes before you need to leave for practice.
Ultimately, the best wristband is the one that meets your child’s specific needs at their current stage of development. Start simple for comfort, and only invest in more significant support when skills demand it and your coach advises it. Your role is to provide the safe, appropriate equipment that allows them to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and loving their sport.