The Best Elbow Guard of 2021

Best Elbow Guard Buying Guide & Reviews of 2020

Every game conceals some dangers, so does baseball. All baseball players use different protections to prevent injuries. A hitter is one among many players who needs to use more guards, and one of the essential guards a batter should have is an elbow guard. Many aspects matter while buying one, and countless elbow guards available in the market make things a bit difficult. This brief guide will help you to choose the best out of an infinite range of elbow guards the marked is stacked with.

Types of Elbow Guard

Even though elbow guards come with different technologies to enhance safety and convenience, the main distinction falls under the length of the guard. You can see elbow guards in distinctive lengths. So, let us see two types based on the length, small, and lengthy elbow guards.

Lengthy Elbow Guard: If you want to protect your forearm and biceps along with elbow, a lengthy guard can go well along with your needs. It covers a significant part of the forearm and a considerable amount of upper arm as well. Even though it protects the forearm, the support level will be below par than on your elbow.

Small Elbow Guards: An elbow guard that doesn’t cover the forearm and upper arm but only elbow. Even though it is mainly used for hand elbow, sometimes, it can be used for knees well. Many players prefer a small one because of its immense flexibility and easiness.

Things to Look Before Buying An Elbow Guard

Fitness

Apart from the two significant sizes; small and large, you have to think about the fitness of the guard. Firstly, the size of the arm and elbow will be different for everyone. Even though it comes with elasticity, sometimes it won’t match your size. Many brands provide guards with one size for all, and it will be really money-saving if you would love to share with others. Even though a youth baseball elbow guard won’t be applicable for kids, so, choose separate one for kids.

Full Range Motion

Protection with all comfort is what you have to search for. A hitter has to hit the ball in all directions, sometimes without changing his position. So, the flexibility of hands is very crucial, and the elbow guard should not be a hindrance. The guard’s certain features may make the shield inflexible. The thickest part may sometimes come as inflexible. So, check it at first hand. The same may happen with the straps as well.

Closure

The functionality of closure is vital for an elbow guard. The closure comes in different levels. Some come with a narrow yet powerful strap. At the same time, many come with a double strap. If it is a small elbow guard, it is better to be a single strap. Usually, lengthy ones with double straps are of course important. The closure should be easily adjustable.

Elasticity

Your hands have to fold and unfold while batting and you have to purchase an elbow guard keeping this fact in mind. In other words, elasticity can make the guard of the perfect size. The best elastic in the band will quickly stretch on every swing.

Material

When we consider the material, we want it to be of top-notch quality. However, the elbow guard is made of different materials including polyethylene, rubber, fabric, plastic, and so on. Come to the point of quality, nylon fabric is considered to be the best since it will give maximum protection, durability, and sufficient flexibility. To go further, top and bottom silicone gripper bands are great to use.

Breathability

Many players start sweating soon and if you wear one guard on it, sweat increases and so their discomfort. Don’t you think your elbow guard should not be a reason for that? That is why you need a breathable elbow guard. So, select one with a technical mesh back panel for sufficient breathability. Also, the sponge lining and breathable fabric will make you play super comfortably.

Extra Protection for Elbow Area

The ultimate aim is to protect your elbow and for that the elbow area should be extra protected. Good brands add an additional layer with strong material in order to give maximum protection to the elbows. A single-layered shell is not preferable.

Design

You may find elbow guards in different sizes, and one difference is based on the size. The design may make things better or worse. It’s better to look for a low-grade design that makes it using in a simple way. The straps should be easily adjustable. The edges of the guard should be smooth and soft to prevent flaring. There are more chances to have injuries with rough edges.

Lightweight

You are already carrying a bat with you and also have a pair of gloves. So, it’s not easy to carry a heavy guard on your elbow. So, it should be lightweight. A lightweight one’s shell is not meant to be of low quality, and you can get a highly durable lightweight one.

Color

You don’t need to stick to black if you love any other color. There are elbow guards in different colors, and you can choose your favorite one. Since it is prone to mud and dirt, it should be washable. It will also make the guard fresh for every game.

Price

Based on the material and features, the price may change. If you want to go with a very basic one you don’t need to spend more than $20. At the same time, you will get a high-quality and durable guard for around $30-$50. There is not much difference between lengthy and small elbow guards.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself while playing baseball is very crucial, and if you have limited pieces of equipment and elbow guard is one among them. If you are buying the wrong one, it will lead you to injuries as well as may cost you the game. Pick the best from the list of top 10 elbow guards and have a hassle-free purchase.