Flexmeter wrist guards are some of the most recommended wrist guards for snowboarding. Demon United sells them in the US, and Flexmeter says they were designed by doctors, engineers and trauma specialists to stop the most common snowboarding wrist injury.
This review covers the single-sided version, how it fits under gloves and how it compares with the double-sided version.
What It Is: A Plate on the Back of Your Wrist
Most snowboard wrist fractures happen when you fall onto the heel of your hand and your wrist bends back too far. The Flexmeter uses a dorsal plate, a flexible plastic plate that sits on the back of your wrist and forearm. It holds your hand back from bending too far, and spreads the force of the fall up your forearm. Flexmeter says your wrist can still move normally.
The single-sided version has only that back plate, held on with individual straps. The double-sided version adds a second plate on the palm side.
Single or Double Sided?
Riders say single-sided is enough for snowboarding. One owner explains that the palm plate is mainly for skating on dirt or asphalt, where sliding can tear up your palm. Snow does not do that. They also say the single-sided version fits better in gloves.
A beginner asking about Flexmeters got the same advice: one owner who uses only the back part says not to get the double-sided version, because they could not see how it would fit inside gloves. A roller derby skater who tried the double-sided version found it pinched and bruised them in some places.
Where It Falls Short: Bulk Under Gloves
Owners say Flexmeters are bulky on top. One owner tried theirs under a pair of Leki gloves and found them tight, so they went up a glove size. Another rider with Hestra gloves that already have spare room was told they might be fine. On the other side, one owner has worn double-sided Flexmeters under Dakine gloves for years without a problem.
Sizing matters too. Owners say to follow the size chart and measure your hands, because a return may not be cheap.
They Do Not Replace Learning to Fall
Owners agree that falling technique matters as much as the guard. Riders say to make fists and land on your forearms instead of putting your hands out. One owner warns that people can get overconfident in guards and slam their hands down, which can move the injury higher up the arm. The roller derby skater had the same worry.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Flexmeter Single Sided if you are learning, ride park or have hurt a wrist before, and want a guard designed around how wrists actually break.
Look elsewhere if your gloves are already snug. You may need a bigger glove size or a glove with a built-in guard.
Alternatives
The Demon Flexmeter Double Sided Wrist Guards add a palm plate. They are made more for skating than snow.
The Level Half Pipe GTX gloves have a built-in wrist guard, so you do not need to fit a guard under your glove.
Verdict
The Demon Flexmeter Single Sided is a well-designed wrist guard, and riders say the single-sided version is the one to get for snow. It is bulky under snug gloves, so check your glove fit first. Pair it with good falling technique.
