Best CrossFit Wristbands

Do your wrists hurt when you train, and you don't know which CrossFit wristbands to choose? This guide helps you figure it out.

Here you will find the best CrossFit wristbands modelswith real analysis, advantages and recommendations according to the type of training you do: strength, weightlifting or long WODs with gymnastics.

In addition, we compare types (rigid, elastic, nylon), explain when to use them and answer the most common questions. We also analyze two models of the brand Velites and of Picsil, so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

If you are looking to protect your wrists without losing mobility, this comparison will interest you.

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Why use wristbands in CrossFit?

• In movements involving load on the wrist (push press, snatch, clean & jerk, handstand push-ups) the wrist is usually in a forced extension position. A wrist brace helps to stabilize it.
• You avoid discomfort or microtears in the tendon or joint capsule area.
• They allow you to concentrate the effort on the shoulder, not on stabilizing the wrist.
• But be carefulshould not replace wrist strengthening and should not be used all the time. Use them for heavy sets or high volume workouts.

When to use wristbands?

We can wear them when we move high loads or loads with which we are not yet comfortable because we have not adapted to them. In the latter case we would see them as an aid or support while we are working on wrist mobility and strength.

Other exercises in which we can get to move high loads and could benefit from the wrist straps are the different types of press (horizontal and vertical).

In gymnastic movements where there is a high compression such as HSPU or HSW we can take them into account if the volume of repetitions is very high or in the same WOD we find more exercises that can put more stress on our wrists.

Disadvantages of the use of wristbands: addiction

We must keep in mind that if we have to put on the wristbands as soon as we leave the locker room to do the warm up, push ups, move medium-low loads, hold the handstand position, ... Something is not right. In these cases we should:

Types of wristbands

Criteria for choosing wristbands

When deciding which wristbands to buy, evaluate:

1. Length and widthmore material allows for more twists and more adjustment.
2. Stiffness vs. elasticityHow much movement are you willing to sacrifice?
3. Locking / fastening system: sturdy Velcro, double layer system, etc.
4. MaterialCotton, polyester, nylon blend; reinforced seams.
5. Comfort / abrasionthat do not dig, pinch, or pick at the skin.
6. Sweat resistance / maintenancewashable, not deformed.
7. Actual tests / experienceWhat other athletes say or how they behave in a real WOD.

Velites vs Picsil Wristbands Comparison

Here is a comparison table of some interesting models from less rigid to more rigid:

Use tape

Another option is functional bandages with tape for CrossFit.

These can be useful in athletes or patients who are recovering from an injury. They allow us to be more specific in the area we want to stabilize or give a compression stimulus.

They must be prescribed by a physiotherapist.

Which wristband to choose?

• If you prioritize maximum support: Picsil Powerlifting
• Si you train technical weightlifting movements: Velites Core
• If you are looking for versatility for WODs or general CrossFit: Velites Nylon
• If you prefer comfort and breathability for daily or gymnastic use: Picsil SS25 (fabric)

Tips for use, maintenance and when to change them

Practical use

• Place them snugly but without cutting off circulation.
• In complex gymnastic movements (parallel, muscle-ups) you may not use them so as not to limit flexion.
• Adjust the tension according to the phase of the WOD: tighter in the heavy lift, looser in the metabolic part.

Maintenance

• Hand wash in cold water or gentle cycle, without bleach.
• Avoid hot dryer; air dry better.
• If the Velcro loses "grip", you can clean it (remove lint) or replace it.

When to change them

• If the fabric becomes too loose, it no longer fits properly.
• If the Velcro no longer attaches.
• When serious wear or loose seams appear.
• In general, 1-2 years of heavy use may be a good time frame, depending on frequency.

Which model do I recommend?

I would recommend fabric wristbands or synthetic material such as Velites for its versatility and comfort.

I would reserve the Powerlifting type wrist straps for heavy barbell lifts such as the bench press, shoulder press and its variants.

Bandages with tape I would leave them for those cases in which the physiotherapist recommends their use.

Conclusion

Therefore, taking into account these points and what we have discussed above:

To perform WOD's with exercises that may subject the wrist to high stress. And, in rehabilitation, it can be very useful to be able to introduce weight-bearing exercise in the initial stages along with the use of bandages when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions