David Willey is a passionate sports enthusiast and coach. Growing up with basketball and baseball, his love for sports led him across the country, mentoring aspiring athletes. Recognized not only for his athletic skills but also for his expertise in sports equipment testing, David ensures optimal performance for athletes. Read more about him here.
Baseball protection is mandatory, even if you only play with a few buddies in the back garden or the middle of a field.
A friendly game may not cause injuries, but there are times when things go hot, and the game can get pretty competitive and harsh.
For this reason, I recommend choosing the best baseball elbow guard you can find, even if you only play against friends.
At the end of the day, even a simple slip and fall can cause an injury, regardless of how chilled the game is.
Now, choosing the right guard is tricky because there are plenty of options out there. It is pointless to mention that many of them are not worth your money and time.
Down below, I have listed some of the best-rated elbow guards on the market. The chart is based on my personal experience and their overall reputation.
Just like everyone else, I have also started with some nameless elbow guards, the cheapest options you can find out there. Let me make it clear from the beginning. You do not want to wear one of these guards if you fall or get involved in a clash.
The products I picked are some of the best-rated options in terms of performance, quality, and durability. Besides, they come from reputable brands that actually take time to research the safest designs and materials out there.
While similar from many points of view, small particularities can make a difference.
G-Form is one of the most appreciated options on the market, and for some good reasons. There are more similar guards in its portfolio, but this one stands out. It comes in three different sizes, one for youngsters.
It is also available in more than 10 different colors, styles, and designs, suitable for all.
What makes this guard stand out is the fact that it offers both elbow and upper arm protection. It is designed with the human shape in mind.
SmartFlex technology also enhances the guard, which absorbs shocks and tends to harden upon impact. With all these, it is super flexible for freedom.
The high degree of flexibility is a serious plus, given the protection. Despite hardening, the guard ensures a full range of motion. There are no compromises whatsoever.
It also has extended coverage and a lightweight profile. After a few minutes, you will not even feel like you are wearing it.
The SmartFlex pads are enhanced with a Polypro shell. It has a curved design to match the body’s natural shape and offers great protection against injuries.
Despite the strength, the guard has moisture-wicking capabilities and great breathability.
It is easy to put on and remove, with no effort whatsoever.
Pros
Incredibly hard protection
Moisture wicking features
Easy to put on and remove
Comfortable to wear
Can be cleaned in a washing machine
Cons
The padding might feel a little uncomfortable at times for large players
If your budget is an issue and you cannot purchase some fancy and expensive elbow guards, this option is a great alternative.
Not only is it cheaper, but it brings in pretty much the same high level of protection. Besides, it consists of two large parts linked together, so there will be no restrictions at all.
The elbow guard is designed to last. You will most likely have it for years if you look after it. It can protect elbows from injuries, but it also offers a bit of extra protection to the surrounding tissues, such as the arm.
There are two main parts, hence the high flexibility.
The guard comes with a moisture mesh. Basically, it lets the moisture escape. Once on the surface, it will evaporate naturally.
Unlike other similar guards, this one will not cause the covered area to sweat like there is no tomorrow, meaning it is much more comfortable.
In terms of adjustability, it comes with a velcro strap closure system. You can put it on yourself, but you can also take it off within a couple of seconds only.
It may feel a bit bulky compared to more expensive guards, but it does the job.
Designed for youth or normal size adults, the biceps measurement should not exceed 11.4 inches.
EvoShield is a classic name when it comes to protective equipment for different sports. The Srz-1 might be the best baseball elbow guard if you are looking for something flexible that feels like it was deeply customized for your shape.
It fits skinny, large, and athletic bodies with no issues at all.
The guard is enhanced with modern gel-to-shell technology. Put it on, and you will be surprised by how comfortable and soft it feels.
However, it can become hard and protective straight away under impact. It will be constantly ready to offer enhanced protection under unexpected circumstances.
Technologies in this elbow guard go even further. The dispersion technology ensures the guard does not harden in one place only. Instead, the force is equally distributed throughout the whole surface.
It will minimize impact, but it will also protect the surrounding parts against injury.
Now, while advertised to bring in a custom molding shield, EvoShield will not design every guard with each customer’s measurements in mind. This is only a marketing gimmick.
Instead, the guard is so flexible that it fits perfectly and can adapt to your shape and size.
In terms of care, make sure you hand wash and air dry it. Avoid cleaning it in the washing machine.
Designed to look posh and elegant, this baseball elbow guard is also suitable for other similar sports. It is just as handy for softball, for example.
It comes in a few different colors, with black and gray being the most popular ones. After all, the white style will get messy and dirty within minutes only.
Now, I know what your main concern might be when getting a baseball elbow guard. Is it going to impede my swing? Will it hurt my performance?
Buy a cheap unit, and you will experience such issues. Get a quality elbow guard, and you will feel extremely natural, while still enjoying nesting protection.
Enhanced with premium pads for collision, the guard becomes hard when hitting the ball. It is wear-resistant and can easily last for years with proper maintenance.
The pad on top is a unique enhancement that you may not be able to find in other brands, just an extra layer of protection.
When you read all these, you probably imagine a hard protective cover, but less likely to provide any comfort. Wrong! I was surprised by how comfortable it felt.
It has a breathable fabric that feels comfortable on the skin, while the shoulder strap is adjustable.
Furthermore, the baseball elbow guard comes in three different sizes.
Rawxy Baseball Elbow Guard is designed to provide a natural feel. Trust me, if you want a guard to feel like it was specifically made for your arm, this is the right choice.
It has a custom molding design that matches any body shape. Besides, it has a reversible design, so it can go on the left or right arm.
The guard has a relatively low profile, which also adds to its light design. It has a smartly designed anatomical appearance. The range of motion will be free, with no restrictions whatsoever.
I know, other guards are similar, but this one feels more natural on the skin.
I am not saying that Rawxy has compromised performance for the actual design. Not at all. In fact, the guard is based on high-quality PE.
The shell is durable and solid, but it will also provide top-notch protection for your elbow. Worries and anxiety will be gone forever.
To help you get an idea about it, the guard covers 10×7 inches. The strap is made in adult size. Teenagers or young players can use it too, yet it might feel a bit too large.
It closes with a velcro mechanism, hence the high level of adjustability.
Finally, the guard is suitable for other sports too.
Pros
Extremely flexible
No motion restrictions at all
Good value for money
Durable and solid
Adjustable profile
Cons
A bit too large for kids
Choosing the Best Baseball Elbow Guard – Our Buying Guide
Choosing the best baseball elbow guard is a bit difficult because every brand will promise you the world. No matter where you look, the specifications go in such small details that it feels impossible to believe you will fail.
Unfortunately, you cannot just go for any random guard, or you may regret it.
There are a few different aspects that play an important role when making a selection. Even if you only go for reputable brands and products, you will still have to make a choice between different designs.
These characteristics will push you in the right direction.
Build and Materials
These are some of the first things to pay attention to. If you are shopping in real life, you should feel and touch materials to see what they feel like. You cannot do this online.
My advice is to go to a local store, try out different models and then shop online, it is cheaper.
Now, how does the material feel when it touches your skin? Does it feel comfy? More importantly, can you move the elbow without feeling any restrictions at all?
If you are not sure what material it is, get online and find out.
Some elbow guards are safe to clean in washing machines, while others must be hand-washed. Opt for quality and durability.
Sizing Standards
You may find elbow guards that cost a fortune and feel terrible on your arm. You may also find cheaper options that fit like nothing else.
Your goal is to find a product that will fit you perfectly. Otherwise, quality becomes irrelevant if it cannot provide the protection you need.
Double-check the size and dimensions before shopping if you do it online. Some guards are available in both youth and adult sizes.
If you try out guards in real life, try to make some adjustments. Then, move the elbow to see how it feels. You need a full range of motion.
The guard should be tight and secure to prevent it from sliding, but it should not be too tight, or it will restrict your movement.
Design and Appearance
Personally, I am not too bothered about the actual appearance when it comes to such things. I am more concerned about the actual performance.
It is pointless to get a stylish guard that keeps sliding off the arm or restricts your move. I would rather buy an ugly one that fits like a glove.
To some people, the actual appearance does matter. I am not judging; I am just saying the design should not be a priority. Anyway, does it go well with your game equipment? A good-looking design is definitely a bonus.
If your main concern is about colors, you should know that most baseball elbow guards come in a variety of colors. But then, different models have different builds too.
Some of them are bulky, others are skinny. Some of them cover the elbow, while others protect the upper arm too.
If your main concern is about color, simply make sure that it does not come off when you sweat or if you wash it.
Available Budget
Finally, your available budget is not to be overlooked either. How much money are you willing to spend on a baseball elbow guard?
The good news is elbow guards are less likely to cost a fortune. Even if you choose one of the more expensive options out there, you should not spend more than $50.
They usually range between $20 and $50.
With these thoughts in mind, a lot of people forget about the budget, and they find themselves overspending, only to regret it later.
To prevent such problems, research the market a little and decide on a budget before making a decision.
Best Baseball Elbow Guard – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you size a baseball elbow guard?
Many elbow guards are designed with two sizes in mind, youth, and adult. To make sure you get the right size, measure the arm circumference by the biceps, slightly above the elbow.
If your arm measures more than 10 inches, you need a larger size. If it is under this size, go for the smaller size.
Should elbow pads be tight?
Elbow pads must be snug. They should have a secure fit. Otherwise, they will simply slide off, causing a lot of headaches and reducing the actual protection.
On the other hand, if they are too tight, they will restrict blood circulation and movement, meaning they will kill your performance and become uncomfortable.
Why do people wear elbow guards?
Elbow guards are self-explanatory. They protect elbows from injuries, mild or severe, as well as soreness. They are most commonly used in sports that imply sliding a lot, not to mention diving. Baseball and softball are some great examples.
Final Thoughts
Chances are anyone can find their best baseball elbow guard in the above-mentioned products.
Which one is the best? It is totally up to you and your personal necessities.
