"I want to start snowboarding, but do I really need protectors?"
What kind of protector should I choose?
For those of you wondering, this article will explain the following about snowboard protectors:
- Why you need snowboard protection
- How to choose a protector
- [2024 Edition] Top 10 Snowboard Protectors
We will also introduce recommended protectors for the upper and lower body, so you can choose the one that suits your snowboarding style.
Please read it.
Why you need snowboard protection
The conditions on the slopes can change quickly, from powder snow to hard, frozen snow due to drops in temperature, and falls are inevitable even for non-beginners, so snowboarders need protectors.
Without protection, a fall can result in serious injury.
Beginners are at a higher risk of falling than advanced riders, and if they lack the necessary skills, they may fall backwards. Therefore, hip protectors can help reduce pain when falling and prevent injury.
In addition, the protector also provides warmth, making it convenient for resting on the snow.
How to choose a protector
There are three important things to consider when choosing a protector:
- Protector type
- Fit and ease of movement
- Material and breathability
How to choose ①: Type of protector
The types of protectors are listed below.
| Protector type | Features |
| Hip protector | It cushions the impact on your buttocks when you fall, reducing the risk of injury. |
| Wrist protectors | This is important to prevent fractures when you land on your hands during a fall on a reverse edge. |
| helmet | This is an essential item to protect your head and prevent serious head injuries. |
When choosing snowboard protectors, it is best to prioritize the body part you want to protect. However, for beginners, hip protectors are recommended as they tend to fall on their buttocks more often.
Protectors are one of the most important items for enjoying snowboarding safely.
How to choose ②: Fit and ease of movement
Fit and ease of movement are also important when choosing snowboard protectors.
The criteria for judging whether a protector fits your body size and shape perfectly and does not restrict movement when worn.
In particular, considering that it will be worn under snowboarding gear, a protector made of stretch material that stretches in all four directions is ideal.
This means you won't feel cramped even when wearing multiple layers.
Also, if the protector is too large, it may slip off while you are snowboarding.
Therefore, it is a good idea to choose something with an adjuster that allows you to adjust the size, or a Japan fit model or Asian fit model that is tailored to your body type.
Tip 3: Material and breathability
When choosing snowboard protection, materials and breathability are also important.
To reduce the discomfort caused by sweat while snowboarding, we recommend breathable protectors made of mesh fabric.
For hip protectors in particular, safety has been improved by selecting materials that combine elasticity and durability, such as NBR and EVA, as well as high-performance materials such as XRD and 3DO, which effectively absorb and disperse impacts.
In addition, nylon and polyester are often used as materials for protectors, which have excellent impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and are also resistant to temperature changes.
By choosing a model with ventilation holes or mesh processing, you can prevent stuffiness while snowboarding and enjoy snowboarding more comfortably.
[2024 Edition] 5 Recommended Upper Body Snowboard Protectors
Here are five recommended upper body protectors for snowboarding.
- BenKen Body Protector
- Armored Warrior Body Protector
- VAXPOT Body Protector
- ARK Body Protector
- SALOMON Snowboard Protector
BenKen Body Protector
The BenKen Body Protector is a lightweight, well-fitting protector that provides comprehensive protection for the upper body.
The EVA padding throughout effectively disperses impacts for superior protection.
The PE foam structure provides excellent protection for the spine, shoulders, and chest.
It is especially suitable for activities in harsh environments such as snowboarding and ice hockey.
It is reasonably priced at around 8,000 yen, yet it reduces stuffiness and keeps you warm, making it a cost-effective protector.
Armored Warrior Body Protector
The Yoroi Musha Body Protector is the perfect model for snowboarders looking for high-intensity protection.
Made from PORON XRD material, it offers both shock absorption and abrasion resistance.
The split pads allow it to fit your body movements, and the stretch fabric with antibacterial and deodorizing properties ensures breathability.
In addition, the support belt prevents slippage, making it comfortable even when worn for long periods of time.
For those looking for high-strength protection, Yoroi Musha's protectors are recommended.
VAXPOT Body Protector
The VAXPOT body protector is designed to provide full upper body protection.
The NBR padding is positioned to follow your body's movements, providing lightweight yet excellent cushioning, without compromising performance in cold conditions.
This protector is made of stretchy fabric and fits snugly to your body.
The slim silhouette means it won't show through your outerwear, and it won't make you look bulky even when worn under snowboarding wear, allowing you to look stylish.
This is the perfect protector for those who want to protect their collarbone, shoulders, elbows, ribs, and back with just one piece of gear.
ARK Body Protector
The ARK Body Protector is an upper body protector developed based on feedback from snowboarders, and combines ease of movement, strength, and light weight.
In particular, the padding is made of 3D Air Mesh, which provides excellent breathability.
This model is popular as a long protector designed to effectively absorb, repel, and disperse impact, while also providing warmth.
As ARK strives for perfection, this jacket supports every movement and is the ideal protector for enjoying snowboarding more safely.
SALOMON Snowboard Protector
SALOMON snowboard protectors combine Flexcell 4D and Motion Fit technology to adapt to your every movement, providing high levels of protection and comfort.
The lightweight mesh material provides excellent breathability and is comfortable to wear in any season.
The removable Velcro waist strap allows you to adjust the fit to your body shape and keeps it in place even during intense movements.
It provides excellent back and spine protection, while its ergonomic design keeps you comfortable even during extended use.
[2024] 5 Recommended Snowboard Protectors for the Lower Body
Here are five recommended lower body protectors for snowboarding.
- eb's hip protector
- Armored Warrior Hip Protector Long Type
- North Peak Hip Protector Short
- ARK Long Hip Protector
- INDUSTY Hip Protector
eb's hip protector
eb's hip protectors are equipped with an orthopedic hard type XRD, and offer some of the strongest protective features in eb's history.
The center features a three-layer 30mm pad and the knees feature three-layer 15mm pads, and the long type covers up to the ankles, providing all-round protection.
Made from Lycra material, which is highly stretchable and absorbs sweat quickly, all parts except the knee pads are removable and easy to wash.
Additionally, the waist drawcord allows you to adjust the fit so it doesn't restrict movement while snowboarding.
Armored Warrior Hip Protector Long Type
Yoroi Musha's long type hip protector is a FRACTAL MODEL that combines XRD and SENSATIONAL PAD, providing shock absorption and flexibility.
It hardens when it senses an impact, and its long design covers up to the knees, providing all-round protection.
The removable padding allows for customization and is easy to wash.
The fabric is stretchy and lightweight, and the mesh material is antibacterial and deodorizing, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Available in sizes from XS to XL, it fits slim-fitting clothing.
North Peak Hip Protector Short
North Peak's Hip Protector Short provides powerful protection for the hips, the area most susceptible to damage in the event of a fall, with three layers of padding.
This short protector features perforated padding to ensure breathability, reducing stuffiness and providing a comfortable fit.
The removable pads make it easy to keep clean.
The lightweight and slim design makes them easy to use as inner tights, and they are great for a wide range of activities other than snowboarding, such as skiing and cycling.
ARK Long Hip Protector
The ARK Long Hip Protector is a model that combines ease of movement with protective performance.
The external pad design prevents the pad from slipping during exercise and provides solid protection for the entire lower body, including both sides of the knees.
Made with PF-01 material that does not harden even at low temperatures, the two-layer construction prevents stuffiness and provides an excellent fit.
It also has flat seams to reduce strain on the skin even when worn for long periods of time.
It is especially ideal for sports that require fine movements, such as freestyle snowboarding, and features a slim design that does not compromise style.
INDUSTY Hip Protector
The INDUSTY Hip Protector uses 1.5cm thick EVA padding to provide high impact resistance to all eight points around the hips.
Designed for ease of movement, the fine mesh material provides good breathability and comfort without getting stuffy even when worn for long periods of time.
Made from smooth, highly stretchable polyurethane material that fits your body perfectly, the Velcro front closure makes it easy to put on and take off.
This reasonably priced protector is suitable for a variety of sports, not just skiing and snowboarding.
Frequently asked questions when purchasing snowboard protectors
Many beginners ask which protectors they should buy first when purchasing snowboarding gear.
The buttocks are the part of the body that is most susceptible to damage when falling, and falling on icy surfaces is particularly painful, so hip protectors are considered an essential item for beginners.
There are also short and long types, but if you are concerned about keeping warm, the long type is recommended.
When purchasing, make sure the protector fits properly and is easy to move in, and try it on if possible.
Summary of snowboard protectors
Choosing the right protection is essential to enjoying snowboarding safely.
It is especially recommended that beginners wear hip protectors, as they are more likely to receive a large impact on their buttocks when they fall.
Additionally, there are protectors for other areas such as the knees, wrists, and back.
These are important for reducing the risk of injury while snowboarding and for enjoying snowboarding with more peace of mind.
When choosing a protector, pay attention to fit, ease of movement, and the parts of the body that need to be protected.
In addition, safety can be further enhanced by choosing materials that combine elasticity and durability, such as NBR and EVA, or high-performance materials such as XRD and 3DO.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced snowboarder, choose the protectors that suit your style and enjoy snowboarding safely.