Choosing the Right SBD Wrist Wraps: A Guide to Support and Performance

SBD is a brand that needs little introduction in the world of strength training and powerlifting. Known for their premium quality gear, SBD has been providing athletes with top-of-the-line products since 2013. Every item they produce is manufactured at their factory in the United Kingdom, ensuring the highest standards in craftsmanship and durability. If you’re serious about lifting, you’re probably already familiar with their renowned wrist wraps.

In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the new and improved SBD Wrist Wraps, explaining the differences between the two versions, their various lengths, and how to choose the right pair for your needs.

Why Are Wrist Wraps Essential for Lifting?

Wrist wraps are essential for providing additional support to your wrists during heavy lifting. Whether you’re doing bench presses, overhead presses, or even squats (especially in a low-bar position), wrist wraps help to reduce the strain on your wrists, allowing you to push more weight and minimize the risk of injury.

Wrist wraps are particularly important for those pushing their limits in strength training, as they help stabilize the wrist joint and keep your movements strong and controlled. They’re a small investment that can make a significant difference in your lifting performance and longevity.

SBD Wrist Wraps: What's New and Improved?

SBD has recently upgraded their wrist wraps, keeping the popular stiff and flexible versions while tweaking the materials for an even better performance. The wraps are now available in the classic black and red colorway, as well as limited-edition colors like the Reflect and Forge releases.

Key Differences Between the Two Types of SBD Wrist Wraps:

• SBD Flexible Wrist Wraps: Made from 70% polyester and 30% rubber, these wraps offer a more comfortable, moldable fit around your wrists. They provide good support but allow more movement than the stiffer version, making them ideal for athletes who need a balance of flexibility and compression.
  
  
• SBD Stiff Wrist Wraps: These wraps are made from 44% polyester and 56% rubber, offering significantly less stretch than the flexible version. The stiffer material provides an almost “cast-like” support, which is perfect for those looking for maximum wrist stability during their lifts.
  
  

While the materials have been slightly adjusted for both versions, many athletes find that the new, softer finish of the stiff wrist wraps makes them more comfortable than the original models, without sacrificing the intense support they provide.

Flexible vs. Stiff Wrist Wraps: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between the flexible and stiff versions largely depends on the level of support you need and your personal preference when lifting. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Flexible Wrist Wraps

• Best for versatility: These wraps provide more stretch and better wrist mobility, which makes them a great option for lifters who need some wrist support without sacrificing flexibility.
• Comfortable fit: They conform to the shape of your wrist, offering support without feeling restrictive.
• Ideal for general use: Whether you're bench pressing, overhead pressing, or squatting, these wraps are great for any lift where you need a little extra wrist support but still want to maintain some freedom of movement.
• Best Seller: The medium (60cm) flexible wraps are the most popular option for athletes who want a good balance of support and flexibility.

Stiff Wrist Wraps

• Maximum support: If you're looking for total wrist stabilization, the stiff wraps are the way to go. They provide minimal stretch, which locks the wrist into place for lifts that require extra rigidity.
• Great for heavy lifters: If you're doing maximal lifts or need the ultimate support during heavy bench presses, squats, or deadlifts, the stiff wraps will keep your wrists secure.
• More difficult to wrap: Because of the lack of stretch, these wraps can take more effort and practice to wrap correctly, but once you get the hang of it, they provide unmatched wrist protection.

Sizing Your SBD Wrist Wraps: Which Length Should You Choose?

SBD Wrist Wraps come in three different lengths: 40cm (small), 60cm (medium), and 1 meter (large). The medium (60cm) wrap is by far the most popular and widely used, as it tends to provide sufficient support for most athletes.

Here’s a quick guide on when to choose each length:

• Small (40cm): Best for those with smaller wrists or if you prefer a tighter, more compact wrap for minimal coverage.
• Medium (60cm): The best all-around option. Suitable for most athletes who need solid support without wrapping too much excess material around their wrists.
• Large (1 meter): Ideal for athletes who prefer very tight wraps or need extra support for heavy lifts. These longer wraps offer more material for more layered wrapping.

Left and Right Sided SBD Wrist Wraps

One unique feature of SBD Wrist Wraps is that they are sided left and right. Each wrap is designed to fit the contours of your left or right wrist, ensuring that the thumb loop sits properly. This is a small but important detail, as it helps you put the wraps on and take them off more easily.

When removing the wraps, simply tuck your thumb towards your pinky, and the wrap should fall off smoothly. If you feel like you’re hyper-extending your thumb, you may have the wrap on the wrong wrist. There are also alternative ways to wear the wraps, such as wrapping them with the thumb loop on your pinky or turning them upside down.

How to Wrap Your Wrists with SBD Wrist Wraps

The key to getting the most out of your SBD Wrist Wraps is to adjust the tightness based on your comfort and support needs. You want the wrap to provide support for your wrist joint while limiting excessive movement, but you don't want to restrict circulation or cause discomfort.

Start by wrapping the wrist wrap around the base of your palm and wrist. From there, tighten the wrap based on how much support you need for the lift you’re doing. A good wrist wrap should support your joint, but still feel comfortable enough to wear during your lifts.

SBD Wrist Wraps for Every Lifter

Whether you’re just starting out with wrist wraps or you’ve been using them for years, SBD Wrist Wraps are a great addition to any athlete’s gear bag. With two options—flexible and stiff—and three lengths to choose from, SBD has something for every lifter, no matter your experience level or lifting style.

If you’re looking for a wrap that offers flexibility and comfort, the flexible wrist wraps are your best bet. But if you’re a heavy lifter or need more rigid support, the stiff wrist wraps will provide the ultimate protection. Whichever version you choose, SBD’s wrist wraps are built to last and designed to enhance your lifting experience, helping you push more weight and keep your wrists safe from injury.

As always if you have questions, let us know!