10 Best Bowling with a Wrist Brace Supports 2023

We love bowling. There is just something awesome about trying to find that perfect throw and then repeating it for as many rounds as possible. Since many people expressed interest in bowling with a wrist brace, we decided to perform deeper research and provide you with the best wrist braces for the bowling support list.

Not everyone is bowling with wrist support, however, it can be a smart move to add a bowling wrist hand brace to your shopping list and prevent any wrist pain in the future.

Since there might be some of you, who have no idea what bowling wrist bands are, we will start by explaining what bowling with a wrist brace is and how bowling wristbands work. You will also learn how to determine whether you need a bowling hand brace or not.

Then we will take a closer look at the 10 best bowling with a wrist brace supports and provide you with their review and their key features. Finally, we will have a look at what are common bowling wrist injuries and how to prevent them.

10 Top Bowling With a Wrist Brace Support Reviews

Product Name	Picture	Price
Brunswick Bionic Wrist Positioner
Robby’s Revs II
MICHELIN Storm Universal
Storm C4 Wrist Positioner
Mongoose Optimum
MICHELIN Storm Xtra-Hook
Robby’s Leather Plus
Ebonite Pro Form Positioner Glove
Mueller Green Fitted Wrist Brace
KoolKontrol (bowlingball.com) Bowling Wrist Positioner

What is a Bowling Wrist Brace & How Does It Work?

Unless you’ve never been to a bowling alley before, you must have seen someone wearing a ‘thingy’ on their writs, right? We that ‘thingy’ is called a bowling wrist brace. It actually goes by different names, including ‘bowling hand brace’, ‘bowling wrist bands’, ‘bowling wrist guard’, ‘bowling wrist positioner’, even ‘bowling gloves with wrist support’. And even though technically all of the names can mean a slightly different variation of functionality, they all fall under the bowling wrist support category, thus the expressions are often interchangeable.

Whatever you want to call it, a bowling wrist support’s main purpose is exactly what the name suggests; TO SUPPORT THE WRIST. One would need to support their wrist because of different reasons, including to help prevent wrist injuries, to cope with an old injury, and even to boost confidence. But the most common reason why bowlers use wrist bands is to offer wrist support and get into the right position at the point of releasing the ball. This enables more consistent throwing and also helps prevent injuries.

As such, it is not a surprise that bowling with a wrist brace is something very common and very often used by regular enthusiastic bowlers and even more so by professionals.

If you know a thing or two about bowling, then you are aware that every portion of the swing and throw determines the quality of a player’s aim. However, the most essential part of a throw lies in the moment of releasing the ball (a.k.a. the release point). This is where the best bowling wrist support plays the most vital role as it helps a player keep the wrist firm at the bottom of the swing, thus enables a better form. This is extra handy, once players start to explore applying intentional spin to the ball.

There are definite plus sides to bowling with a wrist brace, however, it does take some freedom away, which might be one of the main reasons why not players use bowling wrist bands.

Do You Need A Bowling Wrist Support?

Whether you need a bowling wrist or not is something you will have to determine by yourself, of course, if you have a coach or a person teaching you bowling, they help you determine that.

As a rule of thumb, bowling with a wrist brace is somewhat of a must for those with week wrists. So, if you have week wrists, you will be way better off by strapping on a bowling hand brace. Often times this applies for young children, however, there are many adults, both females, and males, who can’t handle a bowling ball properly without a bowling wrist support.

Aside from a weak wrist, you might also want to try bowling with a wrist brace if you struggle with your throws. It can help you achieve better consistency and improve your aim.

Furthermore, you should definitely use a bowling wrist support if you are experiencing wrist pain when bowling without the bowling hand brace.

If you are not able to determine whether you need a bowling wrist positioner or not, you should ask for advice from a more experienced bowler. If you don’t know any, just go to the most popular bowling arena and you should easily spot one.

You can also ask employees at the bowling arena for help, oftentimes they have a lot of experience and knowledge on the subject. Another option is to visit a pro bowling shop in person, where you will get the help you need.

10 Best Bowling With a Wrist Brace Support Reviews

If you have determined that you need wrist brace support, go through the list below. We have prepared reviews of the 10 best bowling wrist bands. The bowling wrist brave supports present below are of different extends, some offer more while others have less freedom and adjustments to your wrist.

NOTE: Before choosing your bowling wrist guard, read the section below. If buying online, make sure to select the right size and THE RIGHT (or left J) hand (not all are available for both hands, thus you have a much greater choice as a right-handed individual).

1. Brunswick Bionic Wrist Positioner

Brunswick Bionic Wrist Positioner provides a high level of support and helps create a powerful ball roll. It has very durable aluminum construction, which makes it reasonably light-weight for maximum comfort and provides adjustment options (without the need of taking it off) for multiple wrists cup and lateral positions to best fit your needs.

Brunswick Bionic is equipped with extended support, which not only supports your wrist but also your fingers. It helps reduce the impact of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Brunswick Bionic Wrist Positioner is one of the best bowling wrist positioners on the market, suitable for those with wrist pains and those just looking to advance their hook/spin.

2. Robby’s Revs II

Robby’s Revs II allows for great control as it offers additional index finger support. It enables you to make adjustments to the position by releasing the buckle and adjusting the tension knob, which is located on the back of the bowling wrist positioner. It provides you with four different wrist cup positions, thus giving you a chance to find the one that provides you with the best comfort-control combination.

Robby’s Revs II comes in a stylish dark blue color, which looks good but it may not work with some team colors if you want to look your best out in the bowling arena.

Expect to pay slightly more for this bowling wrist guard as it falls under the pro category. However, the investment will pay off once you experience the improvement in your control.

3. MICHELIN Storm Universal

MICHELIN Storm Universal is one of the rare universal wrist braces among the best bowling wrist support equipment. In the case of Michelin Storm ‘Universal’ means that the same bowling hand brace is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed bowlers.

This powerful brace offers the best bowling wrist support. It has a palm strap for a secure fit. In addition, it is equipped with an adjustable wrist/forearm strap for a customized fit. At the back of the palm, there is an adjustment dial to easily adjust wrist cup’ angle.

MICHELIN Storm Universal was built for superior performance and function. It has a metal framing, which makes it super sturdy and thus highly suitable for players with existing wrist issues. It limits the stress to the wrist as much as possible and enables individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome fantastic hook benefits.

4. Storm C4 Wrist Positioner

Storm C4 Wrist Positioner is intended for advanced or even professional bowlers who are bowling with a wrist brace. It is made out of high-quality materials and is available in either right-hand or left-hand versions.

It offers the ultimate wrist support and incredibly easily adjustable cup position with a single switch. It comes with removable wrist and hand pads, which are designed to be washed as much as needed and can even be replaced once worn out.

Similar to the previous bowling wrist positioner, C4 also provides the highest level of stability and durability. It is best suitable for players who already have wrist issues and don’t want to risk with any less firm bowling wrist bands.

5. Mongoose Optimum

If you are familiar with Mongoose’s “Lifter” and “Equalizer”, you will love the ‘Optimum’ as it provides the best of both. Mongoose Optimum’s design offers you a perfect fit as it forms your hand and wrist after a very short period. In addition to wrist support, it also provides finger support for maximum stability and consistency.

It is also highly breathable, preventing your hand from sweating too much. Mongoose Optimum is made in the USA and is designed to help you achieve consistent roll and better lift.

Mongoose Optimum support falls into the category of more affordable top-range bowling wrist bands, however, Mongoose is a well-known brand, thus don’t expect it to be cheap. Since it is fully made out of fabric, it is much lighter than some other high-end bowling wrist supports.

It uses Velcro instead of screws for adjustments, which makes things a lot simpler. Since Optimum is made out of fabric, it can be much easier to get used to having it on than some other high-end wrist supports.

6. MICHELIN Storm Xtra-Hook

MICHELIN Storm Xtra-Hook bowling wrist support is a bowling hand brace with an extended index finger for an increase in the ability to apply rotation to the ball. It offers an additional lift to the wrist and thus ensures a proper hand positioning.

MICHELIN Storm Xtra-Hook offers a very high level of comfort and durability. It is equipped with Velcro straps for fast and easy adjustments, which makes it very suitable for beginners and intermediate players.

It is fully made out of fabric, thus it is also rather lightweight. Compared to some other bowling wrist bands, it covers a slightly smaller portion of the hand, thus allowing for more air to come to it.

7. Robby’s Leather Plus

Robby’s Leather Plus is a go-to bowling hand brace for many individuals who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. It is made out of leather and comes with strong straight metal support and the back.

It has a very simple design, which is probably the main reason why it suits and fits a very wide population of players and their range of various shots.

In addition, it is also rather comfortable and affordable. Thanks to its simple design and classic leather looks, it comes off way less futuristic and bulky compared to some of the above models, which is also something many players prefer.

8. Ebonite Pro Form Positioner Glove

As you can tell by the name of this bowling wrist support, it is an actual glove. Ebonite Pro Form Positioner has a whole for the thumb and it is cut off at the first knuckle for the middle and ring fingers.

Ebonite is a reputable bowling glove producer, thus Ebonite Pro Form Positioner Glove is often considered to combine everything one might look to get out of a bowling glove.

It provides comfort and support. It is equipped with a steel backhand support to keep your wrist stable and safe. Ebonite Pro Form Positioner glove with wrist support is equipped with heavy-duty special friction compound that is covering the top portion of the palm and index and pinky compartments to prevent ball ever slipping out of your hands.

Ebonite Pro Form Positioner Glove is made out of high-quality materials to provide a great combination of breathability and fit.

9. Mueller Green Fitted Wrist Brace

Mueller Green Fitted is an entry-level synthetic bowling wrist guard. It is not specially intended for bowling, however, it may be used by those with minor pain. The greatest advantage of this bowling hand brace is its low price.

It is made out of soft, breathable and durable fabric. It is equipped with a metal spoon at the bottom of the wrist and has adjustable Velcro straps.

If you are looking for an affordable way to protect your wrist and hand out on a bowling alley, Mueller Green Fitted Wrist Brace might just be the best option for you.

10. KoolKontrol (bowlingball.com) Bowling Wrist Positioner

KoolKontrol is one of the most commonly used bowling wrist positioners. It has a perfect combination of simplicity and efficiency.

It is produced out of special fabric, which allows sweat to easily evaporate fast. It provides exceptional support and great results. KoolKontrol really keeps your wrist in place throughout the release phase and enables you to get amazing throwing consistency.

It comes with metal support in both, front and back, which offer perfect stability, however, the two plates bring additional weight to the table, which means KoolKontrol is not the lightest bowling wrist brace.

KoolKontrol bowling hand brace is equipped with three Velcro straps, which ensure it to fit the hand perfectly.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Bowling Wrist Brace

Brands

As with any equipment, there are some popular brands producing bowling wrist bands, however, you may find that you prefer the one that is made by an unknown manufacturer. What we are saying is to listen to your body and how the bowling wrist brace feels on your hand. Don’t buy it just because it is made by a known brand.

That said, there are a few brands that dominate the field of the best bowling wrist support braces. Some brands are from the medical equipment field, Mueller being a perfect example, while others from the bowling gear field, where Storm, Brunswick, Ebonite, and Mongoose are definitely worth mentioning.

Size

It depends on a specific bowling wrist positioner model, however, most are available in various sizes. Charts or size guidelines are usually available for each model. If you have extra-large hands expect to have slightly limited options, as there are quite a few models that don’t have XXL sizes.

Types

There are two main types of wrist support – one designed in particular for bowling and other designed for general wrist issues and support. The first one can be further divided into a couple of subcategories, including, full support bowling brace (wrist and fingers), wrist and index finger support bowling brace, and wrist-alone support bowling brace.

When it comes to your wrist’s safety and performance level, full support bowling brace with adjustable rev is the best option.

In any case, we must point out that you must select a brace that best suits your conditions, your needs, and expectations. Moreover, any wrist brace will take some getting used to.

Durability

Look for high-quality products. Materials used by reputable brands do tend to be more durable.

Adjustability

When it comes to adjustability in the best bowling wrist support, we are referring to revs adjustment. Bowling lanes can vary a lot (they can be dry or very oily), by adjusting rev or wrist cup position you adjust your throw to those conditions.

NOTE: This is something that only more advanced players should worry about. If you are a beginner, you can make it by with a fixed bowling hand brace.

Comfort

Comfort is extremely important since an uncomfortable bowling wrist positioner can completely throw you off your game. It can also make your wrist issues worse. Thus, make sure it fits you well and that it uses materials that will fill nice on your skin when you are bowling with a wrist brace, especially if you play for longer periods of time in a row.

Ventilation

When bowling with a wrist brace you are exposed to the risk of sweating under the bowling hand brace, which can be very unpleasant and can even cause the ball to slip out of your control. Thus, it is extremely important to look for bowling gloves with wrist support or bowling wrist bands made out of breathable material or additional opening to allow for the air to flow to our skin.

Price

Prices vary noticeably. Expect to pay between $10 all the way to $100. On the lower end, you can get a general wrist brace, while the upper level covers a top-level professional bowling wrist support brace with wrist cup adjustments.

Review

It is always smart to look for some reviews only or ask friends or teammates for their opinion before purchasing a new model of a bowling hand brace. It is also best to try it on your hand to see how it fits. If you are buying online, pay a visit to a local store just to try it on beforehand.

What Are Common Bowling Wrist Injuries?

Wrist injuries among bowlers are a rather common occurrence, especially among those individuals with weaker wrists. Of course, there is also a problem with players who don’t warm up their wrist joint properly and stretch it after their done playing – which is most non-professional players.

There are rather strong forces impacting wrist, especially during the release phase and this can have long-lasting damaging effects. Some of the most common wrist injuries include wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprain, dislocation of the wrist joint, and swelling.

How to Prevent Common Wrist Injuries in Bowling?

Of course, there are several ways to prevent wrist injuries in bowling, one of them is without a doubt to start bowling with a wrist brace.

EXERCISE

If you plan to be bowling often and a lot, you will need a very strong wrist on your throwing arm. The kind of wrist strength that cannot be obtained by bowling alone. You will need to perform wrist exercises, such as rubber squeezing, regular wrist circles, and proper stretching. Exercises like pushups, pull-ups, dips, handstands, and yoga are also a great way of strengthening your wrists.

WARM-UP & STRETCH

If you have no problems with your wrists and want to keep it that way make sure to warm up your wrists well before your pick up a bowling ball. Perform 5-10 circles with your wrist, make a fist and open it (repeat 5-10 times), do a couple of pushups, dips, etc. However, it is not smart to stretch your wrist before the game.

The time for stretch is after the game. If you have time you can do so while stile at the bowling arena or later on at home. Hold each wrist stretching position (forward fold, forward fold, and side folds) for 10-20 seconds. Make sure you go gently with your wrist here. Never cross the pain-point, however, going over the comfort zone is encouraged.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Always listen to your body. If you start to feel the slightest discomfort in your wrist, it normally means you already have micro-injuries, which will heal fast in you stop on time. However, pushing it over the limit can result in more severe injuries and permanent issues with your wrist.

TREAT SMALL WRIST INJURIES PROMPTLY

It is important to treat small/initial wrist injuries promptly and accordingly. If you have experienced even the smallest discomfort in the wrist, make sure to get proper rest, put ice on it, and massage it with some sports/herbal cream.

If the pain persists (even if it’s just a slight discomfort), pay a visit to your doctor. Timely actions in the right direction can save you from having serious issues down the line.

There are eight small bones in a wrist and multiple ligaments, which makes it a highly complex joint. As a consequence, its issues can be long-lasting and hard to repair. So make sure to treat your wrist with maximum love and care.

START BOWLING WITH A WRIST BRACE

Probably the safest way to prevent bowling wrist injuries is to start bowling with a wrist brace. You may not be using it all the time, but getting used to it and having this option when you start to fill the slightest discomfort is a smart move.

Final Verdict

There are many who prefer to bowl with bare hands, at the same time there are also quite a lot of those who prefer bowling with a wrist brace. If you have no wrist problem, strong wrist, and no problem with your shots, we advise you to continue with ‘bare hand’ bowling.

However, if you are struggling with your form and can seem to get several good shots in a row, getting a bowling wrist positioner might be a good choice to help you bring your bowling to a higher level.

Moreover, if you have a weak wrist or already dealing with any wrist issues, you really don’t have any other option than to start bowling with a wrist brace. Find the best one for your needs and get used to it. You might end up striking more pins than ever before.

Additional Resource 

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