If you have ever taken a cricket ball to the forearm — and if you bat regularly against medium pace or faster, you probably have — you know exactly why protective guards exist. The problem for most US players is that buying guides either treat arm guards and chest guards as interchangeable, or they skip the question entirely and just list products. They are not the same thing. They protect different body parts. And which one you need depends heavily on where you bat and what kind of bowling you face.
This guide covers both, maps protection to your actual batting position, includes a junior sizing chart with real measurements, and prices everything in dollars from a US-based retailer. If you are playing hardball cricket in an American league this season, this is the gear conversation you need to have before you walk out to the crease.
Arm Guard vs Chest Guard: What Each One Actually Protects
Let us start with the anatomy. These two guards serve different purposes, and conflating them — as most general cricket gear guides do — leaves players under-protected in one area or over-equipped in another.
| Feature | Arm Guard | Chest Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Protects | Inner forearm, elbow, ulna bone — the arm that faces the bowler during your stance | Sternum, ribs, upper chest — the torso area exposed when you open up to play a shot |
| Fits | Straps around the forearm, worn under the shirt sleeve or over the shirt | Wraps around the upper torso with shoulder straps, worn under the jersey |
| Best for | Almost every batsman facing hardball bowling above 65 mph. Non-negotiable for opening batsmen. | Batsmen facing genuine pace on bouncy pitches; close-in fielders (short leg, silly point); players recovering from rib injuries |
| Padding type | High-density foam or hard plastic shell with foam backing — designed to deflect impact along the arm | Lighter foam over a rigid plastic core — designed to absorb and spread impact across a flat surface |
| Price range (US) | $12 — $23 | $20 — $23 |
The short version: an arm guard protects the arm you lead with. A chest guard protects your torso. If you are an opening batsman facing a new ball at 80+ mph, you should seriously consider wearing both. If you bat at number 8 and face primarily medium pace or spin, an arm guard alone is likely sufficient.
Who Needs What by Batting Position
This is the question no existing guide answers directly. Here is a practical breakdown based on the type of bowling each position typically faces in US league cricket:
| Role | Arm Guard | Chest Guard | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Batsman | Yes — hard shell, double strap | Recommended — high priority | You face the new ball at its fastest. The hard new ball rises off a length and targets the ribs and forearm. Both guards is standard at competitive levels. |
| Top Order (3–4) | Yes — high-density foam shell | Recommended | You often face the second new ball or bowling changes from the opening spells. Protection needs are nearly as high as the openers. |
| Middle Order (5–6) | Yes — any quality guard | Optional | Spin and medium pace are more common, but a part-time quick returning for a short spell can still surprise you. An arm guard is cheap insurance. |
| Lower Order / Tailender | Yes — lightweight recommended | Optional | You might think you do not need one. You are wrong. Tailenders face aggressive short-pitched bowling specifically because bowlers know you have less protection. At minimum, wear an arm guard. |
| Junior Batsman (8–14) | Yes — junior-specific model | Optional — junior model | Juniors face slower bowling but have less natural protection (lighter bone density, less muscle padding). A junior arm guard is non-negotiable for hardball cricket. A chest guard adds peace of mind for parents. |
| Close-in Fielder | Not applicable | Yes — lightweight preferred | Short leg, silly point, and silly mid-off fielders are at risk from the bat follow-through and edges at close range. A chest guard under the shirt is standard practice. |
One nuance few guides address: left-handed batsmen need an arm guard on their right arm (the arm facing the bowler during a right-arm-over delivery). Right-handers wear it on the left arm. If you are buying for a left-handed batsman, double-check the product listing — most arm guards are universal-fit with adjustable straps that work on either arm, but some high-end models are side-specific.
US Arm Guard Comparison: Every Model We Stock
| Brand / Model | Price | Strap System | Padding | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moonwalkr Adult Arm Guard 2.0 | $17.99 | Dual velcro | High-density foam shell | Tech-forward design, best adjustability — top pick for all-rounders who need quick on/off between batting and bowling |
| Moonwalkr Junior Arm Guard 2.0 | $17.99 | Dual velcro | High-density foam shell | Same premium design in a junior size — best option for committed junior players |
| GN Cricket Soft Adult Arm Guard | $19.99 | Elastic | Soft foam | Comfort pick — easiest to wear for full innings, but less impact deflection than hard-shell guards |
| GN Test Cricket Adult Arm Guard | $19.99 | Velcro | Rigid foam shell | Competitive play — better protection than the soft model, classic English brand build |
| GN Legend Adult Arm Guard | $19.99 | Velcro | Reinforced foam shell | Hard leather ball — the heaviest-duty GN guard, built for genuinely quick bowling |
| MRF Prodigy Junior Arm Guard | $11.99 | Single elastic | Light foam | Budget junior pick — good for recreational junior cricket and tennis-ball leagues |
| Versant GC Adult Arm Guard | $22.49 | Dual velcro | Multi-layer foam | Best overall adult — the highest build quality at this price, comparable to guards costing twice as much |
| Versant GC Junior Arm Guard | $19.99 | Dual velcro | Multi-layer foam | Best junior all-around — premium construction in a junior size, worth the upgrade from the $12 MRF |
Chest Guard Options
| Brand / Model | Price | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG Proflex Chest Guard | $19.99 | Standard | Everyday club use — solid protection, comfortable fit, widely used in US leagues |
| SG Supalite Chest Guard | $22.99 | Lightweight | Players who find standard chest guards restrictive — lower profile, better range of motion, same SG build quality |
Combo Buying Guide: Build Your Protection Kit by Budget
One of the best ways to save money on protective gear is to buy an arm guard and chest guard together — you are already paying for US shipping once, and you will not have to come back mid-season when a short ball reminds you what you are missing. Here are three budget-conscious combinations using the products above:
Tier 1 — Budget Junior ($32)
MRF Prodigy Junior Arm Guard ($11.99) + SG Proflex Chest Guard ($19.99) = $31.98 total. Full arm-and-torso protection for a junior player at the lowest price point we carry. Adequate for hardball league cricket at junior level.
Tier 2 — Best Value Adult ($40)
GN Test Cricket Adult Arm Guard ($19.99) + SG Proflex Chest Guard ($19.99) = $39.98 total. The sweet spot for adult club players who want genuine protection without overspending. Both use proven designs from established brands.
Tier 3 — Premium Combo ($45)
Versant GC Adult Arm Guard ($22.49) + SG Supalite Chest Guard ($22.99) = $45.48 total. The best arm guard we stock paired with the lightest chest guard. This is the setup for players who train twice a week and play weekends — maximum protection, minimum bulk.
Junior Arm Guard Sizing: A Parent's Measurement Guide
Most guides say "junior gloves for ages 8–14" and stop there. Here are the actual measurements that matter:
- Forearm length: Measure from the inside of the wrist crease to the inside of the elbow. Under 20cm (7.9 inches) = junior size. 20–24cm = junior to small adult overlap — either works depending on build.
- Forearm circumference: Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of the forearm (about 3 inches below the elbow). Under 22cm = junior fits well. Above 22cm = consider adult small.
- Age guide (rough): Ages 8–11 typically fit junior guards. Ages 12–14 vary — measure rather than guessing. A child who plays multiple sports or is tall for their age may already need an adult small arm guard by 13.
- Junior-specific features: Lighter foam (less weight for smaller arms), narrower profile (won't slide around), often single-strap rather than dual (easier for kids to put on independently). The MRF Prodigy Junior uses single elastic; the Versant GC Junior uses dual velcro for a more secure fit.
Do not buy an adult arm guard for a junior player and cinch it tight — the excess material bunches, restricts movement, and the protection zones sit in the wrong places on a shorter arm. The $8 price difference between a junior and adult guard is not worth the compromised protection.
Velcro vs Elastic Straps: What Actually Matters
Nearly every arm guard uses either velcro (hook-and-loop) or elastic straps. The difference matters more than most guides admit:
- Velcro: Infinitely adjustable, durable over a full season, does not lose tension. Works well over or under a cricket shirt sleeve. Found on Moonwalkr, GN Test, GN Legend, Versant GC, and most mid-to-premium guards. The downside: velcro can snag on jersey fabric if worn over the shirt.
- Elastic: Lighter, quicker to put on and take off, more comfortable against bare skin. Found on GN Soft and MRF Prodigy Junior. The downside: elastic loses tension over time — by the end of a full season, the guard may feel looser than when you bought it.
Recommendation: For players who train regularly and play weekend cricket all season, choose velcro — the adjustment holds up. For recreational players who play 8–10 matches a year, elastic is fine and often more comfortable. If you are between the two, the GN Soft Adult ($19.99) with elastic straps is the most comfortable arm guard we carry for long innings, while the Versant GC Adult ($22.49) offers the most secure velcro fit.
When Do You Actually Need a Chest Guard?
This is the question Reddit forums fill with contradictory advice. Here is the honest answer based on experience selling this gear to US players since 2021:
You probably need a chest guard if:
- You face bowling above 75 mph regularly (opening batsmen in competitive hardball leagues — this is most weekend T20 leagues in major US metros)
- You have had a rib or sternum injury before and want to avoid a repeat
- You bat in the top four and the league uses good-quality leather balls (Kookaburra, Dukes, SG Test) rather than cheaper alternatives
- You field at short leg, silly point, or silly mid-off — even a mistimed defensive push from a batsman can catch you at close range
You can probably skip a chest guard if:
- You bat number 7 or lower and primarily face spin or gentle medium pace
- You play tennis-ball cricket (the ball is lighter and does not carry the same rib-level threat)
- You find chest guards genuinely too restrictive and it affects your batting confidence — confidence at the crease matters more than having every piece of gear
The SG Proflex ($20) and SG Supalite ($23) are both low-profile enough that most players forget they are wearing them by the second over. If restriction is your concern, the Supalite is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear an arm guard under my shirt sleeve?
Yes — most arm guards are designed to be worn under the shirt for a lower profile. If you prefer wearing it over the sleeve (common in hot weather to avoid direct skin contact), velcro guards work better because they adjust to the wider circumference of the sleeve. The Moonwalkr Arm Guard 2.0 and Versant GC both handle over-sleeve wear well.
Do junior players really need a chest guard?
For hardball cricket — yes, especially if your child opens the batting or faces older bowlers in mixed-age leagues. For tennis-ball or recreational junior cricket, an arm guard alone is usually sufficient. The SG Proflex is $20 and can last 2–3 junior seasons since kids do not generate the same level of impact as adults.
How do I clean my arm guard?
Wipe down the foam shell with a damp cloth after use — sweat and dirt degrade the foam over time. Do not machine wash. Do not soak. Let it air-dry outside of your kit bag. A guard stored damp inside a closed bag for a week will develop odor and the foam can break down.
What if I bat left-handed?
Most arm guards are universal-fit and work on either arm. The protection zone (the padded area that faces the bowler) stays in the correct position regardless of which arm you wear it on. If a guard is labeled as side-specific — rare at our price points — the product description will note it.
Should I buy the arm guard and chest guard from the same brand?
No — there is no compatibility requirement. Mixing brands is standard. Many of our customers pair a Versant GC arm guard with an SG Supalite chest guard because each represents the best-in-class option at its price point. Build the combination that fits your budget and protection needs.
Where to Buy Cricket Arm Guards and Chest Guards in the US
Every product in this guide is available now from TopCricketStore with domestic US shipping. We do not drop-ship from overseas warehouses — what you see on the site is in our US inventory. If you are unsure which size or combination to choose, reach out directly. We would rather talk through your setup than have you order the wrong guard.
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