Gauntlets and Arm Protection

This hand and arm armor category covers one of the highest-impact areas in full contact fighting: fingers, wrist line, elbow joint, and the forearm bones. The priority is practical protection that manages impact loads without turning the arm into a rigid lever. Plate layout and overlap are built to shield bony points and joint lines while keeping the working bend available.

Real combat performance depends on mobility: weapon grip, wrist rotation, shield work, and fast recovery back to guard. Plate geometry and hinge alignment are designed around anatomy and common body proportions so the elbow doesn’t bind and the forearm doesn’t pinch on flexion. Fit is based on correct sizing and standard straps/liner solutions, without implying automatic one-off custom tailoring for every buyer.

For long-term use, focus on durability and serviceability: accessible rivets, replaceable straps, and straightforward disassembly of moving nodes. After training or an event, you should be able to restore function quickly—tighten hardware, swap a strap, and keep edges and overlaps in working condition. Pay attention to attachment points, edge finishing, and motion stops: these directly affect wear and how the armor handles repeated hits.

Patterns are developed with reference to historical sources and analogs (prototypes), adapted to modern full contact loads. Many events run a technical inspection according to the ruleset of the specific tournament (in formats such as HMB, ACL, and others), but approval is always decided by the marshals and depends on the full kit setup, condition, and correct assembly with the rest of the harness. Consistent results come from proper strap adjustment, compatibility with elbows/upper arms, and routine maintenance.