Hand Guards

Do I need closed or open handguards for slalom?

For slalom racing, you’ll want a closed hand guard. These wrap around the full knuckle and provide protection from impacts with the gate. Open hand guards are used more for recreational and freeride skiing.

Are LEKI handguards compatible with other ski pole brands?

Leki hand guards are generally designed to fit with Leki poles. Whilst you can buy adapters, Leki products are designed as a full ecosystem and work best when you pair Leki hand guards with Leki poles. For top performance, also pair with Leki gloves.

Do I need handguards for slalom racing?

Yes, you absolutely need hand guards for slalom racing regardless of discipline such as downhill, GS or Super G. In slalom, the objective is to pass through the gates as quickly as possible, and the best skiers often use blocking techniques – knocking the gate out of the way with the back of their hand – to keep up speed. At high speeds, those impacts from blocking can be very painful, so you definitely want hand protection to cushion the blow. If you’re new to slalom racing and don’t know what kind of body protection you need, you’re more than welcome to call us for advice, or visit our shop, and our team will get you kitted out.

What is universal fitting hand protection?

Universal fitting hand protection is designed to work with any ski pole, regardless of the make, unlike a proprietary system like Leki. It’s a good option if you’re just starting out in slalom and want to be able to try things out with your standard ski poles before investing in special slalom-specific ski gear. As you progress, it’s preferable to have a full system from one manufacturer with matching poles and guards to ensure compatibility.