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If you’re pushing the limits downhill, your wrists are the first things to hit the pavement. I’ve spent time with both the Triple Eight Hired Hands and the TSG Professional wrist guards to see which one actually saves your bones when you eat it at speed. The Hired Hands come with top grain leather and removable ABS splints, while the TSG counters with a CE-certified hardshell design from Switzerland.
This comparison is for skaters and longboarders who need real wrist protection, not just a basic pad. The main trade-off here is glove-style comfort versus a hard-shell exoskeleton. Let’s break down which one I’d trust for a big downhill run.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Triple Eight Hired Hands
Best all-around protection with impact-resistant ABS splints and EVA foam — Check Price →
Runner-Up: TSG Professional
Tough hardshell design certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1 — Check Price →
Here’s how the Triple Eight Hired Hands and the TSG Professional stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for downhill skating.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Triple Eight Hired Hands | TSG Professional Wristgua |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Triple Eight | TSG |
| Material | — | ✅ Leather, Nylon, Polyethylene |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.19 kg |
| Sport | Skateboarding | Skating |
| Size Options | Small, Medium, Large, X-Large | Small, Medium, Large, X-Large |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Wrist Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hardshell | — | ✅ Yes |
| Splint Type | — | ✅ Removable PE |
| Closure Type | — | — |
| Padding | — | — |
| Ventilation | — | — |
The biggest difference I see here is that the Triple Eight Hired Hands features top grain leather and double stitching for durability, while the TSG Professional relies on a CE-certified hardshell that meets the EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1 standard for safety.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both the Triple Eight Hired Hands and the TSG Professional through their paces on my downhill longboard setup, looking at comfort, protection, and how they handle high-speed falls.
Triple Eight Hired Hands Glove – Wrist Protection for Skateboarding
Top Grain Leather | Removable ABS Splints | EVA Foam | Ambidextrous | 4 Sizes (7-11 inches)
- Top grain leather skateboarding gloves with integrated wrist guards...
- Impact-resistant ABS splints on top and bottom are removable and...
- Includes EVA shock-absorbing foam layers with double stitching for...
The Triple Eight Hired Hands feels like a proper glove with integrated armor. I love the top grain leather palm and the impact-resistant ABS splints on both the top and bottom of the wrist — they’re removable and replaceable after heavy wear, which is a smart touch. The EVA shock-absorbing foam and double stitching make these feel built to last, and the thick neoprene strap with hook and loop closures locks them in tight. They’re great for downhill and aggressive skating, though the leather can feel a bit warm on hot days.
✅ Pros
- Top grain leather palm offers excellent grip and durability
- Removable ABS splints on top and bottom for custom impact protection
- EVA shock-absorbing foam layers with double stitching for long life
- Ambidextrous design with EZ pull-on loop for easy wear
❌ Cons
- Leather material can get warm and sweaty during long sessions
- Only available in black color option
TSG Professional Wristguard
Hardshell PE Splint | CE Certified EN 14120 | Swiss Design | Artificial Leather Palm | 5 Sizes
- DURABLE HARDSHELL CONSTRUCTION: TSG Wrist guards are made of sturdy hard...
- COMPLETE WRIST PROTECTION: Durable and sturdy wrist pads offer complete...
- PRE-SHAPED DESIGN: Wrist guard's pre-shaped design conforms to natural body...
The TSG Professional is a beast of a hardshell guard that feels bombproof. I appreciate the removable PE splint and the heavy-duty tear-resistant nylon construction that shrugs off abrasion on concrete. The pre-shaped ergonomic design fits my wrist like a second skin, and the central 360° strap with top and bottom velcro closures keeps everything locked down. It’s CE certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1, which gives me confidence for high-speed downhill runs, though the hardshell feels bulkier than the glove-style Triple Eight.
✅ Pros
- CE certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1 safety standard
- Durable hardshell PE splint with tear-resistant nylon construction
- Pre-shaped ergonomic design for a comfortable, close fit
- Artificial leather palm pad cushioning for added comfort
Hardshell design feels bulkier than glove-style guards
Which One Should You Buy?
Look, both of these wrist guards have the same 4.4 out of 5 star rating, so you’re getting a quality product either way. But your choice really comes down to whether you want a leather glove with removable splints or a hard-shell exoskeleton for your downhill runs.
Triple Eight Hired Hands Glove is right for you if…
- You want top grain leather palm grip that won’t slip on your board or slide on pavement
- You need removable and replaceable ABS splints on both top and bottom for long-term use
- You prefer a glove-style fit with EVA foam and double stitching that feels more natural on your hands
TSG Professional Wristguard is right for you if…
- You want CE certification to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1 for proven safety compliance
- You need a hardshell construction with tear-resistant nylon for maximum abrasion resistance
- You prefer a pre-shaped ergonomic design with a central 360° strap for a locked-in fit
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a casual cruiser or just learning to skate and don’t plan on hitting high speeds or big ramps, you might be better off with a lighter, more flexible wrist guard that breathes better. These are overkill for mellow rides around the neighborhood.
For most downhill skaters, I’d grab the Triple Eight Hired Hands because the top grain leather and removable ABS splints give you the best balance of durability and protection. But if you want the absolute toughest hardshell with official CE certification, the TSG Professional is your guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for downhill skateboarding, the Triple Eight Hired Hands or the TSG Professional?
For pure downhill, I give the edge to the Triple Eight Hired Hands because of the top grain leather palm and the impact-resistant ABS splints on both the top and bottom of the wrist. The EVA shock-absorbing foam layers and double stitching make them feel more durable for repeated high-speed falls. That said, the TSG Professional is CE certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1, so if official safety certification matters to you, that’s the one to grab.
Is the Triple Eight Hired Hands worth the extra money over the TSG Professional?
I think so, but only if you value the glove-style design and leather construction. The Triple Eight Hired Hands uses top grain leather and has removable ABS splints you can replace after heavy wear, which adds to the long-term value. The TSG Professional is a solid hard-shell option that’s competitively priced on Amazon, but you’re getting a simpler nylon and PE splint construction without the leather feel.
Which wrist guard offers better impact protection for high-speed falls?
Both guards offer strong protection, but they go about it differently. The Triple Eight Hired Hands uses impact-resistant ABS splints on both the top and bottom with EVA shock-absorbing foam layers. The TSG Professional uses a durable hardshell PE splint with tear-resistant nylon and is CE certified to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1. For raw impact resistance, I trust the TSG’s hard shell more, but the Triple Eight’s dual-splint design covers more of the wrist area.
Which one is more comfortable for long downhill sessions?
The Triple Eight Hired Hands is more comfortable for long sessions because it’s built like a glove with top grain leather and a neoprene support strap. The TSG Professional has a pre-shaped ergonomic design that fits well, but the hard shell feels bulkier and less breathable over time. If you’re skating for hours, the glove-style fit of the Triple Eight wins for me.
Can I use these for other sports besides downhill skateboarding?
Absolutely. The Triple Eight Hired Hands is designed for skateboarding, in-line skating, rollerblading, and roller derby, so it’s versatile across wheeled sports. The TSG Professional is marketed for snowboarding, skiing, downhill, and skateboarding, making it a good option for winter sports too. Both work well, but the TSG’s hard shell is better suited for snow sports where you need extra abrasion resistance.
Which one has better durability for heavy use?
The Triple Eight Hired Hands takes the win here with top grain leather, double stitching, and removable ABS splints that you can replace after heavy wear. The TSG Professional uses artificial leather for the palm pad and nylon for the main body, which is durable but not as tough as real leather. For skaters who crash hard and often, the Triple Eight’s construction is built to last longer.
My Final Verdict
The Triple Eight Hired Hands is my clear winner for downhill skating. The top grain leather palm, impact-resistant ABS splints on both top and bottom, and EVA shock-absorbing foam with double stitching give you the best blend of durability and protection. The TSG Professional is the runner-up and it’s best for riders who want a CE-certified hard shell with official safety compliance to EN 14120:2003+A1:2007 Level 1.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a glove that feels like part of your hand with leather you can trust, or a hard-shell exoskeleton with a certification badge? For real downhill abuse, I trust the leather and replaceable splints of the Triple Eight every time.
WINNER: Triple Eight Hired Hands Glove
- Top grain leather skateboarding gloves with integrated wrist guards...
- Impact-resistant ABS splints on top and bottom are removable and...
- Includes EVA shock-absorbing foam layers with double stitching for...
Best for downhill skaters who want a durable leather glove with removable ABS splints and EVA foam protection that lasts through heavy use.
RUNNER-UP: TSG Professional Wristguard
- DURABLE HARDSHELL CONSTRUCTION: TSG Wrist guards are made of sturdy hard...
- COMPLETE WRIST PROTECTION: Durable and sturdy wrist pads offer complete...
- PRE-SHAPED DESIGN: Wrist guard's pre-shaped design conforms to natural body...
Best for riders who want a CE-certified hard shell with a pre-shaped ergonomic fit and a central 360° strap for maximum security.
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