If you ask rookie players which protective gear they have in their cricket kit, you may find to your surprise, that they do not have abdominal guards at all! This could prove to be an extremely costly mistake. The abdominal guard is in fact one of the most important equipment, that every player has to have.
You will find multiple names for this simple but crucial piece of plastic. Apart from abdominal guards, they’re known as the “box” or an “L Guard”, or “cups” or “abdo guard”, they all serve the same purpose: to protect the crotch regions of batsmen and wicket keepers from the incoming ball.
Although it may seem that it is easy to choose this half pear shaped plastic cup, it isn’t the case. There are so many low-quality products, with cheap plastics, improper straps and poor design that it is extremely easy for anyone to make an uninformed decision which they’ll later regret.
To prevent all this, and to save your time, I have compiled this list of the abdominal guards with top most quality and super durability. To make your work even more hassle free, I’ve also added Amazon India links after a detailed description for each product. Just read on!
Table of Contents
1. CEAT Secura Cricket Abdominal Guard
I know that it may seem strange that a company that predominantly produces tires, also makes abdominal guards for cricket. But as it so happens, since CEAT has started sponsoring cricket tournaments and teams, they have also started making not only top-class abdominal guards, but also a myriad of other cricket equipment.
The guard is made up of high impact resistant poly protector plastic, with a border of rubber mold casing. Its soft and durable inner lining gives comfort as well as longevity. The design allows it to act as a slip into briefs as well as a fitting for jockstraps. The shape is perfectly designed to give optimum protection. Don’t be wary of the company, the product is superb!
Features:
- High impact poly protector material
- Rubber mold casing border
- Soft inner lining gives comfort while playing
- Can be used with briefs as well as jock straps
- Unique shape gives optimum protection
- Lightweight yet durable
Amazon Star Rating: 4/5
Click here to check out CEAT Secura Cricket Abdominal Guard on Amazon.
2. SG Tournament Abdominal Pad
A must-have company in every sports equipment list, Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) brings us the Tournament Abdominal Pad. Whether its bats, gloves, helmets, or even abdominal guards, you will find SG on it because it is tested, tried, and trusted by a huge majority of all cricketers out there.
The guard itself is made from the standard high impact resistant poly protector, with a border bound with foam casing which is stuffed with fluffed cotton. This special border prevents rashes or irritation even after long hours of play.
With a super broad cranium, it guarantees 100% protection from any ball. It can be used as a slip in for briefs as well as with jockstraps. I don’t need to urge you to trust the products that SG releases, it is well known that they are one of the best!
Features:
- Made from high impact poly protector plastic
- The border is bound with a foam casing which is stuffed with fluffed cotton
- Prevents rashes or irritation
- Broad cranium design
- Can be used with briefs as well as jockstraps
- Lightweight- weighs only 140 gms
Amazon Star Rating: 4/5
Click here to check out SG Tournament Abdominal Pad on Amazon.
3. DSC Armour Cricket Abdominal Guard
DSC is a well-established organization that engages in getting the first-hand perspective of any player, with over 30 years of incremental success. Their abdominal guards are constantly evolving, with the latest design changes and material updates, so you know you’re getting the best of the best. Their latest creation is the Armour guard.
Made from High Impact PolyStyrene (HIPS) plastic, it has a soft and durable inner lining ensuring protection, support, and ease of movement. The design is anatomically optimized to prevent any sort of discomfort while playing.
The border is bound with foam casing, and to ensure easy usage, the guard doesn’t have straps so it’s simply a slide-in. As an added bonus for those who like to be stylish, you can choose from a wide range of cool designs and colors! Definitely, a product to be on the lookout for!
Features:
- Made from HIPS polymer
- Soft and durable inner lining
- Border bound with foam casing
- Features a simple insert design with no straps
- Options for colors and designs are available
- Extremely light- weighs only 90 gms
Amazon Star Rating: 4/5
Click here to check out the price and design of this abdominal pad on Amazon.
4. HeadTurners Cox Cricket Abdominal Guard
True to its name, the HeadTurners Cox guard really makes the heads of potential customers turn with its supreme quality and attention to detail. Obviously, it has the standard features that all guards have. A HIPS polymer material, coupled with a rubber molded border and a special suction facility that latches on to the player and prevents loose fittings.
The additional special feature that this product has is the extra vents for air circulation and preventing sweating. It also fits perfectly in briefs and jock straps. The shape provides great support and protection without restricting movements or jerking. Check this out if you want to get your head turned!
Features:
- HIPS polymer material gives maximum sturdiness and protection
- Rubber molded border
- Unique suction feature to latch onto the skin
- Vents for air circulation and avert sweating
- Suitable for briefs as well as jockstraps
Amazon Star Rating: 4.5/5
Click here to check out this abdominal guard on Amazon.
GM 1600547 Cricket Abdominal Guard
Another cricket equipment veteran company, which is very popular among innumerable cricketers and an omnipresent name. GM now presents us with the 1600547 Abdominal Guard, which is really in a class of its own. A traditional guard with reinforced HIPS plastic, it provides the most protection that any guard could possibly give. A border bound with foam casing stuffed with fluffed cotton for ultra-comfort.
It also has a pinless buckle mechanism which allows it to be used as a slip-in guard, without the use of straps. Its fashionable design with multiple color options gives you the power to choose your style. If you’re looking for a reliable, top quality abdominal guard that is backed by a company which is a public favorite, this one is surely for you!
Features:
- Traditional guard made of HIPS plastic
- Border with foam casing and stuffed with fluffy cotton
- Pin less buckle mechanism
- Slip in, without straps
- Multiple stylish design options available
- Super lightweight, weighs just 80 gms
Amazon Star Rating: 4/5
Click here to check out the price and design of this abdominal guard on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
This brings us to the end of the recommendations list, where I would again like to warn you about the dangers of using a cheap quality, poorly designed abdominal guard, because you can never be too careful when it comes to personal safety.
I hope you enjoyed reading the article and are now in a position to make an informed decision regarding your purchase.
Until next time, cheers and happy cricketing!