The Best Groin Protector: Winning Protective Cup Standard Cps500
The Best Groin Protector for Fighters on a Budget: Title Boxing Groin Protector Plus 2.0
You need a groin protector if you box or do similar contact sports, like Taekwondo, MMA, martial arts training, or karate.
Without a quality groin guard, you leave your crotch vulnerable to hard hits and kidney shots that are extraordinarily painful and could cause permanent damage.
Ensure you use a groin protector that offers comprehensive coverage without restricting movement or making you uncomfortable. This is why, with over 18 years of martial arts experience, I’ve tried my best to answer what is the best groin protector for boxing. Read on and check out my findings!
Table of Contents:
1. The Best Groin Protectors for Boxing
Best Overall – Winning Protective Cup Standard Cps500
Best Budget Option – Title Boxing Groin Protector Plus 2.0
Title Boxing Armor No-Foul Protector 2.0
Venum Challenger Groinguard and Support
Ringside Deluxe Groin Abdominal Protector
Fighting Deluxe Groin Ab Protector 2.0
Contender Fight Sports Professional Style No-Foul Protector
Cleto Reyes Traditional No-Foul Padded Protective Cup
Everlast Boxing-Equipment Lightweight Sparring Protector
GLL Men’s Groin Protector
Pro Impact Boxing MMA Training Muay Thai Groin Abdominal Protector
2. Do Groin Guards Protect You?
3. Types of Groin Guards
3.1. Basic Single Cup Groin Guards
3.2. Full Front Cup and Abdominal Protector
3.3. Full Kidney and Foul Protector
4. How to Choose the Best Groin Protector
4.1. Protection
4.2. Padding
4.3. Materials
4.4. Adjustability
5. Final Thoughts – the Best Groin Protector
1. The Best Groin Protectors for Boxing
Best Overall – Winning Protective Cup Standard Cps500
Winning have been around since 1937, and they make some of the best combat sports gear out there. So it’s no surprise that the best groin protector for boxing is the Winning Protective Cup Standard Cps500, as almost every boxer who uses it swears by its comfort and protection. It’s a lightweight groin protector with some flexibility, so it won’t dig into your skin.
It’s made from artificial leather and comes in two sizes. Aside from the sky-high price, it’s hard to find anything to dislike about this product. It checks all the right boxes, and if you invest in this protector, you may never need to buy another one.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable material
- Top-notch protection
- Well-made
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Runs small for some people
Best Budget Option – Title Boxing Groin Protector Plus 2.0
If the top product above is way out of your price range, this is the best budget option. The Title Boxing Groin Protector Plus 2.0 is an excellent protector at a low price. It has a banana-style cup that covers your entire groin and is ideal for well-endowed boxers who need extra coverage.
This guard offers moderate abdominal protection but is still lightweight and flexible. It features wide elastic bands that help the guard stay in place, even during rigorous spars. It comes in four sizes and is made from synthetic leather.
Pros:
- Added abdominal coverage
- Affordable
- Secure no-slip fit
- Competition-approved
- Comprehensive banana-style coverage
Cons:
- Straps can tear/fray
- Too long for some boxers
Title Boxing Armor No-Foul Protector 2.0
The Title Boxing Armor No-Foul Protector 2.0 offers comprehensive protection of your groin, kidneys, liver, and abdomen. It’s ideal for boxers with intense sparring matches and must protect their internal organs and groin from hard hits.
It comes in five sizes, so it’s an excellent option if you’re struggling to find a suitable size. The wide rear elastic has a hook and loop closure, so it will stay secure but easy to take on and off.
With generous adjustability and padding, it’s one of the best options if you are worried about the guard slipping or not absorbing a hit well.
Pros:
- Full abdominal protection
- High adjustability
- Thick but lightweight padding
- Competition-approved
- Wide range of sizes
Cons:
- Restricting and bulky
Venum Challenger Groinguard and Support
Venum Challenger Groinguard and Support is one of the best groin protectors, as it has a soft exterior and plastic interior for maximum shock absorption. It has double-layered shock absorbers for optimal protection.
The straps are thinner, which is more comfortable for some boxers, but others find it less secure and awkward. But users describe it as shockingly comfortable and extra flexible.
While most groin guards absorb most of a hard hit to the crotch area, this protector absorbs almost all of the impact, so you barely feel a thing!
The main downside is the lack of kidney protection. But if you prefer less bulky groin protectors, then the Venum Challenger is a very solid option.
Pros:
- Supremely comfortable
- Extra shock absorption
- Quality design
- High adjustability
- Multiple materials
- Affordable
Cons:
- Thin straps
- Limited sizes
Ringside Deluxe Groin Abdominal Protector
The Ringside Deluxe Groin Abdominal Protector comes in three sizes and offers groin and lower abdominal protection. It’s not ideal for shorter boxers, as it has a high cut that may not properly protect your nether regions.
But for average to tall boxers, it offers complete protection with a deep well-padded cup. Made of synthetic leather, it’s durable and long-lasting. It also has adjustable straps, so you can ensure it fits securely and doesn’t slide out of place during an intense match.
The main complaint about this product is that the cup runs a little small, so it’s excellent for child boxers but not for well-endowed athletes.
Pros:
- Durable synthetic leather
- High adjustability
- Flexible
- Lower abdominal protection
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited sizes
- Lace-up closure can be finicky
- Runs small
Fighting Deluxe Groin Ab Protector 2.0
Another great groin guard, if you’re shopping on a budget, is the Fighting Deluxe Groin Ab Protector 2.0. While most people don’t care about looks, it’s worth mentioning that this is one of the most stylish guards on the list.
With a black and white design, it’s attractive and offers comprehensive groin and lower abdomen coverage. It has excellent adjustability, but it also comes in four sizes, so almost everyone can find one that fits well. It’s one of the most padded options on this list, so it may be slightly heavier and bulky, but it offers maximum protection.
The product is also one of the most secure, with added leg straps and extra-wide waist straps. It’s unlikely to slide around, but the extra straps can feel uncomfortable. Even professional boxers and fighters recommend this affordable option.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Secure design with leg straps
- Additional padding
- Wrap-around abdominal protection
- Appealing design
Cons:
- Poor customer service
- Straps can be uncomfortable
Contender Fight Sports Professional Style No-Foul Protector
The Contender Fight Sports Professional Style No-Foul Protector is best for a boxer looking for maximum protection.
This guard will protect your groin and abdomen, keeping vital organs safe, like your kidneys and liver. Despite the thick padding, wrap-around design, and bulky size, it’s surprisingly lightweight and flexible.
It only comes in three sizes and has limited adjustability on the straps, so it can be hard to achieve the perfect fit with this one. Boxers report that despite the high design and thick padding, they still have a full range of motion, and the straps don’t dig into their skin.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Full abdominal protection
- Extra padding
- Durable and long-lasting
- Surprisingly flexible
Cons:
- Low adjustability
- Bulky
- Runs big
Cleto Reyes Traditional No-Foul Padded Protective Cup
The Cleto Reyes Traditional No-Foul Padded Protective Cup is a high-end product made with genuine leather and insulated with latex foam padding for top-notch shock absorption. Many professionals use this brand, as it delivers quality protection, comfort, and agility.
The shape is cut high on the thighs but lower on the buttocks, so it stays in place without inhibiting movement. The added leg straps help keep it from sliding, and the extra padding provides excellent shock absorption.
One issue some boxers experience is the excess padding over the groin, making it slightly suffocating and awkward.
Pros:
- Excellent shock absorption
- Never slides or shifts
- Quality materials
- Genuine leather
- Flexible
Cons:
- Runs small
- Straps can break
- Too much padding for some
Everlast Boxing-Equipment Lightweight Sparring Protector
A popular groin guard choice is the Everlast Boxing-Equipment Lightweight Sparring Protector. It has a comfy custom fit sculpted for the human body, so it won’t dig into your skin or hang loosely in places it shouldn’t.
The thick waist straps keep it from sliding, and the high design offers groin and lower abdominal protection.
The C3 layers of foam padding also protect your hips while being lightweight and pliable. A unique feature is the EverDri moisture-wicking design, so it won’t absorb sweat and smell awful.
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Moisture-wicking material
- Lower abdominal and groin protection
- Genuine leather exterior
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons:
- Limited sizes
GLL Men’s Groin Protector
The GLL Men’s Groin Protector is a wonderful budget pick for boxers who want complete flexibility and a lightweight guard. It has a unique arc design in the crotch that is perfect for boxers who need extra protection but don’t want something bulky.
The cup also has an air vent design to prevent sweating and suffocation. PU leather makes it durable and long-lasting, even with heavy use. The elastic bands are super strong and well-made, so they should never snap or break. The biggest downside is the lack of variety in sizes.
Pros:
- Air vented cup
- Affordable
- Durable design
- Long-lasting elastics
- Strong PU leather
- Secure and flexible
Cons:
- One size fits all
- Low coverage
Pro Impact Boxing MMA Training Muay Thai Groin Abdominal Protector
Last but not least on this list is the Pro Impact Boxing MMA Training Muay Thai Groin Abdominal Protector, made with a PU leather construction and four size options.
It’s one of the slimmest options on this list, so if you hate anything bulky, this is the best choice. It offers maximum groin protection and stays securely in place during sparring sessions.
With extra wide waist straps, it won’t slide down or shift when you move around. It promises maximum comfort, which is true for most. But for some, the groin section is too narrow, meaning it can’t protect their crotch.
Pros:
- Comfortable for most
- Lightweight and slim
- Secure design
- High shock absorption
- Affordable
- Synthetic leather
Cons:
- Runs large
- Weak elastic straps
- Narrow crotch
2. Do Groin Guards Protect You?
Groin guards protect your sensitive area to a degree. Heavy hits to the groin will still hurt, but a protector will limit the damage. Unfortunately, it’s unavoidable.
But groin guards can help prevent damage to the area and absorb most of the blow from a punch. Overall, it’s essential if you plan to do heavy sparring.
3. Types of Groin Guards
You can buy three types of groin guards for boxing. The best product for you will depend on how intense your boxing is and if you have any sensitive areas you need to protect.
3.1. Basic Single Cup Groin Guards
Many people refer to this simple style as a jockstrap. It protects most of your crotch and has an elastic band at the waist and buttocks. It’s the most flexible and usually the most comfortable. However, it offers the least protection and only covers your groin.
3.2. Full Front Cup and Abdominal Protector
This type of groin guard is the most popular, as it’s the middle ground between jockstrap options and a full abdominal guard. They cover the entire groin area and also offer moderate abdominal protection. They are still lightweight but can protect your lower abdomen and organs.
3.3. Full Kidney and Foul Protector
For maximum protection, buy a full kidney and a foul protector. These guards cover almost your entire abdomen to prevent kidney damage. They can be heavy and bulky, therefore less comfortable than the other options.
4. How to Choose the Best Groin Protector
Before you buy a groin protector, consider the factors explained below. Just because your boxing buddy loves their protector doesn’t mean it’s the right product for you. Assess the factors below and decide what elements you want in your groin protector.
4.1. Protection
When selecting a groin protector, your top priority should be protection. No one needs to tell you how painful a hit to the groin can be, so comprehensive protection is the most important consideration.
Guards have different levels of protection, as some are for beginners and others are for pros. Ensure you choose one with the right protection and flexibility for your boxing style.
4.2. Padding
The amount of padding in a groin protector is just as important as the type. You want something lightweight but robust enough to absorb a hit. The padding can also determine the flexibility and fit of a protector. Too much can make it awkward and tight, while too little can make it too loose and not functional.
4.3. Materials
Groin protectors can come in several materials, from leather to plastic to cotton. Some even use metal! You want to choose a material that strikes the perfect balance between flexible and tough.
Cotton, polyester, and other light fabrics can be too weak, while metal and plastic can be wildly uncomfortable. Most boxers agree durable leather is the best option. Synthetic leather is equally as good.
4.4. Adjustability
While you want your groin protector to offer some adjustability, beware of a one-size-fits-all product. The best protectors will offer different sizes, which you can slightly adjust to your body shape. If you buy an ill-fitting groin protector, whether it’s too big or too small, your crotch won’t be properly guarded, and you’re likely to be uncomfortable.
5. Final Thoughts – the Best Groin Protector
Even if you’ve never taken a hit to the groin, it could happen at any time. So don’t wait for the day it happens to get a proper groin guard.
Whether you’re heading to your first light sparring match or you box for a living, having a quality groin guard can save you from serious pain.
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