What if we tell you that the main reason you were losing matches was your wrestling gear? Yes, that’s possible. If your singlet doesn’t provide you the right fit, shoes wear out too fast, or headgear constantly slips, you are surely making the mistake of wearing the wrong gear. But the question is, how do you know if you’re buying the right USA wrestling gear or not?
Unfortunately, many wrestlers make crucial mistakes when selecting the wrestling gear for them. These mistakes result in discomfort, rule violations, or even injuries. To stay safe from all these, you must know the common mistakes wrestlers make.
And today’s article is all about letting you know what to keep in mind when buying USA wrestling gear. Furthermore, you will also get some practical tips to avoid them.
What Mistakes to Avoid When Buying USA Wrestling Gear?
- Ignoring USA Wrestling Gear Regulations
- Buying the Wrong-Sized Singlet
- Choosing the Wrong Wrestling Shoes
- Skipping Essential Protective Gear
- Ignoring Breathability and Sweat Resistance
- Ignoring Customization & Personalization Options
Let’s now discuss all these mistakes in complete detail.
1. Ignoring USA Wrestling Gear Regulations
When buying USA Wrestling gear, the first thing that you have to check is if it complies with the USA Wrestling’s regulations or not. Most wrestlers ignore this and then face disqualification in the match. Know that the wrestling gear you are going to buy must meet specific standards for competition.
USA Wrestling has some strict rules and guidelines for wrestling singlet designs, colors, and even logos. Always get the gear that meets those guidelines. Otherwise, you might have to change your wrestling apparel before the match or you might risk penalties.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Before finalizing any wrestling gear, always check the latest USA Wrestling rulebook. That’s because the regulations keep on changing so you should stay updated.
- Always say no to the singlets that have unapproved logos, patterns, or colors. Such singlets can violate competition rules and result in disqualification.
- Don’t go for a gear that has excessive padding.
2. Buying the Wrong-Sized Singlet
A wrong-sized singlet that gives you a poor fit can be your worst nightmare. If your USA wrestling gear is too loose, it can shift around. And this can cause a great distraction for you. On the other hand, if the singlet is too tight, it can make you highly uncomfortable by restricting your movement.
This is why a wrestler should focus on buying a well-fitted singlet. Neither a too-tight nor a too-loose singlet should be your choice.
How to Avoid This Mistake?
- Before making any purchase of a wrestling singlet, always check out the manufacturer’s sizing chart. That’s because sizes vary from brand to brand.
- You have to get a snug but flexible fit. So it’s highly important to accurately measure three points. It should be your chest, waist, and hips to avoid any size and fit issues.
- For those who are between sizes, it’s recommended to always go for one size larger.
- Select the singlets that are made using moisture-wicking and flexible material. This will provide you comfort throughout the matches.
3. Choosing the Wrong Wrestling Shoes
Wrestling isn’t just about getting the right singlet, wrestling shoes hold equal importance in the gear. A lot of wrestlers mistakenly buy shoes that don’t fit well or that are too loose for them. The result? You can’t perform well on the mat. Know that your wrestling shoes should provide a high level of flexibility, grip, and ankle support.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Don’t go for any generic sports shoes. Instead, you have to always buy wrestling-specific shoes.
- Get a pair with a snug fit. Furthermore, your shoes should have solid ankle support.
- Look for wrestling shoes that come with a non-slip sole. This will provide you with better traction.
- Always give your shoes a try by walking around before finalizing them.
4. Skipping Essential Protective Gear
Like some wrestlers, do you also think that buying protective gear isn’t that necessary in wrestling? No, you should never ignore the importance of wrestling protective gear including mouthguards, knee pads, and headgear. Having all these can save you from serious injuries during the matches.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Keep the headgear at the top of the list when buying all the USA wrestling gear.
- Don’t skip wearing a mouthguard.
- Keep your knees safe from bruises and joint damage by wearing knee pads during practice and matches.
5. Ignoring Breathability and Sweat Resistance
Who doesn’t know that wrestling is intense? But the point is, not every wrestler knows that wearing poorly ventilated gear can make them uncomfortable. Not only this, it can make the wrestler sweaty and even prone to skin infections. So when buying USA wrestling gear, you should never ignore the features of breathability and sweat resistance.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Look for a singlet made using breathable fabrics.
- The singlet you are going to buy should have moisture-wicking properties.
- Cotton-based gear is a big no. Why? They restrict your movement by becoming heavy due to sweat absorption.
- Mesh panels and ventilated designs should be your top priority.
6. Ignoring Customization & Personalization Options
Do you know that wearing custom wrestling gear can make you confident on the mat? Yes, you heard it right. Wearing custom USA wrestling gear can help with team unity, and make a wrestler stand out in the crowd. You can have your desired color, design, and even logo on your singlet. And Sports Apparel is the best place to make it happen. Don’t settle for any generic wrestling gear that makes you blend with all the players.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Choose between printed and sublimated designs for long-lasting customization.
- Make sure your customized gear follows USA Wrestling guidelines.
- Order early, as custom gear takes longer to produce and deliver.
- Invest in high-quality printing methods so you don’t have to face the problem of fading over time.
Verdict
It goes without saying that buying the right wrestling gear isn’t just about looking good. In fact, the right selection of your gear makes you feel comfortable. Furthermore, it boosts your confidence and helps you perform at your best. However, some wrestlers make a lot of mistakes when buying the right USA wrestling gear. The most common yet biggest mistakes are choosing the wrong size, overlooking protective gear, or ignoring the customization options.
But the good news? They’re easy to avoid if you know what to look for. Take your time, check the rules, invest in quality over hype, and don’t ignore the little details like breathability and customization. So before you hit that “buy” button, keep all the points discussed above in your mind and double-check your choices. A little extra effort now can make a huge difference when you step onto the mat.
FAQs
What type of singlet is required for USA Wrestling competitions?
For USA Wrestling competitions, you need a tight-fitting singlet made from moisture-wicking material. It should comply with design and color regulations. So, it’s recommended to always check competition guidelines before making any purchase of your wrestling singlet.
How often should I replace my wrestling shoes?
Competitive wrestlers should replace their shoes every 6-12 months, depending on wear and tear. When you see your shoes getting thinning of sole or reduced traction, it’s time to go for a new pair.
Is headgear mandatory in wrestling?
Yes, wearing headgear is required in many youth and high school competitions. This is to prevent ear injuries. However, requirements vary by league. So you should always check the rules before competing.
Why should I choose a custom wrestling singlet over a standard one?
A custom wrestling singlet lets you show off your team colors, logo, and style while staying within USA Wrestling rules. It boosts confidence and unity on the mat.