As a beginner, have you got all the tricks and consider yourself fully prepared to step on the mat? Wait, what about the wrestling gear? Do you know what gear you need? A singlet with a pair of shoes is enough or is there more to it? Remember, starting wrestling without wearing the right gear is the biggest problem beginners make.
Have you ever thought what if you step on the mat wearing the wrong shoes? You’ll end up struggling to get a grip. Most beginners remain unsure about what’s essential and what’s just an extra. But don’t worry, this guide uncovers every essential piece of wrestling equipment, explaining why it matters.
Not just the beginners, but this guide is going to be equally beneficial for experienced wrestlers looking to refine their setup. So let’s move to the main section without any delay.
Wrestling Gear You Must Have
- Wrestling Shoes
- Wrestling Singlets
- Headgear
- Mouthguards
- Knee Pads
Let’s discuss each of these in complete detail now.
Wrestling Shoes: The Most Important Piece of Gear
When it comes to buying wrestling gear, wrestling shoes are the foremost thing you must not ignore at any cost. No, you can’t wear regular sneakers. Why? Wrestling shoes provide maximum grip that ordinary sneakers can’t provide. Furthermore, they are made to offer you ankle support and high flexibility so that the wrestlers easily maintain control during the match.
What to Look For in the Best Wrestling Shoes?
- Sole Type
Choose between split-sole or full-sole shoes. Split soles are more flexible while wrestling shoes with full soles provide better traction. Choose one that suits your wrestling style.
- Material & Breathability
Always go for lightweight and breathable mesh materials. These materials prevent excessive sweating.
- Ankle Support
Buying shoes with a high-top design should be your priority. They offer extra stability throughout the footwork.
- Fit & Size
Know that wrestling shoes should fit snugly and shouldn’t squeeze your toes. So always go for half a size up from your regular shoe size.
Wrestling Singlets
Just like the wrestling shoes, wrestling singlets are a must-have for all wrestlers no matter if you are a beginner or a pro. It’s a traditional wrestling uniform. Singlets are designed to be tight-fitting giving you a second-skin feel. This is what prevents the opponent from grabbing you.
What to Look For in Wrestling Singlets?
It’s the singlet material that needs the utmost attention. Select a material that is highly breathable, stretchable, and sweat-wicking. For this, spandex or lycra are the best options. Other than material, you have to pay attention to the size and fit of your singlet. The right size and fit can make you super comfortable during the match.
Custom Wrestling Singlets: Are They Worth It?
If you want a personalized design like your name, logo, customized size, or pattern, you should opt for custom wrestling singlets. These singlets provide you and your team with a unique look, better comfort, personalized fit, and better performance features. Sports Apparel provides top-notch singlets according to the wrestlers’ requirements.
When investing in a custom singlet, the printing method matters a lot. For this, sublimation printing is always the best option where the design is infused into the fabric. This printing technique makes the design last longer. Furthermore, the print doesn’t fade or peel over time.
Headgear
Headgear is often overlooked but the reality is; that it’s among the most essential pieces of wrestling gear. Some wrestlers avoid it saying it makes them uncomfortable. But making this mistake can cause cauliflower ear (a condition caused due to repeated trauma to the ears)
How to Pick the Best Headgear?
Headgear comes in two main types. These are soft-shell and hard-shell headgear. The former is made of flexible and cushioned material. So, it doesn’t just provide protection but also comfort to the wrestler.
On the other hand, the hard-shell headgear is more rigid than the soft headgear. Though it is less comfortable, it provides maximum protection against the impact.
Mouthguards
Most wrestlers ignore the importance of wearing a mouthguard. Though there are no direct strikes in wrestling, any accidental impact to the face can cause serious dental injuries. So did you not get the importance of wearing a mouthguard in wrestling?
But how to get the right and best mouthguard for yourself? Mouthguards have two main types:
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These mouthguards provide a semi-custom fit by molding your teeth after being softened in hot water. The best part? They are highly affordable.
- Custom Mouthguards: These mouthguards are made by dentists or specialized sports gear manufacturers. They provide you with the best fit and comfort. But they are more expensive than the boil-and-bite mouthguards.
Here it’s important to share that you should always choose a thin but durable mouthguard. Don’t make the mistake of using bulky mouthguards as they can make breathing difficult.
Knee Pads: Are They Necessary?
Knee pads are often the hot topic of debate among wrestlers. Some consider them protective and comfortable while some find them limiting their mobility. Wondering if you should go with them or not?
Well, if you are a wrestler who frequently shoots for takedowns, knee pads are crucial for you. They will protect your knees from impact and mat burns.
Wrestling knee pads come in two major types
- Thin Knee Pads: These offer basic protection without restricting movement.
- Thick Knee Pads: These provide better cushioning for high-impact moves but may slightly reduce agility.
Final Verdict
So have you got all about “what gear do you need for wrestling?” If you compete wearing all the necessary pieces of wrestling gear, it can make all the difference. So before stepping onto the mat, make sure you’re wearing the right wrestling singlet, shoes, and all the other necessary pieces of gear.
Many wrestlers overlook proper maintenance, but you shouldn’t. That’s because skipping the proper wrestling gear can lead to premature wear, hygiene issues, and even injuries during the match. When you invest in high-quality wrestling gear, you not only improve your performance but also extend your wrestling career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What gear is required for wrestling?
Proper wrestling gear includes a wrestling singlet, wrestling shoes, headgear, and a mouthguard. For extra protection, some wrestlers also use knee pads and ankle braces. But some consider them uncomfortable.
What does every wrestler need?
Every wrestler needs well-fitted wrestling gear, wrestling shoes, protective headgear, and a mouthguard.
What do you have to wear to wrestle?
For official competitions, wrestlers must wear a singlet, wrestling shoes, and headgear. Mouthguards are recommended while knee pads and compression sleeves are optional but they provide extra protection.
Are custom wrestling singlets worth the investment?
Yes, custom wrestling singlets are worth it if you want a personalized fit, better comfort, and a unique team look. They’re ideal for serious wrestlers and teams who value performance and style.