hi guys,
This is a groin guard made from rubbery material and constructed using a web-like pattern. The makers claim it is designed to absorb energy from an impact, which contrasts with a hard shell cup, which tends to direct that energy towards the user.
Some photos:
Packaging for the jock strap version
Cup and jockstrap. A compression shorts version is also available.
Spider Guard vs Shock Doctor
I have spent many years wearing cheapo, generic martial arts groin protectors and they nearly always fall apart after a few months. On top of that, they feel intrusive and on the odd occassion that I do receive a knock to my privates, it causes pain around the perimeter of the cup.
I finally switched to my Shock Doctor groin protector around a year ago and whilst it is a step up (in terms of comfort) to the Spider Guard, it's still a hard shell and does hurt when impacted.
the Spider Guard however rocks! I mean it is much bigger than the Shock Doctor but I swear, I hardly felt like I was wearing it. whilst I didn't go around my gym asking for people to hit me in the nuts, I did note a couple of errant knees and arms knocking my groinage area when rolling, and I did not feel a thing.
I can't recommend this groin protector highly enough.
One small criticism was a little poor stitching around the cup pouch and waist band. I will have to do some hand stitching to rectify this.
Full review on my blog:
MEERKATSU: Review: Spider Guard Groin Protector - tested by SpiderBoy
where you can see SpiderBoy (below) have his little say on the Spider Guard.
Thanks guys!
