Most hitters need a single-strap elbow guard that covers the point of the lead elbow and stays put when they swing. Go bigger (two straps, or a two-piece guard that adds forearm coverage) if your hitter crowds the plate or has already taken one off the arm. Below are seven picks, one per model, with what each one is best for. Then a side-by-side table and how to size one.

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How we picked: we compared the elbow guards listed on this page on coverage (elbow only, elbow plus triceps, or elbow plus forearm), strap setup, hard or soft shell, and reviews. EvoShield makes the same guard in a lot of colorways, so each model appears once.

Best baseball elbow guards for 2027

Best overall: EvoShield Pro-SRZ 2.0 Batter's Elbow Guard

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A one-piece hard-shell guard on a single strap. It's the simplest setup that still gives real coverage on the elbow, and it's the one most hitters should start with.

Best newest model: EvoShield Pro-SRZ 3.0 Batter's Single Strap Elbow Guard

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Best for: hitters who want EvoShield's newest Pro-SRZ guard on a simple single-strap setup. It's the 3.0 version of our top pick, so compare the two side by side in the table below.

Best for extra coverage: EvoShield Pro-SRZ 2.0 Batter's Double Strap

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Same shell with a second strap and triceps coverage. A good fit for hitters who stand close to the plate or want the guard locked in place.

Best for full-arm protection: EvoShield Pro-SRZ 2.0 Batter's Two Piece

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Two pieces cover the elbow, triceps and forearm. It's the most protection in this list. Some hitters find it bulkier through the swing.

Best budget EvoShield: SRZ-1 Elbow Guard

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A lighter, simpler EvoShield guard at a lower price. A sensible first guard for a younger hitter.

Best hard shell alternative: Bruce Bolt Original Series

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A one-piece hard-shell guard on a single strap, for hitters who want something other than EvoShield.

Best soft-shell two-piece: Franklin PRT Protective Elbow Guard

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A soft-shell guard with two pieces and two straps that covers elbow, triceps and forearm. Soft shells feel less bulky than hard shells.

Want a different look? EvoShield sells the Pro-SRZ and X-SRZ guards in many colorways and player editions. The protection is the same, so pick the size and strap setup first, then the color.

Elbow Guard Specs at a Glance

Prices are current merchant prices and can change.

ProductPriceConstructionStrapsMaterialBody Part
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Batter's Elbow Guard
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Batter's Elbow Guard$701-Piece1-StrapHard Shell--
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 3.0 Batter's Single Strap Elbow Guard
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 3.0 Batter's Single Strap Elbow Guard$79.951-Piece1-StrapHard Shell--
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Batter's Double Strap Elbow Guard
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Batter's Double Strap Elbow Guard$901-Piece2 StrapsHard ShellTricep Protection
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Batter's Two Piece Elbow Guard
EvoShield Pro-SRZ™ 2.0 Batter's Two Piece Elbow Guard$1102-Piece2 StrapsHard ShellForearm Protection, Tricep Protection
EvoShield SRZ-1 Youth Batter's Elbow Guard
EvoShield SRZ-1 Youth Batter's Elbow Guard$39.95----Durable, Lightweight--
Bruce Bolt Original Series Elbow Guard
Bruce Bolt Original Series Elbow Guard$601-Piece1-StrapHard Shell--
Franklin PRT™ Protective Elbow Guard
Franklin PRT™ Protective Elbow Guard $602-Piece2 StrapsSoft ShellForearm Protection, Tricep Protection

How to choose a baseball elbow guard

One piece or two pieces?

A one-piece guard covers the elbow and is easy to wear. A two-piece guard adds a separate forearm piece, which helps hitters who get jammed often. If your player has never worn a guard, start with one piece.

Hard shell or soft shell?

Hard shells (EvoShield, Bruce Bolt) spread the impact across a rigid plate. Soft shells (Franklin PRT) are flexible and lighter, and the maker says the material firms up on impact. If the guard bothers your hitter enough that he leaves it in the bag, it isn't protecting anything, so comfort counts.

Getting the size right

Measure around the arm where the guard will sit and use that model's size chart. Sizes vary by brand, so don't assume a size from another guard. It should stay in place through a full swing without the strap digging in.

Check your league

Some leagues and tournaments have their own rules on protective gear. If you're not sure, ask your league before the season.

Other protective gear:

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Zach Kerr

Author

Zach is a former college pitcher & Founder of Baseball Near You.