The Bottom Line
Pros
- They're easy to put on, and easy to wear.
- Light and comfortable. I have even forgotten that I had them on before.
- Protects your leg and your boot laces from brush, dirt, briars, and moisture.
- Tough polycarbonate armor inserts provide protection from fangs, thorns, and other hazards.
- Protect your leg as high as snake boots, and wear whatever boots are comfortable for you.
Cons
- Gaps in the polycarbonate armor inserts look like they may allow a snake's fangs to sneak through.
Description
- Snake Guardz "Snake Proof" lightweight comfortable leg armor.
- Tough polycarbonate armor panels sandwiched inside layers of tough, soft cloth fabric.
- They wrap around the lower leg and buckle together. The rear portion allows for overlapping the panels (the front does not).
- Small gaps along the side edges of the front armor panel look like they may possibly allow a fang to slip through...
- ... But the company's president has been struck many times while wearing these, and no snake has ever penetrated the Guardz.
- Available in a variety of colors and camo patterns.
- Toe cover keeps brush from abrading your shoelaces, and keeps dirt & moisture out of your boot.
- My pair are made of a fabric they call "Whisper Quiet." It's quieter than the tough nylon used on others, but not as durable.
- Protect the leg up to 18 inches high.
- Made in the USA.
Guide Review - Snake Guardz Leg Protectors
The first field test my pair of Snake Guardz received was done by an uncle of mine, a die-hard deer hunter who mostly hunts in Florida. He found them comfortable enough, but wasn't completely confident in their snake protection due to the small gaps between the armor panels, where the only protection is fabric.I've worn them in the woods here in Florida, where warm weather is unfortunately the rule during much of deer hunting season. I found them comfortable, and really appreciated them during a walk through dew-soaked brush, where they helped keep my pants and boots dry, and added confidence that 99% of snake bites wouldn't have a chance of getting through them.
Now that I've mentioned that, I'll balance it by adding that I've witnessed video of a rattlesnake striking repeatedly at someone wearing a pair of Snake Guardz, and the snake didn't get past them, though it did strike at areas near the gaps.
I have also heard from the company's president, who has demonstrated this product in a snake pit (and has been struck by rattlers) many times. While doing so, he has never had a snake penetrate the Guardz, nor has he ever had a report from customers that any snake has done so.
Snake Guardz are comfortable and light, and help keep dew and dirt off of my britches and out of my boots. During a hike of several miles one damp morning, I forgot I had them on - except when I realized my legs were dry.
I do believe they offer good protection from snakes, and they're so easy to wear that I'm more likely to use these than any other snake protection I have previously owned or used. That alone makes them pretty valuable, because the best protection isn't worth much if you don't go to the trouble of putting it on.
- Russ Chastain
