Wrist wraps protect boxers by providing extra support and padding for the wrist and knuckles. The small bones in these joints aren't up to handling the repeated heavy impact of boxing. You can buy specially made hand wraps at any boxing supply -- and most sporting goods -- shops. But if you don't have one ready on hand, you may need to improvise.
Hand Wrap Basics
Hand wraps are bandages wrapped around the wrist, hand and knuckles. They serve three purposes. The tight wrap compresses the hand to give it stronger structure. The layers of fabric provide another level of padding. The semi-rigid wrap supports the joints to help them weather the impact of repeated punches. In theory, any material that can perform all three of these tasks is a potential candidate for wrapping a boxer's hands.
ACE Bandage vs. Hand Wrap
ACE bandages and hand wraps look the same at first blush, but they have three major structural differences. The bandages are usually wider and shorter than a standard hand wrap. They are made of a more elastic material. Finally, they lack the thumb loop of a manufactured hand wrap. Although none of these differences is necessarily a "deal-breaker," they do make the final product qualitatively different from a hand wrap.
Advantages
Since they are softer than hand wraps, some users may find an ACE bandage more comfortable than a hand wrap. Other than that, the only advantage an ACE bandage has over a hand wrap is that you might have one on hand when there are no hand wraps to be found. A hand wrap is specifically manufactured for the purpose; an ACE bandage is an improvised solution.
Disadvantages
The different width and length of an ACE bandage means it won't wrap in the same way as a hand wrap. Its more elastic material means it won't support your joints as well. The lack of the thumb strap, though the most obvious difference, is actually the least important concern. Although it makes wrapping your hand more difficult, it won't affect the wrap as much as the other disadvantages.
Bottom Line
If you get to choose between hand wraps and an ACE bandage for boxing, use the hand wraps. However, you can press an ACE bandage into service if you don't have hand wraps available. It won't be as good, but it will be better than not wrapping at all.
References
- "MMA for Dummies"; Frank Shamrock; 2008
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