· top picks · 15 min read
34 Best 11 5 Handguards for Enhanced Protection and Performance
A curated guide to the best 11 5 handguards available today, comparing features, materials, and compatibility to help you choose the perfect grip enhancement for your firearm.
Handguards are a crucial component in modern firearm accessories, offering both defensive and tactical advantages. Our comprehensive guide evaluates the top-rated 11.5 handguards available today, comparing their durability, ergonomics, and compatibility with various rifle platforms.
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Reviews
Giant Loop Bushwackers Hand Guards
These hand guards give your handlebars some serious protection against the elements while keeping your hands warm and dry. The design is straightforward - they clip onto your bars and form a protective loop around your grips, leaving the controls accessible but shielding them from wind and water.
Advanblack Performance Hand Guard
These hand guards add style and functionality to any Harley touring or softail, featuring a solid black design that matches your bike’s paint perfectly. At just 11.5 inches long, they’re easy to install and complement your existing winter gloves or heated grips. The sturdy guards help protect your hands from wind and debris, though some users have noted they may not provide complete protection with certain handlebar configurations.
Advanblack Red Rock Hand Guard
These hand guards do an impressive job protecting hands from winter elements while maintaining excellent paint compatibility. The sturdy guards come with clear directions and install easily, though some users note they provide minimal wind protection over handlebar-mounted mirrors. The matte black finish looks great with various bike styles, and most customers appreciate the added signal light kit that enhances daytime visibility.
Tusk D-Flex Pro Adventure Handguards
These handguards earned high praise from users who put them through rigorous tests on various motorcycles, from dirt bikes to adventure touring bikes. The tough aluminum bars and durable plastic shields provide excellent protection for your hands and controls, with many riders reporting successful installations on stock bars after a little bending to fit around levers. While some noted the right-side bracket design could use improvement, the overall consensus was that these guards significantly enhance safety and protection without interfering with handlebar accessories.
Advanblack Reef Blue Hand Guard
These hand guards offer solid protection against cold winter winds while maintaining excellent visibility through the adjustable ventilation holes. The sleek black finish matches your bike’s color perfectly, and most customers find installation straightforward. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a weekend ride, these guards help keep your hands warm and protected.
KTM 79602182044EB Handguard
These handguards combine race-inspired aesthetics with impressive durability, featuring a rigid black center section that maximizes strength while flexible upper and lower parts absorb impacts from rough terrain. Made from tough material that’s held up well in multiple accidents, they’ve earned high praise from riders who’ve put them through serious testing.
Tusk D-Flex Handguards
Made from tough tempered aluminum with durable plastic shields, these handguards offer reliable protection for your motorcycle’s controls. The large bend design ensures clearance for your brake and clutch levers, while the universal 7/8” bar mounts make installation straightforward.
Acerbis Rally Pro X-Strong Handguard
These handguards combine robust nylon construction with an anodized aluminum bar for maximum protection. The steel bar-end insert prevents rotation during crashes, and the adaptable mounting system handles various handlebar configurations. While some users have noted installation challenges, the guards earn high praise for their durability and protection in off-road conditions.
Advanblack River Rock Gray Hand Guard
These hand guards add a stealthy black finish to your bike while giving your hands a crucial wind barrier during winter rides. Coming in at 11.5 inches, they’re not just about looks - they’ve got sturdy construction to back up that sleek appearance. Most folks find them a breeze to install, and the fact that they match your paint job perfectly is just the cherry on top.
Cycra Probend CRM Ultra Hand Guard
The Ultra handguard from Cycra takes alloy designs to new heights with its patented CNC-machined 6061 aluminum bar and Probend-shaped ends that let you move freely while keeping you protected. The CRM clamps provide an incredibly secure fit with plenty of cable clearance, while the slim-profile Powergrip bar ends give you a confident grip without the bulk. The whole package is carefully engineered for durability with built-in flex zones and a low-profile design that prevents cable snags – making it a great choice for Enduro, Supermoto, and ATV riding.
Tusk D-Flex Pro Handguards
When it comes to hand protection, the Tusk D-flex Pro handguards hit all the right notes with their durable aluminum construction and roomy design that clears levers with ease. The replaceable plastic shields and included side bumpers make them a versatile addition to any motorcycle setup, while the straightforward mounting system takes the hassle out of installation.
Cycra Pro Bend Ultra Hand Guard Kit
These hand guards offer excellent durability and protection, with a sleek Husky Blue finish that matches well with most bikes. The universal fit design makes installation straightforward, although some users may need to trim their number plates or handlebar covers for a clean look. With replaceable wear bars and ergonomic design, they strike a great balance between aggression and practicality.
Advanblack Legend Blue Hand Guard
These hand guards add a sleek finish to your motorcycle while protecting your hands from winter chill and road debris. The durable black finish matches perfectly with most paint jobs, though some users report better results when paired with specific chromed components. Installation is straightforward, requiring basic tools and aligning with your existing handlebar setup.
Tusk D-Flex Pro Handguards
These Tusk D-Flex Pro handguards combine robust protection with thoughtful design. The tempered aluminum construction can take whatever the trail throws at them, while the generous bend around the handlebars gives you plenty of room to maneuver. Whether you’re navigating through brush or battling through wind, these guards earned top marks from users for their reliable performance.
Advanblack Baja Orange Hand Guard
These hand guards add a stylish contrast to black-dominant bikes while effectively protecting hands from winter chill and road debris. The orange color matches perfectly with black paint jobs, as rated by satisfied customers. Most users find them easy to install and appreciate their sturdy build, though some report minor issues with wind deflection under certain handlebar configurations.
Zeta Adventure Armor Handguard
Combining premium aluminum construction with innovative design elements, these handguards offer superior protection while maintaining unobtrusive profile. The clever bolt-on installation and included spacers ensure a precise fit across various handlebars. At just 2.5 pounds, the guards deliver robust defense without added weight.
Turner Performance Products CRM Enduro Handguard
These oversized handguards combine the trademark Probend shape with replaceable plastic protectors for lasting durability. The Center Reach clamps offer superior bar clearance while securing the handguards tightly in place. The Powergrip alloy bar ends complete the set, providing a solid grip on your 1-1/8” handlebars.
Tusk D-Flex Handguard with MX Shield and Turn Signal
These handguards combine tough aluminum construction with practical features like integrated LED turn signals, giving you both protection and visibility. The plastic shields wrap around your handlebars for maximum coverage while keeping your controls accessible. Overall, users find them effective - even one reviewer credits them with preventing a serious hand injury during a fall.
Tusk D-Flex Pro Handguards
These robust handguards combine durable aluminum bars with impact-resistant plastic shields for reliable protection. The distinctive V-shaped design ensures plenty of space for hand placement and lever clearance while maintaining a sleek profile. Available with mounting hardware for 1 1/8 inch handlebars, this comprehensive kit includes everything needed for installation.
Advanblack Vivid Black Hand Guard
These hand guards add a stylish finish to your bike while protecting your hands from winter weather. The solid construction and proper fit make them a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts, though some note they may not clear fairings with handlebar mirrors. The vivid black color matches paint perfectly, and most users find the installation straightforward. While a few report minor issues like vibration or compatibility problems, the guards generally receive high praise for their effectiveness in keeping hands warm and protected during cold rides.
Barkbusters Storm Handguard
These slim black handguards bolt securely to your handlebar’s end cap using a simple yet effective internal locking system that works with both aluminum and 1-inch hollow bars. At just 7/8” in diameter, they provide excellent wind protection without adding bulk, though some users find them a bit loose and prone to rotation. The included aluminum frame and locking cap offer more durability than the original equipment, though feedback varies on their overall reliability in heavier crashes.
Tusk D-Flex Pro Adventure Handguard
These tough, replaceable handguards give your motorcycle serious protection while keeping your hands comfy. The aluminum bars bend nicely to clear your levers, and the plastic shields knock the durability out of the park – one rider even dropped his bike in a rough spot, and the clutch lever came out completely fine.
Advanblack Spruce Hand Guard
These hand guards add a slick black finish to your bike while protecting your hands from winter weather. They’re pretty easy to install and the color matches most HD models well, though some users noted issues with mirrors and fairings. The guards do a good job blocking wind and debris, though a few people had trouble with vibrations and mounting. Overall, they get high praise for their clean look and practical protection.
Tusk D-Flex Pro Handguards
These strong handguards use tough aluminum bars and durable plastic shields to protect your hands while riding, with plenty of room for your controls and excellent wind protection. The replaceable design makes them easy to maintain, and the well-engineered mounting system works great with standard handlebars.
Zeta ZE72-0101 Armor Handguard
Riding with confidence just got a lot more reliable thanks to these sculpted handguards that wrap protectively around your handlebars. Built from durable 7000-series aluminum with a sleek black anodized finish, they curve thoughtfully away from your grip to prevent interference during sharp maneuvers. The pre-drilled mounts accommodate optional plastic shields for extra coverage, while thoughtful design touches like the downward-sloping edges reduce the risk of cable contact in drops or impacts.
Barkbusters Storm Handguard Kit
Made for Australian conditions, these handguards slip onto your handlebar’s end caps for simple mounting. The black aluminum frame keeps your hands warmer on chilly rides, though some might find the view over the mirrors gets blocked a bit. While the build quality feels solid for everyday use, you might want to check if your bike’s handlebars will fit before you buy.
Cycra Probend CRM Handguard
These sleek handguards feature a dependable Probend shape that’s compatible with both standard and oversized bars. While installation requires some patience (those Phillips head screws definitely put up a fight), once installed, they offer excellent protection with their replaceable plastic guards and secure center mounts. The black plastic construction looks sharp and has proven its worth on plenty of challenging rides.
Acerbis X-Factory Handguard
The Acerbis X-Factory Handguards combine tough steel construction with durable plastic shields for serious protection. Installation takes patience but pays off with rock-solid reliability. While they’re a bit heavy for some bikes, the included anticorodal bands and steel expanders ensure they stay firmly in place during the most intense rides.
Acerbis X-Ultimate Handguard
Made for those adrenaline junkies who like to push their bikes to the limit on technical trails. These handguards give your wrists and hands a buffer from branch contact, thanks to their flexible nylon construction that bends rather than breaks during falls. The open design with its removable covers lets your hands breathe during those long, dusty rides, but remember, they’re more about protection from scratches than full-blown crashes.
JXMOTO Dirt Bike Hand Guard
A durable black anodized aluminum guard that wraps around the handlebars with a wide radius curve for comfortable hand placement, featuring precise 6061-T6 aluminum construction. The brush deflector efficiently shields your hands from debris while maintaining optimal handlebar access.
Tusk D-Flex Handguards
These handguards combine tough aluminum bars with durable plastic shields for excellent protection. The generous bend design gives you plenty of clearance for your brake and clutch levers, while the replaceable components make them easy to maintain. The protective coverage is especially valuable for beginners or riders who spend a lot of time in rough terrain.
Barkbusters Blizzard Universal Handguard
These handguards transform your bike’s controls into a cozy winter extension, keeping your hands warmer than before with their innovative textile design and waterproof membrane. The universal fit means you can adapt them to almost any handlebar setup, and their flexible design handles full steering lock without issue. Unlike some bulky protectors, these guards maintain open access to your controls while forming a reliable barrier against biting wind.
Barkbusters Jet Handguards
These sleek aluminum handguards wrap around your handlebars for maximum protection with their heat-treated construction. The right and left bars mount securely with two points of attachment, while impact-resistant plastic guards keep your hands safe from branches and debris. Available in seven eye-catching colors that match popular motorcycle brands, the guards install quickly with minimal modification to your bike.
RSI Racing H5000 Stonewall Handguard Kit
The RSI Stonewall handguards combine flexible durability with robust protection for your handlebar. Available in pair, the universal fit works with both 7/8” and 1-inch bars, securing with the included mounting base that offers two positioning options for optimal grip distance. The weather-resistant design keeps your hands warm in all conditions, while the proven durability has stood up to both mountain terrain and rollover impacts in real-world testing.
Buyer’s Guide
When selecting an 11 5 handguard, several key factors determine its suitability for your firearm. Understanding these aspects ensures you choose a handguard that enhances performance, provides necessary functionality, and matches your tactical needs.
Material and Construction
High-quality handguards combine strength with durability. Common materials include aluminum and composite construction. Aluminum alloy handguards offer excellent rigidity at a lower cost, while composite models often provide additional features like raised grip texturing and integral mounting points. The handguard’s thickness affects both weight and material distribution.
Mounting Options and Compatibility
Compatibility with your firearm’s receiver system is crucial. Handguards featuring standardized mounting rails (like M-Lok or Picatinny) offer the greatest versatility for adding accessories. Additional considerations include the handguard’s internal diameter, which affects magazine retention and slide travel during recoil. Some handguards incorporate integral scopes mounts or free-floating designs that improve barrel stabilization.
Size and Profile
The handguard’s profile impacts both ergonomics and concealment. Shorter, thinner designs reduce bulk for carry and shooting, while taller profiles provide better finger purchase and reduced muzzle flip. The handguard’s length affects magazine capacity and slide lock-up during chambering. Some models feature adjustable lengths to accommodate different attachments or personal preference.
Enhanced Features
Select handguards incorporate thoughtful design elements. Raised checkering patterns improve grip retention, particularly in wet or dusty conditions. Detachable sections allow modular configuration or quick attachment of accessories. Rotatable sections enable easier magazine changes or scope adjustments. Some models feature built-in storage compartments for small items or cleaning supplies.
FAQ
What is an 11 5 handguard?
The 11 5 handguard is a specialized firearm accessory designed to protect the shooter’s hand during use. It features a unique 11-point design that provides secure grip and enhanced ergonomics.
This handguard is commonly used on modern firearms, offering both practical benefits and improved user experience.
What materials are available for 11 5 handguards?
Most 11 5 handguards are made from durable polymer materials that combine strength with lightweight properties.
A few premium options feature aluminum construction for added durability and heat resistance.
What sizes are available for 11 5 handguards?
The standard size fits a wide range of firearms, from compact pistols to full-size rifles.
Specialty sizes are available for specific firearm models and configurations.
How do 11 5 handguards improve grip?
The raised 11-point pattern creates natural grip points, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Each point is designed to distribute pressure evenly, preventing hotspots and improved control.
Are 11 5 handguards compatible with accessories?
Most designs allow for easy attachment of lights, lasers, and other grip enhancement devices.
Specific models may have proprietary mounting systems, so compatibility depends on the manufacturer.
What maintenance is required for 11 5 handguards?
Basic cleaning with appropriate firearm cleaning solutions and a cloth is recommended after each use.
Inspect for wear and replace if any damage is noticed to ensure continued safety and performance.
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