Understand the construction, from support to D3O

A material name tells only part of the story. Shape, position, attachment and fit explain how the whole product sits on your hand.

Updated 8 November 2026

The long support is part of the design

The recognisable Flexmeter shape extends from the hand towards the forearm, with a flexible area at the wrist. That layout has been a defining feature through the product’s history. Its position matters: the bend needs to align with the joint rather than sit above or below it.

The current instructions describe flexible thermoplastic supports. Thermoplastic is a material family, not a complete performance specification. The shape and dimensions of a component, the way it is held in place and its condition all remain relevant. Do not try to change the fit by heating or reshaping it.

A closer look at the parts

These exterior views help you locate the parts described in the construction guide.

Palm with the skid plate attachedMore information

The D3O cushioning is fixed at the palm and stays in place when the outer plate is removed. The material itself is not visible in this photograph.

Photo: Demon United

Flexmeter Single viewed from the palm side, showing a fabric-covered palm without a rigid plate. — Single · no palm plateMore information
The palm is covered by fabric, with no additional support plate or D3O cushioning. A flexible support runs along the back of the hand, wrist and forearm.
Photo: Demon United

Wear Flexmeter under suitable gloves or mittens. After changing the setup, check the position, comfort and grip of the complete combination again.

Where D3O sits, and what it is part of

In the current Double model, D3O padding is positioned at the palm. It is fixed to the product. This is distinct from the removable palm component and from the support along the back of the hand.

The D3O name does not turn every part of the guard into D3O, and it does not describe the Single model. When comparing products, ask where the material is used and what surrounds it. For Flexmeter Double, the practical result is a palm area whose cushioning and overall space requirement need to be considered together.

Hytrel belongs in the documented history

Earlier Docmeter literature describes Hytrel from DuPont in connection with the shaped support. That is an interesting part of the development story: Flexmeter was explained through a combination of flexible material and a particular geometry, rather than through a short rigid plate alone.

Materials and specifications can change over a product’s lifetime. We therefore identify Hytrel as a documented historical detail and use the current instructions for today’s product description. A claim in an old catalogue is not a reason to assign an exact formulation or temperature range to every current pair.

The straps belong in the explanation

The support needs to remain aligned with the wrist as your hand moves. The textile body and straps help hold it there. Loose fastening may allow the guard to shift; excessive tension can create pressure. Adjust the straps for a stable, comfortable fit and check the position again with your glove on.

Mechanical research has investigated how fastening conditions affect measured behaviour. For the wearer, the useful lesson is to follow the fitting sequence and check the actual position. It is not an invitation to pull the straps as tightly as possible.

Read the model before the marketing term

FL132 identifies Single, and FL292 identifies Double. On some labels, Single protection or Double protection describes the support arrangement. Those words should not be read as a protective class or a numerical promise.

If an older description uses Plus, compare the model code, the actual components and the corresponding instructions. Product naming has evolved. A photograph and a label are a more reliable starting point for identifying an older pair than a remembered shop title.

Demon United · 2015 · English