Bullseye Brace vs Wrist Widget
So what are the differences between the two wrist braces? They both promote themselves as being the best wrist brace for TFCC tears and other ulnar-sided wrist injuries.
So which is really better? And how are they different?
The Scandal?
WristWidget®
Supports Radius and Ulna – allowing TFCC to heal without surgery while also relieving ulnar sided wrist pain from rotating, gripping, and weight-bearing.
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Inexpensive
- Made in USA
- Not as Durable
Okay, I’m being a little bit of an instigator here, but I see that both companies have indeed written their own versions of whose product out does the other. In the spirit of foul, I mean fair play, I want to point out a few things I’ve noticed in each camp.
But first, here’s a link to both of their versions, the Wrist Widget article and the Bullseye article.
Okay, so it seems that Wrist Widget did publish their article first. And I want to be clear and say I have no idea why exactly. I think they felt their territory was being treaded upon as they do state “Whilst the bullseye brace is a version of the WristWidget® and a patent violation…” so they fired a shot.
And of course, Bullseye fired back with their own version of the article, albeit with no mention of a patent infringement or statement of patient rights of any kind.
They did however fire back with this quote from a customer who posted a review on Amazon, “According to one reviewer on the Wrist Widget website (posted Sept 25, 2020), “Works well but the edges are sharp and cause irritation and small cuts.”
So I would say obviously, with the amount of money these two companies make, they are taking it all very seriously.
Take the figures from Wrist Widget’s own website and the company claims to have sold over 700000 widgets at $29.99 I am assuming. If these number are indeed correct that is more than 20 million dollars in sales. Wish I had that amount of scratch!
700 000 x (US$ 29.00) = 20.3 million US$
But like I said, total speculation as I have never contacted nor been contacted by either company.
Bullseye Wrist Brace
Relieves wrist pain associated with TFCC injuries, ulnar-sided wrist pain, and DRUJ instability. Fits either left or right wrist.Fits either left or right wrist.
- Washer Safe
- Comes in 3 Sizes
- Made in USA
- More Expensive
What I see as the Differences…
So let’s get to the more serious stuff, like how does this rivalry effect you and me, the users of their products.
Price
Of course price is an issue, but not a big one here. There is only a $10 difference between the two. Not a ton of money, but that does make the Bullseye Brace 30% more expensive than the Wrist Widget.
Wrist Widget: $29
Bullseye Brace: $39.00
You can see my more in-depth Wrist Widget Review here, or my Bullseye Brace Review here to understand each brace better.
Construction
It’s possible the more expensive cost for the Bullseye is due to its construction. It is definitely a better made brace as far as the construction goes.
I think a lot of people get the Wrist Widget and think, “that’s it???”
But the truth is, it doesn’t need to be anything more. It does work. As does the Bullseye.
But the construction of the Wrist Widget can be a tad more professional as far as at least stitching the outer edges of the straps. It doesn’t need to have a label or a ton of padding like the Bullseye, it is already functional, but I think it may let users feel they got a better quality product.
Materials
Of course the materials these braces are made from are just as important as construction. And while I do admit the Bullseye is “constructed” better, I have no idea of what materials are actually used to make this. And the website does not make it clear at all.
“Our pad is a non-elastic performance material that consists of an inner layer that wicks perspiration away from the skin and has antimicrobial properties to maintain freshness between washings. The middle layer is a spacer fabric that provides excellent padding.”
Ah, okay. What does it mean? What exactly is a “non-elastic performance material” or a “spacer fabric”, are we going to Mars? I really have no idea what this is made from other than the fact that the outer layer is indeed nylon. But that’s about all I know.
And scarier yet, “and has antimicrobial properties to maintain freshness…” So is this sprayed with something? Another chemical the world can do without?
But what does Wrist Widget say?
“What is the WristWidget® made of? The material is a nylon cotton mix, hook and loop, that’s it. They are free of latex and harsh adhesive chemicals.”
I must admit, that’s a lot easier for my simple mind to comprehend. Thanks!
Compression
Bullseye states they have “a rectangular window running distal and proximal to the ulnar head for compression” and nothing else, so not sure how this is a comparison. And looking at the two products side by side, the “rectangular window” look the same to me, no?
“The Bullseye Wrist Band has a unique soft silicone ring…” that they do. And it does look good and all professional. But is it needed? Why is that superior? Not really sure why the whole “Compression” topic was part of their article.
Conclusion
So who is really better? I feel both have their place. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses just like most other products. After reading all this, I’m sure you’ll come to your own conclusion. And if you have a second, let me know what you think about all this in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the whole Bullseye Brace vs Wrist Widget debate.