Decathlon vs. Venum vs. Gilbert vs. ApexProtect — Which Mouthguard to Choose?


Choosing a suitable mouthguard is essential to ensure protection, comfort, and performance. However, most models sold in supermarkets have significant limitations: excessive bulk, breathing difficulties, or discomfort when speaking.

In this comparison, we analyzed several popular mouthguards available at Decathlon to help you understand their differences... and their limitations.

 

Decathlon

≈ €4
Rating: 3/10
  • Very bulky in the mouth
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Single-material protection
  • Simple EVA
  • Very thick and bulky

Venum

≈ €15
Rating: 6/10
  • Sometimes uncomfortable
  • Internal breathing discomfort
  • Moderately natural speech
  • Decent protection
  • Gel + rubber
  • Quite thick structure

Gilbert

≈ €25
Rating: 7/10
  • Rigid structure
  • Less fluid breathing
  • Unnatural speech
  • Good protection
  • Gel + rubber
  • Medium thickness

ApexProtect

≈ €35
Rating: 10/10
  • Very comfortable
  • Fluid breathing
  • Natural speech
  • Optimal triple-layer protection
  • Triple-layer EVA
  • Optimized ergonomic shape

Detailed Mouthguard Comparison

Decathlon Mouthguards: A Basic Solution for Beginners

Decathlon mouthguards are primarily appealing due to their very accessible price. Easy to find in stores and simple to custom-mold, they are often a first choice for beginners or occasional practitioners of combat sports, rugby, or boxing.

However, these models have several technical limitations. Their simple EVA design and single-material structure make the mouthguard particularly thick and bulky in the mouth. This significant thickness can quickly become uncomfortable during exertion, especially during intensive training or prolonged fights.

Many athletes also experience breathing discomfort and difficulty speaking correctly when wearing this type of mouthguard. The fit remains relatively standard and heavily depends on the custom molding performed by the user.

Decathlon mouthguards therefore remain an entry-level solution suitable for occasional use, but quickly show their limitations in terms of comfort, breathing, and ergonomics.

Venum Mouthguards: A Model Geared Towards Combat Sports

Very popular in the world of MMA, Muay Thai, and boxing, Venum mouthguards boast a sporty design and decent protection suitable for regular practitioners.

Thanks to a structure combining gel and rubber, Venum models offer a higher level of protection than some entry-level mouthguards. The fit is generally satisfactory after custom molding, and the product maintains good stability during training.

Despite this, several users criticize these mouthguards for a certain internal discomfort related to their thickness. Breathing can become less natural during intense cardio efforts, and speech can sometimes remain difficult during exchanges or coaching phases.

Venum mouthguards thus represent an interesting compromise between protection, style, and performance, but retain the classic limitations of standard thermoformable models.

Gilbert Mouthguards: A Robust Reference for Rugby

A historical brand in rugby, Gilbert is renowned for offering robust mouthguards designed to absorb significant impacts associated with contact sports.

Gilbert models generally use a gel + rubber structure to achieve good protective capacity. This approach reassures many players primarily seeking safety during matches and training.

Conversely, the design remains relatively rigid and can cause breathing discomfort during exertion. Speech also becomes less natural with certain models, especially during rapid communication phases on the field.

Even if the thickness is slightly better controlled than on some entry-level mouthguards, Gilbert maintains an approach primarily focused on raw protection rather than high-end comfort.

ApexProtect: The Premium Mouthguard Designed for Performance

ApexProtect adopts a different approach by placing comfort, breathing, and ergonomics at the center of its design. Inspired by the expertise of dental prosthetics, each mouthguard is designed to offer a more natural experience during sports practice.

Thanks to a triple-layer EVA structure and optimized thickness, ApexProtect provides high protection while limiting the feeling of bulk in the mouth. The fit is improved, and the ergonomic shape promotes more comfortable adaptation to the dentition.

Unlike many standard models, breathing remains more fluid even during intense exertion. Speech also remains more natural, a point particularly appreciated in combat sports, rugby, or disciplines requiring rapid communication.

With its premium approach, superior comfort, and customization possibilities, ApexProtect positions itself as a high-end alternative for athletes seeking protection, performance, and long-lasting comfort.