Motocross protection gear

Body Protection: Safety Gear For Full-Throttle Adventures

Are you shopping for protection jackets, body armour, or chest protectors? Gear up for your next full-throttle adventure, knowing your core is well-protected with these tips for choosing the best motocross body armour. Don’t underestimate the value of good dirt bike body armour… It can literally save your life during a crash. Body armour guards your upper body (chest, shoulders, ribs, back, and kidneys) from varying degrees of impact, as well as from roost, injury from collision with obstacles, and even impalement during a crash. While it might be tempting to choose budget body armour for its overall look, serious motocross riders and hard enduro athletes will confirm: Smart riders invest in the protection needed to suit their riding style, expected terrain, riding conditions (weather), and skill level. And since good body armour can last years when properly maintained, it’s worth doing some research and making this decision with care.

STEP #1 - DETERMINE HOW MUCH PROTECTION YOU NEED

First, consider how much protection you will need… You might choose lighter protection with less coverage if:

• You’re an experienced rider

• Riding in hot temperatures

• Planning a more relaxed excursion

• Travelling at slower speeds

You might choose heavier, full upper-body protection if:

• You’re a less experienced rider

• Riding more technical or extreme terrain

• Sustaining higher speeds

• Riding in cooler temperatures

Next, you’ll need to choose your preferred style of protection:

STEP #2 - CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED STYLE

Protection jackets, body armour, and chest protectors are suitable for a wide range of motocross and enduro riders, as well as dual sporters and trail riders. Zones guarded by protection jackets and body armour most frequently include the chest, shoulders, ribs, back, kidneys (flank), and elbows … While chest protectors offer more limited protection for the back, chest, and shoulders. You’ll choose from three basic styles:

HARD SHELL jackets with high-impact plastic coverage for key protection zones. These jackets are typically lightweight and feature a mesh lining that promotes comfort and ventilation. And they often include kidney protection.

LOW PROFILE shirts featuring high-tech protective foam that hardens on impact. This style is popular with riders who prefer the slim, athletic fit; they’re typically worn under the jersey. The rider’s body heat activates (softens) the foam, so it conforms to the body.

CHEST PROTECTORS that offer simpler chest, back, and shoulder protection in a style that can be worn under or over your jersey. This style is typically preferred by motocross riders who enjoy greater freedom of movement.

If you wear a neck brace, look for systems that allow you to add this additional protection while maintaining your freedom of movement. And do consider choosing styles that offer the protection of a kidney belt (or similar).

STEP #3 - CHOOSE FEATURES THAT MATTER (TO YOU)

Once you’ve chosen a preferred style, be sure to select a brand and style that includes features that matter most to you:

• Adjustable fit?

• Plenty of ventilation?

• Comfortable & sized to fit?

• Coverage that suits YOUR riding style?

• Weight appropriate for weather/temperatures?

• Neck brace compatible?

• Comfortable if you’re wearing a hydration pack?

• Abrasion-resistant in high contact areas?

• Includes a kidney belt?

• Modular design (for a variety of configurations)?

• Removable sleeves?

• Made from anti-odour fabrics?

• CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 protection rating?

Ready To Shop? We’ve Made It Easy:

Ready to start shopping for body armour, protection jackets, or chest protectors? 24MX is proud to offer a selection of dirt bike body armour from the top brands in the industry, including Acerbis, Alpinestars, EVS, FLY Racing, FOX, KLIM, Leatt, O’Neal, Raven, Shot Race Gear, Spidi, Zandona, iXS, and more. And remember–24MX offers a generous 60-day return policy, giving you plenty of time to try on the body armour at home and decide if you’re happy with the overall fit.