Motocross Protective Gear Guide

Thinking about getting into motocross? Well before you jump on your bike and hit the dirt, you need to make sure you have the right protective equipment.

Motocross is a fun sport for riders young and old, but it can also be very dangerous. Wearing the proper protective gear will help keep you safe but it will also give you the peace of mind to have fun.

Some items are absolute must-haves such as a helmet, boots and gloves. Other items, such as chest protectors, aren’t mandatory but they are a good idea. And there are items like neck braces and knee braces for those who want the added protection or those who are serious about getting into competitive motocross racing.

Here are some of the things you should look for when buying motocross protective gear.

Motocross Helmets

2011 FOX V3 HELMET - DUNGEY ROCKSTAR REPLICA

This Ryan Dungey replica Fox V3 helmet uses a carbon fiber shell. The liner and cheek pads can be removed for washing.

The most important gear a motocross rider can wear is a properly fitted helmet. Motocross helmets protect a rider’s head and face from impact and prevent serious injury. Motocross helmets are typically distinguishable from other motorcycle helmets by a sun visor, an opening for goggles and additional chin protection. The elongated chin area provides added protection against rocks and other debris churned up by other riders.

Motocross helmets come with different features such as venting or weight, and usually with very colorful graphics. The most important thing to look for though is safety certification from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Snell Memorial Foundation.

It doesn’t matter how many certifications a helmet has however if it doesn’t fit properly. A good motocross helmet should fit your head snugly and not slide around if you push the helmet back and forth on your head. A new helmet may feel especially tight because the liner hasn’t been compressed with use.

Goggles

SMITH FUEL V2 - HART & HUNTINGTON

The Smith Fuel V2 goggles are available with roll-offs but they also have in-lens posts for tear-offs.

A good pair of motocross goggles will protect your eyes from debris while offering good vision. Bring your helmet with you when you go shopping for goggles to see how they fit when worn together. The wide strap should fit tightly around the helmet to keep the goggles secure and comfortable on your face. Goggles should also have enough ventilation to prevent fogging, and some goggles come with anti-fog treated lenses.

If you do a lot of riding in muddy conditions, you might want to consider tear-offs or roll-offs. Tear-offs are thin layers of film that you attach over your goggle lens. If you get mud sprayed across your goggles and find it hard to see, simply tear off a layer and you’ll have a fresh, clear view. Roll-offs are similar, only instead of tearing off each layer, you roll them like photographic film in small canisters mounted on the sides of your goggles.

Jerseys, Pants and Gloves

Motocross apparel can be quite fashionable, coming in different colors and styles. But motocrossjerseys and pants also serve a practical purpose.

Fox HC-180 jersey pant and glove combo

You can get jerseys, pants and even gloves as a set to for a uniform look.

Jerseys and pants are made of rip-resistant materials and protect a rider from cuts and scrapes. They also provide padding around the elbows and knees for extra protection, though it’s still a good idea to get additional knee and elbow guards.

Nylon jerseys and pants are fairly tough and dry quickly when wet. Some jerseys use moisture-wicking material which draw moisture away from your skin while some jerseys and pants are vented for increased airflow.

Jerseys and pants, and even gloves can often be bought together for a matching look, but they can also be bought separately if you want to mix and match. That is especially imporant if you want to ensure each item fits properly.

Fit is especially important for riding gloves, and they are not too expensive so you may want to buy a pair separately. When trying on gloves, hold your hands in position as if you were gripping your handlebars and see how they feel.

Motocross gloves should offer good palm protection and some gloves offer extra padding on the palm or on top of the fingers. Make sure the material doesn’t get bunched up in your palm or the seams don’t rub awkwardly between your fingers. Small irritants like that may feel bearable when you’re trying them on, but that may change when you’re riding.

2011 O'NEAL YOUTH HAMMER CHEST PROTECTOR

Armor is typically comprised of a chest protector with shoulder pads.

Body Armor

Body armor provides protection from crashes and falls as well as rocks and debris. Motocross armor typically includes a chest protector and shoulder pads while some incorporate kidney protection.

Armor is usually worn under the jersey though some types of protective plating are designed to be worn on the outside.

For added safety, you might want to consider a neck brace. Motocross neck braces are designed to work with helmets as well as body armor. They protect the neck by limiting the range of motion during. Neck braces can also absorb or redirect the force of impact, lessening the strain on your neck and vertebrae.

Knee and Elbow Guards

2011 O'NEAL PRO 3 KNEE GUARDS - BLACK/WHITE

Jerseys and pants have built-in protection but additional knee and elbow guards provide an extra layer of protection.

Knee guards or pads protect the joint from impact, both from debris, and in the event of a crash, landings. Jerseys and pants offer some built-in elbow and knee protection but separate guards provides added safety.

For additional protection, you may want to consider a knee brace which helps prevent the knee from being twisted or turned beyond its natural range of motion. Knee braces are pricier than knee guards, but if you want the added protection, or if you have a previous knee injury, the extra cost is worth it.

Elbow pads may not be as vital as knee guards but they provide similar protection. In the event of a crash, your arms will instinctively come up and elbow pads will help absorb the impact of landing.

Motocross Boots

Alpinestars Tech 8 boots

Riding boots protect your feet, ankles and shins.

Next to helmets, boots may be the most important piece of motocross equipment you will need. Boots provide protection for your feet and ankles as well as your shins and calves. Boots are usually constructed from leather with plastic plates, though some models may have steel sole and heel guards.

Boot soles can wear with use from contact with the footpegs. Some manufacturers offer replaceable soles which will help extend the life of a pair of boots.

You may also want to invest in some socks designed for motocross. Like your boots, motocross socks go up over your calves. The extra padding fills in the space in your boot, improving the fit, and they can help prevent blisters from developing.

By Motorcycle.com

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