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.
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).
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.
A good pair of motocross goggles will protect your eyes from debris while offering good vision.
Motocross apparel can be quite fashionable, coming in different colors and styles. But motocross jerseys and pants also serve a practical purpose.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No matter how much protective gear you have on, always remember to ride safe and within your limits.
