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Find the right Body Armour for you

MX body armor: The right level of protection for every rider

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, whether you ride occasionally or regularly - an upper body protector should always be with you to avoid serious injuries. We will explain to you what different types of upper body protectors are available and for what kind of riding style they are suitable.

Protector jackets

Motocross and Enduro protector jackets offer the best protection, because not only chest and back are protected, but also shoulders and elbows. The protection plates are mostly made of plastic, but often also of foam or a mixture of both. Some protector jackets are also available with integrated neck protection for maximum protection. Protector jackets are put on just like any other jacket and can usually be closed with a zipper. If you already have a neck brace, check if it is compatible with your jacket before buying.

Chest protector

Probably the most common protectors in motocross and enduro sports are the chest protectors. As these only protect the chest and back, you have better freedom of movement, better ventilation and a little more comfort. The conventional chest protectors are made of hard plastic, the more modern versions are made of soft protectors. Some breastplates also offer additional protection for the shoulders or upper arms. As with the other protectors, there are also differences in price. Chest protectors in the cheap range are usually simply processed and do not offer so many features. High-priced equipment often has a more detailed finish and also higher quality materials are used.

Protector shirts

This type of upper body protectors are especially suitable for beginners or occasional riders, as they offer light protection. Often they also have sleeves, similar to protector jackets, but these are thinner and lighter. Instead of protectors made of hard plastic, these jackets usually only have foam inserts integrated. These shirts protect against light stone chips and offer some cushioning in case of an impact. However, if you ride more often and more intensively, you should resort to other protectors with higher protection.

Protector vests

For particularly warm days or light training, protector vests are particularly suitable. These are also very thin, often have only one breast protector made of foam and are sleeveless. Some models also have an integrated back protector, information about this is always available in the respective article description. These offer, just like protection shirts, only minimal protection against small stones, but are optimally ventilated and very comfortable.

Back protectors

As the name suggests, these protectors protect only the back with the sensitive region around the spine. These can be easily unbuckled, similar to backpacks. Unfortunately this type of protector cannot be combined with other breastplates, jackets or shirts. For Enduro riders, we also recommend protector backpacks. These have a built-in back protector and offer enough storage space for drinking bladders, food and emergency equipment.

Shoulder bandages

A special feature of MX and Enduro upper body protectors are shoulder bandages. These are usually sold separately for the right or left shoulder and are therefore not compatible with other protectors. These bandages are particularly suitable for riders with slight shoulder injuries or if you want to protect or stabilize this area specifically.

Besides the type of protector, there are other points to look out for when buying. In the following we explain what else you should pay attention to and in which areas there are still differences.

Fit

It is also important for us with other protective equipment to ensure the correct fit so that the right protection can be guaranteed. As a matter of principle, you should note that upper body protectors for motocross and enduro use only go up to the kidneys. Some models have an integrated kidney belt, but in most cases you have to buy this separately. Some manufacturers also have special models for women and children, which are adapted to the corresponding body shapes so that female riders and kids are also well protected in the most important regions.

Locking & adjustment options

Depending on the type of protector there are different closures, but the most common are velcro, buckles, zipper or adjustable straps. On these closures the protectors, especially breastplates, can be adjusted individually. The closures are usually on the sides and shoulders. Especially breastplates in one size can be adjusted individually to your own body type. So make sure before buying that the breastplate or protector jacket can be adjusted to your body.

Material

Chest protectors or protector jackets are not only made of hard plastic, but also often of softer materials, which are above all technically innovative. Soft protectors can be made of foam even in lighter models, but they can also be made of gel, PU foam or D3O. The special thing about these materials is that they are soft and flexible in normal condition, but harden in case of a fall or impact. These protectors are mainly used for more expensive articles.

Protection classes

Protectors used in motorsports must be EN1621 certified. Because only with this certificate it can be guaranteed that the product has a certain protection level. If you ride often, professionally or on demanding tracks, make sure that your new protector has this certificate before buying. There are two different levels of protection: Level 2 offers a higher level of protection than Level 1, Level 1 can be compared with a protector shirt or vest and Level 2 with most breastplates or protector jackets.

Spare parts

Like with other equipment items you should inform yourself, which spare parts are available. Often manufacturers offer exchange plates made of plastic or foam, spare parts for shoulder, arm or pads, screws or even individual connecting parts.