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MTB upper body protectors: The right level of protection for every rider

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

Protector jackets

Mountain bike protector jackets probably offer the best protection, because in addition to the chest and back, shoulders and elbows are also protected. The protection plates are often made of plastic, but sometimes also of foam or a mixture of both. Some protector jackets are also available with a combined neck brace for the best possible protection. These jackets are worn normally like all other jackets and can usually be closed with a zipper. If you already have a neck brace., make sure it fits to your protector jacket before buying.

Chest protector

The breastplates are also very popular downhill. As they only protect the chest and back, you can move better, you have a more pleasant ventilation and the riding feeling is often more comfortable. The conventional breastplates are made of hard plastic, the more modern versions are made of soft protectors. Many 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 better workmanship and also higher quality materials are used.

Protector shirts

This type of MTB protectors are especially for people who are new to biking or who only ride an enduro tour occasionally, as they offer light protection. Often they also have sleeves, similar to protector jackets, but they 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 or thin branches that get in the way 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 easier descents, 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 those who like to be on the road for longer periods of time, we recommend a backpack with protector. These have a built-in back protector and offer enough storage space for drinking bladders, food, spare hose and tools.

Shoulder bandages

A special feature of mountain bike 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 especially 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

We also use other clothing and equipment for downhill or mountain bike here it is important to pay attention to the correct fit so that the right protection can be guaranteed. As a general rule, upper body protectors should only be worn up to the kidneys, as otherwise the rider may fall behind while riding. 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

Often MTB protectors also have the EN1621 certificate, because only with this certificate it can be guaranteed that the product has a certain protection level in the moto sector. If you ride often, professionally or on demanding trails, make sure that your new protector has the certificate before buying. There are basically two different levels of protection, with level 2 offering a higher level of protection than level 1, level 1 being comparable to a protector shirt or vest and level 2 being comparable to 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.