Kidney Belts
Dirt Bike Kidney Belts: Do You Really Need One?
Many dirt bike riders ask – do I need a kidney belt? Are other motocross racers or enduro athletes wearing kidney belts? Are they worth the money? Find out in this buyer’s guide to motocross kidney belts.
Do pro motocross riders and enduro athletes wear kidney belts? Absolutely, yes! When your body is being bounced hard as you race a motocross track or ride gnarly trails, your kidneys are being jostled and shaken, too. And this can be painful for your kidneys – and make them tender! You might even find yourself with blood in your urine. (See a doctor if this happens!)
Worse, suppose you take handlebars or another obstacle to the lower back, flank, or abdomen during a crash. In that case, your kidneys can actually RUPTURE… resulting in serious, even life-threatening, internal bleeding. It’s why every rider should consider adding a kidney belt to their gear lineup:
Why Your Kidneys Matter (Protect Them!)
Your kidneys play a critical role in your overall health:
Their #1 function is to filter your blood – removing waste, controlling your electrolyte balance, and maintaining your body’s overall fluid balance. The blood in your body passes through your kidneys approximately 40 times every day! Plus, you might also be surprised to learn that your kidneys produce the hormones that:
(1) Control your blood pressure,
(2) Make your red blood cells, and
(3) Help to keep your bones strong.
So all this to say–your kidneys matter!
Where Are Your Kidneys Located?
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. They’re located on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage, behind your abdomen. They’re embedded in a mass of fatty tissue… Without the protection of any kind of exoskeleton. This means that, while they are connected to your arteries and play a critical role in filtering your blood, your kidneys have very little protection!
How A Kidney Belt Guards These Critical Organs
Kidney belts are designed to guard your kidneys from impact and rupture, while also stabilizing your back and protecting you from impalement.
They generally look like a wide belt that wraps around your abdomen and back.
They’re thinner in the front, wider in the back, and typically fasten at either the front or side.
They’re usually made of breathable fabric and designed to protect key areas without disrupting your breathing.
Protection For Your Lower Back, Too!
A kidney belt offers protection for your back as well.
First, the kidney belt helps support and stabilise your upper body, allowing you to be more aggressive in riding and steering the bike.
Second, it can help reduce overall rider fatigue by helping you maintain an upright sitting position that reduces stress and strain on the lower back – especially after a particularly long and gruelling ride.
How Tight Should A Kidney Belt Be?
A motocross kidney belt is sized similarly to dirt bike pants. Take a few minutes to measure your waist before you begin shopping – then reference the brand’s size guide to choose the appropriate size for YOUR measurements. While most kidney belts feature an elastic fit, remember that sizing changes from brand to brand. A size LARGE Acerbis kidney belt may be a size MEDIUM or XL in the O’Neal or Raven lineup.
Choose carefully after taking your current measurements. Also, be sure to choose a belt that fits comfortably (snugly) around your lower back–between the bottom of your ribcage and top of your hips. It should NOT restrict your breathing!
Ready To Shop? We’ve Made It Easy:
Ready to start shopping for motocross kidney belts? 24MX is proud to offer a selection of kidney belts from the top brands in the industry, including Acerbis, Alpinestars, Booster Motorcycle, EVS, FLY Racing, GMS, Garibaldi , Leatt, O’Neal, Raven, Shot Race Gear, Spidi, Zandona, and more.