Upper body protection

Choosing The Best Motocross Chest Protector

A dirt bike chest protector is considered ESSENTIAL safety gear by many riders. Read our BUYER’S GUIDE to make sure you’re getting the BEST PROTECTION you can afford.

Dirt biking is an extreme sport… No matter whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional racer, there’s always risk! Accidents happen unexpectedly. Handlebars twist and, suddenly, you’re taking a bar end to the chest. You’re trail riding, and a simple crash turns ugly when a downed tree branch impales you. You’re closing in on another racer when an unexpected roost of rocks catches you in the chest. Even wheelies put you at risk of taking the full weight of the bike to the chest. That’s why a chest protector is considered essential gear by most dirt bike riders. (Moto, enduro, and trail riders alike.)

A chest protector offers:

• Impact absorption during crashes

• Protection from impalement

• Roost protection

… Guarding your vital organs and ribs from more severe injury. While also helping to prevent bruising, broken bones, cuts and scrapes, and even impalement. However, not all chest protectors are created equal.

Buyer’s Guide: Which Chest Protector Is Right For You?

Our recommendation? Purchase the BEST protection your budget will allow. Safety is critical. And these days, every rider of every ability has access to the SAME scientifically engineered gear at the same fair prices. This means you don’t need to be a sponsored rider to enjoy pro-level protection. Over time, manufacturers have refined the design of chest protectors to make them lighter, more streamlined, and more comfortable to wear, no matter whether you choose to layer it over or under your jersey.

What to expect from most styles:

• A hard plastic exterior shell

• Ergonomic design

• Available in a variety of sizes (to fit most body types & sizes)

• Easy-to-adjust fit (via adjustable straps, snaps, and velcro)

Choices you’ll want to consider:

CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 protection? Chest protectors rated CE Level 2 are the gold standard and offer the best overall protection and impact absorption. However, amateur riders may find CE Level 1 offers a balance of budget and affordability while learning.

How much shock-absorbing padding is included? This is important to consider as the padding will absorb varying degrees of impact. Chest protectors with a rating of CE Level 2 generally offer more padding and better overall impact protection than those rated CE Level 1.

Is the interior padding made of viscoelastic foam, which contours to your body via heat? Or does it incorporate another foam that’s pre-curved? Those made of viscoelastic foam offer some riders an additional level of comfort.

With or without shoulder protection? While amateur riders appreciate the extra protection, pro riders sometimes find them restrictive.

Compatible with a neck brace? Popular with motocross riders in particular, some chest protectors are best suited to specific brands and styles of neck braces.

Injury prevention is critical if you want to prolong your enjoyment of any moto sport. That’s why more experienced riders will typically advise you to invest in the protective gear BEFORE you’re injured. Not after. While some consider it optional, you’re going to crash at some point. Generally speaking, chest protectors that offer better overall coverage with more padding for impact protection will be more expensive. However, again, it’s an investment in your overall safety and well-being as a rider. And with so many top moto brands offering chest protectors in a variety of designs, today’s rider has plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from.