4 Basic Pieces of Motocross Safety Gear
Safety gear is one of the most important things to understand for newcomers to motocross. It is no secret that motocross can be a dangerous sport, so it is imperative that you wear full-body protection and know how to choose the right equipment to minimize the risk of injury. Here is an overview of four basic pieces of motocross safety gear.
Helmet
Many of the most serious motocross injuries occur due to the high speeds at which a rider's head can hit the ground when they are thrown off of their bike. Because of this, a properly fitted motocross helmet is perhaps the single most important piece of safety gear that you should own. Motocross helmets are distinguished from standard motorcycle helmets by their elongated chin guards, thicker inside padding, sun visors, and open front face to make room for goggles.
A motocross helmet that is the right size for you will often feel too tight when you first put it on. This is because the helmet liner compresses over time and conforms to the shape of your head. To determine whether the helmet is the right size, you should first use a cloth measuring tape to find the circumference of your head. Wrap the measuring tape around your head about an inch above your eyebrows. Sizing differs by helmet manufacturer, so you should compare your measurement with the sizing chart on the packaging of the helmet you are considering.
Goggles
Motocross courses can throw up a lot of eye-irritating dust, dirt, and mud, so eye protection is a must. Standard safety goggles are not sufficient, as they can often fly off in the middle of a race and may have enough space around the edges for eye irritants to get through. Most motocross goggles are one-size-fits-all, with an adjustable strap that goes around the back of the head.
Another reason to choose specialized motocross goggles over other eye-safety gear is that they feature tear-off posts. Tear-offs are thin plastic films that attach to the posts on the goggles and cover the lenses. When your goggle lenses get covered in mud, you can remove a tear-off to instantly clear your vision. You can apply multiple tear-offs to your goggles at once to keep your vision clear over several laps.
Body Armor
In a motocross accident, your torso is the next most vulnerable part of your body after your head. Crashing into other riders, landing hard on the ground, or getting hit by a stray tree branch can all cause serious damage if you are not wearing the right body armor. The best body armor will feature shoulder guards and segmented plates that are designed to disperse the force of an impact.
Body armor that is meant for impact protection is typically worn on the outside of your jersey. When you are buying body armor, you should look for armor that does not limit your range of motion too much and is compatible with a neck brace, another essential piece of motocross safety gear. Like with motocross helmets, body-armor sizing will differ by manufacturer. You should measure your chest, waist, and upper arm circumference and refer to manufacturer sizing charts to find torso armor that will provide the best fit for you.
Boots
Motocross boots perform a number of functions to protect the feet and lower legs. Boots are designed with a snug fit to limit lateral motion and avoid sprained or broken ankles, thick soles to provide traction with the footpegs, and tall guards that protect your shins and calves from impacts. You should not skimp on motocross boots, as less expensive boots are often made of poorer materials that will wear out more quickly. High-quality motocross boots offer features such as steel heel and toe guards and high-impact polyurethane plating.
Choosing the right safety gear is something you will thank yourself for later when you come out of a dangerous motocross accident unscathed. Keep these tips in mind so you can find the best gear to keep you safe on the track. Check out the selections of companies like Bob's Cycle & Snowmobile Supply to look at your choices.
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