Most people don't enjoy the feeling of rocks pelting their skin.
It hurts!
Similarly, putting on a bullet proof vest and willingly taking a chest full of buck shot, just to see what it's like, probably isn't on anyone's bucket list. So, if you race dirt bikes put on chest protector.
Roost - the wicked spray of dirt kicked up from the rear tire of a dirt bike - hurts like a mother and it's a fact of Motocross racing. It's something every rider must manage therefore limiting its effect on your body is paramount when competing and trying to stay in the race.
You've got a helmet and goggles which help protect your face, eyes and head but look at your riding stance. Both arms spread out with an open invitation for anything and everything to take aim at your upper body. Chest protectors also offer significant trauma absorption in a crash so in addition to deflecting high-speed rocks you just might save a rib or two.
But some riders don't wear a chest protector. It's not like putting on an undershirt. It's bulky, can limit movement and just feels heavy. However, manufacturers have also addressed riders' concerns and today's chest protectors offer maximum protection with lightweight materials designed to contour your body - if you buy the right one.
Some protection is better than nothing but if you want to head into battle with a coat of armor then check out the best Motocross chest protectors available:
Alpinestars Chest Protectors
Alpinestars doesn't just make great feet and ankle protection. The company's line of chest protectors guard you front and back without weighing you down or inhibiting movement. The front and back shells come with CE certification and include perforations for maximum cooling effects.
Other features include:
- Optimized for use with neck braces
- One size fits broad range of body types
- Removable and adjustable shoulder pads
- Thermoformed EVA tail extension extends coverage to coccyx area
Fox Racing Raptor Series
The Fox Racing Raptor series offers complete unrestricted body coverage that includes side plates, adjustable and removable shoulder and bicep coverage and CE certified back and chest protection.
Other features include:
- Full-wrap body coverage
- Neck brace compatible
- Adjustable and removable shoulder and biceps coverage.
- Integrated buckle system
Leatt Chest Protectors
Leatt makes various options of chest protection some using soft impact foam rather than a hard shell composite with a multi-layer multi-plate articulating design for maximum coverage and comfort. Most feature CE tested and certified for chest and back protection with some offering CE shoulder protection.
Other features include:
- Ventilation slots for maximum airflow
- Neck brace compatible
- Removable front and rear plates
- Lightweight
Troy Lee Designs Rockfight Series
The Troy Lee Designs Rockfight series provides protection for the chest and back with a featherweight construction and streamlined form-fit.
Other features include:
- Neck brace compatibility
- Form fit side flex plates, fully adjustable fore /aft shoulder straps
- Ultra-ventilated protective plates
- Advanced integrated EPP in key impact zones on chest and spine.
Leatt 5.5 Pro HD Chest Protector
Leatt designed the 5.5 Pro HD Chest Protector with maximum safety incorporating the 3DF AirFit impact foam with a hard shell to cover the chest, back, shoulder and flank. It's a bit heavier than others (4.4 lbs) but is designed for optimal protection in the event of a crash. Roost has nothing on it!
Other features include:
- 53 ventilation slots for maximum cooling
- Fits under or over the jersey with Leatt neck braces
- CE tested and certified chest, back, shoulder and flank protection
- Adjustable over-the-shoulder straps ensure a great fit
OK, so you're a minimalist. Like we said some protection is at least some protection but that doesn't mean you can't get top notch defense to save your chest from looking like you're coming down with some type of rash inspired disease.
Fox Racing Raceframe Roost Deflector
Slim and sleek, Fox Racing's Raceframe Roost Deflector features a low-profile, articulated design built for the Ride Attack Position in an articulated design that hugs the body and is highly vented for maximum comfort.
Other features include:
- Use under or over the jersey.
- Foam-insert compatible for additional chest and back protection
- Adjustable shoulder straps and removable back plate
- CE Certified stone shield
Fly Revel Race Roost Guard
The Fly Revel Race Roost Guard incorporates a full upper plastic roost deflector with a biofoam chassis system that eliminates injury-causing plastic rivets by using soft plastic and rubber. The neck brace compatible design allows for wearing under or over the jersey.
Other features include:
- Removable thermoformed soft biofoam chassis for increased comfort and easy washing
- Easy-to-use waist belt buckles integrated into the chest plastic
- Air channels molded into the biofoam allow hot air to escape
- Multiple vents for maximum airflow
Atlas Defender Chest Protector
Atlas made their Defender Chest Protector to integrate seamlessly with the Atlas neck brace. It's waterproof and features no gaps, loose parts, fasteners or protruding plastic features thanks to an innovative design that bonds that padding to the plastic shell.
Other Features include:
- Five possible configurations and can be worn under or over a jersey
- 52 intake and exhaust vents
- Waist straps include built-in magnets to help keep the straps in place during use
- Simplified fasteners
Leatt ReaFlex Chest Protector
The Leatt ReaFlex Chest Protector offers stripped down protection by removing the shoulder and upper arm guards while integrating perfectly with a Leatt neck brace. The ReaFlex Chest Protector offers the exclusive BraceOn elastic strap system that attaches the chest protector to the neck brace yet provides independent movement for your body, the brace and chest protector.
Other Features include:
- Slim ergonomic design
- Ventilation slots for maximum airflow
- Padded flanks
- French Motorcycle Federation Certified
