TEN THINGS ABOUT CHEST PROTECTORS

(1) Diversity. When it comes to gear, there’s no segment as diverse as the chest protector market. Helmets, boots, goggles, neck braces, knee braces—each of these protective items are available with different levels of protection at different prices, but the variety doesn’t compare to what you see with chest protectors. When it comes to protecting their torsos (chest, ribs, stomach and back), some riders go for a full bubble-wrap-style suit, while others opt for as little as a thin piece of foam or, worse yet, nothing but a jersey.

(2) Definition. Lawsuits have taught gear manufacturers to be more careful with their words. Although they are always called chest protectors at the track, many companies have labeled their protectors “roost guards” to mitigate their lawyers’ concerns about claims of “protection.” Roost guards are usually smaller, lighter and less protective, but they fit under jerseys and look aesthetically better for those same reasons.

(3) Certification. When a protector has CE certifications, that means it meets the “Conformité Européene” standard (also known as the “European Conformity” in English). The acronym “EN” stands for the “European Norm,” which is widely recognized as a tool to certify protective gear for motorcycles. EN 1621 is a popular rating for chest protectors. Those numbers indicate the item is rated for motorcycle use and the “-1” or “-2” indicates the area of protection it’s referring to. EN 1621-1 is for shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. EN 1621-2 is for the back—CB (Central Back) and FB (Full Back)—and EN 1621-3 is for the chest.

(4) FIM standard. The FIM sets stricter safety standards than the AMA. In FIM events, riders are required to wear chest protectors. Even further, they’re required to meet the EN1621 level one or two standards for both chest and back protection. In AMA events, chest protectors aren’t required.

(5) Neck brace. If you use a neck brace, make sure you’re using a neck-brace-compatible chest protector that leaves room for your brace to fit properly. We’ve seen many riders wear their neck brace on top of the plastic of their chest protector, which doesn’t allow the brace to work properly and limits head and neck movement. Since both Leatt and Alpinestars make neck braces and chest protectors, they have great options for compatible protectors.

(6) Fitment. We recommend trying on any chest protector at your dealership before you buy it. Most have adjustable side and over-the-shoulder straps, but the front and rear guards aren’t so versatile. Make sure the front guard is big enough to save you from roost, but small enough to allow proper movement on the bike. If it extends past your belly button, it’s too long. If the top is positioned in the middle of your sternum, it’s too small.

(7) Ventilation. Ventilation and safety don’t go so well together in the world of motocross gear. Crashes are bound to happen, even if you’re Eli Tomac or Cooper Webb, and you’re going to get hot on the bike, even if you’re a fair-weather rider. The younger wrecking crew testers prefer the Alpinestars A-1 and the Thor Sentinel for coverage and breathability; however, our older and smarter testers prefer the more protective guards, even if they don’t breathe as well.

(8) Shoulder pads. Shoulder pads have become taboo for modern motocross racers. Many young riders toss them aside, trying to look cool. It’s true that it is difficult to design shoulder pads for motocross because a rider’s shoulders are constantly moving, but shoulder pads can save you in a crash, especially if you’re off-roading through the trees.

Star Yamaha’s David Vuillemin wears a Thor Sentinel chest protector.

(9) Options. Know your options before you buy. Alpinestars offers seven different chest protectors. Thor makes four different chest protectors. Leatt makes 14 different chest protectors for men and women. O’Neal and Fly Racing both make three different chest protectors, Moose Racing has two styles of chest protectors and Thor MX has four types.

(10) Protective jackets. If you’re less worried about heat and style and more worried about coming home in one piece, protective jackets are the way to go. Yes, you might get made fun of, and yes, if you ride in 100-degree weather you’ll need to worry about heat stroke, but the protection is worth it in a crash. Most of the top brands offer jackets that you can wear under or over your jersey, and many of them offer shoulder, elbow, kidney, chest and back protection.

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