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Chest Protectors, Protector
Jackets (a.k.a Launch suits)
are part of every
professional dirt rider protection gear. It doesn't
matter if your a Motocross or Enduro rider, if you
take yourself and your riding seriously, you need to
wear it to avoid injuries. It sometimes seems as if
some riders in motocross races don't wear it but if
you look at them carefully, you will see
they wear it under their jerseys. The only sport
where chest protectors and Protector Jackets are not
in regular use is freestyle. This has to do
with the kind of protection chest protectors
provide. I will get into this explanation later on.
What does Chest
protector protect from: Dirt
bike Chest protectors can protect you
from several kinds of injuries: injuries from small flying objects like rocks
and dirt thrown at you by other riders on the track,
trees branches (enduro riders) and medium level hiss
you take from parts of your bike or when falling on
the ground.
It sure doesn't protect you from breaking all your
bones when you hit the ground at 60 MPH or more or
when your bike crashes on you after an unsuccessful
freestyle jump. It is important not to feel
"invulnerable" due to this protective element.
High quality
dirt riding gear:
Chest protector Vs Protector Jacket
Each
of the above have some pros and cons so the there is
no absolute truth about which of them is better to
use. Motocross chest protector provides superior
protection but is big and not very elegant. It
should be worn under the jersey or else it can slip
off in case you hit the ground at high speed.
Protector jacket provides less protection but is
more elegant and easy to handle. You must wear a
shirt underneath it because it feels itchy on the
bear skin. The net or fabric that connects plastic
parts to each other is very delicate so you will
probably want to wear the protector jacket
underneath a T-shirt or riding jersey. Three
clothing layers is very hot and should be a major
consideration for riders in warm places. On the
other hand I can say that it doesn't slip from the
rider's body when he falls in high speed. Protector
Jackets usually include protection for your elbows
while chest protectors don't and requires the
purchasing of elbow protectors separately.
What to check when buying a chest protector or
protector jacket: Try it on and see that it
fits; That you can lean forward as much as you need,
that you can move your arms freely up and forward.
Make sure your neck is free and that the chest
protector doesn't touch it. A light contact can
became a deep scratch when riding for long hours. If
you have a water bag - try it on with the motocross
chest protector to make sure they "go along" fine.
Try the water bag under the chest protector and
above it. It is extremely important to make sure you
can tighten the protector up and that it stays
tighten on your waists and arms. In case of falling
the motocross chest protector will perform its role
only if it is tighten well. When buying protector
jacket don't forget to make sure it can be washed in
a laundry machine. I hope I don't need to explain
why :)
Here is a list of some of the most popular dirt
ride chest protectors and protector jackets on the
market. Take a look, check out the prices and other
qualities, the best price isn't always the best
choice; Make sure you buy a high quality product
that will protect you when you need. Good luck!
|
protector name |
on line store |
colors available |
size |
price USD |
comments |
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Acerbis Bomber Evolution Cromy |
mx-south |
red, green, blue,
clear, orange, vlack |
one size |
85.45 |
N/A |
|
Acerbis Bomber Evolution Cromy |
Bob's Cycle Supply |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Acerbis Bomber Evolution Cromy |
chaparral-motorsport |
red, green, blue,
clear, orange, vlack |
one size |
80.99 |
N/A |
|
Acerbis Bomber Evolution Cromy |
btosports.com |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
 |
 |
Acerbis Bomber Evolution Cromy
Chest Protector
-
Transparent polycarbonate,
shoulder guards in chrome polyamide
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Elastic straps and plastic
latches on the sides
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Color matched cell padding
-
Fits riders 5'4" - 6'0" 140-180
lbs
|
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|
Fox AIRFRAME chest protector |
mx-south |
red/chrome, blue/chrome, yellow/chrome,
black/chrome, orange/chrome |
small, medium, large |
N/A |
2006 gear on sail 2007 gear available |
|
Fox AIRFRAME chest protector |
Bob's Cycle Supply |
red/chrome, blue/chrome, yellow/chrome,
silver/chrome, black/matt |
small, medium, large |
120.00-140.00 |
matt black, black and silver are 140.00 |
|
Fox AIRFRAME chest protector |
btosports.com |
red/chrome, blue/chrome, yellow/chrome,
silver/chrome, black/matt |
small, medium, large |
89.99-139.99 |
prices varies according to size and color |
|
Fox AIRFRAME chest protector |
chaparral-motorsport |
red/chrome, blue/chrome, yellow/chrome,
silver/chrome, black/matt |
small, medium, large |
89.99-139.99 |
prices varies according to size and color |
 |
 |
FOX Airframe Chest
Protector
-
High density shoulder padding
-
Comfort without helmet
interference
-
Shock resistant, clear Lexan®
polycarbonate front and rear panels offer full
coverage and unmatched durability.
-
Airflow from 48 vents keeps riders
cool
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Three-way adjustable and removable
arm guards
-
Kevlar® reinforced torsion hinge
lets two piece rear panel conform to the rider
movement
-
Secure side release closure
|
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|
AXO Vortex EVO |
mx-south |
clear/silver, clear-black |
Medium, Large, Extra large |
98.99-116.99 |
N/A |
|
AXO Vortex EVO |
btosports.com |
blue, black, red, orange |
Medium, Large, Extra large |
98.99-116.99 |
N/A |
|
AXO Vortex EVO |
Bob's Cycle Supply |
N?A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
AXO Vortex EVO |
chaparral-motorsport |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
 |
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AXO Vortex EVO
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Thermo-Plastic chest and upper back
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Floating
rear with PU injected Lumbar
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Rubber
molded hinge
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Aerodynamic rear shape
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Adjustable
shoulder protection
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Aluminum
graphics
-
Shoulder
baskets
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Adjustable
bicep attachments
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Bio-Foam
padding with perforated polyester antibacterial
and anti sweat lining
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Side
adjustment
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