Let’s face it: Riding is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
If you’ve spent much time around people who like to ride dirt bikes, you’ve probably heard the term “ATGATT” (All The Gear, All The Time). While the term may seem like a silly macho credo, it is a serious safety statement. It is not just a saying but a way of life for serious riders. It is also the law in some countries. If you’re going to ride a dirt bike, it’s a good idea to wear all the gear you can.
We have talked about 4 Important Dirt Bike gear that can be potential lifesavers in the event of a crash.
Have a look.
1. Motocross Helmet
You can’t go on a dirt bike ride without a helmet. It is not only vital protection for your skull but also for your jaw and face. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 percent of accidents can be avoided using helmets. Also, helmets could reduce the risk of a motorcycle crash-related injury by 69 percent.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the Department of Transportation recommend that every rider wear a helmet every time you ride a motorcycle, no exceptions.
If you’ve ever been tempted to hop on a dirt bike, you’re probably familiar with the wide variety of available helmets. The most common are full face, 3/4 helmets, and 1/2 helmets.
Full face helmets provide the most protection, while 1/2 helmets offer the least. 3/4 helmets fall in-between and are a popular choice because they still give you protection but allow a little more freedom when you’re riding. Pick the right helmet size depending on your head. Most manufacturers will give you a size chart and a guide to measure your head.
Helmet Size Chart:
Top Helmet Recommendations From MXStore:
- Thor Sector 2021
- RTX ZENITH II
- ALPINESTARS 2021 S-M5
2. Motocross Jacket
A dirt bike jacket is a type of apparel that is specifically designed for off-road motorcycle riding. It is designed for rugged terrain and unpredictable riding conditions. The dirt bike jackets protect the rider’s skin from potential abrasions and blow from branches and other things that may get in the way. The off-road motorcycle jackets also come with pockets that can hold different accessories required for a dirt bike rider.
Leather is the most common material used to make dirt bike jackets. It is the most durable type of material. The leather is usually thick enough to protect the rider from most injuries caused due to a fall or an accidental blow from other objects. Synthetic is another popular material type you can consider. It is flexible and long-lasting.
3. Pants
A lot of bikers prefer wearing jeans over pants because they are comfortable and durable. However, they aren’t safe. Wearing jeans while riding increases the risk of injuries during riding. That is why we highly recommend investing in good dirt bike pants.
Dirt Bike Pants aren’t made of the regular materials typically used in clothing. They are made from fabrics designed to withstand the rigors of riding on off-road terrain. They are built to offer ample protection while still allowing the rider to move freely. Just like your helmet, the pants you wear should be designed to protect you from serious injury if you crash your dirt bike.
4. Boots
Another highly ignored (and regretted) gear in dirt biking is Dirt Bike Boots.
Dirt bike boots can be a lot like other protective gear: they are only as good as the protection they offer. After all, the boots that protect you from cuts, bruises, and broken bones aren’t going to do much if they don’t cover your feet!
Most dirt bike boots are made of materials like leather, rubber, or nylon, which are all fairly abrasion-resistant. The soles of your boots are what keeps you firmly planted on the ground, and other materials like steel or even carbon fiber offer protection from the heat generated by the engine. As you can imagine, most dirt bike boots are not cheap, but the investment is a small price to pay for your safety.
5. Motocross Goggles
Just like a good motocross helmet, a good pair of motocross goggles can make the difference between a good day and a bad day. They will protect your eyes from dust, debris, bugs along the way. They will also protect the rest of your face from wind, twigs, and other distractions that come your way as you whizz past the rough terrains.
You’d want to make sure you buy a good pair of goggles. Here are a few questions you need to answer before making a buying decision:
- Do you want goggles with a large field of vision?
- Goggles with great ventilation or amazing colors – what’s your pick?
- Do you prefer foam or plastic lenses?
We’d advise purchasing lightweight goggles that cover your eyes and eyebrows easily. And if you get a pair with your favorite color, what’s better than that?
6. Chest Protector
Chest protectors make life a lot easier when you’re riding motocross. They not only protect you from the inevitable crash you’ll have but also from the tiny rocks that get kicked up by the bikes in front of you. Chest protectors also help keep you comfortable, as they are designed to work with your body’s natural movements. While there are many different chest protectors on the market, only a few are designed specifically for motocross.
Some amazing chest protectors are:
- UFO Shockwave Chest protector
- EVS chest protector
- Fox Pro chest protector
7. Knee and Elbow Pads
When it comes to Motocross equipment, there’s no such thing as too much padding. This is especially true when it comes to your knees and elbows. Most people don’t realize how important these parts of your body are until after a bad crash.
Your knee pads are there to help your knees take the shock from landing. A hard landing on your knees can cause ruptured ligaments and injured tendons. Knee pads help distribute the impact of the landing and can help prevent serious knee injuries.
Elbow pads help protect your elbows from landing on the ground too hard. A hard landing on your elbow can cause a badly bruised elbow and swelling. Elbow pads can help prevent this swelling and bruising.
Take cues from this article and make sure you don’t compromise on your safety.
