Are Dirt bike / Motocross Chest Protectors WORTH WEARING?

[@raybaker8726]

I am 57. Getting back into enduro riding after 12 years. Never had knee pads, elbow pads or chest protector. Decided this round of life Id get everything i need. Cant be 100% injury proof but can lesson the odds.

[@evopwrmods]

61yrs I ride offroad where when I go down I'm going to get hurt. Ill take a bad bruise anyway over breaking bones, or worse internal injuries. Ups just delivered my tech 7 moto boots, super stiff, but light years of protection ahead of touring boots I used to wear...

[@williamlowe2046]

I'm right there with you! So what if we look like a power ranger for a few hours. It's the end of the day you count your blessings!

[@brianmartindale2221]

I hardcore MTB for four decades and have the scars to prove it. Never wore protection outside a helmet, but man, I am gearing up for this motorized enduro thing. Hate the clunkiness, but I like the relative security. Such a flip

[@anormalrat]

​@@williamlowe2046you get to suit up like a power ranger too

[@willcuthbert5703]

I took a broken tree branch about 2" diameter to the lower ribs and stomach today wearing the leatt 4.5, it went straight through the plastic and foam layer then through my jacket and jersey, if I didn't have it on it would have gone in a long way if not through me they're 100% worth wearing

[@amoore4363]

Yep ....I fell and landed on a head sized rock on the trail and the plastic chest protector cracked and my ribs were good......anecdotal but yeah

[@denouden92]

Broke several ribs this weekend so this video was helpful! Save the chest trust me

[@fit4moto]

Hope you heal up fast!! Thanks man! 🙌🏻

[@redball4093]

Same here. Hope you heal well.

[@GoViking933]

I’ve been wearing a heavy chest protector with full front/back/shoulder & forearm pads for probably 6-8 years now. The airflow thru it is terrible and I just about died of heatstroke in a hard enduro last summer. I’m watching this show to consider options, but really when I think about all the accidents I’ve been in and survived, and my brother getting impaled by a pine tree and what he went through.. Dirtbikings the best sport but shes Full Contact fellas! Live to ride another day is the smart way to go..

[@Fred-mv8fx]

I think the back protector part is the more important part. I watched a 70ish year old man drop his V85TT in a rough, rocky spot. He landed on his back but had a "chest" protector on. When I saw that I started thinking about how painful it would be if he wasn't wearing armor. I wouldn't have sat up so quickly if that was my back, and I'm half his age.

[@vlbz]

I've got the Leatt 4.5. Great piece of kit. Doesn't restrict movement at all, I usually forget I'm wearing it. It does look funny under the jersey, but who has the time to constantly clean mud out of all the creases.

[@shmirdonkin]

I rarely wear chest protectors, but for a period of time that I did I'm certain that it saved me from a spine injury. Over the bars landed on a tree root, cracked the protector, walked away without a scratch. It was a leat with that 3do stuff.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I’ve been running the Alpinestars A10 full protector since it came out. Has stood up to all manner of rolling around on the rocks. Has side plates for ribs. It’s vented extremely well. Only protector I can wear in the summer without overheating.

[@evopwrmods]

I was considering the keatt 6.5 cp , is it better than your a10 you think ? I wear alot of gear from both companies...

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

@@evopwrmods I have previously had the 5.5 HD here by way of comparison. It was hot just wearing in the house after a few minutes. My friend has the 6.5. He complains it’s hot and calls it his “winter coat”. I would take a look may the Alpinestars A10 V2 or V1 which you can still find. You could order both, leave the tags on and walk around with them on and see what you feel.

[@prancingpony69]

I broke almost all my ribs though a pretty thick roost guard. Using an RXR chest protector now. Trust me you don’t want to break all your ribs. Wear body protection unless you like tons of pain lol.

[@mikem9953]

Yup, this video solidified my choice. At 59 years old, I’m not competing, just joy riding, with a busted up old body. I’ll adapt, I’m getting some hard armor front and back. It’s actually pretty simple, I’m tired of pain and starting to fear death.

[@sara24uti97]

Great video! Far less "chest beating" than the usual moto video. Trials rider getting into enduro so this is new to me in terms of gear. It's humid here which has me looking at the soft protector but scary to think of a handlebar going through your torso. Makes you realize it's totally possible. Cheers from Ontario.

[@fit4moto]

Hey Thank you!!

[@aaron___6014]

Get wrap around guards. More surface area if you slam into the end of the bars. And they help your knuckles.

[@kinker200]

I’m a new dirt rider that has only ridden for just under 2 years. One of my first purchases before I even got a dirt bike was the Leatt 4.5 chest protector. I don’t even notice it once I got it on. I came from street riding so I’ve always been an ATGATT kind of guy. It’s crazy to see a lot of people out here in Idaho not wearing much protection while riding dirt. I wear knee braces too. I was at the track and this guy came back next to me complaining he over extended his knee on a jump. These accidents can happen to anyone. It’s better to be prepared.

[@TaterGrabbinBass]

I absolutely love my Leatt 4.5 Hydra because it has a chest protector, back protection that’s removable and my much needed backpack/hydration pack that I can hold extra gear. It’s a bit pricy but at the price I got it at brand new was a steal and I’d buy it again at full price if I had to. Broken ribs are awful and if I can protect against that and other injuries then price doesn’t matter because medical bills are far more expensive.

[@zacksdaddw]

I have always worn at least a roost guard but 99% of the time out will be a full chest protector. The one thing I really look for is the netting in the shoulders so it disperses the contact to the whole shoulder rather than just one point on the shoulder.

[@bobbellendovich6825]

Took a random, hidden, broken pointed branch in the chest like a jousting lance, it nearly punctured my plastic bodywork first, then ricocheted-up and hit me in the chest. A simple chest protector woulda worked. Shopping for armor now...

[@NZ2STROKE]

They have saved my bacon many times,I wear the most protection I can.I slammed a couple of trees 3 weeks ago and walked away battered and bruised with concussion and a broken chest protector but no broken bones.My dad died aug 2 2020 after hitting a tree and I am pretty sure he would still be with us if he was wearing a decent chest protector.

[@eazyplayer777]

Just bought leatt 4.5 as a present for my friend. I asked some riders and they said there is no reason to buy more expensive pro type chest guard because of less mobility and more weight.

[@Elohim100]

I ride a TW200 and I do some on and off roading. I'm honestly considering hard armor like this and wear a jersey over since I feel like that will offer decent protection all around but still have that breathability for technical stuff in the woods when I have to get physical. This coupled with knee guards and ADV boots, as well as handguards on my bike, and I think I'd be in decent shape.

[@travr1131]

I am 49, went riding a few weeks ago in full gear. Hit the motocross track for a few laps, then did two days of tough, hot and humid single track with some nice trails mixed in. I was tired, drenched in sweat and was just taking it easy at the end of day two. As you know, it is often at the end of long rides when you get sloppy. I went to do a nothing jump off over a small ditch and just botched it. Front wheel went under and I landed HARD on my right shoulder. I had under jersey CE 2 level armor on my chest, but the shoulder was only CE 1. My shoulder hurt, it was bruised, but thankfully there was no permanent damage. I decided right there to just throw an old school style chest/roost protector with shoulder armor over top of my gear. It weighs nothing, I don't even feel it and I gain some extra protection for my old shoulders. Find a setup that works for you, but wear your gear!

[@shawn61309]

I just got the leatt 4.5 chest protector there and got a leatt neckbrace 5.5. I crashed once yesterday in the motos and tboned an a-arm in the holeshot. I went headover heels with my bike and I smacked pretty good. Was wearing my chest and neck brace and am only limping today! Not hurt 🤣🤣

[@mike.thomas]

I’m certain they don’t provide 100% immunity from chest/rib injuries, but damn I wish I had a chest protector on when I came off my BMW GSA recently. From the video it looks as though the bike bounced back into me as we slid. Broke three ribs :-(. I also separated my shoulder, but I’m not sure anything could protect against that just due to how shoulders work. I have some armored shirts, but was not wearing one this time (just a jacket with integrated armor) because I was just riding on some easy gravel (famous last words). So, I’ve also invested in Alpinestars A10 modular chest armor for those times when I just want to layer a chest protector on with whatever else I’m wearing. My new rule is: low traction means wearing a chest protector of some sort. Period.

[@peterhart5882]

anything is better than nothing. a buddy went down in a 25 mph curve (street riding). it was 95 out so we had t-shirts, jeans and running shoes (he had leather street boots). it was bad, could have been worse. i started wearing the motocross chest/back chest protector and i attached elbow guards to it. i wear the motocross knee/shin guards also. this is for summer. in winter, i will go to a jacket with armor and will continue to wear the knee/shin guards. if he would have had on what i wear now, he would have came out of it much better

[@hig4s]

Most chest protection is just for roost on a track. If you're not on the track, they aren't really useful. Off the track, a protector should not only be more robust but should include shoulder and elbow protection. I always wear a full body armor jacket with an integrated kidney belt.

[@davidmignella3387]

Im 62, still ride technical new England trails. Lots of rocks, boulders, roots and down trees with broke off limbs that could impale me if I botch a tree crossing. I use a vintage USA Hallman mk 5... I bit bulky but I figure it's way more protective than a skimpy Chinese one they sell these days.

[@mdk42o74]

I was in a crash and got 2" road rash on my back. If I did not have had my armor on I would have had full upper body road rash. It help so much I just order some new better armor. But I will say that $55 armor I got on Amazon was better than not having any at all it worked so good it made me buy a $300 set lvl 2

[@virgilromero3252]

I’m looking for chest protectors for my electric scooter, I commute around my city riding at 40-50mph. I’ve heard stories of people flying off the handle bars and getting winded, which I’ve felt and don’t want to experience again

[@BEZY-vk1hy]

I'm getting a whole set of protection after I landed on my ribs from an electric scooter this week and am in so much pain

[@davidchartrand8780]

I've learned the hard way that cheap protection can cause more harm than good. I broke my elbow last summer wearing cheap pads and I'm sure I wouldn't even been hurt without it on. Last weekend I took a low speed fall in soft sand and was wearing a cheep chest protector from Fox. I hurt my right ribs wear the protector corner made contact. I think it's better to go without if your going to go cheap. I thought something is better than nothing before, but have since reconsidered. I did upgrade elbow and knee pads to some better, but still on lower end of price range. I plan on wearing a padded compression shirt for football under my cheap chest protector with the hopes thar the shirt will protect me from the chest protector and the chest protector will save me from being impaled by a sharp stick or something when trail riding....lol

[@mike.thomas]

I had a similar experience a few months ago. I wouldn’t call my Alpinestars Bionic armored shirt “cheap”, but it seems as though the limited coverage creates an opportunity for you to come down in such a way that the edge of the thick hard chest plate digs into your ribs. That, plus falling sideways onto my elbow with that armor 90 degrees to the ground directly under my body, didn’t help things. I have a frame from the video that shows what probably happened. No broken ribs but they hurt pretty bad for a few weeks. I’ve wondered if I’d have come out better with softer armor. Due to yet another crash recently, where I did break ribs and where soft armor probably wouldn’t have helped much, I’m going to try going “full coverage” modular chest armor (Alpinestars A10), even though I’ve piled tons of money into different armored shirts.

[@Shmack_]

I wear mine for stunt riding but my troy lee one only covers my upper half. I want the rxr chest projector

[@payagnipolontoy9476]

Save my chest and ribs a couple of times

[@Craiglife777]

Hug a tree going 30 mph and you'll be in love with your chest protector and your full face helmet. So I would say the answer is "yes"...........

[@fit4moto]

Hahaha totally!!!

[@smauller623]

I’ve gone from an Astar A10 to a Fly revel ce to a astar A1 newest version. Recently went off track at local race went toward the wooden chicken wire fence and smashed 3 boards and broke a pole….lucky I wasn’t impaled. If I had the A10 or something better than the A1 I’m 100% pos I wouldn’t be bruised and cut up like I am now or reducing risk of being impaled

[@Bodie2020]

I have a hard protector on the shelf that has a hole in it where a set of bars went through and broke 2 ribs. It’s 4x5 inch hole. I had wrap around hand guards on also. I know in my heart that two cracked/broke ribs would have been much worse without it. Not in all incidents will they help. I have been dragged off of a bike by a limb catching the back of my cp. all in all they are worth the discomfort.

[@trailbuilder5789]

Im riding since 20 years... Tipp: 1. Take on your chest protection 2. Take your strongest friend. 3. Let him punch you hard in the chest. 4. Take the protection off 5. Let him punch again... - Now you know your chest protector works ;-)

[@ryanlatham44]

TekVest by TekrIder is worth looking into.

[@braaap690]

Agree

[@RicassoBuilt]

chest protector and neckbrace is just as important as gloves goggles and a helmet if you are riding on a track or trails.

[@deltaskyhawk]

I am looking for something that protects my ribs if you fall off sideways on a dirt bike.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Alpinestars A10 V1 or V2. I own both. Has hard side plates. Way better vented than the comparable Leatt models.

[@dalepellerin]

Not sure why you need 'mobility' when dirt biking? It's a dirt bike, not a mountain bike. I load up the armor when on the dirt bike.

[@bradpeake2130]

The Stilmoto was like armor!

[@fit4moto]

It totally was!!

[@danielhusain7570]

Subbed at the intro-metal!

[@BillyEstes2]

Great video!

[@fit4moto]

Thank you Billy!! I really appreciate that!

[@joethompson2910]

Im 65…. Went down on my my E-mtnb goin about 20mph….now Im sold on my FF IXs helmet but I cracked some ribs… was about 5 weeks ago… it sucked , especially sneezing & coughing…… Im probably gonna get the Leatt 6.5 pro chest protector… I know the 20 something’s are gonna be laughing at me… I dont care…ahh to be young & dumb and full of c*m again, haha….

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

Joe, hope by now, 8 months later, you are doing well!like you, I went down a few weeks back, broke 5 ribs, punctured lung, and broke my collar bone. I'm not riding again until I get protection. i'm also looking at the Leatt 6.5 pro chest protector. it is expensive, but it's a lot better than being out of work for 3 months. I'm 58, and we do not heal as fast as we did when we were young.

[@shigetsan]

These things are totally essential. If you fall on a sharp rock, you're going to wish you had it.

[@KoltFin]

So what is the difference between a chest protector vs a roost deflector?

[@fit4moto]

The roost deflectors have a lot less protection then a sturdy chest protector. The plastic is thinner and doesn’t cover the same area. It’s meant to offer protection from roost and a little in the event of a crash….but with the chest protector, you’re also dealing with a bulkier set up. Hope that helps

[@slayer6936]

One is the rating!!

[@DessertRat]

CE rated vs not.

[@danmano478]

Alpinstars A-10 is rated CE 2 and named roost deflector. So what is the difference between this and Leatt chest protectors CE 2?

[@slayer6936]

I sure do were I ride I do not want to be impelled on a sharp tree brench..or anything like that.i have a Leatt 6.5 and a Alpinestars A1 plus..that I can put over the Leatt 6.5 on a hot day instead of the bigger 6.5..safe is better then death!!

[@Real_Palessi]

Can you use one of these for a regular motorcycle, or is strictly for dirt bikes?

[@TraviNomotion]

Do you not know how molecular armour works? it’s supposed to be soft while wearing but protecting from impacts

[@Shielsproductions100]

How come professional super cross riders don’t wear chest protection?.

[@mike.thomas]

Probably because they get paid to do it and have made a calculation that freedom of movement, lower weight, staying cool are going to get them more wins (thus money) at the risk of an eventual injury that might be worse. Weekend warriors don’t have the same risk/reward profile.

[@TraviNomotion]

They do they wear them under the jersey almost all pros wear a chest protector I can’t think of many that don’t wear chest protectors.

[@steve00alt70]

On the road yes they work.

[@1683clifton]

Let me just say, sugar sand and big shoulders are doom for a mt03. Should have been wearing more gear.

[@gotdirt66]

The way I see it gear is replaceable; the body is not.

[@hillsideenduro4916]

What’s a good brand that has I mid level one for light enduro

[@jasonhowell9589]

Have you ever caught a 2-in f****** rock to the chest from somebody's roost now whare a chest protector

[@timothyhaskell8262]

What brand and model is the heavier one?

[@tscotts9699]

Leatt 4.5 looks like

[@laryangel4082]

5

[@no_special_person]

Subbed n Rubbed!

[@samiam247]

Gotta say that Moose one is the ugliest thing I've ever seen, you're better off buying used hockey gear and covering up with a jersey. I'm rocking the Alpinestars Bionic Action V2. expensive but really worth every penny, excellent design really high quality protection and fits like a glove.

[@christophervillarreal8565]

Every time I didn’t wear one I had terrible injuries broken ribs, collapsed lungs, lacerated liver, broken collar bone etc. it is always worth wearing one. Pros might be able to get away with it but remember they have the best drugs and best surgeons and best trainers to bounce back at sub 25 years old now if you’re over 25 wear one always!