AMA chest protector

[Viriya]

This could be a very dumb question but lets try.

As I am watching the AMA motocross of 2010, the hosts of the show mentioned that "there is so much roost coming off the bikes and the sand is hard and rocks are all over the place, that a lot of the riders have chosen to ride with chest protector". That blew my mind, are all the pro's not riding with chest protectors regularly in the USA? In the Netherlands and Belgium it is custom to ride with a chest protector always and I had never heard of people not doing it.

Once on my race track a non-motocrossrider raced on a straightaway with some trees on the side, he rode on a 85cc just in second gear, bounces off the bike and hits a tree with his chest and it was game-over. Much likely a chest protector would have saved him.

[checkerz]

Most pros in the US wear them up until they turn pro. Then they trade them in for sponsor logos on their jersey.

I can't guarantee a chest pro would actually save much, but I also don't see too many times that it would make things worse.

[JB323]

Personal preference & depends at what track they are at. The same applies to handguards and just like neckbraces.


And by personal preference i mean that there not vajays. Most do wear a small padded underchest (foam shirt) but not the typical chest protector.

[Viriya]

Most pros in the US wear them up until they turn pro. Then they trade them in for sponsor logos on their jersey.

I can't guarantee a chest pro would actually save much, but I also don't see too many times that it would make things worse.

Why don't they wear it under their jerseys lol, just buy 1 size bigger jersey, that is what we do here

It saved me pretty of times, I have broken two of them with slamming my chest on the handlebar, and than could have been a broken rib instead of a broken chest protector.

[haydugjr]

Most pros in the US wear them up until they turn pro. Then they trade them in for sponsor logos on their jersey.

I can't guarantee a chest pro would actually save much, but I also don't see too many times that it would make things worse.

Why don't they wear it under their jerseys lol, just buy 1 size bigger jersey, that is what we do here

It saved me pretty of times, I have broken two of them with slamming my chest on the handlebar, and than could have been a broken rib instead of a broken chest protector.

I think a lot of them don't like how sometimes they rub or the edges push into you. Tbh, I don't think I've ever seen an interview where a pro rider was asked why they don't wear chest protectors. Perhaps somebody should email Ping for his next column.

[DJD]

I always hated chest protectors. They look stupid and feel awkward when your riding.

Most pros wear under the jersey stuff. http://shop.foxhead.com/store/products/ ... 3Acat20026

[kona309]

I like the Leatt chest protector. Personal preferance.

[DJ99X]

This is what Roczen wears

[BuddyTheElf]

I always hated chest protectors. They look stupid and feel awkward when your riding.

Most pros wear under the jersey stuff. http://shop.foxhead.com/store/products/ ... 3Acat20026

Yeh I dont wear a helmet for that same reason, I mean come on, just makes my head look massive.

As DJD rightly said though, quite a few of the pros wear the softer chest protectors that go under your jersey. I know i've seen James Stewart wearing the alpinestar version.

I wear my chest protector under my jersey and its fine, I dont even notice it when I'm riding.

[die996]

I wear my chest protector under my jersey and its fine, I dont even notice it when I'm riding.

I used to wear some old tough one by Garibaldi, it's just about getting used to it

[slug]

I dont even notice it when I'm riding.

Yeah thats the thing, you can get used to anything.I wear bodyarmour and a neck brace in the colder days,
and a spine protector+neck brace in the hoter days.And I need some time to get used to the clunky body armour
again.When I am attacking a rut , I don't notice shit, not even bruised ribs

So all arguments, like feeling akward, restricting movement , causing armpump, body overheat is just plain stupid.
It's also some " I am too cool to wear armour" syndrom ,as it seems people fell even more badass doing dangerous stuff
with no protection whatsoever, and no, soft shell armour is not real armour.

[DJ99X]

I'm sure this cooler pack Metcalfe wore at Red Bud would weigh a bit. Didnt seem to effect him much

[Tom cortvriendt]

In Europe their are not riding it either, look at Jeffrey Herlings, Gautier paulin , Frossard etc. Also, some people HAVE 3 leatt braces and are not wearing it, so fucking stupid. but they have to choose themselve. I am always wearing it, and i would never ride without one

[Lolerbabop]

I'm getting me one of those kevlar vests.

[yzmxer608]

I'm sure this cooler pack Metcalfe wore at Red Bud would weigh a bit. Didnt seem to effect him much

http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/users/64/ph ... 1309805515

He wasn't supposed to wear that during the race though, he forgot to take it off. Which I guess is saying something about not bothering him .