When riding dirt bikes, safety is paramount. As the sport has developed, manufacturers have designed ever more complex ways of protecting us. It is commonplace to see weekend riders, amateurs, and pro’s wearing the same level of protective wear. With bio-mechanical armour becoming ever more popular, motocross safety has never been better.

There are many kinds of motocross armour. In this article, we are going to look at the various types of Dirt Bike Chest protectors. We will suggest our top 12 best motocross chest protectors from each price point. We will also answer some commonly asked questions.

Is a dirt bike chest protector necessary?

As any seasoned rider knows, riding a dirt bike will subject you to varying degrees of impact. This is true even under normal riding conditions. Riding a trail may involve catching a swipe from a branch. Low-speed manoeuvres are prone to causing the odd slip off the pegs, or unplanned dismount. At higher speeds, flying debris from other riders becomes part of the experience. When racing, these issues are even more pronounced. Chasing other riders will put you in the firing line of a steady barrage of roost. Tumbles at higher speeds can involve significant impact on crucial body zones. Good quality dirt bike body armour is, therefore, essential. Anyone who has caught the full force of their handlebars will tell you, a chest protector is one of the most critical items.

What does a chest protector for motocross do?

That is actually a more complicated question than you may think. A modern chest protector fulfills several roles. As well as impact resistance any dirt bike armour has to allow freedom of movement and ventilation. Also, a well-designed piece of body armour will work in conjunction with other protective items to reduce secondary risks. A secondary risk is a potential injury caused by an item which is solving another problem. For example, a helmet visor may prevent glare, and water ingress to the eyes; however, visors were known to increase whiplash injuries when a riders visor snagged the ground.

Primary functions of a dirt bike chest protector:

1. Prevention of impalement from external objects
2. Reduction of low-level impact from regular debris and roost
3. Absorption of high-level impact from your bike, or the ground

Secondary risk functions of a motocross chest protector:

1. Increase of ventilation and airflow
2. Allowing freedom of movement
3. Reduction of friction and chafing
4. Reduction of secondary risk injuries

While many budget and import dirt bike chest protectors may look the same as branded types, budget versions often overlook secondary risk. Producing a chest protector that looks the part is relatively easy; however, money is frequently saved by using inferior quality components. Some import companies do not carry out extensive risk assessments or user tests. 

What are the differences between roost deflectors, dirt bike chest protectors and body armour?

Roost deflector

A motocross roost deflector is often lighter than both a chest protector, or full body armour, and provides far less in the way of Protection to upper body parts. A roost deflector will provide a layer of extra padding under your jersey, to stop the impacts of regular impact from roost, and offers additional padding against light swipes from tree branches and other random objects. A roost deflector will not prevent serious injury from substantial impacts and crashes.

Dirt Bike Chest Protectors

A dirt bike chest protector provides roost protection and additional impact protection from more substantial impacts and crashes. A chest protector will allow airflow and a good range of movement. Protection is centred on the ribs, and very often the collarbones. Depending on the design, chest armour may include some protection for shoulders and back.

Body Armour

Full motocross body armour/chest protectors will provide maximum coverage for the upper torso and arms. Functionality includes roost protection, rib protection, collarbones, and shoulders. Additional protection consists of the spine, upper arms, and more attention is paid to secondary risks.

All modern dirt bike chest protectors should have compatibility to motocross neck brace systems. 

What are the critical technologies for motocross chest protectors?

The primary materials and technologies for chest protection are centred around movement, impact, and ventilation. A combination of lightweight, shock-absorbing materials, coupled with intelligent design, is required.

What should I look for in a good quality dirt bike chest protector?

• High-quality impact-absorbing foam layers
• Lightweight carbon fibre or composite shells
• Titanium or lightweight aluminium articulation
• A substantial level of adjustment for a firm fit
• Overall weight (Between 1lb and 2lb for dirt bike chest protectors. Up to 5lb for full body armour)

We have looked at every range of dirt bike chest protector on the market for 2021. By comparing safety features, weight, technologies and value, we have produced a shortlist of twelve for you to consider. Your budget and riding style will narrow this list down to your final choices

What is the best chest protector for motocross?

Here are our top twelve motocross chest protectors for 2021

Alpinestars A1 Roost Guard

The Alpinestars Roost Guard has a definite body armour feel to it, with hardshell sections for the chest and back. Alpinestars maintain their high-quality approach to rider protection with this product. The A1 Roost Guard may be the budget end of their range, but it has a removable back protector, intelligent strap design, and a high level of protection for an entry-level product.

Why we chose the A1 Roost Guard

Alpinestars has developed an entry-level roost guard which punches above its class and offers superb protection and compatibility for the money. A great protector for casual trail riding, and primary competition. 

Zones Protected:

Chest and Back

A1 Roost Guard Features:

• High-performance poly-shell materials front and back
• Perforated design for maximum airflow
• Soft bio-foam padding for comfort
• Removable back panel for neck brace compatibility
• Neat strap design for a broader range of fit.

Safety: EN14021 (front protection standard)

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Alpinestars Bionic Dirt Bike Chest Protectors

As with the A1 roost guard, the chest protector is punching above its class and into the realms of full body armour. When it comes to value for money and the level of protection provided, the Bionic Chest Protector is top of the class.

Why we chose the Alpinestars Bionic Chest Protector:

The Bionic Chest Protector has a variety of configurations, which allow you to configure the armour for a type of riding styles. It has a level of protection that is tough to beat in its class.

Zones Protected:

Chest, Shoulders, ribs and back (when worn with all parts configured)

Alpinestars Bionic Features:

• Super light Polymeric hard shells front and back
• Soft Bio-foam inserts for close body comfort
• Neck Brace Compatible
• Thermo-formed side-impact for rib protection
• Articulated panels for adaptive body fit

Safety: CE Certification for hard shells

Chest Protection: (pr)EN 1621-3:2016 Level 1

Back Protection: EN 1621-2:2014 Level 1

Shoulder Protection EN 1621-1:2014 Level 1

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Alpinestars A10 Full Dirt Bike Chest Protectors

The A10 upper body armour is the top of the range upper bodysuit. The A10 provides a higher level of certified protection. Advanced design features such as intelligent strap closure system, grid technology cell system for high impact resistance, and superior air channeling, make the A10 a very comfortable choice.

Why we chose the A10 Body Armour

When it comes to highly specced, fully competitive products, Alpinestars are always on our shortlist. We love the grid cell design which performs three essential functions; dissipation of energy, airflow and weight management.

The A10 is a top of the range competition product with built-in versatility. If you need protection without compromise, then the A10 should be on your shortlist too.

Zones Protected:

Chest, shoulders, back and ribs

A10 Body Armour Features:

• Highest level of impact protection
• Modular design to provide a choice of riding configurations
• Neck brace compatibility
• Bio foam comfort panels
• Quick-release system for easy in and out

Safety: CE Certification for hard shells

Back Protector EN 1621-2:2014 level 2

Chest Protector EN 1621-3:2016 level 2

Shoulder Protection EN 1621-1:2012 level 1 Type A

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Fox R3 Roost Deflector

Fox takes a classic and straightforward approach to its range of chest protection. The R3 deflector is an entry-level roost and stone guard, pure and simple.

Why we chose the Fox R3

If you are looking for a lightweight, sub $100 roost guard with simple functionality, then the R3 is it. A no-frills approach to design keeps both the cost and complexity to a minimum. Although simple in design, the R3 is very capable. Articulation and ventilation are great. Even at this end of the market, the R3 allows you to adapt for a neck brace.

Zones Protected:

Chest and shoulders for stone impact only

Fox R3 Features:

• Simple elastic buckle waist for an adaptive fit
• Adjustable shoulder and waist straps
• Low profile shoulder cups

Safety: Low-end CE14021 stone guard only.

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Fox Racing Raceframe Roost Deflector

The Raceframe Impact is the first level of chest protection from Fox. As well as roost protection, the hard clamshell design adds impact resistance for more competitive riding. Full closure design means that your entire upper torso is protected.

Why we chose the Raceframe Impact Guard

For a mid-level chest protection system, the Fox Raceframe has a remarkably thin profile. This ultra-slim construction makes for extremely comfortable, easy to move in armour. We love the pro-level removable armour plates which inspire confidence. Rider Attack Position design promote a race focused stance on your bike.

Raceframe Impact Features:

• Highly vented articulated design for rider comfort
• Race level impact protection
• Secure and easy to adjust strap system

Safety: CE Certification

Chest protection to EN 1621-2 LEVEL 1

Back protection to prEN 1621-3 LEVEL 1

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Fox Racing Raptor vest

The Raptor Vest provides the rider with complete closure protection for Rib cage, extended lower back, chest and shoulder protection. This full-body armour system is extremely lightweight, with exceptional venting. Pro-level riding impact resistance provides total confidence whatever your choice of off-road riding.

Why we chose the Fox Racing Raptor

The level of protection offered by the Raptor is very high. We love the feeling of being totally encased. Confidence is everything when it comes to riding your dirt bike fast. The Raptor delivers confidence in bucket loads. The Raptor is not the pinnacle of Fox racings range, and yet it competes with other products at a much higher price point.

Zones Protected:

Chest, biceps, back and shoulders

Fox Raptor Features:

• Fully adjustable for a comfortable fit
• Removable and adjustable shoulders and biceps protection
• Neck brace compatible

Safety CE Certification

Back protection CE EN 1621-2 LEVEL 2

Chest protection CE EN 1621-3 LEVEL 2

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Fly Racing Barricade pullover Roost Guard

Fly Racing is a brand on the rise. Their approach to high value, high-performance products has seen them become a popular name in motocross and enduro. Fly has an impressive range of chest protection products. We are going to kick off with a soft shell, comfortable to wear roost guard. The Barricade Roost Guard is a fabulous entry-level product. At under $50 it is also one of the cheapest we feature in this article.

The pullover is based on a traditional T-Shirt design with strengthened panels on the chest to provide protection. The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate protective sections cover the chest, wrap around the shoulders and cover the back too.

Why we chose the Fly Racing Barricade Pullover.

We love the Barricade Pullover for its simplicity. It is ultra-slim, well vented and resilient. There are no complicated strap systems, you simply wear it like a t-shirt. As a basic roost and debris protector, it does not get any more simple than this. For weekend trail riding, what more could you want?

Zones Protected:

Chest, and shoulders. (Roost only)

Fly Racing Barricade Features:

• Highly breathable mesh construction
• T-shirt/pullover design
• Ultra-slim and ultra-lightweight
• Contoured body

Safety: Entry-level debris/light branch protection only

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Fly Racing Convertible 2 roost guard

The Convertible 2 may be labeled as roost protection, but it is so much more in reality. This protector incorporates full chest protection, with articulated zones for your shoulders and biceps too. This is more like a body armour product at a chest protector price.

Why we chose the Convertible 2 roost guard from Fly:

Fly has designed an easy to use, quick release system which works alongside a range of neck braces. This protector has more built-in features than almost every other at its price point. The range of adjustment available ensures a proper fit across many body types. Substantial plastic sections inspire confidence, and there is even a hydro system for those planning off-road adventure rides, or long trails. 

Zones Protected:

Chest, Shoulders, arms and back 

Fly Racing Convertible 2 Features:

• High impact zones
• Outstanding venting
• Arm protection
• Large range of adjustment
• Lightweight aluminium connectors
• Neck brace compatible

Safety certification: Not stated – this is our only query with this product. Come on, Fly. Tell us where it sits!

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Fly Racing CE Level Off-road Roost guard

This premium level protector is probably one of the most technically advanced products available right now. Fly has gone all out to ensure that the CE Level body armour has the very latest ideas and technologies.

This hardshell designed, fully articulated upper body armour has more than a touch of the “storm-trooper” look about it.

Why we chose the CE Level Off-Road body armour:

The design features on this advanced armour include some unique safety features. For example; the rivets and joints are all made without rivets, which could cause puncture injuries. Soft plastic and TRP bullets hold everything together without increased secondary risk.

Airflow is built into the revolutionary bio-foam lining to ensure maximum comfort. The hard plastic shell is layered with high-density foam, and a space mesh lining, resulting in industry-leading triple layer protection. 

Fly Racing has delivered one of the best value, high-performance armour products we have seen.

Zones Protected:

Chest, shoulders, arms and back

Fly Racing CE Level Features:

• Triple-layer, high-density protection
• Super lightweight
• Safety joints which eliminate the need for rivets
• Superb airflow

Safety: CE Level certification although exact details not stated

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Leatt Body Tee – Airflex Stealth

This is the second t-shirt design pullover in our top 12 protectors. Incorporating chest, shoulder and back protection in one super lightweight, and resilient product. The Airflex Stealth Body Tee protector is a close-fitting, well-ventilated product that allows maximum mobility.

Why we chose the Airflex Stealth:

The Airflex pullover is simple and yet highly effective against roost and impacts. The mesh material which makes up the majority of the garment is lightweight and extremely breathable. The soft impact gel is ample for most leisure trail rides, and even faster group rides where you are likely to be pelted with debris. 

Airflex stealth Features:

• AirFlex ventilated soft impact gel
• Stealth, super slim fit
• CE tested and certified as impact protection:
• Anti-odor MoistureCool and AirMesh wicking fabrics
• zip-up compression sock design for maximum evaporation
• BraceOn neck brace fitting system

Safety CE Certification:

Back EN1621-2 Level 1

Shoulder EN1621-1

FFM-French Federation Certified

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Leatt Chest protector 3.5

Weighing just 750g, the Chest Protector 3.5 One of the most lightweight and comfortable dirt bike chest protectors on the market.

Why we chose The Leatt 3.5:

With an intelligent 3D layer, the multi-plate articulating design delivers superb protection, coupled with outstanding ventilation and manoeuvrability. This Leatt protector passes the new FIM regulations.

Leatt 3.5 Features:

• Lightweight, high-performance shell
• 3DF AirFit soft impact foam
• BraceOn neck brace fitting system
• 750g (1,65 lbs)

Safety:

• Chest prEN1621-3 Level 1
• Back EN1621-2 Level 1
• FIM-Federation International Certified
• FFM-French Federation Certified

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Leatt 5.5 Pro HD Body protector

Take the Leatt 3.5, add more ventilation, a full-length sleeve under-suit and increased flank protection, and you have the 5.5 body armour.

Why we chose the Leatt 5.5:

The Leatt 5.5 body armour is a complete upper body exoskeleton. The level of protection form this fully loaded suit is one of the best on the market. A combination of super lightweight mesh, impact-resistant, articulated panelling, and 53 venting ports make the 5.5 a comfortable and highly protective armour product.

Leatt 5.5 Features:

• Hardshell and 3DF AirFit ventilated soft impact foam
• Flank protection
• Multi-layer, multi-plate articulating design
• Mesh base layer
• Kidney belt with height adjustment
• Flank panels add side protection
• 53 ventilation slots for maximum cooling
• Anti-odor MoistureCool and AirMesh wicking system
• BraceOn neck brace fitting system

Safety CE certification

• Chest prEN1621-3 Level 2
• Back EN1621-2 Level 2
• Elbow and Shoulder EN1621-1
• FFM-French Federation Certified

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Whether you are looking for a pure pullover style dirt bike chest protectors for minimal roost and lightweight branches, or a full-on technical exoskeleton, you have now seen some of the best pieces of equipment available to you. 

Any of these products will serve you well as you hit the trails, tracks or woodlands. We will be back with more Motocross Advice soon. Until then, have fun out there!

Martin

Motocross Advice.

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