The Importance of Motocross Chest Protectors
by DAVE KRYTON
A motorcross chest protector, also at times called a roost protector, is an important piece of equipment to use when riding a quad. Chest protectors are typically placed over or under a coat to give more crash protection for your chest, shoulders, and back. They are usually made from bendy plastic, and use foam padding. If you ride off-road in rocky areas, are into sport type riding, or are just looking for more protection, you should seriously consider a chest protector.
Chest protectors are designed in several differing styles, each for a specific use. You will only get a fairly modest degree of extra safety from a low end chest protector. A more complex chest protector may include padding on the shoulder, padding for the elbows and back pads, ensuring the ultimate in torso protection. Some companies have modular chest protectors, so you can add or remove pads to customize a chest protector according to your personal tastes.
Though ATV chest protectors have been designed for protection and not looks, as with most mx equipment and apparel, a huge selection of colors and designs are possible, enabling you to match your chest protector with your other gear. You can also wear your chest protector under the riding jacket if you don��t like the way it looks. It��s important to realize that your protection and not looks ought to be the main consideration.
The point now is whether each rider needs a motocross chest protector. If you only use your ATV for doing basic jobs around the farm, a chest protector is a bit excessive. ATV riders who do racing and other motocross activities with their quads will have the greatest benefit from wearing a chest protector. If a crash happens, wearing a chest protector could be the difference between walking away unharmed and a trip to the emergency room or even the unthinkable.
As is true with other quad gear, thoroughly check the quality of the design. When viewing a chest protector, check where the straps join to the plastic. Higher rate chest protectors will actually rivet or sew the nylon straps right on to the plastic. Look for a well put together attachment. Also, consider the padding. How are they connected to the plastic? Is the plastic bendable, but strong, or does it seem to be brittle?
It��s important to properly take care of your mx chest protector. Periodic inspection of any rivets, webbing, or glued joints is recommended. If a worn piece of webbing or damaged rivet is found, repair it as soon as possible. The chest protector won��t do you any good if it is coming apart. If the chest protector has any splits in the plastic, it ought to be replaced, since it��s capacity to protect you in an accident can no longer be relied upon.
There are many additional safety issues for quad owners to think about. If you are new to riding ATV��s, there are several excellent places on the web where you can discover all you need. Here are some links.
