What Is the Purpose of the Motocross Gear?

Motocross gear can look very cool on a rider. However, that is not its main purpose-- merely an added benefit. Motocross is a thrilling sport, but with that thrill comes constant danger. Whether a motocross rider has years of experience or is a novice, she will always have to contend with gravity, as well as road obstacles and occasionally other riders.

  1. Purpose

    • Motocross gear is specially designed to protect the most vulnerable parts of a rider's body from injury. Whether a crash is minor or severe, wearing properly fitted motocross gear can prevent or at least minimize the impact. Riders may hope to never need such gear, but it is inevitable that some accidents, no matter how minor, will happen.

    Description

    • Motocross gear consists of helmets, knee and elbow guards, body armor, gloves, jerseys, and pants. Helmets are the most important, as they protect a rider's head. Knee and elbow guards are next in the level of importance, as those are the things riders instinctively throw out to try to catch themselves when falling. Body armor can help protect a rider against spinal and frontal impact in a fall. It can also help minimize the “kidney punch” effect a rider may feel while riding a motocross bike over rough terrain. Riding gloves help to minimize the risk of abrasion when a rider throws out his hands to break a fall. Finally, a jersey and pants can enhance the comfort of a riding experience but are not as important as other types of gear.

    Considerations

    • When considering any type of safety gear, especially for motocross, the fit is everything. An improperly fitted helmet may do a rider no good. Helmets should be as snug as possible without causing pain or pressure points. Chin straps should not chafe or overly restrict. Knee and elbow guards should be snug so that they protect a rider's joints but should not cut off circulation. Body armor should be similarly well-fitted, as should gloves. Riding jerseys and pants are made to fit under the aforementioned pieces of gear and come in a variety of fabrics designed for various weather conditions.

    Used Gear vs. New Gear

    • Helmets should always be bought new, as for other sports. A used helmet may look like it is in good condition from the outside, but it is the interior foam layers that cannot be seen that matter. A buyer of a used helmet has no way of knowing whether it has ever been dropped, which can compromise its effectiveness. A rider's first safety concern should be her head, as it is one body part she cannot live without. Other safety gear may be purchased secondhand safely, at a rider's discretion.

    Solution

    • Motocross safety gear is important to anyone wanting to practice the sport. Gear can be expensive, but it's less expensive than extensive surgeries or lengthy hospital stays. Until a rider is confident that he wishes to go further with the sport, he could seek out classes and schools that rent gear to students. Then he can get a feel for the sport and his place in it before spending a lot of money. When he is ready, he should make a helmet and knee/elbow guards his first priority.