The Necessity of MX Chest Protectors



Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2008

by Steve Bishop
http://www.atvurge.com

An MX chest protector, also occasionally known as a roost protector, is an essential piece of gear to use when riding an ATV. Chest protectors are most often worn over a coat to provide more protection from crashes for your chest, shoulders, and back. They are usually made from bendable plastic, and use foam padding.  If you ride trails in rocky areas, are into motorcross riding, or are just looking for more protection, you should seriously consider a chest protector.

Chest protectors are manufactured in a variety of different styles, each for a particular use. A basic chest protector, that is typically a foam or plastic pad worn over front of the torso, gives only minimal extra protection from hurled debris from other riders. A more complex chest protector may include pads for the shoulders, elbow padding and pads for the back, providing complete upper body protection. Some brands offer modular chest protectors, giving you the ability to customize it to your liking.

Although ATV chest protectors have been designed for your protection and not fashion, as with most motocross gear, a huge selection of colors and designs are possible, allowing you to coordinate your chest protector with your other gear. If you want, you can wear your chest protector under your riding jacket if you don't like the way it looks. It's vital to realize that your protection and not looks ought to be the primary thing to contemplate.

The issue arises whether every rider should wear a motocross chest protector. Chest protectors probably aren't needed in all situations. Doing jobs around the farm or plowing snow are obvious cases. Motocross types and racing enthusiasts will get the most from a chest protector. If a crash happens, wearing chest protection could make the difference between walking away uninjured and a trip to the emergency room or worse.

As with other equipment, thoroughly check the quality of the construction. When viewing a chest protector, check where the straps attach to the plastic. Top end chest protectors will actually rivet or sew the nylon straps right on to the plastic. Look out for a well made attachment. Also, consider the padding. How are they joined with the plastic? Is the plastic bendable, but strong, or does it seem to be brittle?

It's best 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 discovered, fix it at once. The chest protector won't help you if it is coming apart. If your chest protector has any splits in the plastic, it should be replaced, because it's capacity to safeguard you in crash is greatly diminished.

Chest protectors are only one of many necessary precautions for four wheeler enthusiasts.  If you are new to riding ATVs, there are several excellent places on-line where you can learn all you need. Click here to see some.
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