The equipment for motocross should be selected carefully, since the safety of the pilot when passing difficult obstacles while riding on artificial and natural tracks depends on its quality and level of reliability. Currently, the whole range of necessary products to protect the body from potential damage can be purchased at almost every sports store. In this case, it is necessary to study in advance the characteristics of a suitable brand of goods.
Features of the choice of off-road and asphalt motocross equipment
The most important criterion when choosing equipment for motocross training is what its protection is aimed at. When moving along paved, relatively flat tracks, increased speed is observed. Therefore, in the event of falls, the rider has to withstand a sliding blow to the surface. In this case, the slip can be quite long, starting with a decent speed. In this case, the equipment is selected based on the level of resistance to prolonged interaction with a solid surface when sliding.
When a rider falls on a cross track, the slip value goes to the last plan, because the longitudinal speed here is quite low, as well as the coefficient of adhesion of tires to the ground. Accordingly, equipment for competition on cross-country tracks should be selected in anticipation of protection from falls from a considerable height in the presence of all kinds of obstacles and bumps.
Helmets
The main protection for motocross is, of course, a helmet. Motocross helmets are equipped with a reinforced chin arch, which is able to absorb part of the collision energy due to deformation. Moreover, the design of the arc of the helmet should effectively protect against several strong consecutive blows.
When moving due to high mobility, a substantial amount of oxygen is required. Therefore, the front of the specialized sports helmets is equipped with air intakes with filters, which provides the rider with a sufficient amount of fresh air.
Cross helmets have a large visor that protects the rider during off-road driving. The most important role here is played by neck protection for motocross, which is selected under the helmet.
As for protective glasses, the presence of such helmet elements is not provided for in a motocross. As eye protection, special plastic glasses are used that fit snugly into the helmet.
Neck protection for motocross
Equipment to protect the neck appeared in motocross relatively recently. The main objective of this element of equipment of a motorcyclist is to prevent damage to the cervical spine, as well as to prevent extreme tilting of the head. Currently, children's neck protection is actively used. Motocross is a rather dangerous sport. Therefore, the presence of such protection is extremely important for beginner athletes.
Today, equipment for protecting the neck is conditionally divided into soft and hard. The most advanced neck protection for motocross is the most rigid construction. The presence of such equipment significantly reduces the likelihood of a neck fracture. At the same time, stiff neck protection somewhat limits visibility during riding as a result of reduced head mobility. However, it is extremely necessary during competitions on difficult tracks with a high probability of falls and injuries.
If we talk about soft neck protection, this option provides significantly more scope for active movements, but at the same time increases the risk of damage.
Extremely important is children's neck protection. Motocross equipment of this plan makes sense when conducting competitions on tracks with increased speed and the most noticeable falls. Neck protection can also be used when operating a hopping technique.
Elbow pads
As equipment for engaging in motocross, elbow pieces should be selected that fit as tightly as possible to the body. Motocross elbow pieces should not rotate or slide. The most effective products are those that are securely fixed on both sides of the elbow joint.
Knee pads
The presence of protection in the form of knee pads reduces the likelihood and severity of damage to the patella. To date, single-hinged, hinged and double-hinged motocross knee pads are distinguished. The latter option is characterized by maximum compactness, as well as the ability to repeat the biomechanics of the knee joint.
When choosing knee pads for motocross, the main attention should be paid to the presence of effective internal protection. The presence of fasteners for fixing the knee pads at the same time on the lower leg and thigh is welcomed, which eliminates their slipping.
Gloves
Gloves are extremely important equipment for motocross, which is selected according to the season. The inner side of the motorcycle gloves should not be sliding, this increases the ability to hold the handlebars while driving in wet weather.
The ideal solution for athletes who have to compete in the cold season are neoprene gloves for motocross. Products of this category have protection against moisture penetration and prevent hand hypothermia in the presence of a strong, cold wind.
Motobots
Cross motobots are used as protective equipment when driving off-road or on unpaved roads. The main danger in this case lies in the high likelihood of injury to twisting, dislocation, fracture of the ankle. Among other things, motorbots protect against blows from stones flying from under the wheels, damage when in contact with obstacles.
Torso protection
Special clothing, as well as neck protection for motocross, is not required. If we talk about the choice of special pants, then it is recommended to pay attention to models with dense, impact-resistant inserts in the knee joints. It is advisable to dwell on leather pants, because if dropped, a hot muffler can easily set fire to synthetic or cotton products.
As for cross t-shirts, this element of equipment should have a free design, so that under the fabric there is enough space to place protection in the form of the so-called moto tortoise.