From Head to Toe: The Complete Youth MX Gear Checklist

Motocross racing is an exhilarating sport that demands both skill and safety awareness, especially for young riders. Whether they’re tearing up the track or navigating off-road trails, ensuring proper gear is essential for their protection. Therefore, let’s look at some of the gear that young riders need to be safe while doing what they like.

Essential Gear

Protecting the most vulnerable parts of the body helps prevent a serious injury and possibly turning your child off from the sport altogether. To protect the rider you’re going to need high-quality youth mx gear that’s sturdy enough to take hits and remain intact. Here are the most important parts of the mx gear.

Helmet

This is the most critical piece of gear for every rider, protecting the head and brain in case of falls or collisions. It’s not an optional piece of gear, and your child must wear it even at slow speeds. There are many things you need to take into consideration when getting a helmet such as safety ratings and sizings. It’s imperative to choose a helmet that meets safety standards such as DOT, so that you can rest assured that your child wears the best head protection available. Take some other factors into consideration as well, such as ventilation so opt for helmets with airflow channels so that the rider can be comfortable. 

Armour

This piece of gear plays a vital role in safeguarding vital areas such as the chest, back and shoulders from impacts. The right armour that is made of high-quality materials will disperse energy from crashes thus reducing the risk of serious injury. Some armour systems feature adjustable straps that allow the rider to customise it and make it more comfortable while being safe. Getting the right armour can provide peace of mind, allowing young riders to focus on improving their skills without compromising safety. 

Pants

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Pants are essential for shielding the legs from debris, branches and potential falls. These pants should be made of sturdy and resistant materials and should have reinforced padding in the knees and hips that would offer added protection against impacts. They should also have stretch panels that allow freedom of movement and flexibility on the bike so that the rider can move and control the bike. 

Boots

Sturdy boots are a crucial part of youth MX gear, providing ankle support and protection against impacts and burns from the exhaust pipe. Look for boots that have reinforced toe boxes and heel cups for maximum impact resistance. High-quality boots might feature adjustable buckles and straps for a secure fit and a padded interior for comfort during the rides. Getting quality boots will enhance safety, but also durability and will ensure a long-lasting performance. 

Jacket

A lightweight and breathable jacket will offer protection from many things. For starters, it will prevent scratches and dirt, but it will also provide some weather resistance. Look for jackets made from durable materials like nylon with reinforced stitching for added durability. Additionally, jackets with reflective accents or bright colours enhance visibility thus improving safety during low-light conditions. 

Additional Gear

The additional gear protects the rest of the body that’s not protected by the essential gear and it provides additional support. These might need a little getting used to, but the rider will get used to wearing all the gear and they will be protected. Some of the extra gear include: 

• Goggles - they protect the eyes from dust, dirt and debris and ensure clear vision and maximum safety. Googles that have anti-fog and scratch-resistant coating are the right options because they will remain intact and protect the rider in any conditions. Look for ones that have adjustable straps so that they can be customised to fit properly.
• Gloves - they protect the hands which is crucial for maintaining control and comfort while riding. Look for ones that have reinforced palms and knuckles for added protection. They should be made from breathable materials for comfort and ventilation.
• Knee, Elbow and Wrist Guards - these guards provide additional protection for joints, prone to impact and injury. They should be made of hard plastic or foam padding to absorb energy from impacts, reducing the risk of fractures and sprains. 

How To Clean The Gear

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Each piece of gear requires cleaning to erase the smell and the dirt after a ride. The important thing about the gear that’s made of fabrics is to follow the instructions on the tag, but you can also clean them in the washing machine. If the ride was muddy though, make sure to remove chunks of mud before putting it in the washer.

Don’t forget to clean the helmet. Use water and a mild detergent to wash both the inside and the outside of it, but don’t use harsh chemicals that might ruin the helmet. The same thing goes for the goggles, just wash them with mild soap, dry them and you’re ready to go.

As young riders embark on their mx adventures, ensuring that they are properly equipped with the right gear is crucial. From helmets to gloves each piece plays a vital role in protecting against potential injuries. So, gear them up and let them ride safely.