ATV Chest Protection Helps Prevent Injuries

An ATV chest protector, also sometimes known as a roost deflector, is an essential piece of equipment to use when riding quads. They are most often worn over a jacket to provide extra crash protection to your chest, shoulders, and back. They are usually made out of bendy plastic, and use suspended mesh. If you ride trails on rough ground, are into motorcross riding, or are just looking for more protection, you should seriously think about getting a chest protector.

Chest protectors are made in many different styles, depending on the desired use. You will only get a relatively small amount of extra protection from a basic chest protector. A more elaborate chest protector may also have padding on the shoulder, pads for the elbow and back pads, providing the ultimate in upper body protection. Some makers offer modular chest protectors, so you can add or remove pads to customize a chest protector to your liking.

Motocross Chest protectors come in a variety of styles and colors, even though they are created for protection rather than appearances. You can also wear your chest protector under your riding jacket if you don’t care for the color or style. It’s important to understand that safety rather than looks is the most important thing to think about.

Should motocross chest protectors be used by all riders? Chest protectors likely are not important to use in all situations. Doing jobs around the farm or mowing grass are good cases. Motorcross types and racers will get the most from wearing a chest protector. If you happen to take a spill, wearing a chest protector may be the difference between walking away uninjured and a visit to the hospital or worse.

As with other ATV gear, thoroughly check the quality of the design. When viewing a chest protector, check where the straps fasten to the plastic. Top end chest protectors will actually rivet or sew the nylon straps right into the plastic. Look for a well put together attachment. Also, check the padding. How are they joined with the plastic? Is the plastic flexible, but tough, or does it seem to be brittle?

It’s best to correctly maintain your motocross chest protector. Cleaning chest protectors usually is simply a question of wiping them using a soft cloth. If it’s covered in thick dirt, hosing them off with fresh water will remove heavy dirt plus avoid scratching. Be very careful with chemicals. The plastic or foam can easily be damaged. Light soap with water is usually a safe way to tidy dirty chest protectors.

Using 4-wheelers can be a really rewarding way to spend time. They are great both for work and recreationally. But always remember to take proper precautions and wear appropriate safety equipment like helmets and chest protectors.

Dave Kryton, is a four wheeler ATV enthusiast and blogger for ATV Urge, a website dedicated to evaluating ATV gear and accessories and encouraging necessary safety practices.