It’s not just motocross riders who need body armor. Anyone who rides off-road can benefit. In this review, we look at 10 of the Best Body Armor for Dirt Bikes, covering all the options available to you.
Whether you’re a trail rider, enduro rider, or motocross rider it’s an essential piece of gear.
Apart from roost protection, there’s a heap of other dangers that your body armor can protect you from.
If you’re into trail riding in forests, a good chest protector is a must to protect you from being skewered by tree branches.
My own chest protector has saved me from a broken 2″ thick branch which stabbed me right in the chest, luckily it was deflected by the chest protector. I hate to think of the outcome had I not been wearing it.
Quick Summary
Pushed for time? Here’s a quick look at the Top 10 Best Body Armor for Dirt Bikes being reviewed here:
- Leatt 4.5 Pro Chest Protector – Best Bang For Buck
- Leatt 5.5 Body Protector – Best Of The Best
- Fox Racing Women’s R3 Roost Deflector – Best Women’s Roost Deflector
- Alpinestars A-10 Full Chest Protector
- Zac Speed Exotec Roost Deflector – Best Hydration pack compatibility
- Fox Racing Airframe Pro Jacket
- EVS Sports G7 Ballistic Jersey
- Fox Racing Titan Protective MTB Jacket
- Leatt 5.5 Pro HD Chest Protector
- Fox Racing Youth CE Raptor Proframe – Best Kids Body Armor
I’ve looked at Roost deflectors, Chest Protectors, and Body Pressure Suits in this review.
Prices range from $72 to $290, so we have ‘Bang for Buck’ through to the best available.
Some of the most popular Body Armor brands are: Leatt, Fox, EVS, Alpinestars, Thor, and Troy Lee Designs.
How To Choose The Right Body Armor
There are basically three different body armor options available today, suited to different types of riding, and different price ranges to consider.
Let’s run through the options available to you.
Body Armor Options:
1. Hard Shell Chest Protectors
These are the most popular choice for dirt bike riders today. They’re usually called chest protectors, but they come attached to some form of back protection, shoulder guards, and detachable upper arm pads.
One thing to be aware of is that a Roost Deflector and a Chest protector are not the same things.
Roost deflectors are designed to protect you from rocks and dirt kicked up by other riders, and from getting cuts or bruises from branches if you’re trail riding. They are not designed to protect you from impacts in a crash.
Chest Protectors are usually a little bit more expensive and the best ones have a CE certification for impact. To achieve a CE certification it has been put through independent tests to meet very specific standards.
2. Body Pressure Suits
The ultimate upper body protection is provided by the pressure suit.
They incorporate a chest and back protector, integrated elbow and shoulder pads, upper arm pads, and some even incorporate a kidney belt attached to the bottom of the suit.
Some incorporate hard thermoplastic pads, while others use a soft shell 3DF protection. They can be worn under your jersey, or over the top, in which case you’ll need a slightly larger jersey.
They’re generally more expensive than a chest protector, but all that extra protection comes at a price.
3. Padded Under Armor
These are a popular lightweight option in the hotter months. They are well vented to keep you cool, and offer good roost protection, but not as good impact protection as the hard shell chest protectors.
They are usually worn under your jersey, and come in long sleeve, tee-shirt style, and vest style.
Padded under armor is a good option if you’re not looking for full-on hard shell protection.
Kids Body Armor
Kids aren’t left out in the body armor category. Most of the manufacturers offer kids body armor in sizes to mirror their adult range in chest protectors and under armors, with the exception of pressure suits.
A lot of them are ‘One Size Fits All’ because of the range of adjustment available.
This is great when your kid is growing quickly and you don’t want to keep replacing it every couple of years.
Sizes are usually measured using the chest measurement.
Refer to No. 10 in this review for one of the best available in youth body armor.
Top 3 Things To Consider
1. The type of riding you do: Whether you’re racing motocross or just weekend trail riding, the absolute minimum protection should be a roost deflector. Even at low speeds, being skewered by a tree branch can be fatal.
A chest protector preferably with a CE rating is the next level up if you are looking for impact protection in a crash. If you’re into high-speed desert racing, a body pressure suit may be what is required.
2. The quality of the materials used: The old rule of ‘You get what you pay for’ holds true, so a good quality shell and foam lining is a must so that it protects you as designed.
3. Comfort and Fit: If it isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it. It won’t do you any good sitting in your gear bag, so ensure you select one with plenty of adjustment to suit your body size.
For it to work as designed, it must fit snugly against your body so that the inner padded lining and the outer shell can do their job.
Features to Look For In Dirt Bike Body Armor
- High impact polycarbonate external shell material
- Removable arm guards
- Padding around the neck and shoulder areas
- A design that can be used with your neck brace (if you wear one)
- Lightweight
- Cooling vents to allow airflow
- Adjustable shoulder and chest straps to ensure a good fit
- A range of sizes and colors available
Let’s Look at the best of what’s available in Roost deflectors, Chest Protectors, and Body Pressure Suits.
1. Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector
This hard shell chest protector is CE certified for impact, which means it has been independently tested, so you’re assured of its quality. This is a very important feature to look for.
It uses both a hard external shell (HDPE) and 3DF AirFit impact interior foam for protection.
3DF impact foam is designed to be flexible for a comfortable fit, then instantly transforms into a hard, energy-absorbing substance under impact during a crash.
It’s designed to be integrated with a Leatt neck brace if you choose to wear one.
It offers chest, back, and flank protection thanks to the wrap-around design, and scores 12 points in Leatt’s protection rating system.
The only drawback with this model is the lack of shoulder pads.
The Leatt 4.5 Pro can be purchased in the shoulder pad version which has a Total Leatt protection score of 17 points.
For a higher level of protection again, the 5.5 Pro HD Chest Protector has a score of 20 points (At no. 9 in this review).
Features:
- CE tested and certified as impact protection
- Adjustable Flank panels which give you side protection
- FFM-French Federation Certified
- Total Leatt protection score of 12 points
- HDPE High-Density Poly Ethylene hardshell outer protective shield
- Perforated 3DF AirFit impact foam inner lining with a mesh base layer, which hardens on impact
- Multi-layer multi-plate articulated design which adds to its strength
- Ventilation slots for maximum airflow to help keep you cool
- ‘BraceOn’ neck brace fitting system, so it’s compatible with a Leatt neck brace
- Removable chest and back plates allow over/under the jersey Leatt neck brace fit
- Weight: 1.45kg (3.2lbs)
- Design for a unisex fit: Adult 70-90kg (150-198lbs), XXL 90-130kg (198-286lbs)
- Colors available: Black, White
CERTIFICATIONS
- EN 1621-2 level 2 certified coverage on the back
- EN 1621-3 level 2 certified coverage on the chest
Pros:
- CE Certified
- Good price for top quality
- Neck brace compatible
Cons:
- No shoulder pads
2. Leatt 5.5 Body Protector
The Leatt 5.5 Body Protector is the absolute top of the line in body protection, offering chest, back, elbow, shoulder, and flank protection.
It is CE tested and certified and scores a total of 25 points in Leatt’s protection rating system, which is the maximum level of full-body protection.
The external hard shell areas are made of High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) which provides impact protection and stone deflection.
The hard shell is integrated with 3D AirFit soft impact foam interior lining which is designed to conform to your body’s shape and will harden immediately when subjected to an impact during a crash.
A new feature is the mesh base layer and anti-odor ‘MoistureCool’ and ‘AirMesh’ wicking fabrics which help with drawing moisture away from your body and keep you cool on those hot days.
Another great feature I like with pressure suits is the incorporation of a kidney belt into the unit. A must for riding rough terrain.
The Leatt 5.5 Body Protector is, of course, compatible with Leatt neck braces.
Features:
- CE tested and certified as impact protection
- Adjustable Flank panels which give you side protection
- FFM-French Federation Certified
- Total Leatt protection score of 25 points
- HDPE High-Density Poly Ethylene hardshell outer protective shield
- Perforated 3DF AirFit impact foam inner lining with a mesh base layer
- Multi-layer multi-plate articulated design which adds to its strength
- Kidney belt with height adjustability to suit riders of different heights
- 53 Ventilation slots for maximum airflow to help keep you cool
- New anti-odor MoistureCool and AirMesh wicking fabrics
- FlipFit front and rear function and ‘BraceOn’ neck brace fitting system which allows over and under jersey fitting with Leatt neck braces
- Weight: 2.50kg (5.5lbs)
- Designed for a unisex fit measured in height: SM 160-172cm (5’2″-5’8″), L/XL (172-184cm (5’8″-6′), XXL 184-196cm (6′-6’5″)
CERTIFICATIONS
- EN 1621-2 level 2 certified coverage on the back
- EN 1621-3 level 2 certified coverage on the chest
- EN 1624-1 on elbow and shoulder protectors
Pros:
- CE Certified
- Neck brace compatible
Cons:
- A bit pricey
3. Fox Racing Women’s R3 Roost Deflector
The Fox Racing Women’s R3 Roost Deflector is designed to be a women’s specific, body-hugging, race-form fit roost deflector.
The chest, back, and shoulder pads are polycarbonate construction, with lower profile shoulder pads that are adjustable for a custom fit.
The arm guards are fully adjustable and removable if you choose to not wear them.
The Fox Racing R3 is the ideal choice if you’re looking for roost protection for motocross, enduro, or trail riding, without blowing the budget.
Its body-hugging race-form fit and low-profile shoulder cups allow you to wear it over or under your jersey.
It is also available in a Youth size R3 Roost Deflector.
Features:
- Polycarbonate chest, back, and shoulder construction
- Low profile shoulder cups
- Fully adjustable and removable padded arm guards
- Adjustable shoulder connections for custom fit to suit your body
- Women’s specific anatomical fit chest plate
- CE EN 14021 certified stone shield
- Sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large
- Colors: Black/Pink and Black/Grey
Pros:
- Low price
- Good adjustability
Cons:
- Roost protection only
4. Alpinestars A-10 Full Chest Protector
The Alpinestars A-10 Chest Protector is a unique exoskeletal design that is CE certified and can be worn over or under your jersey.
The shells are a high-performance polymeric material blend material with the Alpinestars ’embedded grid technology’ under the shells which helps absorb and dissipate impact forces.
A soft Bio foam interior padding provides comfort and gives you a personalized fit against your body.
The protection also extends around the sides to protect your rib cage and is secured by adjustable elastic straps to two buckles at the front.
The A-10 is compatible with the Alpinestars BNS neck brace. The upper top section of the chest plate and back plate is removable to allow fitting of the neck brace with an elastic pull tab at each shoulder for securing the brace into place.
The modular design allows the shoulder and bicep pads to be removed so you have the option to remove just the bicep pad, or the shoulder and bicep pads together.
It is available in Anthracite/Black/Red, and White/Black/Red.
Features:
- Modular design to allow for the addition of BNS neck support
- Removable upper front panel and back padded panel for BNS compatibility
- Soft-touch BNS puller for convenient and safe engagement of the BNS neck support
- Modular design to allow the protector to be worn in various configurations for different riding situations
- Removable EVA padding on the biceps pads with a locking system on the shoulder pad to keep the protector in position
- Soft Bio foam padded chassis for maximum comfort and a personalized fit
- Side adjustable kidney belt which allows for various fit sizes
- Alpinestars quick release attachment system for convenient fitting and removal
CONSTRUCTION
- Protector plates feature ’embedded grid technology’ under the shells to help absorb and dissipate impact forces.
- Grid technology cell system which enables greater flexibility and ventilation while reducing the weight
- Hard shells are constructed from a high-performance polymeric material blend for flexibility and feature perforation zones and air channeling to help breathability and ventilation
CERTIFICATIONS
- EN 1621-2:2014 level 2 certified coverage on the back
- EN 1621-3:2016 level 2 Type A certified coverage on the chest
- EN 1621-1:2012 level 1 on shoulder protectors
Pros:
- Neck Brace compatibility
- CE Certified
Cons:
- The back protector extends fairly low so you may have difficulty tucking in jersey if it is worn over the protector
5. Zac Speed Exotec Roost Deflector
The Exotec chest protector is a hard-shell polycarbonate chest plate that offers excellent airflow to keep you cool, while also giving you full roost protection.
Zac Speed has solved the complications involved in trying to juggle your Roost Protector with your hydration pack and tool pack.
The Exotec system has been designed to optimize these three elements into one system.
The chest plate is ergonomically attached to any of the Zac Speed CONFIGR8 hydration backpacks (Sprint R-3, Recon S-3, Dakar) using the ‘Soft Shell Shoulder Suspension System’.
The use of the quad load distribution straps allows the backpack to be fully loaded and still maintain a balanced position on the rider, without causing the chest plate to ride up your chest, offsetting the pendulum effect.
This also helps reduce the apparent weight of the loaded backpack by distributing the load over the entire chest plate.
The chest plate can easily be fitted and removed using the tool-free CONFIGR8 ladder-lock system.
Features:
- Construction: Polycarbonate chest plate
- EVA molded foam padding for a comfortable fit to your body
- Quad load strap system to offset the weight when using with a backpack
- Soft shell shoulder guards which are fully adjustable
- Weight: M/L 0.6kg (1.3lbs), XL/XXL 0.77kg (1.69lbs)
Note: Backpack not included. Available for purchase separated
Pros:
- Can be integrated with a hydration pack and tool kit
- Compatible with neck braces
Cons:
- No shoulder pads
To see how the Exotec Roost Deflector works with the Zac Speed Recon S-3 Hydration Pack using the CONFIGR8 System:
Hydration Pack Comparison – What Type Is Best For You?
6. Fox Racing Airframe Pro Jacket
The Fox Racing Airframe Pro Jacket is a CE rated jacket on the chest, back, and shoulders for impact protection, with a soft molded EVA foam internal lining that is moisture-wicking.
It has plenty of ventilation cutouts to the chest, back and shoulder pads to allow it to breathe and keep you cool.
Your jersey can be worn over or under the jacket, and the shoulder pads are removable if you prefer to not use them. The shoulder straps are also adjustable to give you a custom fit.
The back protector features a dynamic flex hinge that allows the upper and lower sections to pivot and flex with you while you’re moving around on the bike.
The lower back section also extends around the sides to protect your rib cage and is secured by adjustable elastic straps to two buckles at the front.
The Airframe Pro is available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Large/X-Large.
Features:
- Articulating backplate which pivots to allow for superior fit & range of motion
- Molded EVA foam which resists sweat & allows for ventilation
- Bonded construction that eliminates the need for screws or posts
- Removable shoulder plates with adjustable shoulder straps
- Neck brace compatible
CERTIFICATIONS
- CE 1621-2 level 2 certified coverage on the back
- CE 1621-3 level 1 certified coverage on the chest
- CE 1621-1 level 1 on shoulder protectors
Pros:
- CE certified
- Pivoting backplate with side protection
Cons:
- May not be neck brace compatible with some brands
Sometimes unavailable on Amazon. Alternative link to Fox Racing
7. EVS Sports Men’s G7 Ballistic Jersey
The big advantage of pressure suits is the all-in-one upper body protection.
They are the top level in protection, and what I personally ride with, and I’ve been riding dirt bikes for over 30 years.
The EVS Sports G7 is a recent update on the G6 Ballistic Jersey. It is a lightweight, breathable ballistic jersey designed for maximum upper-body protection for all-day comfort and breathability.
The external shell is hard polymer plastic and covers your chest, back, elbows, and shoulders.
It is designed to be worn under or over your jersey. Personally, I like to wear the jersey over the top to keep the pressure suit clean.
Fitting the jersey is easy with a velcro and zipper closure at the side, and velcro cinch closure at the shoulders.
The built-in kidney belt is a great feature of these all-in-one suits and the articulated spine protection gives you more flexibility than a hard shell chest protector.
Features:
- Full Torso and elbow protection
- Energy displacing hard plastic chest, back and shoulder protection
- Flow vents provide additional air circulation
- Built-in Kidney belt provides lower back support and added stability
- Easy side-entry zipper
- Elastic cinch straps for a personalized fit
- Fully articulated spine protection that moves with you
- Lightweight mesh stretch panels for a superior fit
- Race collar compatible design
- Enhanced back protection – CE back certified to EN 1621-2 Level 1
- Updated chest protection – CE chest certified to EN 14021
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large, XXXX-Large
Sizes are relative to jersey sizes, so if your jersey is XL, you would be XL with the G7
Pros:
- Good price
- CE Certified
Cons:
- May not be neck brace compatible with some brands
8. Fox Racing Titan Protective MTB Jacket
The Fox Racing Titan Sport Protective Jacket is one of Fox’s most popular armored jackets in their $100 to $200 range.
It is an injection-molded CE rated plastic outer shell over ventilated foam built into the long sleeve mesh chassis that has great ventilation and flexibility.
There are velcro adjustability straps on the biceps, forearms, shoulders, and chest, along with a large hook and loop closure that helps secure the removable back protector.
The shoulder, upper arm, forearm, elbow, and back protector are CE rated for impact. The chest plate is not, but it is well ventilated and will provide good roost protection. There is a single full-length zipper front entry for easy on and off.
A great feature is the ability to remove the back protector if you wish, a unique feature not often seen with other protective jackets or pressure suits.
It can be worn over or under your jersey thanks to the low-profile design. Be aware that the back protector comes down fairly low, so it may be difficult to tuck your jersey in if you wear it over the top of the armor.
Features:
- Anatomic high impact two piece plastic chest plate
- Removable articulated plastic back coverage
- High impact plastic shoulder, arm, and elbow coverage
- Soft vented mesh main body fabric for enhanced fit, comfort, and ventilation
- Intelligently designed ventilation zones
- center zipper for easy fitting and removal
- CE certified shoulder, arm, elbow, and back protection
- Warranty: 1 year
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large. If in doubt, go a size larger (reviewer advice)
- Colors available: Black, Black/Orange, White
Pros:
- CE Certified
- Removable back protector
- Good price
Cons:
- No CE rating on the chest plate
9. Leatt 5.5 Pro HD Chest Protector
The Leatt 5.5 Pro HD Chest Protector is the top level of protection with a Leatt score of 20 points (the maximum) in Leatt’s protection rating system.
It combines the High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) hard shell protection with the 3DF AirFit impact foam, which is flexible yet transforms into a hard energy-absorbing material upon impact.
It is CE tested and certified for chest, back, and shoulder protection. There are adjustable flank panels to provide additional protection to your sides. The shoulder pads are removable.
The 3D design has 53 ventilation slots for maximum cooling and has new adjustable shoulder straps to ensure you have a secure fit to suit your body.
It is compatible with Leatt neck braces of course and now comes with a mesh base layer.
Features:
- CE tested and certified as impact protection
- Flank protection to your sides
- FFM-French Federation Certified
- Total Leatt protection score of 20 points
- HDPE High-Density Poly Ethylene hardshell outer protective shield
- Perforated 3DF AirFit impact foam inner lining with a mesh base layer
- Multi-layer multi-plate articulated design which adds to its strength
- 53 Ventilation slots for maximum airflow to help keep you cool
- ‘FlipFit’ front and rear function and ‘BraceOn’ neck brace fitting system allows over/under the jersey with Leatt neck braces
- Weight: 2.0kg (4.4lbs)
- Design for a unisex fit: Adult 70-90kg (150-198lbs), XXL 90-130kg (198-286lbs)
- Colors: Black, White
CERTIFICATIONS
- EN 1621-2 level 2 certified coverage on the back
- EN 1621-3 level 2 certified coverage on the chest
- EN 1621-1 level 1 on elbow and shoulder protectors
Pros:
- CE Certified
- Neck brace compatible
Cons:
- Padding to the inside of the chest plate at collar is a bit thin
10. Fox Racing Youth CE Raptor Proframe
The Youth Raptor Proframe is based on the proven adult size Fox Proframe and is designed to give young riders complete coverage.
It features a new full wrap-around body coverage using injection-molded plastic side plates, and there is an extended lower back coverage.
The internal lining is a double layer of Bio-foam and it has a lot of the features of the adult size Proframe. It is fully vented to help keep your child cool while racing.
It is designed for kids aged from 6 to 11 years old weighing 60 to 95 pounds.
Smaller riders use an extra female clip to fasten the closure system in the center of the chest plate.
larger riders use the standard integrated closure system.
The adjustable shoulder straps are specifically designed to work with neck braces if you prefer your child to wear one.
Features:
- Full wrap-around body coverage via injection molded plastic side panels
- Adjustable shoulder straps that allow full neck brace compatibility
- Youth-specific sizing provides unmatched coverage and comfort
- Integrated buckles provide quick adjustment and removal
- Low-profile design that fits great over or under a jersey
- Removable back panel for a chest-only configuration
- Double-layer Bio-foam lining for comfort
- Sizing: One size which is fully adjustable for kids ages 6-14 years (60-95lbs/27-43kg)
- CE EN 14021 Certified stone shield
- CE 1621-2 Level 1 Certified full back protection
- Colors: Black/White
Pros:
- Neck brace compatible
- CE Certified
- One size fully adjustable
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Sometimes unavailable on Amazon. Alternative link to Fox Racing
Conclusion
Good body armor is a necessity whether you are competing or just trail riding.
Dirt Bike body armor has come a long way in recent years and is now lightweight and extremely well-designed to be practical to wear even for the weekend trail rider.
All of the body armor in this review has been well and truly tested and proven to do what is designed for. They all have overwhelmingly positive reviews from users. Just click the links to read what others have said about them.
Your choice is largely dependent on the type of riding you do, but here are my top picks:
- Best Bang For Buck: Leatt 4.5 Chest Protector
- Best Of The Best: Leatt 5.5 Body Protector
- Best Women’s Roost Deflector: Fox Racing Women’s R3 Roost Deflector
- Best Hydration pack compatibility: Zac Speed Roost Deflector
- Best Kids Body Armor: Fox Racing Youth CE Raptor Proframe
Related Posts
Best Knee Braces and Knee guards For Dirt Bikes 2019
Best Neck Brace For Dirt Bikes 2019
Dirt Bike Safety Tips – How To Avoid The Dangers
Best Women’s Dirt Bike Riding Gear
What body armor have you used in the past, or are using right now? Is there one that you can highly recommend?
Apart from being a great fan of bike races and watching them, I also play video games on bike racing. Dirt bikes racing is very dangerous because of the kinds of injuries that occur when there are accidents. That’s why it’s advisable for one to use the best body armor. From this article, one can get the best.
Body armor has become essential gear now, even if you’re not racing. There’s such a wide range available now. Glad you enjoyed the review, thanks for dropping in.
Greg
Oh my god, you can really hurt yourself on motorbikes if you aren’t geared up enough. I find too many people ride bikes with barely any safety equipment at all, it’s crazy.
I think body armor is so important, especially on dirt bikes. You just never know when you are going to come off unexpectedly.
The number of people who die, or become a paraplegic due to motorbike riding is pretty high so I would like to thank you for reviewing body armor to help prevent these accidents from injuring riders in the future.
It really does depend on what kind of riding you will be doing I guess. I would probably go for the Fox Racing Proframe LC Roost Deflector for simplicity and ease of use.
Thanks for testing out this gear for us, happy riding and stay safe.
Hi Kris. The Fox Racing Proframe LC is a popular choice for a lot of riders, even if you aren’t racing motocross, just for weekend trailriders. I wouldn’t ride without one now, it’s not much cost when you consider the injuries you can avoid.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Greg
I come in very mountaineers region and the weather is always very cold that not with standing the roads are not at their best that two things that makes me love my protective clothing when IAM biking protection from harsh weather and from falls due to very bad roads.atleast that way I enjoy the thrill of biking
Hi Charles. By biking, I assume you mean mountain biking. A lot of these protectors are also used by mountain bike riders. You can suffer a lot of the same injuries as dirt bike riders on a mountain bike, so a good chest protector would be a good idea.
Thanks for your comments.
Greg
Being a motocross rider is a very dangerous sport and wearing body armor can minimize the risk of serious injury. How many times we have seen riders even with good armor getting hurt so it is of utmost importance for everyone to wear some kind of protection. I am not a biker myself, although I came close to being one several years ago, but I get how dangerous all this can be. I like the huge amount of options and details you offer for each armor, it will definitely help those that are looking into buying one. Very good reviews, thanks for sharing.
Hi Stratos. Yes, there’s a huge range of options available now. It’s difficult to know which is best for your own use. Hopefully, this review has helped make it easier. Thanks for your thoughts.
Greg
Hi, these body armors for dirt biking really look different than the ones we had in our time.
I used to ride off-road a lot but just had my kidney belt and gloves and a Barbour jacket. Boots and gloves, of course.
I think today I would go for full body armor, one like the no. 8 or 2. Here the temperature is a problem, which do you think is better in a hot climate?
Hi Stefan. I agree with you about using the full body armor, it’s what I use now.
I think the Leatt 5.5 Body Protector at no. 2 would be cooler because it has the ‘MoistureCool’ and AirMesh wicking fabrics, and the hard shell exterior has plenty of vents.
Thanks for dropping in, if there’s anything I can help with just let me know.
Greg
Hi Greg,
I have a son of mine who loves to ride a motorcycle with friends. After reading your article I have no doubt that I will have to buy good protection. Show us a great variety of models that we will choose together. I consider it very important that he has above all protection in the shoulders and elbows. He is about to turn 12 years old, and he likes going a lot along dirt and sand roads, what model would you recommend me?
Thanks for your help. Claudio
Hi Claudio. If your son is 12 years old he is just outside of the 6 to 11-year Fox Youth Raptor roost deflector.
If you want shoulder and elbow protection you have to go to the body pressure suits at nos. 2, 7 and 8 in my review. They all come in small sizes, but I would recommend the Fox Racing Titan at number 8. At about $150 it is the cheapest of the pressure suits and would give all the protection you’re looking for.
If you want CE certified impact protection the Leatt 5.5 Body Protector is the top of the line, but also more expensive.
Let me know if I can be of any more help. Thanks for dropping in.
Greg
Great post and good info.
My cousin is fanatic about bikes, but unfortunately he doesn’t care too much about his own health or he can get hurt. So he drives without any protection.
Now knowing these top 10, me and my wife will look for a good one that suits him and he can’t complain about it.
It is for his own sake so he should be happy.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with us!
Hi Emmanuel. Any of these will give good protection, it just depends on the type of riding he does, and what your budget is. If I can be of any help please let me know. Thanks for your comments.
Greg
Have You ever tried the LEATT 3DF AIRFIT BODY PROTECTOR soft armour & what are your thoughts on the CE rated soft armour
Hi Brian. The Leatt 3DF Airfit body protector is very similar to the Leatt 5.5 (at no. 2 in my review) but without the hard HDPE outer shell. I haven’t used that one myself personally. It has the same CE rating level 2 for chest and back, and level 1 for shoulders and elbows. The Leat 5.5 is like a step up from the 3DF Airfit. If you ride in the forest and get hit by trees and branches, the hard outer shell is a good addition for deflecting branches.
The 3DF soft armor is Leatt’s name for what other manufacturers call D30 armor, used by top manufacturers like Klim. It is new technology that allows the armor to be soft at rest, and harden with impact. I have never read a negative thing about it. It works, it’s not just a sales gimmick.
The technology is used in lots of sports including MotoGP, skiing, baseball, cycling etc. and even military. Check out this link: D30 It tells you a bit about it. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of any more help.
Greg
the best for kids shouldnt have the word roost in it. they tend to fall more when learning. wheres the non roost chest protection for kids?
Hi Alfred, you’re absolutely right, it shouldn’t’ be called a roost deflector. It’s CE certified as a stone shield on the chest and full protection on the back.
If you’re looking for something that is CE Certified for impact protection to the chest and back, the Leatt Youth Neck Vest 2.0 Junior is the next level up, but it is about $100 more. Thanks for your comments.
Good review. What do you make of the various quality complaints for the Leatte full armor? It shows up at the top with the price in the review, but I’m worried about the quality. I like the idea of rib protection. Something the Leatts seem to be unique With. But there is the quality question.
Hi Brian, are you referring to the Leatt 5.5 Body Protector at number 2? There are a couple of negative reviews, one saying it was cumbersome to wear and put on, and another saying the sizing was on the small side, but nothing complaining about the quality.
Pressure suits generally are harder to put on than chest protectors due to them being an all in one unit. They can feel cumbersome if you’re not used to them.
I read hundreds of buyer reviews on products and can never understand why a top-quality product can have dozens of positive reviews, and there is always one or two negative reviews.
I can only assume maybe sometimes a buyer gets a defective one, or maybe some people are very hard on their gear. I figure if the vast majority have a favorable experience, that is a good indication of the quality.
With body armor, a reputable company like Leatt has independent tests done to achieve the CE rating that a lot of their products have. They’re unbiased tests. If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t get the CE rating.
Sometimes buyers are brand loyal and will be looking for something to fault on a product.
Leatt is a well known and respected company formed by a Doctor who developed the first motorcycle-specific neck brace. I go into the story behind Leatt in my post: Best Neck Brace For Dirt Bikes
You may be reassured by reading that post. Hope this has been helpful, thanks for your input Brian.
Greg
I’m preparing for rotator cuff surgery at the end of the week. Definitely a temporary set back for my fun mid life crisis. Thank you for doing these reviews. I’d be curious on your opinion of what is the best model for shoulder protection. I rock a dad bod, so I would think that a chest protector style would potentially be easier for me to get on and off. We race off road mini bikes here in Florida.
Hi Mark. If you are having shoulder surgery then I’d stay away from the pressure suits, they’d be too hard to get on with a sore shoulder.
The hard shell chest protectors with shoulder pads would be the way to go, they are easy to slip on. Something like the Alpinestars A10, Fox Racing Airframe, or the Leatt 4.5 (with shoulder pads) or 5.5 would be ideal, they also have back protection, but they are about $250, so it depends on what your budget is. The Roost Deflectors are considerably cheaper, but of course, they are only roost protection and will not protect you from hard impacts.
Something like the Fox Racing men’s R3 motocross Roost Deflector at about $100 would be ideal in that case.
Hope this helps. Thanks for your thoughts.
Greg