Motocross
Motocross kit: your essential guide
Are you race ready? Have a look at our MX kit list and check you’ve got everything you need to hit the start gate this season.
Motocross is an extremely physical and dangerous sport. Without the proper gear, the risk of an injury becomes greatly increased. In addition, you are also unlikely to be able to move as freely and confidently on the bike without the right set up.
It's also an essential on most practise days and race meetings, where you're required to have the correct MX gear before they let you ride.
But with thousands of combinations available for a range of budgets, it can often seem confusing to know where to start. Here’s our guide to everything you need before you hit the start gate.
1. Helmet
Bell and Fasthouse's collaboration has created some eye-catching helmets
© Bell
Your helmet is the most important piece of kit in your motocross gear bag. If you're going to spend a little extra money on any one piece of kit, make sure it’s your crash helmet.
Firstly, it’s critical that you buy one that fits properly – measuring your head and double checking the sizing is essential. The best way to do it is to go into a shop and try on a handful of different helmets, as size, weight and shape can vary between brands. If you order your MX helmet online and you’re in any doubt about sizing when it arrives, call the shop and ask for advice.
One of the latest developments in helmet design is the addition of Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) technology. Mips is designed to imitate the brain's protective fluid by rotating upon angled impacts and thus help protect your head if you crash. You can find Mips technology in a wide range of motocross helmets and it’s a good feature to keep an eye out for when choosing a new lid.
And one final tip – never buy a second hand motocross helmet.
2. Goggles
At £175, the Airbrake by Oakley is at the upper end of the goggles market
© Oakley
Motocross goggles help protect your eyes, improve your vision and define your style. You can pick up a great entry-level pair that will do the job just fine for around £30, but higher-range sets do come with some nice features that make everything that little bit easier (although expect to pay as much as £200).
Extra moisture wicking, better lens de-fogging, nose guards, a wider field of vision and tinted lenses are just some of the features you get with the top-of-the-range goggles. It's also a good idea to have a set of goggles with a roll-off or tear-off system if racing, to help keep your vision clear throughout the race – although note some tracks don't allow tear-offs for environmental reasons.
3. Race kit
If looking to save money, it's cheaper to get a full jersey-pants set
© Shift
When it comes to motocross jerseys and pants, there are all sorts to choose from. Although some of the features will vary a bit, this is essentially one category where you can pretty much just make your choice based on price and style.
Brands like Seven MX, Shift and Fasthouse have shaken up the market over the last few years with some innovative new styles and creative designs, whilst brands like Thor and Fox have been pushing the technical construction of kit further than ever.
It's worth shopping around when it comes to buying a motocross kit, as you can often find some good deals if you buy the full set together. Also, if you're on a budget, it's possible to get a solid set for under £100 that not only looks the part but will do the job too.
And for the ultimate pro look, jersey printing with your name and number is also available from good motocross shops across the country.
4. Gloves
Jazzy glove designs allow you to add a splash of colour to your kit
© Fist Handwear
No longer just optional add-ons, many glove-specific brands have sprung up over the last few years and the technology of gloves has quickly improved as a result.
Brands like Deft Family, Fist Handwear and Ninjaz Gloves have all approached the market with their own unique style and have helped to pave the way for low-profile, strapless and ultra-flexible gloves to become commonplace on the start gate.
If you are looking to save money, a good option is to buy your gloves with your kit as a full set.
5. Body armour
Body armour protects against crashes and dirt flicked up from other riders
© Thor
Like a helmet, body armour is a must-have for motocross. As well as giving you protection across your chest, ribs and back when you crash, body armour will also help guard your body from mud and stones that get fired at you by the rider in front.
Motocross body armour ranges from lightweight, under-jersey style vests, to full-on heavy-duty protection rigs and everything else in between. How much protection you go for is up to you.
All-round riders can’t go wrong with the Fox ProFrame or the Thor Sentinel body armour.
6. Neck brace
Although optional, neck braces can help protect against severe accidents
© Leatt
A neck brace offers extra protection against severe neck injuries in the event of a crash. Although not used by all riders, designs have become much more low-profile and comfortable in recent years, and many brands now develop their body armour to fit smoothly with neck braces. Leatt and Alpinestars both produce excellent neck braces that are worn by most pro motocross riders.
7. Knee pads/braces
Knee braces are ideal for those looking for extra protection and support
© EVS
When riding motocross, you need some sort of knee protection. Knee pad technology and comfort have come a long way in the last decade, and many brands like EVS, Fox and Thor offer some great affordable knee pads that provide a good amount of protection.
If you can afford it, or if you already have bad/vulnerable knees, then a set of knee braces can be a good investment. They are not cheap, often costing around £500, but with the ability to prevent twisting and hyper extension of the knee, they may well keep you walking after a crash when a set of regular pads won’t.
8. Boots
If going fast and big, opt for a set of top-end boots
© Fox
There is a huge range of motocross boots to choose from, with brands like TCX and Gaerne bringing out extremely competitive high-end boots to take on the big boys like Fox and Alpinestars, while in the entry/mid-level market, Shift and Thor have been producing some great quality and innovative boots too.
Entry-level boots are great for beginner and intermediate riders, but when you start going faster and taking on big jumps, investing in a set of top-of-the-range boots with extra protection is recommended.
Like helmets, fit is a hugely important factor when choosing a set of motocross boots, so whenever possible, go into a dedicated motocross shop and try on a few different brands to see which ones fit you best. A loose-fitting boot leaves you much more vulnerable to ankle injuries should your leg take a knock.
9. Socks
It might seem overkill, but proper socks will keep you comfy in the saddle
© Stance
Although it might seem excessive, proper motocross socks are a must – everyday socks simply won’t cut it. Plenty of brands do budget motocross socks that all do the job just fine, but technical MX socks will not only stay in place better but will also wick moisture away to help keep you dry and comfortable.
Full-length knee brace socks can make wearing knee pads/braces much more comfortable too.
10. Base layers
A technical top can be a beneficial extra layer year-round
© Fox
Base layers are not an absolute necessity for motocross, but a technical undershirt and bottoms will work wonders to keep you dry and comfy by wicking away moisture when you sweat, as well as providing a nice bit of extra warmth in the winter.
11. Impact shorts
These guys come in handy even if you don't come off
© Thor
Padded impact shorts can be a welcome addition to your moto wardrobe if and when you hit the deck. They aren’t that expensive and will also offer good general comfort and protection for your hips, butt and nether regions when racing.
12. Kit bag
Sack off the IKEA bags and transport your kit in style
© Ogio
You won’t even get close to fitting this lot in your backpack, so you will need a proper motocross kit bag to keep your gear together and organised. Try and get something heavy duty if possible and wheels can help too, as a full MX kit bag can get pretty weighty. If it comes with a built-in changing matt, all the better.