Helmets
Your helmet is without question the most important piece of protection. It must fasten securely and bear DOT and/or Snell approval labels. Full-face helmets are strongly recommended over open face styles for improved comfort and protection. Make sure your helmet visor is high quality, shatter proof Lexan.
Jacket
Jackets provide excellent protection from the elements and act as the first line of defence in a fall. Correct fit and armor placements are extremely important. Make sure the jacket you use allows for proper adjustment. Jackets are usually made from leather, textile, mesh, or combinations of the three. The benefits of leather is increased protection, while textile & mesh off increased practicality.
Pants
In a fall you knees, hips, or legs are often the first thing to contact the ground. For safety from the waist down you need both abrasion and impact protection in you pants. As with all other apparel, it is extremely important that armor not move freely. Make sure you pants include padding on the hips.
Gloves
A good pair of riding gloves not only protects your hand in the event of a fall, but also helps keep them from getting sore or tired. You'll know the right size when you can make a fist without difficulty and they fit snuggly without causing discomfort. Leather construction with a plastic knuckle is recommended.
Boots
Quality footwear with good ankle protection is a must. Some boots can be quite dangerous because of the sole. Make sure your do not have deep grooves that can hang up on the pegs easily. Boots with plastic panels are recommended because they tend to slide, rather then tumble when hitting the pavement.
Suits
The most abrasion and impact protection possible is available only with the use of a well-armoured one-piece leather suit. Correct fit is more important than anything. All armor should fit snuggly in place and the leather should not move frelly or fold over your skin.
Spine Protector
Most jackets and suits come with a supplimental spine pad, but these offer a minimal amout of spine protection. CE rated spine protectors improve the level of protection as well as cover a large portion of the back. Your CE rated spine protector should be fully adjustable at the waist and shoulders to maximize safety.
Helmets
Your helmet is without question the most important piece of protection. It must fasten securely and bear DOT and/or Snell approval labels. Full-face helmets are strongly recommended over open face styles for improved comfort and protection. Make sure your helmet visor is high quality, shatter proof Lexan.
Goggles
Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your noggin, so goggles are a must when heading out on the trail. Makes sure they fit inside your helmet opening, and opt for higher-quality models with a foam seal and shatterproof clear or tinted Lexan lenses.
Jersey
Long-sleeved jerseys provide excellent protection from scrapes and cuts, and they keep a rider comfortable over a wide range of weather conditions. Most riding jerseys are made of materials that breathe well and stretch with normal body movements.
Elbow Guards
Further protection for your elbows and forearms come in the form of hard-plastic, foam-lined elbow pads, worn underneath your jersey. These come in specific child and adult sizes, so make sure they fit snugly and won't slip in the event of a fall.
Riding Pants
Riding pants, usually made of tough, lightweight nylon with stretch panels in key areas to ensure secure fit, are another essential item. Choose pants that fit comfortably but allow ample room to accommodate knee protection (guards) underneath.
Boots
There's no shortage of great boots on the market offering superb protection. Look for models with adjustable, quick-release buckles, (for easy entry/exit), steel-shanks supported soles, and a combination leather/plastic construction for optimal cushioning and comfort.
Chest Protector
Chest protectors help shield your chest, shoulders, and back against trail 'roost' kicked up by other riders. Available in a wide range of sizes - be sure to pick one that fits securely and comfortably.
Kidney Belt
While not usually considered a mandatory piece of protective gear, kidney belts are still highly recommended. Designed for both lower back and kidney support while navigating rough terrain, its the smart choice to wear one every time you ride.
Action HONDA - 1325 Caribou St W - Moose Jaw, SK - S6H 7K5 - TEL: (306) 693-4140 - FAX: (306) 694-4768
