If you're a quad and/or motocross enthusiast, you need the right equipment to enjoy your hobby to the full. By choosing the right equipment, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite sport even more, and push your limits with peace of mind.
The helmet
Let's start with the most important item : the helmet.
You have two choices: fiber or polycarbonate.
The former is lighter, and is recommended for competition and long periods of use. A helmet that's too heavy is particularly hard on the neck.
The second has the advantage of not deforming in the event of impact, as the inner shell absorbs kinetic energy.
Choose good-quality inner foam to absorb shocks.
For helmet maintenance, a removable liner is ideal.
Ventilation is essential. You don't want to suffer from heat, or condensation that causes fogging.
The pressure of a perfectly fitting helmet should be evenly distributed over the entire skull. If you find yourself between two sizes, prefer the one that's a little tight. As the inner foam settles, the helmet will fit you perfectly.
Finally, make sure it's compatible with your mask, and if you wear prescription glasses, choose a model designed for this purpose, with the foam indented for the temples.
See our article: Choosing the right helmet
Moto-9 Flex technology
The Moto-9 Flex technology developed by Bell uses three successive layers to absorb impact energy. The segmented architecture of the liner allows the helmet to fit more snugly.
Thanks to a pivot zone, the energy from the rotation of the rider's head benefits from balanced dispersion. Best of all, the helmet's ventilation has been significantly improved.
MIPS technology
MIPS technology reduces rotational forces on impact, allowing movement in all directions.
The inner foam dissipates shock and the elastomer lugs stretch to reduce the power of rotational force that could be transferred to the rider's brain.
Upper body
In addition to your swimsuit, get into the habit of wearing a vest or stone guard. You may feel a little cramped the first few times, but you'll soon appreciate being perfectly protected from branches and stones, especially in the event of a fall or collision.
You know what a weak spot the vertebrae are, especially the cervical vertebrae. Neck braces and cervical protectors wrap around your neck. They come in a variety of shapes, and you need to choose them according to the shape of your helmet and your protective vest or stone guard, so that the different parts are compatible.
See our article on cervical protectors
Cervical protection not only takes the strain off your head while you're riding, it also protects you in the event of an impact or fall.
Depending on whether you choose a rock guard or vest, you can add elbow and shoulder pads. There are even inflatable stone guards. Although a little imposing, they are nonetheless very comfortable. The only drawback is that if you stop in hot weather, and there's no ventilation, the inflatable stone guard quickly becomes unbearable.
The stone guard is available in all sizes, for children and adults. There are even versions for women, taking into account their overall morphology and chest in particular.
Lower body
The first criterion is to choose pants that are comfortable to wear. They must be lightweight and breathable. Padding and reinforcements in the areas most exposed to friction are welcome.
Ankles are another part of the body often put to the test. Choose boots that protect them as well as possible. Choose a size in which you're really comfortable, or even one size larger than your own, so you can fit thick socks afterwards.
See our article: WELL CHOOSING YOUR BOOTS
Boots should cover the calf, but check that they are compatible with your knee pads. The leather must be of good quality to be supple and age well, without sagging or breaking. Additional padding on the inside of the leg protects the calf from rubbing against the crankcase and frame.
The boot must be waterproof, yet breathable so as not to create a sauna effect. The plastic reinforcements on top of the boot must be evenly distributed, but must not clutter the top of the foot, which would impede gear shifting. Fastening buckles should be purchasable individually in case of wear or breakage. Metal buckles are better than plastic ones.
The sole is smooth for circuit riding, and studded for enduro and quad biking, so you can put your foot down if you need to push or pull your machine, without slipping. The sole can be glued, screwed or sewn. Once worn, you'll need to call in a cobbler to resole your boots. With sewn soles, you can benefit from metal reinforcements at the toe.
For aesthetic appeal, check that the decorations have an anti-UV treatment to ensure that they stand the test of time.
Gloves
Gloves are just as essential
Make sure you have at least two pairs: a summer version and a winter version. Both must be lightweight, and you need to keep your fingers nimble and independent.
You need good ventilation to avoid sweaty, clammy hands. They are reinforced at sensitive points: palm and fingertips. The mix between leather, which protects well, and synthetics, which are thin and light, is the most effective.
Don't wait until they have holes in them before changing them; as soon as the protection wears off, replace them, otherwise you risk injury in the event of a fall.
Goggles
The quality of glasses is crucial, because without visibility...
To begin with, they must be perfectly comfortable, i.e. light and well adapted to your helmet, and compatible if you wear prescription glasses.
A quality strap adds to comfort. It needs to be wide and adjustable to fit snugly over your helmet.
Next, they need to be sturdy, with a frame and screen that can withstand mud and stones.
Which screen to choose?
The screen should be neutral, with no distorting or magnifying effects. Make sure it is anti-UV and anti-fog treated, as this will greatly enhance your comfort. Double screens, like double-glazing, totally prevent fogging.
Clear or transparent screens can be used in all circumstances. The smoked screen is useful for bright sunshine, but also for white skies.
Tinted screens are more specific: blue for weak winter sunshine; yellow in low-light conditions such as fog, where the mask accentuates contrasts; orange when the sky is a brilliant blue, or on grassy surfaces.
The iridium polarized lens is reminiscent of a ski mask. It eliminates some of the reflected light and gives a better view of the slope's relief.
Overall, don't always look for the lowest price. If you buy low-end equipment, you're going to have to change it often, so the savings are far from obvious. What's more, it's likely to be uncomfortable and, above all, you'll be exposing yourself to unnecessary physical risks.
Make sure your equipment is of the highest quality, and keep a close eye on promotions!
