Essential for preventing joint scrapes and impact fractures during common low-speed falls.
Must be DOT, ECE, or Snell certified. ECE and Snell are often considered more rigorous than DOT alone. Look for MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) to help reduce rotational brain injury.
Look for reinforced palms to prevent blisters and padded knuckles for protection against "roost" (debris thrown by other bikes).
Focus your budget on "active" protection (helmet and boots) first, as these are your primary defense against serious injury.
Buying dirt bike gear is a critical investment in safety and performance. For most riders, a complete high-quality starter set typically ranges from , with a solid "middle-ground" kit often landing between $1,000 and $1,500 . Essential Gear Checklist
Protects your torso from impacts and flying stones.