How to Buy Shoulder Pads for Motocross

Shoulder pads and body armor are not necessarily essential to riding in a motocross race, but shoulder pads can decrease the seriousness of an injury. Motocross shoulder pads are a scaled down version of football shoulder pads. The risk of collarbone injuries is reduced with the use of shoulder pads.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Fitting shoulder pads is not as simple as slipping on a pair. The shoulder pads must be cinched up securely and comfortably. Properly fitted shoulder pads stay put in an impact and must have high quality straps, buckles or snaps.
2. Get shoulder pads with additional neck protection. The neck is vulnerable in any accident and specially designed shoulder pads allow the rider to maintain a full range of motion while remaining protected.
3. Spend the extra money for shoulder pads with body armor, bicep and kidney protection included, especially if plagued by injuries. Body armor is designed to protect areas of the body that are prone to injury.
4. Avoid buying a pair of hockey shoulder pads if no motocross pads are available. The hockey pads do not offer much in the way of impact protection in a motocross accident.
5. Borrow another racer's motocross shoulder pads and take a leisurely ride. It is best to try several pairs before getting a brand new pair. To save money, ask to buy second hand gear from other racers if they are going to upgrade their gear.