Best Motocross Neck Braces: Save Your Neck When Things Get Rough
These motocross neck braces have your back when things get rough off-road
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No one wants to think about it, but if you’re pushing the limits on your dirt bike, there’s a real chance that things may go sideways. Recent advances in motocross, motorcycle, and off-road protective equipment have provided options to help keep your neck from suffering catastrophic injuries. Our list of the best motocross neck braces will help make your buying decision a little easier. We’ve chosen the best braces for the job, each of which are a different style and price point, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
Alpinestars Mens Bns Tech-2
The BNS Tech-2 is constructed from super strong and durable high-performance carbon polymer compound. It also features a revolutionary rear stabilizer for progressive force relief.
- Carbon polymer is ultra lightweight and durable
- Fit is highly adjustable and customizable
- This is one of the most expensive neck braces on the market
- This version fits more snugly than previous models, but still may shift during riding
EVS Sports R3
This low-profile foam neck brace is designed to absorb and dissipate shock during crashes. It utilizes a front-closure strap for easy on and off.
- Outer shell is removable for easy cleaning
- Design makes this brace very light
- The strap used to secure the brace is low quality.
- This brace does not offer any adjustment options.
EVS Sports R4-BK-A Sports R4 Race Collar
This model features a hard-molded upper surface that transfers energy from an impact directly into the absorbent PU core of the brace. It’s equipped with a rapid lock closure system for quick and easy entry and removal.
- This brace has a simple, intuitive design that’s easy to put on and remove
- Features a rugged, adjustable rear strut for a more customized fit
- Its shape and rigidity make it less comfortable than some other options on the market
- Doesn’t fit as well on larger individuals or people with thicker shoulders
Benefits of Motocross Neck Braces
- Safety. In a nasty crash, the rider’s head and neck are extremely vulnerable to injury. A neck brace helps to limit the head’s mobility and redirect force from the neck onto other areas of the body.
- Confidence. Knowing that you’re protecting yourself against catastrophe can provide a boost in confidence. While wearing a neckbrace doesn’t make you bulletproof, it can give you the reassurance to push yourself a little harder and become a better rider.
- Style. There’s no denying that motocross gear looks cool. The flashy colors on the helmets, gloves, and other protective gear look great and draw attention from onlookers. Neck braces can add a little extra style to your gear.
Types of Motocross Neck Braces
Integrated Brace
If you decide to wear neck protection while dirt biking, you should wear it in conjunction with a chest protector. The advantage is that if you wear it in conjunction with the chest protector, forces can be distributed across the body even better than with a brace alone. There are chest protectors on the market that come with integrated neck protectors and braces. This minimizes the amount of extra gear you’ll have to carry and suit up with.
Stand-Alone Brace
Just as the name suggests, stand-alone neck braces come separate from chest protectors and can be worn without one. Not everyone is sold on the amount of protection a chest protector provides, so not everyone wears one. If you choose to forego a chest rig but still want to protect your neck, a stand-alone neck brace is a way to go.
Top Brands
Leatt
By and large, the leader in motocross and motorcycle neck protection is Leatt. Formed in the early 2000s, the Leatt neck brace was the first brace created for the motocross industry. Since then, this Cape Town, South Africa company has expanded its brace line to include several models, like the Leatt GPX 6.5 and Leatt GPX 5.5, both of which are available on Amazon.
Alpinestars
Anyone that’s into anything fast on two wheels is familiar with the brand Alpinestars. Based in Asolo, Italy, Alpinestars has been creating safety and racing gear since the early 1960s. The Alpinestars BNS Tech-2 is a great example of this company’s craftsmanship and dedication to the sport of racing.
EVS Sports
EVS Sports has been developing and manufacturing safety equipment for motocross riders since 1985. The original product was a knee brace, but it now offers tons of great gear that riders trust. EVS has an expansive line of neck braces, including this EVS Sports R4 Race Collar.
Motocross Neck Brace Pricing
- Up to $50: Choices are limited under $50, but you can still find protection on a budget. These braces will do their job, but you won’t get the latest in brace technology or materials.
- $50 to $100: This range expands your choices a bit, but you still aren’t getting cutting-edge technology. Consider this range if you need a good brace without breaking the bank.
- Over $100: This is the range in which serious racewear is available. These motocross neck braces are state of the art and offer riders the best in neck protection.
Key Features
Adjustability
Maintaining good contact with the rider’s body is incredibly important when it comes to a neck brace’s ability to protect. Adjustability and a custom fit are important for making sure the brace will be able to absorb the forces incurred during a crash. Good braces may have adjustable collarbone and shoulder pads as well as some adjustability in the rear thoracic strut. These features help to keep the brace where it needs to be.
Chest Protector Compatibility
As mentioned before, it’s recommended that riders wear their neck braces in conjunction with a chest protector. Should you choose to wear your brace with a chest protector, be sure that it works well with your neck brace. Many braces have straps that secure them to the chest kit, essentially making one piece out of two separate parts.
Other Considerations
- Weight: If you’re caught between a few neck braces and don’t know which one to choose, consider making your decision based on weight. If all the braces fit the same and are comfortable, you’ll prefer a lightweight brace that you can forget you’re even wearing. Materials like Koroyd are now being used to cut back on weight but still offer optimal protection.
- Ease of Fitting and Removal: After a long day of riding through dirt and mud, you want gear that’s easy to take off. Choose a neck brace that is easy to manipulate, both gloved and ungloved. If your neck brace is a challenge to put on and take off, you’ll inevitably stop wearing it on your rides.
Best Motocross Neck Brace Reviews & Recommendations 2021
The Alpinestars Mens BNS Tech-2 motocross neck brace is our no-contest best overall choice for Motocross Neck Braces. The BNS Tech-2 is constructed from super strong and durable high-performance carbon polymer. This is an upgrade from previous fiberglass construction. It also features a revolutionary rear stabilizer for progressive force relief.
With this brace, you get a highly adjustable and customized fit that’s designed to dissipate forces from your helmet through to the torso, thus protecting your neck and spine. This updated model also comes equipped with a new quick-release locking system that was lacking in previous versions.
This new design still features ultra-lightweight performance and comfortable padding, but with the addition of an updated, more ergonomic chin plate design. This is one of the most top-of-the-line braces you can buy, but be prepared. It’s pricey.
The EVS Sports R3 Race Collar is our top choice for the Best Value Motocross Neck Brace. This is a lightweight, low-profile foam brace. It’s meant to absorb impacts as opposed to redirecting them and comes at an affordable price. It uses a front closure, and the R3 should work with most chest protectors.
At this price, the EVS Sports R3 Race Collar has some great features. To start with, the R3 is incredibly lightweight, weighing in under a pound. Also, the removable shell makes it easy to clean all the sweat and mud off of this brace. Anyone who’s spent any time off-road knows how important this can be to minimize awful smells.
We do have some concerns about the R3. While we like that the R3’s closure system is in the front, we don’t like the rubber strap that secures it. It feels cheap and unreliable. It’s also worth noting that this brace has no adjustability at all. It either fits you or it doesn’t, and it may move around on you too much while riding.
The clean lines and simple design of the EVS Sports R4-BK-A Sports R4 Race Collar get this motocross neck brace a solid honorable mention. This model features a hard-molded upper surface that transfers energy from an impact directly into the absorbent PU core of the brace.
It’s equipped with a rapid lock closure system for quick and easy entry and removal. Soft rubberized edges provide added grip and comfort during wear. This brace also features an adjustable rear strut that allows you a more customized fit.
This brace is also a good option for motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, and even ATV racers, making it a versatile option. One drawback is that it doesn’t seem to accommodate people with larger shoulders and upper body dimensions as well as some other models. The rigidity of this model also makes it less forgiving than some other braces on the market.
If you’re in the market for a rugged and high-performance neck brace for your junior rider, check out the Alpinestars Youth Neck Support. Just like in the adult version, this state-of-the-art neck brace features a super durable frame that’s constructed from an injected carbon polymer that is highly impact-resistant.
The frame has been specially engineered to fit ideally with smaller anatomy and can easily be integrated with youth body armour to provide additional protection without sacrificing mobility. It features an easy-to-use strap system that can fit either over or under your child’s jersey.
This newer version features an updated closure system that allows for quick and convenient attachment or removal. The rear stabilizer system helps to channel impact energy across the shoulders to protect the spine, but some riders complain that it shifts a lot during heavy riding.
The EVS Sports 112046-0109 R2 Race Collar is one of the best unisex neck braces on the market. This simple, yet well-padded design is made to fit everyone from youth to adult, male to female. Not only does it help prevent cervical spine injuries during riding, but it also reduces neck fatigue thanks to its generously designed padding.
This brace is E and Directive 89/686/EEC certified for safety. The soft density core is constructed from long-lasting and durable PU foam that helps dissipate the energy of an impact throughout the upper body. It also comes equipped with a fully washable outer ballistic nylon shell.
The low-profile design is made to fit with most armour, but may still be too thick for some. This collar lacks the same snug design as some others and can move around during aggressive rides. Women and riders under 5 feet 3 inches or 105 pounds should consider the youth size of this support for optimal and sung fit.
Tips
- As with anything related to personal safety, make sure you do some of your own research to determine what the best product may be. Your specific needs may vary from these options.
- Wear your helmet when trying on a prospective neck brace. Depending on your body type, you may have too little mobility or too much movement. In these cases, choose a better fitting brace.
- If you find that your neck brace fits well but still moves around too much, try utilizing the included chest or underarm straps. The straps should put some tension on the brace, keeping it where it needs to be to protect you.
FAQs
Q: Are all neck braces compatible with motocross chest protectors?
A: All the motocross neck braces on our list are compatible with chest protectors, body armor, and other protective equipment. They each come with straps to secure them to the brace, making one solid unit. Not all neck braces work well with chest protectors, so be aware of that when shopping for a brace.
Q: How do dirt bike neck supports prevent neck injuries?
A: The theory is that if impact forces can be absorbed or distributed over stronger parts of the body, the neck experiences less deflection. This restriction in head movement avoids hyperextension, hyperflexion, and damage to the spinal cord.
Q: Will these neck braces work for other off-road sports?
A: In recent years, mountain bikers, go-kart racers, and side-by-side drivers have started using neck braces to prevent neck injuries in hard wrecks. All the motocross neck braces on our list will work for these sports. They’ll even work as motorcycle neck braces.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick when it comes to durability, performance, and safety is the Alpinestars Mens BNS Tech-2. It’s constructed from super strong and durable high-performance carbon polymer. It also features a revolutionary rear stabilizer for progressive force relief.
For a more budget-conscious, yet highly reliable choice, check out the EVS Sports R3. It’s an affordable low-profile foam neck brace designed to absorb and dissipate shock during crashes.
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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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