The Best Dirt Bike Gear
As the name implies, dirt biking can be a dirty, rough activity. It can get pretty crazy on those trails, so it's a good idea to stay protected. For those looking to suit up, we've got you covered. We scoured the market for the best dirt bike gear that money could buy, so you can rip the trail with confidence. In our search, we focused on four main qualities: comfort, style, degree of protection, and price value. It should come as no surprise that Fox Racing made our list with their supremely protective knee guard that made sure split-open knees were a thing of the past. But for premium head protection, we recommend going with O'Neal. Their 2Series helmet blew us away with its comfortable design, light weight, and superior strength. It also comes at an accessible price, but we'll get to that later. To start, let's dive right in to our in-depth reviews of the best dirt bike gear.
Fox Men’s Launch D30 Knee Guard
Stylish protection
Popular brands aren’t always our number one priority when shopping, but they tend to be a better bet when a trusted product is the only line of defense between us and our safety. Fox Racing is a great brand that makes durable and cool sporting gear, so they’re our recommended choice for a knee guard. When it comes to dirt biking, the knees are one of your most vulnerable spots and you want to have a good guard protecting you. Fox Racing has made protection comfortable, with a slip-on-and-tighten design, and moisture-wicking open mesh design that improves airflow to prevent overheating.
Pros:
- Unlike most knee guards, these stay in place during long rides, rather than slipping down the knee, since the loop adjuster adapts to the shape of your thigh and calf.
- The airflow is fantastic, so these work well even in really hot climates.
- Unlike a helmet, these can usually be used again after an impact. As long as they’re not ripped or damaged, they can handle all sorts of abuse.
Cons:
- They don’t have plates in them, so you might want to look at Fox’s selection of hard knee guards if you’re into hardcore downhill racing.
Tough Headwear Balaclava Ski Mask
Tree branches seem to love whacking dirt bikers in the face, so it’s a good idea to protect your mug. That’s why we recommend Tough Headwear’s balaclava ski mask the next time you hit the trail. It’s designed for maximum comfort, from its light weight to its soft fabric of 89% polyester and 11% spandex. It’s convertible, so it can function as a helmet liner, ski mask, ninja hood, neck warmer, and more. Most importantly, this mask will protect your face, which is a good long-term investment, especially in the rough world of biking.
Pros:
- Most of us dirt bikers breathe pretty heavily, which is why we love the ventilation and breathability of this balaclava. It has extra ventilation holes around the neck and mouth, so it’s more like breathing through a mesh.
- It fits inside a helmet well without feeling too stuffy or bulky.
- This is ideal for colder weather since the balaclava warms the neck and provides protection from the wind.
Cons:
- It’s one-size-fits-all, so some may find it to run a little too big.
- This is not a good choice for hot weather.
Iron Jia’s Motorcycle Shoes
A shoe-in for comfort
If you’re planning on going full pedal to the metal, you’re going to need a great pair of protective shoes. And thanks to Iron Jia, protective shoes can also be comfortable and look great on your feet. These breathable mesh fabric shoes are thick enough in the heel and toe area but soft enough to still feel great. The soles are rubber and have a good anti-slip effect. Plus we just love these minimalist color schemes that make us want to wear these shoes anywhere. For a good look and strong protection, Iron Jia has reinvented the shoe.
Pros:
- They have a protective shell in the ankle area which has saved countless riders from serious injury.
- We love how they look like cool, casual streetwear. In fact, we feel comfortable wearing these around town.
- The toes are reinforced to help with shifting gears, but they’re not so stiff that they feel like you’re walking around in metal boots.
Cons:
- The traction on the soles isn’t the best.
4-FQ Motocross Goggles
Quality you can see
These goggles from 4-FQ are great especially because of their multi-purpose use. These sturdy, foam-cushioned, UV-protected Motocross Goggles work perfectly for riding, skiing, snowboarding, yard work, and everything in-between. They’re also anti-fog, windproof, dustproof, snow-proof, and scratch-resistant, making them a pair for all seasons. We wrote this article for people who dirtbike, but you’d be well-advised to consider this pair of goggles for any aspect of the sporting life.
Pros:
- They have a foam lining around the inner lenses that blocks chilly wind but also provides enough ventilation for heat dissipation.
- The filters on the lens can make trails more visible since they reduce the contrast between shadows and bright spots. They also don’t make things too dark, so you can still wear them on forest trails.
- At this price, you won’t find a better pair of goggles.
Cons:
- The flexible frame makes these a poor choice for those with glasses since it can press up against them.
O’Neal 0200-S14 Helmet
A hard-headed bargain
Okay, if we can leave you with one takeaway from this article, it’s that you must protect your noggin. Your brain is your control center, and it’s so easy to forget to protect it in sports. Thankfully, O’Neal’s 0200-S14 is a great helmet you won’t soon forget. It’s constructed with ABS material to protect you and an ultra-plush removable padded liner on the inside for comfort. There’s a height-adjustable visor for people who like to have blinders when they’re in go mode, and the whole thing just looks awesome. Protect your head so you can have fun out there.
Pros:
- Usually, you have to sacrifice comfort for a snug fit, but this one is supremely comfy and still secure and stable on the head.
- The airflow is also excellent, especially near the mouth area.
- We love how the inner liner can be removed and tossed in the wash, especially for us sweaty riders.
Cons:
- It may feel a little too snug at first, but it takes some time to break in and soften up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MX stand for in these product descriptions?
MX stands for motocross, which is the off-road motorcycle racing sport that these products are catered to.
Why do MX helmets have a chin extension?
Off-road biking calls for helmets that have a chin guard to prevent facial injuries. It’s a rough and unpredictable sport, but if you’re properly geared up it can offer abundant adventure.
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