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A Parent’s Guide in Protective Gear for Young Dirt Bike Racers
When your kids are interested in dirt biking, it can be nervous for parents. But who are we to stop them from exploring their passions and the excitement this sport can bring as they grow up? Sometimes, we just have to understand their interests and support them. And that brings the issue of fully protecting them from bruises and injuries.
This article has compiled a quick guide on how to kit your children with protective gear. Getting their bike is an investment enough, but choosing the right gear makes this sport a great learning experience for families.
Sports-Grade Dirt Bike Helmet And Goggles
A helmet is perhaps the most fundamental part of dirt bike gear and protection. And we’re not talking about just any helmet. It must be a durable and industry-specific product to protect your child’s head.
Not all helmets are made the same; a biker’s helmet is not enough to protect your kid from dirt, rocks, and sharp falls when dirt biking. Hence, we recommend a Fox V1 helmet for kids to try on. The beauty of such helmets is aside from proper cushioning against blows and a sturdy shape, they come with intricate ventilation to push trapped heat out of their heads and prolong exhaustion.
Test available sizes for your children in the market by wearing the helmet without the strap on and instruct the rider to shake their head. If the helmet stays snug and fits throughout, it fits their head well.
If such a brand is unavailable, kindly ask for other recommendations from a local dealer; never shop online for cheap knockoffs and kid-friendly helmets as advertised; their durability varies and can be a bad experience for them. Always look for proper helmets and test out each one until it fits. The same idea goes for goggles; always stick to quality and trusted brands when safety is a concern.
Riding Boots
Thick, durable, and comfortable. Riding boots are a staple at every dirt bike race for children. But unlike helmets, you can buy a good pair on most online platforms, and some even look into marketplaces for previously owned and lightly used boots as most kids give up on this sport as they grow up. Chances are, those shoes are still top quality and without tears or degradation.
We recommend getting quality brands like Alpinestars, their boots are more flexible to wear, and their buckles are made with more substantial materials, which are the most common weak points of rider boots due to repeated exposure and damage. Get a good pair when your kid is just starting for a few tries, but buying more solid and long-lasting brands would be a good idea if they decide to play this sport in the long run.
Riding Gloves
Part of the sport is falling regularly, no matter how balanced and skilled your child is. For that reason, you need a reliable pair of riding gloves that are proven durable against loose gravel, dirt, and tears, something that even a simple bike glove can’t handle. Various brands offer such gloves, and they are available in many designs. Choose one that fits well to your child without sacrificing their grip and aesthetic of the whole get-up.
Knee And Elbow Pads
Some kids may feel weird wearing this, but these pads are vital for their health to minimize scratches and painful skin tears when falling. Fortunately, these pads come cheap, and you can buy them easily online; their brands can be considered a preference.
To make them like wearing these pads, encourage them to fall to their knees. That hesitance will soon wear off as they realize they can easily fall without any pain, and they will be more inclined to wear this and even pair up the colors to their riding pants and shirts.
Clothing
The last part of the gear is clothing; a good pair protects your children from hot engines, terrain, and falls. You want to buy quality pants and outdoor jerseys designed to handle continuous wear and tear. We summarized some key points in choosing the best clothing pair for your children:
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Buy a well-priced pair that’s not too expensive; you may need to buy another pair once a year to guarantee protection, as these old biking clothes suffer from tears and holes over time.
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Get a decent size that keeps them snug but loose enough for children to move appropriately and grip their controls firmly.
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Consider the design; you’d want a pair your child loves to wear with exciting colors.
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Take account of the climate your child wants to play on their bikes; there are unique pairs made for winter or summer dirt bike trails.