Protection Equipment Guide
Essential Protection Hierarchy
Priority 1: Life-Critical
Helmet
- Most important investment
- Never compromise quality
- Replace after impacts
- 5-year replacement cycle
- DOT/ECE minimum
Boots
- Ankle/foot protection critical
- Prevents most common injuries
- Quality equals longevity
- Proper fit essential
- Worthwhile investment
Priority 2: Injury Prevention
Knee Protection
- High injury probability area
- Mobility vs protection balance
- Brace or guard decision
- Comfort for long rides
- Direct impact protection
Body Armor
- Chest/back protection
- Shoulder coverage
- Elbow protection
- Ventilation important
- Modular options
Priority 3: Comfort & Enhancement
Gloves
- Grip and control
- Blister prevention
- Impact protection
- Weather appropriate
- Multiple pairs recommended
Goggles
- Eye protection mandatory
- Visibility critical
- Fog prevention
- Tear-off/roll-off options
- Spare lens essential
Helmets
Types for Hard Enduro
Full-Face Motocross
- Maximum protection
- Best ventilation
- Goggle compatible
- Wide vision
- Standard choice
Dual-Sport/ADV
- Visor option
- Highway legal
- Less ventilation
- Heavier weight
- Versatile option
Key Features
Safety Certifications:
- DOT (US minimum)
- ECE 22.05/22.06 (European)
- Snell M2020 (Premium)
- FIM (Racing)
Fit Considerations:
- Snug but comfortable
- No pressure points
- Minimal rotation
- Chin strap secure
- Break-in period
Top Picks
Premium: Arai VX-Pro4
- Exceptional safety
- Superior ventilation
- 5-year warranty
- $650-750
Mid-Range: Bell Moto-10
- Excellent value
- MIPS technology
- Good ventilation
- $400-500
Budget: Fly Racing Formula
- DOT/ECE certified
- Decent features
- Good starter helmet
- $150-250
Boots
Hard Enduro Requirements
Essential Features:
- Hinged ankle support
- Steel shank
- Replaceable buckles
- Heat shield
- Sole durability
- Waterproofing helpful
Boot Categories
Full MX Boots
- Maximum protection
- Stiff construction
- 4-buckle system
- Less feel
- $400-600
Hybrid Enduro
- Good protection
- More flexibility
- Better feel
- Walking capable
- $300-500
Adventure Boots
- Moderate protection
- Most flexible
- All-day comfort
- Street legal
- $200-400
Sizing and Fit
Proper Fit:
- Thick sock allowance
- Toe box room
- Heel locked
- Flex at ankle
- Calf adjustment
Break-In Period:
- 5-10 hours typical
- Start with short rides
- Use boot conditioner
- Expect stiffness
- Worth the patience
Recommendations
Top Choice: Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS
- Industry standard
- Fully rebuildable
- Excellent protection
- $550-650
Value Pick: Gaerne SG-12
- Great protection
- Comfortable
- Durable
- $425-500
Budget Option: Thor Blitz XR
- Decent protection
- Good value
- Entry level
- $230-280
Knee Protection
Guards vs Braces
Knee Guards
- Impact protection
- Flexibility retained
- Less support
- More comfortable
- $50-150
Knee Braces
- Injury prevention
- Ligament support
- Limited flexibility
- Higher cost
- $400-800/pair
Choosing Protection Level
Factors to Consider:
- Previous injuries
- Riding intensity
- Terrain type
- Ride duration
- Budget
Utah Terrain Needs:
- Rock impacts common
- Technical movements
- Long days
- Heat consideration
- Flexibility important
Product Categories
Hard Shell Guards
- Maximum impact protection
- CE certified
- Articulated design
- Examples: Leatt 3DF, Pod K4
Soft Shell Guards
- Flexibility priority
- Comfort focused
- Lighter weight
- Examples: Thor Force XP, EVS Glider
Knee Braces
- Medical grade support
- Custom fit available
- Significant investment
- Examples: Asterisk Ultra Cell, Pod K8
Body Armor
Integrated vs Modular
Pressure Suits
- All-in-one protection
- Consistent coverage
- Easy to wear
- Hot in summer
- $150-400
Modular Systems
- Mix and match
- Customize protection
- Better ventilation
- More complex
- $200-500 total
Coverage Areas
Essential Coverage:
- Chest/ribs
- Back/spine
- Shoulders
- Elbows
Additional Options:
- Kidney belt
- Hip pads
- Tailbone protection
- Neck support
Ventilation Importance
Utah Considerations:
- High altitude sun
- Temperature swings
- Low humidity
- Long rides
- Hydration access
Top Recommendations
Full Coverage: Leatt 5.5 Body Protector
- Excellent protection
- Good ventilation
- Modular design
- $300-350
Chest/Back: Alpinestars A-10
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- CE certified
- $250-300
Budget: Fox Racing Titan Sport
- Basic protection
- Affordable
- Proven design
- $100-150
Gloves
Hard Enduro Specifics
Requirements:
- Grip in wet/dry
- Knuckle protection
- Palm durability
- Lever feel
- Breathability
Avoid:
- Thick padding
- Waterproof (too hot)
- Gauntlet style
- Cheap materials
Features to Seek
Palm Material:
- Synthetic leather
- Single layer
- Grip treatment
- Durability
Protection:
- Knuckle armor
- Palm sliders
- Finger flexibility
- Wrist closure
Multiple Pair Strategy
Primary Gloves:
- High quality
- Perfect fit
- Race/ride days
Backup Gloves:
- Same model ideal
- Broken in
- Ready to go
Practice Gloves:
- Older pairs
- Save primaries
- Still protective
Recommendations
Premium: Klim XC Lite
- Exceptional feel
- Durable
- Breathable
- $45-55
Standard: Fox Racing Dirtpaw
- Good value
- Proven design
- Widely available
- $25-35
Budget: Thor Spectrum
- Basic protection
- Decent quality
- Multiple colors
- $20-25
Goggles
Lens Systems
Standard Lens
- Simple replacement
- Lower cost
- Quick changes
- Multiple tints
Roll-Off System
- Muddy conditions
- Continuous cleaning
- Added weight
- Higher cost
Tear-Off Compatible
- Stack tear-offs
- Quick clearing
- Popular choice
- Disposable
Lens Selection
Clear:
- Low light
- Night riding
- Dust storms
- Always carry
Tinted/Mirrored:
- Bright sun
- Reduce glare
- Style points
- Day use only
Photochromic:
- Variable tint
- All conditions
- Expensive
- Convenient
Fit and Compatibility
With Helmet:
- No gaps
- Comfortable seal
- Strap position
- Ventilation alignment
Face Shape:
- Foam contact
- No pressure points
- Peripheral vision
- Nose clearance
Top Picks
Premium: Oakley Airbrake
- Industry leader
- Easy lens change
- Excellent optics
- $80-120
Value: 100% Racecraft 2
- Great quality
- Good price
- Many options
- $45-65
Budget: Scott Prospect
- Solid choice
- Reliable
- Available
- $35-45
Additional Protection
Hand Guards
Types:
- Wrap-around (full)
- Flag style (basic)
- Integrated armor
Benefits:
- Lever protection
- Hand safety
- Wind blocking
- Brush deflection
Installation:
- Bar compatibility
- Lever clearance
- Solid mounting
- Adjustment range
Neck Braces
Controversial Topic:
- Injury prevention claims
- Comfort issues
- Personal choice
- Try before buying
Options:
- Leatt DBX series
- Atlas Vision
- EVS RC Evolution
Riding Gear
Jersey Features:
- Moisture wicking
- Ventilation panels
- Durable construction
- Elbow protection compatible
Pants Features:
- Leather inner knee
- Ventilation
- Hip pad pockets
- Boot interface
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning Schedule
After Every Ride:
- Air dry boots
- Wipe helmet
- Check damage
- Clean goggles
Weekly:
- Wash jerseys/pants
- Disinfect helmet
- Condition boots
- Inspect all gear
Monthly:
- Deep clean armor
- Replace worn parts
- Check certifications
- Inventory supplies
Storage
Proper Storage:
- Dry completely
- Room temperature
- Away from chemicals
- Organized system
- Easy access
Replacement Guidelines
Immediate Replace:
- Helmet after crash
- Torn gloves
- Broken buckles
- Compromised armor
Regular Replace:
- Helmet: 5 years
- Gloves: 1 season
- Goggles: 2 years
- Jersey/Pants: As needed
Budget Prioritization
New Rider Budget ($1000)
- Helmet: $250
- Boots: $300
- Knee guards: $100
- Gloves: $35
- Goggles: $45
- Jersey/Pants: $120
- Chest protector: $150
Intermediate Budget ($2000)
- Upgrade all categories
- Add knee braces
- Premium helmet
- Spare gear sets
No-Compromise ($3000+)
- Best of everything
- Multiple options
- Custom fitting
- Complete backup set
Summary
Protection equipment is not where to save money. Utah’s rocky terrain is unforgiving, and proper gear prevents injuries that cost far more than equipment.
Key Principles:
- Fit matters more than brand
- Comfort ensures you’ll wear it
- Quality pays over time
- Maintenance extends life
- Replacement when needed
The best protection is what you’ll actually wear. Start with essentials, upgrade systematically, and never compromise on helmets or boots.
Mountain Goat Sports offers gear fitting services and expert advice to ensure your protection matches Utah’s demanding terrain. We stock major brands and can special order specific needs.