Top 6 Best Dirt Bike Chest Protectors On The Market In 2023 Review

If you’re dirt bike riding or riding motocross, it’s a good idea to get protected. Dirt bike chest protectors can help and are an effective and popular solution. However, roost protectors can also offer good levels of basic protection and are equally popular.

These days, the choice of protective gear has never been better. So, to narrow down the search, we’re going to take a look at some of the best dirt bike chest protectors along with some of the best roost protectors. Surely, there will be something on our list that will suit you, you’re riding style, and your budget.

So, let’s get to it and see what’s on offer, starting with the…

Top 6 Best Dirt Bike Chest Protectors Reviews

1 Fox Racing R3 Adult Off-Road Chest Protector – Best Beginners Dirt Bike Chest Protector

The Fox Racing R3 Adult Off-Road Chest Protector is an entry-level protector that fits into this company’s extensive range. This is a no-nonsense and classic version of a basic dirt bike chest protector.

It comes in a choice of three sizes and also three colors. To ensure the best possible fit, it has adjustable straps secured to the shoulders and waist. Additionally, there are elasticated buckle waist enclosures to help keep the protector nice and tight against your body.

Lightweight and cool…

The simple design has the advantage of helping to keep the weight down to just 1.7lbs. This is very light and benefits the rider by reducing possible fatigue and overheating during normal rides as well as when racing. We’re sure you’ll agree that this a great feature for any dirt bike gear.

To further help you keep your cool, the Fox Racing R3 has a well-ventilated chest plate. This means that you get plenty of airflow while still keeping out large stones and debris.

Low profile and comfortable…

Another great feature is the low-profile shoulder cups. These allow for high levels of protection as well as comfort. The design is also suited for accommodating a wide variety of neck braces.

This updated chassis delivers solid levels of comfort, fit, and protection at a very affordable price point. Most importantly, it also has CE EN 14021 stone shield certification.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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2 Alpinestars Men’s A-10 Full Motorcycle Chest Protector, Anthracite/Black/red, X-Small/Small – Best Modular Dirt Bike Chest Protector

We now move from a basic chest protector to one that’s at the top of the line.

The Alpinestars A-10 chest protector is made from a polymeric material that’s designed to give you high-levels of protection. It comes in three sizes, and it’s fully adjustable at the shoulders and waist, so you can get the best possible fit.

Offers bicep protection in a lightweight package…

Unlike the previous chest protector, the A-10 has EVA padding bicep protection. This is modular, highly adjustable, and can be quickly removed if desired. Even better, the majority of the chest protector is also modular.

This translates to excellent flexibility that covers a multitude of different riding situations. It, therefore, leaves you free to decide on the level of protection you need during any single ride.

However, you can be assured that each plate is CE certified, flexible, and lightweight. The A-10 weighs just 1.78lbs with all the plates in place. For a chest protector of this quality, that’s an impressively low number.

There are plenty more features with this one…

Other great features include the grid cell design found on all of the main plates. The grid cell pattern performs three essential functions. Weight-saving is one of them, which we’ve already identified. The other two benefits are that it provides excellent ventilation. And more importantly, you also get outstanding levels of high impact resistance.

All of these features allow great freedom of movement combined with an ability to keep you cool. If all of this isn’t enough, it’s also one of the easiest to get in and out of. Plus, it’s compatible with neck braces.

All in all, it’s a highly convincing package.

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

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3 Alpinestars Men’s A-1 Plus Motorcycle Chest Protector, Black, Medium/Large – Most Padded Dirt Bike Chest Protector

This is more on the budget end of the range of Alpinestar’s chest protectors. However, despite its affordable price, it has plenty of quality and plenty of features you’d normally expect on more expensive protective gear.

As part of a larger range, the A-1 is happily compatible with all of its roost guards and chest protectors. This includes the top of the range A-10 model. We’re sure you’ll all agree that’s a pretty good start.

So, what else do you get for your money?

You get a well-padded base protective layer with extra protective padding that’s placed over all areas where additional protection is needed. This is mainly over the shoulders, chest, and biceps. The upshot is quality protection against tire roost, stones, and gravel.

Although it’s a little heavier than its more expensive counterpart, it’s still no heavyweight. At just 1.9lbs, it’s light enough to not feel uncomfortable or tiring during or after long rides. Freedom of movement is also high to further assist rider comfort.

Breathable and secure…

There are plenty of holes in the plates to improve breathability and ventilation. They’re not as refined as on the A-10 but they never the less do a decent enough job. Even on those hot summer days, when we get them, you’ll be able to keep your cool.

Although it uses a more basic strap system to secure the armor in place, it’s still effective. It’s maybe not as easy to use as the A-10; however, it does have one advantage. And that is, that unlike on the A-10, the straps and buckles can be more readily relaced.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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4 Leatt Unisex-Adult Chest Protector (Black,Adult) – Best Budget Dirt Bike Chest Protector

This is an entry-level affordable bike chest protector. It comes in a one size fits all configuration. Although this is supposed to be suitable for all adults, it’s unlikely to fit taller or larger riders. Anyone much over 6’ tall or close to 200lbs will struggle to get this to fit comfortably.

Unfortunately, fit issues don’t end with taller or heavier riders. If you are a smaller rider, the one-piece hard plastic plate design causes the sides to overlap and poke out. The simple truth is that this is going to be a poor fit for a lot of riders.

Made from plastic, easy to operate, but not suitable for hard impact protection…

The body plates, both front and back, are made from hardened plastic. The Leatt 2.5 is CE certified for roost protection but not for impact. If you need impact protection, then you should take a look for something like the Leatt 4.5. Similarly, if you need shoulder protection, take a look at something else.

The Leatt 2.5 is easy to take on and off quickly. The straps can be operated with just one hand and also offer the ability to adjust for fit. Although, as we’ve highlighted, the chance of a good fit is far from ideal.

Okay, to use with a neck brace, and is well-ventilated…

This model is shaped so it can accommodate a neck brace, and it can be worn either under or over a jersey. Since it weighs a mere 1.3lbs, you’ll hardly notice the weight. This is one of the lightest dirt bike chest protectors on the market.

Finally, there are plenty of holes at the rear for ventilation, though sadly, ventilation is not quite so good at the front-end. However, given its size and weight, it’s unlikely to feel uncomfortable even on a warm or hot day.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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5 Troy Lee Designs Youth 5900 Chest Protector-Black – Most Adjustable Dirt Bike Chest Protector

Troy Lee is a well-known name within the motorcycle community. They have been making chest protectors for over 30 years. In that time, they have specialized in making some excellent high-quality roost guards.

So, what about the Troy Lee Designs Youth 5900 Chest Protector? Is it any good? Well, yes, we think so.

There are a couple of things we like about it…

We like the low-profile design. There’s no doubt that it makes for comfortable wear, under or over a jersey, and allows for easy and free movement. Plus, to help you get the best possible fit, there are three sizes to choose from.

To further improve your comfort, two hinged side plates curve towards the edges. The straps are adjustable but also can be hooked under a groove in the side plate for yet more comfort.

On the front chest plate, there are straps but also movable rivets that can also be relocated. The rivets are also found on the backplate. This is another great feature to improve rider comfort.

Great roost protection, and beyond…

The Troy Lee Designs Youth 5900 Chest Protector has good roost protection on the front and sides. Additionally, it has a thin level of armor running over the shoulders. The chest protector is also designed to allow for the inclusion of a neck brace.

One last design feature we like is the small hinged plate that’s fixed to the bottom of the main rear plate. It adds extra protection but does so in such a way as to make sitting and moving around on the bike a more comfortable experience.

Our rating: (5 / 5)

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6 EVS Sports – RV4-BK-S/M Men’s Roost Deflector (REVO 4) (Black/Hi-Viz, Youth (S/M)) – Best Basic Dirt Bike Chest Protector

The EVS RV4-BK-S/M Men’s Roost Deflector has a simple minimalist design. It has no backplate and has a very low profile. It’s intended to be worn under a jersey, though it could be worn over a jersey if preferred.

It’s available in just two sizes. The S/M size is for riders under 125lbs. The L/XL if for riders over 125lbs.

Polycarbonate protection…

At the front, there is a polycarbonate stone shield, provides plenty of height and width along with plenty of ventilation holes. It sits upon a base of soft foam, which is elevated to make it compatible with a neck brace.

The front plate is designed for roost protection only and does not have CE certification for impact. If you need impact protection, you need to look at some of the more expensive bike chest protectors in their range.

With comfort (and budget) in mind…

The side plates are hinged, which helps to reduce its profile and adds to the wearers’ comfort. The side plates are made from soft padding, so you can’t expect the same level of protection at the sides compared to the front.

The rear of the chest protector has an ‘X’ style strap design that joins the front and side plates together. The middle of the ‘X’ is padded, so it does not irritate the skin. The straps clip into the plates using a simple buckle system.

Great protection despite…

This is the lightest and also the least expensive chest protector on our list. It weighs just one pound, but despite its weight and price, it affords a good level of roost protection. We think it’s possibly one of the leading dirt bike chest protectors for riders who are just getting into the sport.

Our rating: (5 / 5)

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Best Dirt Bike Chest Protectors Buying Guide

Roost Protector

A roost protector does not offer full security from injury resulting from an impact during a fall or accident. A roost protector does exactly what you’d expect from its name. It protects you from roost and possible blows from glancing objects like tree branches.

Roost protectors are lightweight, offer basic protection, and are frequently worn under a jersey. This is because they generally also have a low profile. The…

Leatt 2.5

…is a great option for a CE certified good quality roost protector.

Dirt Bike Chest Protector

A dirt bike chest protector will have roost protection as well as impact protection. Impact protection will cover the chest and may also expand to other areas. The more expensive and comprehensive dirt bike chest protectors are also likely to have shoulder, back, and even bicep protection.

If you require protection in the case of a heavy impact from an accident, you should check out the CE certification. Heavy impact-resistant chest protectors should hold full CE certification.

For the very highest level of protection from a dirt bike chest protector, we’d recommend that you take a second look at the…

Alpinestars Men’s A-10 Full Motorcycle Chest Protector

There are higher levels of protection than the A-10 can offer. However, this falls in the category of motocross body armor. These are thicker, heavier, and stronger. None of these protectors are featured on our list.

Movement

Having a good range and freedom of movement is important. To achieve this, the first imperative is to ensure you get the right size. Most chest protectors come in three sizes, so pay close attention to the manufacturers’ recommendations.

You should also look for high levels of adjustability, and wherever possible, protectors that have multiple hinged plates. We think the…

Alpinestars Men’s A-10 Full Motorcycle Chest Protector

…is hard to beat on both points.

For the best in articulation, a low-profile roost protector has a lot to offer. They are thinner than a bike chest protector and can, therefore, usually offer a higher degree of unfettered movement. If you are happy to trade this off against lower levels of impact protection, we suggest you take a second look at the…

Troy Lee Designs Youth 5900 Chest Protector-Black

Ventilation

This is important to keep your cool on warm and hot days. Once you’re wearing a helmet, gloves, boots, knee, and chest protectors, it’s easy to overheat very quickly. Having breathable and well-ventilated equipment will prevent you from overheating, so you can concentrate on the riding.

The more protective and thicker the equipment you’re using then the more important this becomes. The…

Fox Racing R3 chest protector

…provides quality ventilation at the budget end of the market. For a roost protector, the…

EVS Sports – RV4-BK

…also provides great ventilation and again at a reasonable price.

Weight

Wearing heavy protective gear can frankly be hard work. It can be tiring and also cause stress and strain on your body. It can also contribute to your overheating. Thankfully, these days, your protective gear doesn’t have to weigh you down.

The top dirt bike chest protectors should not only offer great protection but should still weight on or around 2lbs. Happily, all of the chest protectors we’ve reviewed are within this range.

Roost protectors should be able to go a step further and weigh little over a pound. Again, all the roost protectors we reviewed fall within this limit. The…

EVS Sports – RV4-BK

…weighs in at just a pound.

Also see: Top 10 Best Dirt Bike Goggles On The Market

Looking for more superb products for dirt biking?

If so, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Dirt Bike Tires and the best Dirt Bike Oil you can buy.

If you’re looking for safety gear, for motocross riding or another style, check out our reviews of the Best Motorcycle Gloves, the Best Motorcycle Goggles, and the Best Motorcycle Boots on the market.

For other riding needs, you can also explore our reviews of the Best Motorcycle Oils, the Best Motorcycle Shocks, and the Best Motorcycle Brake Pads currently available.

So, what are the Best Dirt Bike Chest Protectors?

There you have it, six of the greatest dirt bike chest protectors currently on sale.

Motocross is a potentially dangerous sport. Preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best, is an advisable strategy to keep you safe, away from the ER, and away from hefty hospital bills. The most effective dirt bike chest protectors and the best roost protectors on our list are all capable of playing their part in this.

We would be happy to use any of the six chest protectors we’ve reviewed. However, if we had to take just one of them home, we’d have the…

Alpinestars Men’s A-10 Full Motorcycle Chest Protector

It’s, therefore, our top pick of the best dirt bike chest protectors to have tucked firmly under our arm.

This is because it is fully CE certified and has a very high level of both impact and roost protection. Additionally, it’s lightweight, very comfortable, and breathable at the same time. In short, it has all the main ingredients we look for in a quality dirt bike chest protector.

Have a safe and exciting riding experience.