Best Youth Neck Brace For Dirt Biking
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Our editorial content is reader-supported. If you click on some of our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more here.Motocross or dirt bikes are engineered for performance, rather than fun. And while riding, it’s not uncommon to experience bumps and shocks due to rough, uneven trails. Which is why, it is absolutely imperative that parents or caregivers protect their young enthusiast from injuries that may result from these adventures.
As we all know that dirt bikes themselves are limited in terms of protection, so it is necessary to compensate for these shortcomings with comprehensive protection. Among these, a neck brace is the most important piece of protective equipment right after a full-face helmet.
Most neck braces are designed to take the forces away from your neck and disperse across larger more muscular parts of the body. Besides, they not only protect the rider in the event of an accident, but also safeguard the cervical bone from possible hyperflexion or hyperextension, which could otherwise lead to grave injuries.
Today, we will be discussing about some of the most ideal neck collars that can be utilized by a young one while he is undertaking these kinds of extreme adventures. But before we begin, you need to be well informed about the sizing guidelines as well.
Tip: Use a measuring tape over your kid’s chest and under the armpits to measure the chest circumference. And if you’re right between 2 sizes, we recommend you choose the larger size (since kids outgrow their gear quickly).
So, with that in mind let’s dive into some of the best youth neck braces.
Best Youth Neck Brace
Alpinestars Youth Neck Support
So, the first neck brace we would like to talk about is coming from Alpinestars designed for riders between 6 to 14 years or someone with chest circumference that lie in between 21 inches and 31 inches.
There are few things that we like about this neck brace. One is its simplicity: it has a very sleek design and although this neck protector is primarily intended for young kids, it can also be utilized by riders of small and medium stature as well.
Featuring a hard plastic material at the top and a soft EVA foam at the base, the Alpinestars youth neck protector guarantees a good overall protection, yet manages to keep the rider comfortable at all times.
As for the protective elements, it features two rear supports, thanks to which, it is possible to maintain a stable spine, especially the cervical, thus enhancing the rider’s protection.
Up front, you are provided with a red tab that ensures an easy open/close mechanism just by a single press.
And once your kid puts it on, there are several ways to fasten and secure it. The first way is the chest strap that comes with it. So once your kid is all geared up, you can secure the neck support by putting on the chest strap.
Alternatively, you can combine this neck support with A-5S youth body armor from Alpinestars that can accommodate this brace quite easily. On the A-5S, you will find straps that allows you to hook onto the tabs of the neck brace.
Speaking about its versatility, this neck support can be also used in activities other than motocross. For instance, it can be used during kart races or while riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), where your kid requires similar type of protection.
However, be aware that this neck support does not offer any adjustability. As such, you can consider this collar if you are simply looking for a straight forward neck brace that performs a great task of protection.
Price: $139
Highlights:
- Ideal for kids between 6 to 14 years of age
- Lightweight EVA foam for added comfort
- Simple closure mechanism
- Rear stabilizer holds the neck support in single position
- Comes with chest straps for snug fit
- Can be integrated with youth A-5S body armor
EVS Youth R2 Race Collar
As basic as it looks, with no straps, back support or anything else, the EVS Youth R2 Race motocross collar, is both practical and extremely reliable protector for kids.
Developed on the basis of extensive feedback from on-track riders, EVS has created this race collar to provide maximum safety and convenience to its riders. Not only that, in order to provide the best possible result, the company also tested the product on trails that were statistically more accident prone than the regular tracks.
Being a beginner rider, your kid will certainly face some issues with his mobility. There is a good chance that most of the advanced neck braces sold in the market may not work around his riding style. With the introduction of R2 race collars, EVS made sure that your kid is protected from sudden jerks, while simultaneously allowing him to ride freely without restricting any sort of movement.
The R2 model in particular minimizes the overall risks associated with motocross. In addition, this neck collar reduces the likelihood of experiencing hyperextension and lateral hyperflexion. As for the wearability, the R2 features a buckle closure system.
However, due to its simplicity, there are some drawbacks as well. For instance, there are no adjustments that can be made after wearing it. So, before purchasing you have to be extra sure of the sizing.
But like we mentioned about its design, this is a neck brace that your kid can wear all the time. Neither you have to think about it, as it is the simplest piece of gear your kid can put on. Besides, it definitely works like a charm without hindering with the experience of your child.
In fact, as soon as you put on the R2 around your kids’ neck, you will notice that there is no interference with any kind of chest armor you are using.
Your kid will enjoy the ride all day long with the brace without even realizing that he is wearing one. If you are going to purchase a neck brace for the first time, we recommend you try this one above all. As an added advantage, it’s really very cheap!
Price: $42
Highlights:
- Lightweight minimalistic design
- Washable liner
- Easy front open/close mechanism
- Protects against common neck injuries
- PU core and nylon outer shell
Leatt Youth 3.5 Neck Brace
A remarkable fact about Leatt is that this brand was the first to come up with a solution to properly shield the cervical bone among motocross riders. And by introducing Leatt 3.5, the brand further claims that the chance of serious cervical injuries among dirt bike riders will be reduced by 89%.
Designed to accommodate any young rider between 29.5 inches to 32.5 inches of chest circumference, this Youth 3.5 is CE tested and certified to be graded as a personal protective equipment.
On top of that, the outer material is very rigid and made to absorb high impacts that could arise from a tumble. Its unique design allows an optimal contact with the rider’s helmet during a crash, while still allowing enough freedom of movement needed to maneuver on the trail.
At the front, you get a push button that guarantees an easy lock/unlock mechanism and two chest mounts that dissipate the energy generated from any impact to the frontal region while simultaneously ensuring a stable and secure fit.
One major difference that you should know in this model and the advanced model (Leatt 5.5) that we will talk about shortly is that the chest mounts are not adjustable. And while you do get these adjustments on the advanced model, but you will also have to pay more for this feature!
A removable CoreFlex split rear removable thoracic strut is provided at the back that is designed to snap off if too much pressure is applied to it. Another great safety feature about this strut is that its adjustable. So, depending on the size, you can actually adjust this to accommodate with the body of your young one.
In addition, you also get shoulder padding on the sides to enhance the comfort. Plus, it is designed right around the collar bone which prevents the brace from making contact with the helmet unnecessarily, while simultaneously protecting the collarbone from any kind of pressure.
Lately, a lot of pro riders have been using the 3.5 without any problems thanks to its ultralight weight and ergonomic design. And if you are looking for a truly professional neck brace for your kid that comes with plenty of features and adjustability, Leatt 3.5 will surely meet your standards.
Price: $199
Highlights:
- Lightweight (497g) and ergonomically designed
- CoreFlex split rear removable thoracic strut
- Easy push button open/close mechanism
- CE certified and tested
- Adjustable thoracic to accommodate different sizes
- Polymer matrix platform
- Air flow ribbed body padding for optimum ventilation
Leatt Youth 5.5 Neck Brace
The 5.5 is the most popular version of the Leatt neck braces. It is somewhat more expensive than the 3.5, which we have discussed above, but in exchange you benefit from a combination of safety, comfortability and adjustability at the same time.
So, what they have done is simply scaled everything up, which means that right from the construction to the safety, everything is enhanced. For instance, if we speak about the chassis, it is constructed from fiberglass reinforced polyamide, making it extremely rigid on the outside. Moreover, this material is also very good at absorbing shocks and impacts.
The other distinction from the 3.5 is that the closing and opening mechanism of 5.5 is located at one side. And in the event of a fall, or if there is an emergency, the other side of the neck brace can also be opened with a screwdriver or a coin.
This allows the rescuer to completely remove the collar from the rider’s neck and provide first aid at the same time.
Coming to the fit, unlike the 3.5, you are offered three different variable adjustments as well as four angular adjustments from 0 to 15 degrees to choose from.
Underneath the chest paddings you get a SureFit tab that allows you to slide the pads forward or backward, to accommodate the chest armor. Likewise, at the rear, you can slide the entire mounting section forward and backward, depending on your kids’ measurement.
One of the great things about the 5.5 series is that it gives you plenty of options to customize as per the riding style and convenience of your kid.
In our opinion, at this price, no other neck protector currently in the market offers as many functionalities and safety features as this particular model. So, if you are looking for a high-end, sophisticated, and highly protective neck brace for your kid, 5.5 from Leatt will be your perfect companion.
Price: $319
Highlights:
- 4 angle rear thoracic strut adjustments (0, 5, 10, and 15 degree)
- CE certified
- Sliding SureFit adjusters
- 3-way adjustability
- Does not interfere with helmet
- Comfortable and ergonomically designed to adapt with the rider’s movement
- Fiberglass reinforced polyamide construction
- Emergency release mechanism
Atlas Youth Tyke Neck Brace
The Tyke Youth Motocross Neck Brace is designed specifically for riders measuring between 24 and 28 inches in chest circumference.
Featuring the same technology that powers the flagship adult model, the Tyke Neck Brace is targeted towards all the young intermediate and advanced riders out there who really like to ride in an extreme environment.
Constructed from hard plastic materials rendering it semi-rigid, it is a very light (450g) and slim protector that literally feels as if nothing at all is around the neck.
A simple push button is located at the front for a quick release and close mechanism. And as part of the kit, there is a chest strap that you can use to secure the protector around your child’s neck. This strap keeps the neck protector in place while your kid is hitting the trails.
One of the great safety features of this brace is the ability to split into two parts in case of an emergency. There is a small rubber element at the back that can be cut off with the help of a knife or a blade in case the front mechanism is stuck due to an impact.
At the front, the chest mounts are very flexible and lightly padded for optimal comfort. While at the back, the support system has double mounting holes that allow an 8mm adjustment.
One other great advantage of these back mounts is that they provide a certain amount of mobility thanks to the thin rubber element (emergency cut-off link) that is placed between them. So basically, they serve a dual purpose: first, they absorb and dissipate as much energy as possible, and second, they allow the neck brace to keep up with the rider as he maneuvers.
These features and distinctive characteristics of Tyke neck brace are not something you will find in any other neck protectors in the market.
With its Split-Flex frame that mimics the natural movements of the body and front chest suspension that provides 30mm of travel, Atlas ensures that your young ones feel safe while riding their dirt bikes.
Price: $199
Highlights:
- Split-Flex frame that provides ideal riding comfort
- Lightweight and slim design
- Includes elastic chest straps
- Two height adjustment options
- Long travel front chest suspension
- Emergency cut-off link
EVS Youth R4 Race Collar
So, the last neck brace we will discuss is also the best one when we compare the price-performance ratio from the rest.
EVS R4 is a lightweight affordable neck collar that guarantees optimal comfort and protection from neck and collarbone injuries. Its low-profile design makes it an ideal protective piece of equipment that your kid can wear on any kind of dirt trail.
For those of you who are unaware about the brand, since 1985, EVS has been manufacturing protective equipment for riders and has succeeded in securing them from head to toe. In other words, EVS is a brand that you can trust blindly.
Typically, this brace is suitable for riders with a height of up to 1.30 meters or weight less than 48 kilograms. And if you are thinking about buying a chest protector for your young one, Roost deflectors are completely compatible with the R4.
EVS R4 has a very low-profile and lightweight design, whilst offering a high level of impact protection owing to its hard molded outer surface made from polyurethane. And underneath this rigid material, there is a really soft padding that provides a good, comfortable feel.
At the front, there is a simple push button closure that is further secured by Velcro® fastener. And with regards to its fit, the R4 can be adjusted to accommodate any body shape with the help of rear strut (this rear strut can be adjusted with the help of an Allen key).
This allows the brace to be in contact with the entire body so that the shock can be dispersed throughout evenly.
By using the R4, all the safety features and adjustment options typical of high-quality neck braces are at your disposal, and that too at an affordable price.
Price: $126
Highlights:
- Hard molded upper shell
- Bio-foam padding for extra comfort
- Adjustable rear strut
- Easy open/close mechanism at the front
- Lightweight and durable
- Velcro® closure
Bottom line
Of late, we are seeing more and more riders wearing a neck brace, but unfortunately, these neck protectors still remain the most ignored piece of equipment alongside high-end knee braces. Many parents only decide to invest in these protectors after they or someone they know have witnessed a serious accident. So, if you are a parent, grandparent or a guardian angel who is still skeptical about purchasing a neck brace for his young one, remember these wise words “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
With that, we bring an end to this article. Don’t forget to share it with someone who might find it useful.
Thank you for reading. Take care!
