Is a Neck Brace For You?
So what is all the fuss about neck braces? Do they really work? Who's wearing them? And who's making them? Well, I think it's about time some form of neck protection was produced for the dirt biking world. With so many neck and back injuries plaguing the riders in our sport, it's a welcome breath of fresh air to finally have a safety device that can potentially minimize damage to the spine. Although, there still seems to be much debate about the effectiveness of such products as the Leatt Brace. Some people want 'scientific proof' and crash tests carried out on these products before they fork out a few hundred dollars for something that might prevent injury. Personally, I can't see how it won't help. It seems KTM and BMW believe in, and endorse the Leatt Brace. KTM have had their Leatt Braces re-branded with their own logo and have a lot of their team riders wear them. The Leatt Brace has also been accepted for use in all NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) classes via it's SFI 38.1 certification. Many pro riders are wearing them too. Riders such as Ryan Villopoto, Mike Aessi and Darryl King are flying round the track with these human collars on.
Neck braces are not only used for motocross and enduro e.t.c... they are also being worn for use in racing cars, jet boats, super-motard, go-karts and other types of extreme motor sport where the risk of neck injury is high.
Although an ingenious idea, neck braces are quite simple in functionality. Their purpose is to restrict the amount of movement or travel in the neck during an accident. They achieve this by resting on your shoulders like a collar around your neck and forming a kind of base support for your helmet.
Above: Alpinestars Neck Brace
They have been designed to fit comfortably with most types of body armor and helmets. And the Leatt Brace Team claim that "one lap or 5 minutes is usually all it takes to get used to the brace."The Leatt Brace is the original, and probably the most tested and thoroughly designed brace on the market. At this stage they have 3 different styles beginning at around US$400. They're made out of injected glass-reinforced nylon and/or carbon fibre and Kevlar. Alpinestars and EVS also make a brace at a lower price. Should you buy one? I guess until it's undeniably proven to help prevent your neck snapping like a butchered chickens, it's your call. But when/if there is evidence to back it up, I would imagine it will become as vital as your helmet. Check out Ebay Live Auctions at the bottom of this page for some great deals.
Do You Own A Neck Brace? Share Your Experience With Us.
What brand of neck brace do you own? Is it comfortable? Has it saved you already from injury? Do you think it is a good investment or just a gimmick? Help others who are 'on the fence' to make a decision to buy one or not.
What Other Riders Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Injured Rider Using a Leatt Brace
Not rated yet
A friend who is 6'2" tall, 250lbs. 42yrs/Vet intermediate. Used a Leatt Brace for the first time and suffered a crash resulting in C5 crushed/c6 fracture....
One of the best and easiest places to pick up top-brand MX gear at cheap prices is Ebay Live Auctions. Click on the links below for more details.
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