protection
This year I started racing some a mature snocross, so I bought a cheap MX chest protector at haydays I also bought Thor force knee/shin guards and an atlas neck brace. Total investment = under $300. 2nd race of the year I landed short on a triple landed hard, got thrown over the bars and ran over by my own sled. I ended up compression fracturing my L3 40%. Not a good deal. Pretty close to death. I know for a fact that if I didn't have my neck brace on the outcome may have not been so good, as I lawn darted headfirst into the next jump. I am upgrading to a Tek vest this offseason after seeing how superior they are. All in all, a worthy investment. Even if I never race again (which I will) I feel naked and vulnerable without all my gear on now, whether trail riding or ditch banging. Is it over the top? Maybe, but if it helps just once it was worth every $ and minute putting it on.