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Ultimate Review of The Best Motocross Neck Brace in 2023

Best Motocross Neck Braces

After taking a hiatus, I’m now back to motocross riding.

And I must say that things have really changed over such a short period- the standards have definitely gone up.

Of course, the fundamentals and principles of motocross haven’t changed an inch, but there’re plenty of new developments, especially with the biking gear.

Got to buy all new kits, helmets, shirts, and everything, and their style and design element isn’t what I left seven years back. Everything now seems better and more refined.

But what really struck me was the neck braces.

See, if you rode back in the days, I’m sure know the neck braces weren’t the fanciest, most protective, or most comfortable safety equipment out there.

In fact, they felt sketchy at the time, and personally, I stopped wearing them after I crashed face down, and the brace pushed hard into my throat and knocked the wind out of me.

But I’ve to admit I had gone for a low-quality cheapo and was asking too much from it.

Anyway, that’s a discussion for another day.

My point is I’m already impressed by the modern-day motocross neck braces.

On my first ride, I couldn’t even tell whether or not I was wearing an Atlas Neck brace. Unlike the traditional versions, these modern neck braces are barely noticeable.

Plus, they don’t exert pressure on your sternum or spine and will flex with your body.

I’ve even crashed severally when trying to get my feet wet, and I was really impressed by the cushioning and support it offered. Something feels right about these braces.

Sure, they don’t offer the freedom of movement compared to a no-brace experience, but remember, most of us have to report to work every Monday and have lots of responsibilities. You need as much protection as you can reasonably to keep safe.

But as I mentioned earlier, the level of protection, quality, comfort, and ease of use will vary from brand to brand.

You don’t want to low-ball your safety.

The good news is I’ve tried several of these options and can confidently tell you what to choose or avoid.

In the guide below, I’ll share some of my favorite motocross neck braces you should consider in your next purchase.

Quick Comparison Table!

EVS Sports R4 Collar

4.8

4.8/5
Alpinestars Sequence Youth Neck Roll

4.6

4.6/5
Atlas Air Neck Brace

4.5

4.5/5
Leatt Neck Brace GPX 5.5

4.3

4.3/5
Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support

4.0

4/5

The Best Motocross Neck Braces For The Money

Best Motocross Neck Braces for the money

#1 EVS Sports R4 Collar - EDITOR'S CHOICE

4.7/5
4.2/5
4.8/5

After a thorough review of the existing motocross neck braces, I decided to purchase the EVS Sports R4 Collar.

It was a good decision because I’m still pleased with its performance for several seasons now, especially the overall safety and comfort.

The first thing I noticed with the EVS Sports R4 Collar was its high-quality build.

It seems like it’s well-made, and when I tried it on, I found it quite easy to attach, very comfortable, and ultra-light.

The quality and design of this neck protector are superb. In my opinion, it seems like the protector is built for the demanding needs of the motocross off-road riding experience.

Along with the design quality, EVS Sports R4 Collar is extremely-lightweight. Even when I’m wearing it with my chest mount, I barely notice its presence because it’s so comfortable.

It’s easy to wear for extended periods, and it helps with neck fatigue when doing long desert rides and racing.

The other benefit of this neck brace is its incredible adjustability.

It comes with a rear thoracic strut that helps with the adjustability and overall fitment. Unlike my previous braces, I’ve no issues with this brace sliding up and down or even moving far up my neck. The rear strut fits just right.

And here’s the kicker!

It’ll work with most chest mounts, or at least has worked with the several chest protectors & other personal protective equipment I’ve used it with.

Of course, it’s not a universal brace and will definitely fit some protectors more than others. But I’ve found the perfect match with the Troy Lee design chest protectors, EVS protectors, and Leatt Adventure protector; It meshes together like they were made for each other.

Donning the EVS Sports R4 Collar is made easy with a Velcro hook and loop system.

I must admit this was a bit awkward to use. Yes, it opens fairly easily at the front, but it’s not just very fluid as I would have wished. If it weren’t for the mechanical part, I would have given this brace a 5 out of 5.

Safety-wise, the EVS Sports R4 Collar is everything you would want for a motocross neck brace.

It comes with a rear axial load absorber, which offers a barrier against axial loading.     

When I added my helmet, I was pleased with its performance because it did a great job limiting the forward and aft head movement.

And even when I rolled, the collar didn’t slide under the edge of the helmet or contact my jaw.

The collar limits head movement during crashes and even reduce hyperextension-type neck injuries.

Overall, the EVS Sports R4 Collar seems like a great purchase by all means.

Save for the flimsy lock system, everything else on this neck protector is of top-shelf quality.

Safety is incredible, ease of use is unmatched, and it’s comfortable to wear for extended periods.

I Recommend.

Pros

Cons

#2 Alpinestars Sequence Youth Neck Roll – Best Neck Brace for Youths

4.6/5
4.3/5
4.6/5

My 10-year old started riding, and I needed to get him a neck protector that would offer the support and comfort he needed to get into the sport.

Unfortunately, most of the available options were too big for his comfort or not protective enough.

But the Alpinestars Sequence Youth Neck Brace is different.

It’s a fantastic helmet brace, and I like how it has more support going down the back of the neck. It protects him on the track, and his head and neck are more stable.

Personally, I was drawn to this protective gear right away for the high protection and for the convenience of wearing and carrying it.

Alpinestars neck brace also has excellent build quality, and there’s everything to love with the brace.

Your kid will love every bit of this brace, from the construction details to the choice of materials.

The double density core, for example, built from a soft PU EVA foam base, provides a nice cushioning and is much softer than other fabrics.

Besides offering a nice and snug resting place for my kid’s head, it also works well to dissipate the impact energy for more protection.

Next on, we’ve a nice and ergonomic design. It’s specifically made to cater to the body requirements of most kids from six to six to ten and from 10-14 years old.

Lightness is important for a kid’s neck protector, and the Alpinestars Sequence Youth Neck Brace doesn’t fail in this department.

It comes in at a measly 400 grams and is ultra-light. Unlike other neck braces, my kid says he even doesn’t notice brac on his neck, but it’s actually there, just to protect him.

He can use it for extended rides, and even then, I don’t hear him complain about neck fatigue, discomfort, or anything.

On top of the ultra-lightness, Alpinestars Sequence Youth Neck Roll is also comfortable by all means. The bottom and inner sections are soft and plush for extra cushioning.

Meanwhile, the upper section has a hard design, which is necessary for better stability and force distribution during an impact.

Donning the Alpinestars Neck Brace is a breeze.

The soft rubber strap closure at the front makes it super easy to wear and adjust the brace to accommodate your fit.

It’s extremely adjustable, too, so my kid can consistently achieve that customized fitment, and he feels like the brace was just built for him.

But often, he prefers using the brace without the straps because the brace doesn’t slide up and down as other braces do. These braces fit just fine and give him the mobility of turning his head and neck.

And the best part is the brace is pretty versatile and will support the chest protectors in the market.

Of course, the ultimate test with any brace is how protective it comes.

This dirt bike neck brace ticks all the safety boxes.

It offers the support and security for my junior rider, and I must say, it has put my mind at rest safety-wise.

I no longer have to worry about the impacts, collisions, or anything because it is tailor-made for the safety of my kid’s anatomy.

This is among the best youth motocross neck braces, especially for the kids and teens looking to get their feet wet.

Pros

Cons

#3 Atlas Air Neck Brace – Value Pick

4.4/5
4.5/5
4.5/5

Atlas  Neck Brace is such a popular option, and this is because it gives users value for their money.

I’m also a big favorite of this dirt bike neck protector because its audience isn’t constrained to dirt bikes and motocross.

When I’m not using it on my Silverado Dirt Bike, I can use it for go-skating, BMX bike, and even on my snowmobile. Ultimate multi-function.

Nevertheless, the reason this Atlas Brace ranks so high up on our list of the best neck braces for motocross is that it comes packed with numerous features that you’ll find in high-performance dirt bikes.

Let’s start with the weight.

Atlas Air is insanely lightweight, only coming at a modest weight of 1.3 pounds.

It’s among the lightest options in the market, and when you’ve hit on your neck, you won’t notice irs presence. It’s as if it’s not even there!

Besides providing greater comfort, the ultra-light design helps eliminate any fatigue or discomfort during the extended ride sessions.

Another unique benefit of the Atlas Air purchase is the minimal profile.

See, for my previous dirt bike neck braces, I hated that they were all over the place. Even though some came in lightweight, they added bloat to my neck, and I felt like they were riding up my neck. Discomfort.

But with this purchase, you benefit from a low-profile design, which is pleasing to use along with the lightweight design.

The brace doesn’t get in your way, and most of the time, you won’t even notice its presence. It’s like you’re wearing nothing.

Moving on, we look at what, in my opinion, could be a selling point for the Atlas Air dirt bike brace-split flex frame technology.

It’s an innovative design technology that offers the ultimate flexibility and range of motion.

It works by allowing the side-by-side spline support to move independently of one another. In simpler words, the spline support is independent or at least not connected.

The greatest benefit to this design is you get unmatched flexibility, so you can look up when exiting turns.

Plus, it makes it possible to look sideways with the least effort or strain your neck so much.

While at it, the Air brace doesn’t skimp on the safety element.

I’m pleased with how it offers a larger brace-to-body contact. According to the manufacturer, it has a 27% increase in contact with the body than other braces.

I can’t quantify the contact, but what I can tell you is that it’ll significantly limit the chances of further injury, reduce the risk of cervical spine injury and protect the fragile bones.

Overall, I’m pleased with the Atlas neck brace purchase.

If I would point out at any flaw, it would probably be a nit-picky one-the harness,

It’s not the best in the market, but not a big problem for most users because they can hold the brace in place, even without it.

The brace fits well and doesn’t shift or move around.

Pros

Cons

#4 Leatt Neck Brace GPX 5.5 - Premium Purchase

4.3/5
4.5/5
4.3/5

I’m glad I purchased the Leatt Neck Brace.

Yes, it was an expensive purchase, but after reviewing many different products, I decided to go for this one because of its good reviews and reputation.

The quality construction, amazing design, and ease of use encouraged me to drop the big coin for my protection.

Leatt’s design is of good quality, and the front/rear adjustments help me find the best fit based on the motocross gear I’m wearing.

More importantly, it adds a level of protection and peace of mind.

Like any other premium option, the Leatt GPX neck protector is a joy to use.

It’s super light and comes at just over 1.5 pounds. When it’s on my neck, I barely feel its presence, and I’m not even fatigued from wearing it for extended periods.

Another great draw with this purchase is the ease of use and adjustability.

See, my worry when I purchased the Leatt Neck Brace is it wouldn’t fit the interface between my back and chest armor.

But to my delight, it comes with an adjustable rear strut that offers a seamless fit.

I love how it effortlessly slid right into place, and no mechanical interface seems to be necessary.

And once joined, the Leatt GPX neck protector firmly stays in place in all riding positions.

Additionally, the struts have a 3-way adjustment system, and this helps a customized fit. Once in place, I felt the snugness of fit and ease of removal.

Meanwhile, the comfort of the Leatt Neck Brace is on another level.

Unlike the generic and cheap options, the shoulder pads on this brace are positioned to keep from riding or even rubbing on my collarbone.

Plus, the Leatt GPX neck brace isn’t a nuisance to wear because it doesn’t shift or ride back. It doesn’t smash my Adam’s apple and doesn’t feel like wearing a guillotine around your neck.

Donning and doffing this bad boy is also quite easy. With the help of a push-button, you can open and rotate the brace from the top.

Safety-wise, there’s no skimping either.

Leatt GPX neck brace comes with a never-seen-before design that utilizes collarbone cut out. It’s a helpful design that saves you from the risk of collar bone injury in case of a crash.

That’s not all!

A fiberglass-reinforced polyamide resin used on the exterior will effectively absorb the shock and any impact. It’s fixed on the body armor, and yet, it remains flexible enough to support your body’s natural movement.

On top of that, you’ll appreciate an emergency release screw. It helps to get an injured ride off the brace in case of an accident.

Overall, the Leatt protective gear seems like a great neck brace.

Leatt GPX neck brace excels in many critical departments and will give you the protection and comfort you need for your motocross riding.

Pros

Cons

#5 Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support - Best Neck Brace for Neck Support

4.2/5
4.6/5
4/5

If you need a neck brace that offers unmatched neck support, you can’t go wrong with the Bionic Neck Brace.

It’s a creation from Alpinestars and part of the BNS neck braces.

Other varieties in the BNS lineup include Atlas Carbon, BNS Pro, and Tech-2.

I opted for the Bionic Neck Brace because it’s super light and works well to prevent neck injury than its main rival, Atlas Carbon.

The first thing I noticed with the Bionic Neck Brace was how lightweight it felt.

When comparing the two braces, it’s lighter than the Atlas Carbon, which is a good thing because it allows for an incredible wearing experience.

When riding the Bionic protective gear, I hardly noticed its presence. It’s a night and day difference compared to the super-expensive Atlas Carbon.

The light brace has greater freedom of movement than most braces in the market, but the good thing is it has greater body contact and keeps you protected at all times.

Moving on, I’m pleased with the simple sizing.

Alpinestars has narrowed down the sizing to only two sizes. It may seem like it’s limiting, but in an actual sense, it makes the fitment a lot easier.

Plus, the sizing is helped by the Size Adapter System (SAS). This is a technology that lets you customize the fit by installing different adapters.

The other feature helping with convenience on this Alpinestars Brace is the quick-release locking system. It opens up the brace super easily, and closing is effortless, too.

Simply put, you shouldn’t struggle to get this neck brace on and off. And once it’s on the rider’s body, it remains firmly in place.

Most users don’t even require the latch to keep the brace in place.

Bionic Neck Brace feels comfy, even for extended periods.

The soft and plush carbon polymer compound provides great cushioning, absorbs sweat and other elements for a comfortable experience.

Protection is also on point, and I’m impressed at how well it absorbs the big impact crashes and dissipates the energy.

A new rear stabilizer resting on the back of the rider comes widened, with large pads, and the idea is that it spreads the force impact across your bike instead of on the spine.

Overall, I feel this bad boy is a great purchase and will go a long way to offer much-needed protection.

Pros

Cons

Best Motocross Neck Braces Buying Guide

Best Motocross Neck Braces buying guide

As I had promised in the introduction, I’ll share how to select the correct brace for you.

But before the share, let us first look at the reasons you need to wear a motocross neck brace in the first place.

Benefits of Wearing Neck Braces

Safety

Protection is the primary reason you should wear neck braces.

See, in most motocross crashes, the head and neck are usually the most vulnerable parts.

But with a neck brace on, your head and neck are cushioned against impact, and there’s less mobility for redirecting the force from the head to other body parts.

Confidence

Once you know that you’re protected, you’ll definitely gain more confidence in your riding.

Sure, having one doesn’t make you bulletproof, but you’ve the reassurance when pushing yourself past the limits.

Style

Along with the overall confidence and safety, neck braces bring an element of style, especially those that complement your overall gear.

Types of Motocross Neck Braces

The two main types of motocross neck braces are:

Integrated Brace

Integrated neck braces usually come joined with a chest protector.

In my opinion, these 2-in-1s offer the best value for your money.

But more importantly, they offer great protection because they distribute the impact across your body than on a brace alone.

Stand-Alone Brace

A stand-alone brace is just as its name suggests.

It’s separate and a single entity, free from the chest protector. It can be worn without a chest protector.

They’re generally inexpensive than the integrated option and suited for those who are prioritizing neck protection.

How to Choose the Right Motocross Neck Brace

I’ll highlight the critical features to consider when selecting your next neck brace in the section below.

Hopefully, by the end of the guide, you’ll be in a better position to make the right purchase decision.

Size and Fit

Naturally, a neck brace has to fit well so that it protects your neck.

Ideally, a right-fitting brace should offer enough contact between your neck and the helmet.

It shouldn’t be too tight, too loose, or sit too high above your neck to avoid giving your helmet too much room for movement.

Adjustability

The next thing you want for your neck brace is adjustability.

It ties well to the fitment element we’ve just discussed.

Having an adjustable brace means you can effortlessly size it up according to your needs.

For example, you can tighten, loosen, or raise/lower the neck guard for optimal fit.

Weight

The weight of a neck brace, in large part, determines the overall comfort.

One way to improve comfort is choosing a neck guard with a lower weight.

Lightweight braces cause less fatigue and minimize irritability during your ride.

Best Motocross Neck Braces faq

Closure System

The closure system determines the ease of donning and doffing your neck brace.

Your choice of closure system should be simple, easy to use, and less complicated.

It should allow you to unfasten your brace effortlessly and quickly.

Consider braces with a magnetized front closure system for easy donning and doffing.

Ease of Cleaning

Neck braces are often exposed to a lot of dirt, including sweat, mud, and dust.

For this reason, you need to choose a brace that is easy to clean.

Of course, the choice of material determines the ease of cleanliness, but you can also consider braces with removable liners.

Removable liners make the cleaning job a lot easier and quicker.

Tips for Buying and Using Motocross Neck Braces

Here’re some handy tips for your next purchase trip.

First, I would recommend you bring your motocross helmet with you as it gives you an idea of where your brace sits your helmet.

Users with shorter necks, for example, usually lack mobility with most neck braces. You don’t want that.

Secondly, if you’re purchasing a stand-alone neck brace, ensure it’s compatible with your chest protector.

While most neck braces claim to have universal compatibility, it doesn’t harm double-checking.

The final purchase decision should be based on fitment.

It should offer a great fit. And if you find it’s fitting but bounces a bit too much for your comfort, you can consider replacing the straps.

Or even get a custom brace.

Best Motocross Neck Brace Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are all motocross neck braces compatible with chest protectors?

A: No, so you need to confirm the compatibility of your stand-alone neck brace with that of your chest protector.

Q: Is a motocross neck brace necessary?

Aa: No, you can ride without a motocross neck brace.

However, as we’ve seen earlier, having one offers more protection, boosts confidence, and helps with the style. If those matter to you, then you definitely need a neck brace.

Q: Can these neck braces serve other sports?

A: It depends on what sports you’re using them for.

However, for other bike-related sports such as mountain biking or dirt bike riding, they’re perfect.

Q: Do neck braces work?

A: While there’s no guarantee they’ll protect you from neck injuries, they definitely reduce the chances of it happening.

Q: How do I know the right size?

A: The right way to know a perfect size is by trying.

Other than that, you can measure the circumference of your neck and use it to determine the ideal size.

While at it, we recommend checking the manufacturer’s manual.

Wrap Up: Our Choice

Best Motocross Neck Braces wrap up

Our winner for the best motocross neck braces is the EVS Sports R4 Collar.

It’s a quality build designed with performance, ease of use, and safety in mind.

The best part with the EVS Sports R4 Collar purchase is that it comes at a reasonable price, yet it offers all the goodies of the high-end carbon braces.

I would recommend it.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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