What Safety Gear Do I Need For Riding A Dirt Bike?

You're asking the right question! Safety gear is not only a good idea, in most places a DOT approved helmet is the Law. Speaking of helmets, let's cover those first.

A good helmet may be the difference between life and death in the unfortunate circumstance of an impact. Make sure your helmet is well padded, fitted (it should fit snugly), and it should cover your entire face. Make sure your helmet is DOT certified. Also, remember don't use an old helmet (the materials they are made out of in even the best helmets corrode with time and use); and never use a helmet after an impact. There could be cracks and fissures in your dirt bike helmet that you can't see but that have compromised the integrity of the helmet.

Next, goggles are a must. Full face helmets can help protect your eyes, but goggles are a necessity for keeping dust and debris that gets kicked up by your dirt bike. If you have been pricing goggles and find they seem expensive. Weigh that against the price of a trip to the emergency room to remove a piece of debris that entered your eye going about 30mph and you will have a new appreciation for goggles when riding your dirt bike.

Also, proper riding attire, whether you are riding the man made mounds, doubles, whoops and turns or some woodsy terrain, make sure that your arms are covered and gloves for a good grip. Additionally, make sure to wear boots that cover your ankles at the very least and heavy jeans or riding pants. Some people like to wear chest protectors and they are a very good idea. If you do a lot of faster riding and jumps, look into getting a chest protection.