[Tim Hancock]

I have ridden dirt bikes since I was 5.... Still ride a bit at 55. I raced competitively in the late 80's early 90's. Still do an occasional 50+ class MX race.

My take on gear is that chest protectors only protect one from roost containing hard chunks of clay and rocks coming off the back tire of the guy in front of you. When I raced I usually wore some sort of chest protectors (full coverage to minimal under shirt types). I still broke one of my collar bones twice and the other one once. The thin plastic protectors do not prevent broken bones or hyperextended joints. They only help avoid some minor pain.

All my collar bone breaks were most likely due to hitting the ground with head and lower edge of helmet makes contact with middle of collar bone as head deflects to side. Collar snaps then like a twig. I know of no gear that will prevent this.

If not worried about roost from other riders, the minimum gear to ride hard in is the following for me.

Full face helmet with goggles.
Gloves
MX boots

I typically also wear MX pants with internal plastic knee pads and some thin foam internal hips pads, but this will not protect me from serious injuries. It only helps to prevent superficial injuries or minor pain from a minor get-off.

If out with other riders then I still wear a chest protector because a roosted rock to the chest hurts like hell.

I never used or liked them but if riding a lot of single track tight woods trails a set of bark buster hand guards installed over the brake and clutch levers will prevent a broken or painfully smashed finger when accidentally catching a bar on a tree.