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Must Have Helmet

Bell MX-9 MIPS

Mid-tier motocross helmet from Bell. Marketed with MIPS rotational protection and a polycarbonate shell that carries DOT certification. Positioned as a value option within Bell's motocross lineup, for riders who want a rotational protection system without flagship pricing.

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Must Have Boots

Alpinestars Tech 3

Entry-tier motocross boot from Alpinestars. Positioned as the starting point for real motocross boot protection from the Alpinestars lineup, with a proper buckle system and ankle protection at a lower price than the flagship Tech 10.

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Must Have Goggles

100% Strata 2

Entry-level motocross goggle from 100%. Marketed with an anti-fog treated lens, comfortable face foam, and tear off post compatibility at a lower price than the brand's flagship Racecraft and Armega goggles.

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Must Have Gloves

Fox Racing Dirtpaw

Long-running budget tier motocross glove from Fox Racing. Marketed with a Clarino palm, padded knuckle, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips. A common pick for beginners because it is widely stocked and affordable.

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Strongly Recommended Chest Protector

Fox Racing Raceframe Roost Guard

Low-profile roost guard from Fox Racing designed to fit under a jersey. Marketed for roost protection rather than maximum impact protection, making it a common pick for beginners who want baseline chest coverage without a bulky hard-shell chest protector.

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Strongly Recommended Knee Guards

Leatt Dual Axis Knee Guard

Mid-tier knee guard from Leatt with a hinge mechanism and a hard shell cap. Positioned below full knee braces in price and protection. Leatt markets it as a way to get more protection than simple foam knee pads without committing to a full brace.

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Nice to Have Neck Brace

Leatt GPX 3.5

Entry-tier motocross neck brace from Leatt. Positioned below Leatt's higher-end neck brace models, making it a common starting point for riders new to wearing a neck brace. Neck braces are generally marketed as a way to reduce cervical injury severity in certain crash types.

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One More Thing

Do not buy the cheapest gear you can find just to save money. Poorly constructed gear can restrict movement, fog up, or create discomfort that distracts you from learning. The picks on this list are all commonly available at beginner-friendly prices and come from established brands. Invest in your safety first. You can always upgrade individual pieces as you progress.

Check out our complete gear checklist for a full breakdown of everything you need on race day.

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