The Fox V1 Helmet

The V1 is Fox racing's entry level helmet for motocross. The V1 is a solid helmet that passes DOT and Snell 2010 safety requirements. It comes in a variety of styles and colors. Some of the different styles are the V1 race, V1 Costa, V1 Matte, and V1 Rockstar. The V1 helmets have 14 vents to keep the rider cool while riding. The V1 retails for $159.95, and if you are lucky you can find your size in closeout for around $89.95.

The Fox V2 Helmet

The next step up is the V2 line. The V2 is basically a nicer version of the V1. It has a better liner. One advantage it has over the V1 is that the liner is removable so it can be washed. It has the same safety standards as the V1 which are Snell and DOT ratings. The V2 also comes in a wider variety of styles and colors. Some of the styles include the V2 Race, V2 Rockstar, V2 Giant, V2 Valkari, and V2 Matte. The Fox V2 helmets retail for around $279.95.

The Fox V3 Helmet

The V3 helmet was the top of the line up until 2013 when Fox released the V4. The V3's feature a very comfortable liner and a different shell than the V1's and V2's. The liner is made of coolmax material and has very nice cheekpads. It is fully removable and washable. The helmet shell is made of fiberglass, carbon, and Kevlar for maximum protection and performance. It has 10 intake vents to keep you cool while riding. The Fox V3 helmet retails for around $350 depending on the model. Models include the V3 Fathom and V3 Race. Keep an eye out for closeout deals if you can find your size.

The Fox V4 Helmet

Debuting last year was the Fox V4 helmet. This is an all new design from Fox which features carbon fiber construction. This helmet features a comfrot fit EPS liner that is removable and washable. The V4 has 16 intake ports and 8 exhaust ports for optimal cooling during those hot motos. The liner is made of Drylex material to wick away moisture. This helmet is both Snell and Dot certified. The V4 has a removable mouthguard, integrated roost guards, and aluminum visor screws. The Fox V4 has a retail price of around $549.95. The V4 hasn't reached closeout status yet. Some of the V4 models include the V4 Carbon, V4 Machina, and V4 Rockstar.

Conclusion

With this complete line of helmets, Fox has just about every rider covered. All of their helmets are Snell and DOT certified so you get the protection you need. It's just a matter of how stylish and comfotable you want to be. Parents see the V1 and V2's as a great option if they have more than one kid riding. It really helps the budget to be able to have a safe and affordable helmet. Higher level riders enjoy the V3's and V4's comfort features and venting. Overall, you can't go wrong with a Fox motocross helmet.

Every day I receive messages from riders or parents of riders wanting to know if MotocrossGear.com is currently looking for riders to sponsor. Motocross is an expensive sport, and often times parents make huge sacrifices to have their kids at the races every weekend. Sponsorships can play a big role in a young racer's future. Here are some quick tips to make sure you have the best chances of sponsorship or rider support.

#1 - Not Trying

Ask and you shall receive. Remember that everyone is busy. Most likely you have to reach out to them. The worst that can happen is that you don't get a sponsorship or rider support. It's like the quote, “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”

#2 - Not Having a Website

The year is 2013. The internet has been around for a long time now. Technology has advanced to where you can set up a nice looking website (for free) in less than an hour. A great way to get on a companies radar is to set up a website for yourself and list the companies you like alongside your racing accomplishments. While Hookit.com is great, but many companies (including us) aren't on there. You also run the risk of a 3rd party controlling your relationships.

To set up a free website you can use wordpress.com, tumblr.com, blogspot.com or any other free blogging platform. There are free themes to use, and they are a good place to list your racing accomplishments, videos, pictures, and more. Hint: Most of our rider support riders are found because they link to our website from theirs! You scratch our back, and we'll scratch yours.

#3 - Not Proofreading Your Website or Letter.

Take the time to have your resume and website edited for spelling and grammar. It looks more professional and will show companies that you will represent their brand in a respectable manner. Hint: Having proper spelling and grammar will put you in front of 90% of other applicants. Trust me.

#4 - Coming on Too Strong

If you are asking for hundreds of dollars worth of products in your first communication with a company, that's not a good start. Unless you just won Loretta's, often you will have to start small with rider support and work your way up to full sponsorship as your career progresses. Remember, it's a relationship.

#5 - Doubting Yourself

Just because you don't win every single race you enter doesn't mean you aren't eligible for sponsorship or rider support. Often times the riders who are at every single race possible are the ones with the best hookups, regardless of their results. Hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work.

#6 - Assuming We Are Millionaires

Many times I get emails from riders who think MotocrossGear.com is a multi-million dollar company with tons of cash to throw at riders. They assume it is a large corporation run by a bunch of bigwigs in suits. This couldn't be further from the truth! With a little bit of research, you can figure out that I'm just a normal guy named John. My wife and I handle all aspects of this website ourselves. No mega warehouse, no multi-million dollar marketing budget. We are regular people like everyone else. I go riding with my buddies , work hard to grow this business, cut my own grass, watch the Braves, etc. It's important to think about these things when contacting someone.

Bonus Tip #1: Be Sure to Tell the Company Why Sponsoring You Will Benefit Them

While chatting with the owner over at Trail-Pro.com about this subject, he mentioned that someone recently told him that they receive over 150 emails a day asking for sponsorship. He went on to say that very rarely does a rider say what the company will get in return for sponsorship.

Bonus Tip #2: Keep a Good Online Image

In the past, racers could get away with being wild. These days Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have pulled back the curtain and put rider's lives on display to the public. It's important to keep a good image of yourself on your social media profiles. While posting that wild picture or string of profanity might get some laughs from your buddies, it might get you a pass from a sponsor.

Conclusion

Take these tips into careful consideration when you start thinking it's time to look for support. They can have a huge impact on results. If you take your riding seriously, it will certainly show. Just don't let any simple things like what is mentioned above hinder your results.

If you'd like some help putting your best foot forward online and want to reach out to us, just use the contact form listed at the top of the site. Good luck!

For starters, the jersey included in the 2013 MSR NXT Slash Gear Combo Pack boasts a technical design that is comfortable, durable, and protective. Complete with a Lycra dirt dam to block the outside elements, as well as rubberized logos meant to facilitate roost deflection and heat transfer, the jersey is great for long, extended racing sessions. The fully articulated, pre-formed arm assembly features integrated elbow pads in order to provide additional impact absorption and protection, and the lightweight, 100% spun-poly construction is meant to withstand all of the rigors of professional motocross racing.

Included in the 2013 MSR NXT Slash Gear Combo Pack is a matching pant, which is also constructed with durability and protection in mind. Featuring a main chassis of 600-denier Oxford dobby materials, the pants will absolutely hold up to all of the use and abuse you can throw at them. The use of an interior mesh liner increases the overall comfort of the pants, and heavy-duty buffalo leather knee inserts provide heat resistance, impact absorption, and added durability. Rounding out the design of the pants are sublimated Spandex side panels, which serve to increase your overall mobility as well as the durability of the pants.

An optional glove, the 2013 MSR NXT Glove, can also be included with the 2013 MSR NXT Slash Gear Combo Pack. With a synthetic leather palm, complete with internal padding and perforated ventilation holes, the gloves are meant to facilitate protection, grip, and cooling. Silicone imprinting on the fingertips also contributes to your grip, as well as your lever control, and the full Airprene cuff provides plenty of stability, comfort, and protection in the wrist area. Finally, rubberized TPR logos add extra roost deflection and durability to the glove.

The 2013 MSR NXT Slash Gear Combo Pack boasts a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $225, but there are a number of factors that may affect this price. First and foremost, the addition of the 2013 MSR NXT Slash Glove will raise this price by at least $30, while having the jersey personalized with your name and riding number will also cost an additional fee. Regardless of the options you choose, or even if you decide to go with the basic package, you’ll be more than happy with this purchase. The 2013 MSR NXT Slash Gear Combo Pack is available online and in major motocross outlets now.

The jersey seen in the 2013 Fly Racing F-16 LTD Gear Combo Pack features a high quality, polyester construction. This is complemented by a series of mesh panels, which serve to increase the overall comfort, flexibility, and ventilation of the jersey. Shorty-style cuffs leave your arms feeling free and unrestricted, and the stretchable collar design adds even more comfort and ventilation to the package.

Included in the 2013 Fly Racing F-16 LTD Gear Combo Pack is a matching pant. Constructed using a highly durable 600-denier nylon material, the pants are durability, protective, and comfortable. The use of stretchable rib liners ensure the maximum amount of mobility and comfort, while an integrated mesh liner separates your skin from the outer surface of the pant. Flexible knee zones let you retain mobility in your knees as well, working best when in the rider attack position, and integrated 900-denier knee panels offer plenty of resistance to heat, abrasion, and impact. Integrated TPR logos add roost deflection and increased ventilation, while a YKK main zipper works in tandem with a ratcheting fly closure mechanism to provide a solid, secure hold at all times.

Although it is not included in the package by default, the 2013 Fly Racing F-16 Glove makes a great addition to the combo pack. Constructed using four-way stretchable materials, as well as Neoprene within the knuckles, the glove provides plenty of protection and ventilation. Lycra back panels and soft-flex TPR graphics provide optimal roost deflection as you are screaming around the track, and the use of silicone imprinting on the fingertips facilitates increased grip and lever control. A light layer of durable padding is integrated into the palm of the glove, as well as the thumb, in order to provide the maximum amount of comfort during prolonged races.

The 2013 Fly Racing F-16 LTD Combo has a manufacturer’s suggested price of $105, so it is amongst the most affordable gear combo packs available on the market today. The glove is not included by default, however, so adding this to the package will increase the overall price, as will personalization of the jersey. Even with all of the bells and whistles, the 2013 Fly Racing F-16 LTD Gear Combo Pack is amongst the most affordable outfits we’ve seen in a long time. It is available online and in major motocross outlets now.

Moose Racing’s most inexpensive glove for the 2013 racing season is the 2013 Moose Racing M1 Glove – but don’t let its price fool you. This glove is made of heavy-duty, high quality materials, and it even includes a hypnotic, spiral graphic design that is sure to catch the attention of your competitors. Moreover, the glove is available in a variety of color schemes, including Blue, Lime, Orange, Red, Stealth, and Yellow, so you’ll have no problem finding an outfit to match.

The 2013 Moose Racing M1 Glove features a main construction of nylon and polyester, which results in an incredibly durable, comfortable finish. The non-restrictive, lightweight design features a full Clarino synthetic leather palm, complete with integrated reinforcements for adding cushioning. The thumb of the glove also features reinforced padding, and the tacky grip on each fingertip provides exceptional grip and lever control. A fully adjustable, hook-and-loop closure system holds the glove securely onto your wrist, and a myriad of sizes, ranging from Extra Small to 3X-Large, are available to accommodate every rider out there. Moose Racing’s M1 Glove has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $24.95.

Another solid entry into their newest racing gloves, the 2013 Moose Racing Sahara Glove, is also available now. This variant features even more colors to choose from, including Blue, Lime, Orange, Red, Stealth, Red / White / Blue, and Yellow / Red / Black, so you’ll have even more versatility to choose from with this particular glove.

The construction is similar to that of the M1, with nylon poly-mesh chassis used for the body of the 2013 Moose Racing Sahara Glove. Pre-curved fingers provide an ergonomic fit, with open-flow, stretchable mesh gussets in place to facilitate airflow. A light layer of perforated Clarino synthetic leather provides even more ventilation, as the tacky grip applied to each one of the fingertips allows for increased grip and lever control. As with the M1, a fully adjustable hook-and-loop closure mechanism serves to secure the 2013 Moose Racing Sahara Glove firmly onto your wrist.

Retailing for $29.95, the 2013 Moose Racing Sahara Glove is still a very affordable option. The number of available colors lets you coordinate it with nearly any outfit you may own, and the range of sizes makes the glove usable by motocross riders of all ages. The 2013 Moose Racing Sahara Glove can currently be found online and in major motocross outlets around the nation.

The screenshot at the bottom pretty much sums it up. North Korea ain't got nothin' on the east coast. Video by Elevated Visuals

Fox Instinct Boot

Price: $549.95

The Fox Instinct Boot is one of the newest boots to come to the motocross market. With years of research and testing from the top professionals, this boot has it all. Comfort, protection, and style. Honestly, look no further because this boot is amazing. Check it out here.

AlpineStars Tech 10

Price: ~$580.00

AlpineStars has to be the industry leader when it comes to boots. I think it's mainly due to their marketing, and also because they offer a great boot in each price range. The Tech 10 is their best boot, but it is also their most expensive. It's got a lot of great features that budget boots don't have. The ankle support sleeve is a great feature to help the boot stay snug and gives it a more comfortable feel. Not to mention the color combinations that are available. From my research, most riders that spring for the tech 10's usually never buy a different boot. When asked what they liked most about the boot most said they liked the boot's lightweight feel and ankle support. Also, the durability is 2nd to none. Bottom line is you can't lose when you pick up a pair of tech 10's.

Gaerne SG-12

Price:~$500.00

A lesser known brand, but still high quality is Gaerne. Their flagship boot, the SG-12, is a popular choice among racers and riders alike. One feature that jumps out when you put these on is the gel ankle support. It blows you away that a boot can be so comfortable. These boots also have a rubber material on the inner leg that helps you grip the bike while riding. Many riders say that this helps their riding technique because they can keep the bike from sliding around under them under hard acceleration. While this boot is pretty pricey like the Tech 10, riders that choose this boot are usually very happy with their purchase. Most riders claim that this boot will last a long time, but this will depend on how you ride and how rough on them you are.

Sidi SRS Crossfire

Price: ~$500

In my opinion, this boot should get much more attention. SRS stands for sole replacement system. This mean that when the sole wears out from jamming the rear brake, it can be replaced. This is nice because you don't have to go out and buy a whole new pair of boots just because the right sole is worn out. The crossfire also features a unique pivot system that allows the foot to move back and forth but not side to side. This is good for ankle support while still allowing freedom of movement for braking and shifting. On the backside of the boot are a few ribs that make upshifting from the heel much easier.

 AlpineStars Tech 8

Price: ~$430.00

The Tech 8 from AlpineStars is another great boot that will last a while. It features a metal toe  protector that some riders swear by. However, a common complaint is that the toe protector break off after extended use. Other than a few minor complaints, this is still a very solid boot. This Boot also features an internal bootie to improve ankle stability. There are braces in the sides to keep the ankle from flexing side to side. From a riders perspective, this is very important. Breaking an ankle should be avoided at all costs. It's a no brainer to choose a boot that offers lateral ankle support. These boots are a great middle ground for those that want a few of the features that the Tech 10's have but don't want a more basic boot like the Tech 7's.

AlpineStars Tech 7

Price: ~$300.00

The Tech 7 is a very common boot for those that are new to riding. They are very affordable for what they offer. I personally have owned a pair of Tech 7's and they held up great. There was a little wear on the sole of the right boot from using the rear brake, but other than that these boots stood up to years of abuse. The buckles can be a pain snapping in and unsnapping after a race. Sometimes it's easier to smack them in with a tire iron than to use your hand. If you are looking for a durable boot that won't break the bank then I highly recommend the Tech 7. They don't look very stylish, but they get the job done.

In the world of motocross racing, there just are not a lot of available options for female riders. The few past designs in existence were typically overpriced, hard to find, and not at all equivalent to the gear that was meant for male competitors. One company that has been actively trying to change this trend is Thor MX, and one of their newest releases – the 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack – is every bit as impressive as its male counterpart.

Thor did not hold anything back when it came to the functionality of the 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack. The jersey features a micromesh construction of 100% polyester, which is meant to facilitate comfort and wick moisture away from the body. This leaves you dry, cool, and ventilated enough for those lengthened racing sessions.

Raglan-style sleeves of the jersey provide plenty of upper mobility, and the knit design of the cuffs and collar preserve the comfortable fit. The jersey of the 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack does feature sublimated, no-fade graphics, but the biggest highlight is the fact that the jersey’s chassis was specifically designed for the woman’s body.

The pants seen in the 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack utilize 600-denier polyester oxford, with the addition of 500-denier Kordura in the seat. This combination facilitates exceptional comfort and durability, while also protection the lower body from flying dirt and debris. A built-in interior liner provides additional comfort.

Other features of the 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack include cuffless leg openings, which means extra mobility and comfort in the lower legs, and the use of double or triple stitching in sensitive areas. Integrated stretch panels – made of Spandura material – facilitate mobility and flexibility, and the leather knee panels offer all the heat resistance needed. An adjustable waist closure system lets you achieve a perfect fit every single time, while the main chassis construction was designed to facilitate the maximum amount of comfort to the woman’s lower body and extremities.

Included in the 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack is a matching glove. Made with a dimple-mesh chassis, perforated finger panels, and complementary Airprene panels, the glove is meant to be lightweight, ventilated, and protective. Direct-injected panels on the finger and hand provide additional protection as well as grip, and a light layer of padding in the palm improves the overall comfort and durability of the glove. A heavy-duty TPR hook-and-loop closure mechanism holds the glove securely around your wrist at all times, and the glove was designed to specifically fit the hand of a woman.

The 2013 Thor Women’s Phase Stix Gear Combo Pack retails for around $150. This is really quite the deal, considering you are getting a jersey, pants, and matching glove in one convenient package. This model is available online and in major motocross retailers now.

As the name implies, the 2013 O’Neal Element Toxic Gear Combo Pack was designed in direct cooperation with the Element brand, a company that is known for producing high quality, professional-grade sportswear. The end result proves to be one of the most worthy gear combo packs we’ve seen on the market in a long time.

The jersey included in the 2013 O’Neal Element Toxic Gear Combo Pack is meant to facilitate airflow, breathability, comfort, and mobility. Designed with a moisture-wicking chassis, the jersey leaves you feeling dry and cool – even after a heated race. Integrated padding in the elbows add impact protection in the event of a crash or collision, and an extended tail makes sure the jersey stays tucked in at all times. The v-neck collar design facilitates comfort and airflow even further, and the sublimated graphics ensure the lifespan of the graphics and colors.

A matching pant utilizes heavy-duty denier materials to provide exceptional durability. This is backed up by the use of Spandex, which adds flexibility, mobility, and improved strength to the chassis. A series of rubber panels offer plenty of protection from flying dirt and debris, and the fully adjustable, ratcheting closure system lets you achieve a precise fit before each race.

Included in the 2013 O’Neal Element Toxic Gear Combo Pack is a matching glove. Featuring ergonomically designed padding on the palm, the gloves facilitate the maximum amount of comfort as your holding onto the handlebar. TPR paneling on the fingers adds an extra level of roost deflection, and the hook-and-loop closure mechanism maintains a tight, secure hold around your wrist.

Another highlight of the 2013 O’Neal Element Toxic Gear Combo Pack is the variety of color and sizing options. There are two different color choices, including red / yellow and black / green, and the available sizes include Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large. With this amount of options, you should have no problem finding a size that not only fits, but also a design that is updated and fresh enough for the new racing season.

The 2013 O’Neal Element Toxic Gear Combo Pack normally retails for around $130. This is an amazing deal, especially considering the fact that you are receiving a high quality jersey, pants, and matching pair of gloves. If you are looking for a quick, affordable way to modernize your appearance for the new racing season, there are few easier ways to do it than the 2013 O’Neal Element Toxic Gear Combo Pack. Available now in major motocross retailers and online, the jersey can even be customized with your name and number for an additional fee.

When it comes to training for any sport, you have to look at what the top athletes in that sport are doing. You don’t see Eli Tomac or Justin Barcia bulking up for the Supercross season. There is a reason many top motocross pro’s aren't jacked like The Rock. Motocross is all about your power to weight ratio. You want to be strong enough to control the bike, but not so big that it puts you at a weight disadvantage.

Physical Fitness

When training for moto you want to focus on high intensity cardio training as well as strength training. The key here is endurance. If your local track has 15 minute motos, then you want to be sure you can go hard for the full 15 minutes. You also have to account for things like heat and nervousness that can drain your energy at a very high rate. While I am not a fitness expert like Kevin at WorkoutTipster.com, I do know that great cardio endurance is one of the building blocks of a great motocross athlete. How many times have you rode great in practice all month long, but on race day you get the jitters and within a few laps you have insane arm pump and dry mouth? This leads me to the next aspect of training for a high intensity sport like motocross.

Mental Training

It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for any competition. Many athletes visualize the game, event, or race in their minds many times before it starts. Air Force Colonel George Hall was captured as a POW during the Vietnam War. He was held captive for 7 years. Every day he would imagine playing 18 holes on his favorite golf course. When he returned home he discovered that his golf game had improved. Your imagination is a very powerful training tool. It can help you prepare as well as give you the confidence to win.

For motocross, you might envision yourself getting ready for the race. You are putting on your gear while listening to some music to get psyched. You can hear the different bikes revving up and riding by as they head to staging for their race. You can hear the announcer calling different classes to staging. You can smell race gas fumes and hotdogs cooking. You imagine yourself riding over to staging when your class is called. Your moto is next. You pull up to the line and begin sizing up the competition. You may even imagine seeing the guy next to you with his dad yelling and getting him psyched. The card goes sideways and soon the gate drops. You envision the perfect start and getting the holeshot.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Mentally rehearsing and including every little detail can help you calm your nerves on race day. You’ll have been there before. It helps greatly when navigating the track, because you already know which lines you want to take.

Ride More

There is no substitute for raw skill on the motocross track. One of the best ways to get in better shape and get faster is to ride. A lot. Off the bike training is important, but it’s important not to get caught up in the hype and spend all day riding your road bike. You gotta get your motos in.

Image via Racerx VT