THE PRO
1) HelmetBrand: Arai (www.arai.com)Model: RX-7 CorsairPrice: $724.99Why: "Arai makes the best helmets available, and they have been around a long time so you know they are good. I value my head more than a cheap $150 helmet. I find some other brands are shaped funny. I like the shape of the Arai, and it fits me the best. I like the style and graphics too."
2) JacketBrand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)Model: T-Magnum Jersey Jacket Price: $239.95Why: "It's breathable and offers more mobility than a full leather jacket. It's a lot cooler and doesn't restrict me from moving around on the bike. The jacket still has all the protection of a leather jacket with arm and elbow pads and a back protector."
3) GlovesBrand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)Model: SMX-2 ACPrice: $59.95Why: "I like the Alpinestars SMX-2 AC glove because it's the most comparable to a full-roadrace glove but with more mobility. Dirtbike gloves are more comfortable, but after crashing on the freeway I lost all the skin on my knuckles. The SMX-2 AC gloves are somewhere in between a dirt and full-roadrace glove and offer comfort with more protection thanks to the leather palms. The carbon on the gloves also makes sure your knuckles don't get all ground up in a crash. They are definitely a must-have."
4) PantsBrand: JeansModel: n/aPrice: n/aWhy: "I wear jeans to keep the street look. I haven't really found a stunt pant with the style I want yet. I also like the way they feel and the way they grip the tank. I just prefer the jeans look."
5) Boots Brand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)Model: SMX-1 Riding ShoePrice: $159.95Why: "I see people all the time crashing in tennis shoes, and the first thing that happens is their shoes fly off. I try to avoid that with the Alpinestars' SMX-1 Riding Shoe. They give me ankle protection and support and still have somewhat of a thin sole. Other boots are just a little bit too bulky for certain tricks like jumping through to high chair, but the thinner soles of the Alpinestars give me the feedback and still have the protection I need."
6) BikeBrand: HondaModel: 2003 CBR600F4i
6) BikeBrand: 2003 KawasakiModel: ZX-636
The Amateur
Mike "Debo" Plaza
1) Helmet Brand: Arai (www.arai.com)Model: ProfilePrice: $475.99Why: "I had a silver Arai as my first helmet. I really liked it. I went down in it and it held up really well. Afterward, I decided to upgrade to a blue one."
2) JacketBrand: Cartel (www.leftcoastcartel.com)Model: n/aPrice: $15Why: "Cartel gives me clothing. The reason I wear a long-sleeve shirt is because I was required to at the last competition I went to. I also wear an Icon Field Armor vest underneath the shirt for added protection."
3) GlovesBrand: Alpinestars (www.alpinestars.com)Model: SMX-6Price: $29.95Why: "This glove offers more reinforcement than dirtbike gloves and is still affordable. It's comfortable enough for all-day riding at the spot, and they stay pretty cool-even in Arizona."
4) PantsBrand: Dickies (www.dickies.com)Model: CargoPrice: $26.99Why: "Dickies seem to hold up better than jeans in crashes, and they are really comfortable. You can also hold lots of spare parts in all the extra pockets."
5) ShoesBrand: Etnies (www.etnies.com)Model: AliPrice: $59.99Why: "Etnies held up really good for skateboarding, so when I started stunting they were my first choice. With boots, there seems to be too much protection in the sole, and they don't give me the feel of the brake that I like."