1. Helmet
Brand: Scorpion
(www.scorpionusa.com)
Model: EXO-700 Rivet
Price: $199.95
Why: "First and foremost, I wear a helmet to protect my dome, but I want to look good at the same time. The EXO-700 is comfortable, looks good and offers great features. It has the same quality as better-known brands that cost triple the price. I like the unique characteristics, like removable liners and different-colored tinted face shields."
2. Jacket
Brand: Shift (www.shiftracing.com)
Model: Vendetta Leather
Price: $329.95
Why: "I wear a jacket so when (not if) I hit the ground, I don't get road rash and I can keep riding the rest of the day. The Shift jacket gives me the proper protection I need with a stylish street edge. It's important to have proper protection when pushing the limits of the motorcycle and body."
3. Gloves
Brand: Shift (www.shiftracing.com)
Model: Stealth
Price: $24.95
Why: "Protection and mobility are the two biggest factors when deciding on a glove. Shift gloves give me the freedom of motion I require without restricting hand movement."
4. Pants
Brand: Shift (www.shiftracing.com)
Model: Lo-down Street Jeans
Price: $69.95
Why: "The pants look like a regular pair of jeans and protect key areas of my lower body while still allowing me the freedom that I need to ride aggressively. Double thickness in key areas along with stretch panels allow for maximum protection, flexibility and maneuverability while still keeping an excellent sense of style."
5. Bike
Make: Honda
Model: 2006 CBR600RR
Tony Carbajal
1. Helmet
Brand: KBC (www.kbc-helmet.com)
Model: Force RR Dark Zombie
Price: $219.99
Why: "Funds are always a factor, and it's inexpensive but still provides plenty of protection. I use the KBC helmet for its durability as well as its light weight."
2. Jacket
Brand: Icon (www.rideicon.com)
Model: Field Armor Vest
Price: $100
Why: "The Icon protective vest is comfortable. It allows me to maneuver around the bike with ease and still protects the majority of my upper body-more than only a T-shirt anyways. I especially like the spine protector, which I have tested myself."
3. Shin Guards
Brand: EVS (www.evs-sports.com)
Model: SC03
Price: $58.99
Why: "I wear dirtbike shin guards under my pants to protect my legs. They fit comfortably and help prevent bruises and road rash. They also have been personally crash tested and proved effective."
4. Gloves
Brand: Troy Lee Designs (www.troyleedesigns.com)
Model: Air Glove
Price: $24
Why: "The mesh gloves offer a lot of flexibility in the fingertips, which is important to me. The mesh material allows for greater airflow on hot days and is still strong enough to save my hands in a low-speed crash."
5. Pants
Brand: Dickies (www.dickies.com)
Model: Industrial
Price: $21.99
Why: "Dickies are pretty strong and don't rip apart like other pants. I can wreck in Dickies pants and still wear them the next weekend."
6. Bike
Make: 2002 Honda
Model: CBR600F4i
"If we can see your ankles, you're going to be in some pain soon. Ditch the sneakers for some more protective boots, boys."-Dave & John