Proof that McDavid's Hexpad Shorts are great for rodeo and other sports where you need tailbone padding and protection.

The important thing is that they stay in place, otherwise they won't do much good.

Let’s face it, rodeo is one of the most hardcore sports out there. It has a reputation for incurring bone-crushing injuries on its participants and riders, and also giving long-term riders bad back and neck problems. The most common injuries in rodeos occur to the knee and shoulder, but medical professionals have found that serious injuries are much less common when riders suit up in the appropriate protective gear prior to riding.

Riders are encouraged to wear protective head gear, in addition to a Donjoy BOA Back Brace if the back is already under significant stress. Protective vests have also been proven to prevent punctures to the rib and chest. While many riders have been open to wearing this type of gear underneath their clothing, the majority are still unwilling to trade in their “macho” image for better head protection in the form of a quality helmet.

The medical world has often expressed public concern for the safety of riders in rodeos. In the popular sports journal Current Sports Medicine Reports, Dr. Daniel J. Downey of Pioneer Medical Specialists in Dillon, Montana says that "Our hope is that the sport of rodeo will be made safer for the athlete through greater physician interaction with the rodeo organizations and athletes in the future." As scientists work to develop better protective gear for riders, the sport of rodeo can envision a future that is hopefully relatively injury-free.

The following list of gear are the basic gear you should consider when considering participating in Motocross:

Helmet 

You want to be sure the helmet you’re using for Motocross is an actual “Motocross” helmet and has DOT and Snell approval.  You also want one that’s lightweight and built with good ventilation.  And you always want to be sure you have the right fit.  The helmet should fit snug so it’s not shifting around and should not be so snug that it’s giving you a headache.  Correct sizing is very important. 

Neck Collar 

A neck collar or roll helps to reduce shock, fatigue and prevent excess head movement, which can lead to neck injury.  Typically, neck collars are lightweight and built with a shock absorbing foam base.  Good neck collars are versatile and will allow the rider to attach to a chest protector or have attachments so it can be worn without the chest protector.  It should also have a removable cover so it can be removed for cleaning to keep it fresh. 

Chest Protector 

Chest protectors are designed to be worn over your jersey or enduro jacket and consist of an injection molded durable polycarbonate chassis and shoulders. They include a back protection system, and upper arm guards. Typical models include integrated venting, and quick lock buckle closure systems to keep you cool and to make it easy to take on and off. For maximum protection during fast riding or racing, a plastic chest protector is usually the best choice. 

Elbow Guard