This topic may be a little too early for many, but that time of year is just around the corner. For those of you who are saving your financial budgets for a mini-quad for your "your rider" this Christmas, keep the following things in mind.

Rider Safety Equipment:
- So many different kinds and features. Pick the best safety pads, neck guard, should pads, boots, etc. that are best for your unique riding conditions. As a minimum, full face helment, eye protection, boots and chest pad are the minimum. A wise man once stated., "dress to crash - everyone crashes their mini-quad". But most of all, purchase your safety equipment first.

Wireless communitions:
- I'd recommend wireless communications to many inexperienced "young riders" and their superising parent. This type of equipment is great for proactive prevention. The major brands I found so far are:
http://www.collett.mb.ca/
http://www.hjc-chatterbox.com/
http://www.accessoryinternational.com/intercomnady.htm
* Each of these products have their pros / cons. Compare wisely.

Riding course:
- If available in your area and if needed, book your "young rider" into a course today. After Christmas, the waiting lists for courses fill up too quickly. It's better to have your "young rider" on today's waiting list, so a course can be taken soon after Christmas.

Now that you've resevered part of your saved budget for the above items, it's now time to compare / select the brand of mini. With so many different features and other considerations, it is very frustrating to pick the best mini-quad for your "young rider". My best advice is: Make a feature sheet (re: body fit, controls, quality, dealer locations, parts availability, available upgrade parts, etc. etc.) and when you compare brands, mark off what is has & doesn't have. The totals at the bottom of the sheet will help decide which specific brand to purchase.

If you can, have your "young rider" involved in the selection process. Nothing worst then, "thanks Santa - but I really wanted a yellow quad" reply on Christmas morning. If you want a complete surprise, have a nephew who's the same body size as your "young rider" involved in body fitting and ease of control testing. Pick a newphew who doesn't say too many words from now until then.

Always remember... Purchase your rider safety equipment first. "Dress to Crash" even on day one is always a must.

If you have other compare / selection tips for our future riders and their parants (aka: Santas), please share your ideas.

Hope this helps others....

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More things to consider in your Christmas gift budget.....

When selecting / purchasing a mini-quad, always remember safety mini-quad Add-Ons as well. These things could range from Skid Plates, Light Kits (for daytime running lights), Whip Flag, rear push bar, left hand side driving mirror, to making your mini wider for more stability around corners. Some of these safety add-ons could be "negotiated" within the mini-quad selling price, and other things must be purchased via 3rd party dealers. To me, safety upgrades on the mini-quad is just as critical as rider safety wear.

Hope this helps others too...

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