For Christmas, I am going to be asking for goggles and boots. What kind would be recommended. I will probably just be riding state trails, getting muddy and possibly racing. I want a confortable pair of goggles and comfortable, lightweight and protective boots. Who makes the best stuff? I have seen lots of Alpinestar and Fox boots around.

 

Mike,
I can only tell you what I have worn and like. I had a pair of Axo's that I found to be very well made, tho fairly stiff at first. I probably would have stayed with them if Sidi had not come out with their flex boot. A a long time user of Sidi I knew them to be of top notch quality, made of top grain leather and have a hinge at the ankle which makes walking much easier when it becomes necessary. There is virtually no break-in period with these boots either and the calf & ankle protection is first rate. Sidi makes two types in the flex, one with replacable soles with screws, and the other with standard soles. Actually, the latter ones can be resoled also.I'd strongly reccomend trying on any boot that you might expect to get for Christmas and be sure to wear mx socks when doing so. Buckle them up and be sure they fit. There is a great deal of variation within brands. If your dealer doen't have your choice in your size, I'd reccomend your parents giving you a gift certificate for them.
As for goggles, I currently have Scott, Oakley, and Maccolm Smith rolloffs. I wear the Scotts and Oakleys interchangeably & have no real preference..whichever are clean!
After getting the Smith roll offs, I found that dust gets under the narrow plastic strip & isn't practical. I went back to the others, using tear offs instead. The main thing is to try them on to see what fits your face. If you wear glasses when you ride be sure to get the over-the glasses models.


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