What's up with Kidney Belts?

[MJ27]

I just got back into riding after a 10 year hiatus. I always wore a kidney belt when I was a kid, but I never really knew what it did. Do people still wear them? I don't see any of the pro SX/MX riders wearing them. Do people wear them under their jerseys now? Are they mainly for lower back support or is there something internal that they protect (kidneys)? If I don't wear one will the only consequence be a sore lower back? I'm starting to get suspicious that they exist to make more money for the apparrel companies.

Thanks!

 

[MXFastGuy]

I keep one in my gearbag and wear it only if my lower back's sore or if the track is extremely rough. I'm more comfortable w/out one. I have heard they don't do diddley for your kidneys, but do help support the back some.

 

[2001yz250]

There main function is supposed to be to keep your kidneys supported so they won't get jarred around on all those bumps and jumps. I wear mine mainly to support my lower back. Plenty of pros use them but they wear their pants over them so you only see the top portion of it. Once I wore one, I always wanted to wear it. Everytime I hit the dirt, I'm thankful for every piece of protective equipment I'm wearing, even if it's uncomfortable the rest of the time.

 

[Jeepboy]

I wear one everytime I ride, but mostly just out of habit. I think they help more when you have a flabby belly. When I started riding again last year I was 50lbs overweight and the kidney belt helped hold my gut from bouncing. I have since lost those 50lbs and do not have a problem with my belly bouncing. I do like the thought of the biofoam padding on my lower spine(not that it protects that much).

 

[wizard69]

ya like a belly bra!!

 

[Chevalier]

I always wear one when riding, they can stop you from tweaking your back...

 

[MCassle]

I've owned two kidney belts, and everytime I put it on I end up taking it off...to uncomfortable for me. Hey wait a minute, mabey it's my belly that's making it uncomfortable...

Matt

 

[wizard69]

I just got a progrip one it is realy comferatable.I sudgest anyone that want's a kidneybelt should go with progrip.