This is a great kidney belt that works well for riding dirt bikes, ATVs and snowmobiles. It allows the rider to breathe and move without feeling like they're being suffocated. We really like the flexibility, and feel like it's doing its job without making the rider stiff and rigid.
The Apex is really easy to put on and get off, unlike many other kidney belts we've had in our motocross protective gear arsenal. As far as kidney belts go, it's the most stylish, supportive and flexible one we've found. It can be a little more expensive compared to other models, such as the Orion, but our testing suggests it's worth it.
Most of the online reviews we read about this product were very positive. A few riders complained that the Orion kidney belt by the same company is ten dollars less, but even they had to admit that the extra few bucks is well-spent.
The Apex Kidney Belt is sold at most motocross racing and dirt bike trail riding shops, including the larger online motosport stores like RideGear, Motoworld, and Revzilla. It can also be found on general shopping websites like Amazon.com and TheFind, sometimes for less than the motosport specialty stores charge for them.
A good kidney belt should be in every off-road rider's wardrobe, right next to their helmet, riding boots, shin guards and chest protector. Many body armor kits (chest and back protector combos) come with built-in kidney belts that serve the dual purpose of protecting your kidneys and securing the body armor in place tight around the rider's waist.
Why Protecting Your Kidneys is Important:
The kidneys excrete a variety of waste products produced by your metabolism, including urea, uric acid and water. It is one of the most important organs involved in whole-body health. Among its many functions are acid-base balance, control of blood volume, regulation of electrolyte concentrations and regulation of blood pressure. The kidneys accomplish these functions independently and through coordination with other organs, particularly those of the endocrine system. The kidney communicates with these organs through hormones secreted into the bloodstream.
This vital, yet delicate organ is often injured while riding dirt bikes and ATVs and tends to be a result of the rider's side area impacting against the handlebars or hard objects like rocks and stumps during a crash. Rider collisions are another major cause of traumatizing kidney damage.
