Fox Racing Airframe Chest Guard | Tested

Fox Racing has been a staple in motocross since 1974, consistently producing gear that leaves a mark on the sport. With their 2026 lineup now out, they’ve added yet another innovation to the mix. While many riders (myself included) often skip chest protection, anyone who’s ever taken roost from a 450, or now a Stark Varg, knows the value of having something between you and flying debris. Enter the all-new Airframe Chest Guard, Fox’s latest take on low-profile protection. We headed to Fox Raceway for their 2026 media day to put it through its paces alongside the new gear drop.

Specifications

• Lightweight, low-profile design built to conform to the body
• CE Level 1 Koroyd chest and back inserts for impact protection, breathability, and flexibility
• Adjustable shoulder straps and waistband with fast-action buckles for secure and easy adjustments
• Removable collarbone and upper chest pads for added coverage
• CE EN 1621-2 LEVEL 1 Certified full back protection 
• CE prEN 1621-3 LEVEL 1 Certified chest protection
• Machine washable
• MSRP: $194.95

First Impressions

The Airframe is a combo of a hardshell chest protector with a soft stone-shield roost deflector. It’s lightweight, low-profile, and built to conform to the body. Adjustable shoulder straps and a waistband with fast-action buckles make for secure and easy adjustments. Removable collarbone and upper-chest pads provide added coverage. You get the protection level of a chest protector, but it’s also soft, flexible, and breathable. It features a CE Level 1 Koroyd protection system with chest and back inserts for impact protection, breathability, and flexibility.

The Koroyd system is a new addition to Fox’s lineup. The Airframe also incorporates Auxetic structures, materials that expand in all directions when stretched and contract when compressed, exhibiting a negative Poisson’s ratio, meaning they can adapt both ways. The plastic patterns further support airflow, which was welcome on the hot test day. Materials used include 30% nylon, 30% polyester, 30% EVA, and 10% elastane. The Airframe comes in at $194.95, just five dollars more than the popular Alpinestars Plasma chest protector. Which is quite commonly seen in Pro Motocross (well, unseen since it's under the racers' jerseys).

On the Track

I had already spent some time with this product before its release, as I was roped into doing some wear testing for Fox. So I knew beforehand that this was going to be solid. I really enjoy how comfortable and well-fitted it is. Some other under-chest protectors use more rigid plastics that aren’t as flexible and can be uncomfortable in certain situations; that’s not the case with the Airframe. It’s very flexible and comfortable to the point where I forgot I had it on a few times. It also gives me confidence that if I crash while wearing it, I’ll have some added protection compared to other products I’ve tried. 

On media day, temperatures were close to 100 degrees, which was a great test of its breathability. I was impressed with how much airflow I still got while wearing it. Sure, it’s not as breezy as just a jersey, but honestly, it was pretty close. Some under-chest protectors also have longer back pieces due to regulations, but I was happy with the back length on this one. You can also remove the collarbone and upper-chest pads if desired, which I think is a cool feature. It feels lightweight and practically goes unnoticed after a few motos. The only negative I found was with the velcro shoulder straps, which rub slightly on the neck. Maybe a sleeve or cover for that area would help reduce the rubbing on your shoulder/neck.

The Final Word

The Airframe Chest Guard checks the boxes most riders look for: effective roost and crash protection, solid ventilation, and impressive comfort in a streamlined package. It integrates modern materials and tech while staying competitively priced. Personally, I’ve never been big on chest protectors, but the older I get, and the more I hate taking roost, the more I value having that layer of protection. The Airframe hits the sweet spot and has earned a spot in my regular rotation. In motocross, a little extra protection is never a bad thing.

Written by Steven Tokarski / Photos by Michael Lindsay and Trevor Nelson