MXA TEAM TESTED: O’NEAL YOUTH UNDERDOG II PROTECTOR

WHAT IS IT? If you are a parent of a young rider, the O’Neal Underdog II protector is built for your peace of mind. This is the most protective chest protector that we have ever seen for kids. It offers back, shoulder, kidney, elbow and chest protection for little Johnny when he is on the track. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $99.99.

CONTACT? www.oneal.com or (800) 326-6325.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the O’Neal Underdog II protector.

(1) The build. When it comes to our kids’ protection, we want the best. The O’Neal Underdog II protector is the closest thing you will find to a Michelin-man suit to keep little Johnny safe in a crash. It is a three-in-one body armor product that goes on and zips up like a vented jacket. The Underdog II offers elbow guards, shoulder guards, a kidney belt and a beefy chest protector all in one. The guards are constructed from high-impact injection-molded plastic. One of the protector’s most unique features is its articulating back protection that covers the spine without inhibiting movement. The kidney belt is attached to the bottom of the Underdog II and offers an adjustable elastic belt with a Velcro closure. The Underdog II is breathable, as it offers mesh venting throughout. O’Neal also offers an adult version called the Underdog III for $159.99 if dad is looking for the same kind of protection as little Johnny. 

(2) Protection. We will be honest; the Underdog II may be a bit of overkill in comparison to what else is on the market. Kids don’t think it’s cool to wear kidney belts, elbow guards or a protection device with an articulating back. Kids want to emulate their favorite riders who wear no protection in the torso or chest area at all. We wish the Pro riders that our kids look up to would at the very least wear chest protectors so little Johnny would want to wear one, too. Bulky and overprotective or not, it just makes sense to protect these young new riders as best as possible. 

(3) Performance. What good is protection if it doesn’t stay in place during a crash? The elbow pads have a strap that keeps them in place so they won’t slide up when your kid is sliding on the ground. There are also two adjustable Velco straps that connect from the shoulders to the chest so you can restrict little Johnny’s arms from going behind him or over his head when he crashes. As parents, we love the type of protection the Underdog II offers. For the kids, it takes a few rides to get used to. If they are used to just wearing a jersey, they might complain they are hotter in the summer months or feel a bit restricted. After a few rides, they will get used to it. The Underdog II offers the best protection for the money hands down. 

(4) Sizes. The Underdog II protector is offered in youth sizes from small to large. We tested the small size on a 5-year-old, and he had some room to grow into it. Also available is an adult version called the Underdog III offered in sizes small to double extra large.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We have two quibbles. (1) The Underdog II protector weighs close to 2 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a small child. (2) In the hot days of summer, even with the mesh ventilation, it can get a little hot underneath. 

MXA RATING: If you want your child to have the most protection available, the Underdog II protector offers the most protection for the least amount of money.