Alpinestars Youth A-5 S Chest Protector Review 2026

Serious youth riders competing at race level face the same crash dynamics as adult riders, and the certification standard of their protection matters as much. The Alpinestars Youth A-5 S V2 Chest Protector is the comprehensive answer: CE and UKCA Level 2 certification across the chest and back, Polyhedron Hybrid Technology, viscoelastic back protection, Level 1 shoulders and elbows, and rib guards — all in a system engineered specifically for the youth body.

The chest protector uses Polyhedron Hybrid Technology in a floating design: a rigid central zone with a flexible soft compound perimeter backed by adaptive bio-foam padding, creating a dual-zone chest protector that is both CE and UKCA Level 2 certified. The inner side of the outer shell incorporates a perforated impact grid that serves as the second layer of the hybrid protection structure and simultaneously allows airflow to reduce heat build-up under the protector. The 17% ventilation apertures are aligned through both hybrid layers for maximum ventilation through the protection system.

The back protector is constructed from a flexible and adaptive viscoelastic material, providing CE and UKCA Level 2 certified back protection with high ventilation and weight-saving properties. The chest and back protectors are floating designs: connected via adjustable shoulder straps and V-straps rather than rigidly mounted, allowing the protectors to move with the rider’s body while maintaining their protective positioning. V-straps on the back protector distribute the tightening force over a wider area for a more secure and comfortable fit.

Level 1 CE and UKCA certified removable viscoelastic shoulder protectors — Nucleon Flex Plus standard — are mounted on soft-touch foam padding and attached via hook-and-loop patches, adjustable via elastic upper arm straps. Contoured bio-foam rib guards provide additional coverage in the rib area with the easy-connect buckle system.

Who is the Alpinestars Youth A-5 S Chest Protector aimed at?

The Youth A-5 S V2 Chest Protector is for young MX and off-road riders at competitive level who need the highest certified upper body protection system, and whose parents want CE and UKCA Level 2 certification across both chest and back zones. YNS compatibility makes it appropriate for youth riders who use or plan to use an Alpinestars Youth Neck Support for the most comprehensive protection setup.

Specifications:

– Chest Protector: CE and UKCA Level 2, EN 1621-3:2018 Level 2
– Back Protector: CE and UKCA Level 2, EN 1621-2:2014 Level 2
– Shoulder Protectors: CE and UKCA Level 1, EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1
– Elbow Protectors: CE and UKCA Level 1, EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1
– Polyhedron Hybrid Technology chest: rigid central zone, flexible soft compound perimeter
– Floating chest and back protectors with V-strap back fitment
– Perforated impact grid inner shell: 17% ventilation apertures through both hybrid layers
– Viscoelastic back protector: adaptive, ventilated, flexible
– Contoured bio-foam rib guards with easy-connect buckle
– YNS compatible via removable puck panel and elasticated pull tabs
– Detachable chest and back protectors for jersey washing

The Youth A-5 S V2 Chest Protector at £159.99 is the definitive youth upper body protection system: Level 2 certified across chest and back, floating Polyhedron construction, and YNS compatibility. The right protection for young riders who take their racing seriously.