Acerbis Elbow Protectors X-Elbow Soft Junior

Junior soft elbow guards for motocross and enduro

The Acerbis X-Elbow Soft Junior are children’s elbow guards designed for motocross, enduro, mountain biking and other activities where the rider may fall or strike the arms. Their soft construction follows the movement of the elbow without using a bulky rigid plastic shell.

The viscoelastic protective insert remains flexible during normal movement, allowing the child to bend the arms and operate the handlebars naturally. During an impact, it helps absorb and distribute the applied energy before returning towards its original shape when the load is removed.

An anatomically curved design, perforated technical fabric, soft padding and two adjustable fastenings help keep the protectors comfortable and correctly positioned. The model is supplied in one junior size and complies with EN 1621-1:2012.

Explore more junior motorcycle protection available from MEFO.

Soft viscoelastic protective insert

The main protective area uses soft viscoelastic material that adapts to the shape of the elbow and does not restrict ordinary movement in the same way as a rigid plastic construction.

During slower movement, the insert remains flexible and allows the child to bend and extend the arms comfortably. Under rapid impact loading, the material creates greater resistance, helps absorb part of the energy and spreads the force over a wider area around the elbow.

After temporary loading, the foam returns towards its original shape provided that it has not been mechanically damaged. This does not mean that the protector can automatically continue to be used after every fall without inspection.

Following a strong impact, inspect the protective insert, fabric, seams and retaining straps. A protector with tears, permanent deformation, damaged fastening or a visibly reduced protective layer should no longer be used.

Anatomically curved construction

The guards are pre-shaped to follow the natural curve of the elbow joint. They therefore do not need to be pulled tightly around the arm simply to create the required shape.

The curved construction positions the protective insert over the elbow and helps keep it in contact with the intended area when the arm bends. Correct positioning is important for both stability and impact performance.

The soft structure moves together with the joint when the child operates the throttle, clutch, brakes and handlebars. There is no rigid external hinge that must be forced through its range of movement.

Before riding, the child should repeatedly bend and straighten both arms to check that the insert remains over the elbow, does not press into the inner elbow and does not restrict the grip on the handlebars.

Padding around vulnerable elbow areas

Soft padded material surrounds the main protective insert and extends coverage around vulnerable parts of the elbow. It helps distribute contact and reduces concentrated pressure around the edges of the protector.

The softer material separates the protective insert from the skin or functional base layer, improving comfort during longer training sessions.

Padding also helps keep the main insert close to the joint, allowing the guard to behave as a single construction rather than leaving a loose hard component around the elbow.

Breathable perforated technical fabric

The textile construction uses perforated technical fabric that permits airflow and supports the release of heat from around the elbow.

Breathability is particularly useful during motocross, enduro and mountain biking, where the arms remain active and heat can quickly accumulate underneath a jersey or jacket.

Perforation cannot prevent perspiration, but it helps reduce prolonged heat and moisture retention in the contact area. The guards can therefore be used in a range of seasonal conditions.

After riding, allow them to dry naturally in a ventilated place. They should not remain sealed inside a damp equipment bag with the jersey, gloves or other riding equipment.

Flexible neoprene construction

Neoprene and other stretch materials help the protector follow the circumference of the arm and changes in muscle shape during movement.

The flexible construction holds the insert close to the body without restricting elbow flexion or circulation when correctly adjusted. It also creates a continuous contact area without hard plastic edges.

Neoprene can retain more warmth than an open mesh alone, which is why the product also uses perforated sections and should be dried thoroughly after use.

Two adjustable fastenings

The guards are stabilised by two elastic straps with hook-and-loop adjustment. Separate upper and lower fastenings allow the circumference to be adapted to the proportions of a junior rider’s arm.

The straps should hold the guard securely enough to prevent rotation and downward movement. They must not be tightened to the point of causing tingling, numbness, pressure marks or changes in skin colour.

Both fastenings should be adjusted evenly. Tightening one strap excessively while leaving the other loose may cause the guard to tilt or create pressure at the edge of the insert.

The adjustment should also be checked in a riding position because the arm circumference and strap tension change when the elbow bends.

Silicone grip elements

Silicone elements improve grip against the skin or a thin functional layer. They help reduce movement during repeated arm flexion, vibration and active handlebar control.

Silicone does not replace correct strap adjustment or an appropriate fit. It supplements stability by limiting small movements of the protector.

The contact surfaces should be kept clean, as dust, perspiration and detergent residue can reduce grip.

Low-profile design underneath a jersey

The soft insert does not create a large plastic shell around the elbow. The guards can therefore be worn underneath a motocross or cycling jersey where the sleeves provide sufficient room.

The jersey must not compress the protector, roll its edges or push the insert away from the elbow. Excessively tight sleeves can also restrict ventilation.

According to the activity and clothing setup, the guards can also be worn over a thin functional base layer. The layer should reduce friction without allowing the protector to move.

The textile construction is not a substitute for abrasion-resistant motorcycle clothing. Suitable outer equipment remains necessary for road use and protection during a slide.

Freedom of movement for junior riders

The soft construction is suitable for activities requiring frequent and rapid changes of arm position. The guards contain no rigid hinges or external articulated mechanisms.

During motocross and enduro, they allow the child to work naturally with the handlebars and move the upper body over the motorcycle. During MTB or BMX use, they support movement while pedalling, jumping and controlling the bicycle.

A correctly fitted protector should not prevent a complete grip on the handlebars, operation of the levers or ordinary rotation of the forearm.

One junior size

The model is supplied in one junior size. Stretch materials and adjustable straps provide a degree of adaptation to different arm circumferences.

One-size labelling does not guarantee a correct fit for every child regardless of height and arm proportions.

When trying the guards on, check:

• that the main insert sits directly over the elbow,

• sufficient adjustment range in both straps,

• stability through full arm flexion and extension,

• unrestricted circulation,

• no painful pressure in the inner elbow,

• compatibility with the jersey or jacket,

• safe operation of the handlebars and levers.

Where the protector continues to move after adjustment, or the straps cannot be closed without excessive pressure, the fit is not suitable.

EN 1621-1:2012 certification

The Acerbis X-Elbow Soft Junior comply with EN 1621-1:2012 for motorcycle limb-joint impact protectors.

Certification confirms that the protective construction has passed the prescribed laboratory impact-transmission tests. Performance still depends on correct use, suitable positioning and the product remaining undamaged.

The available manufacturer specification does not state a Level 1 or Level 2 rating for this model. It should therefore not be assigned a particular protection level without additional documentation.

The standard covers impact protection and does not represent a complete assessment of the product’s resistance to a prolonged slide on asphalt.

Further information is available in the protector certification overview.

Recommended use

The guards are particularly suitable for:

• junior motocross,

• junior enduro,

• pit-bike riding,

• children’s ATV riding,

• mountain biking,

• enduro MTB,

• BMX,

• bike-park riding,

• other sporting activities involving a risk of falling onto the elbows.

When used outside motorsport, check that the equipment meets the rules of the relevant discipline or sports facility.

Pre-use inspection

Before every ride, inspect:

• the shape and condition of the protective insert,

• the fabric and seams,

• elasticity of the retaining straps,

• operation of the hook-and-loop fastenings,

• condition of the silicone elements,

• tears or worn areas,

• correct positioning on both arms.

Following a significant fall, inspect the guards carefully even where the foam has returned to its original shape. Internal damage may not be immediately visible.

Care

Follow the instructions and symbols on the product label. Aggressive detergents, solvents, bleach and high temperatures may damage the foam, neoprene, elastic straps or silicone elements.

Do not wring the guards by twisting them and do not dry them on a radiator, near an open flame or using another direct heat source.

Allow them to dry naturally at room temperature. They must be completely dry before storage and should not remain compressed underneath heavy equipment.

Main features

• junior soft elbow guards,

• designed for motocross, enduro, mountain biking and other sports,

• soft viscoelastic protective insert,

• material responding to rapid impact loading,

• anatomically curved construction,

• padding around vulnerable elbow areas,

• breathable perforated technical fabric,

• flexible neoprene sections,

• two elastic hook-and-loop fastenings,

• silicone grip elements limiting movement,

• low-profile design for wearing underneath a jersey,

• one adjustable junior size,

• suitable for different seasons,

• EN 1621-1:2012 certification.

Material composition

• polyurethane: 34%,

• neoprene: 27%,

• nylon: 20%,

• polyester: 8%,

• polyethylene: 5%,

• rubber: 5%,

• polypropylene: 1%.

Made in China.