Guide purchase pare stone motocross / enduro

Stonewalls have evolved considerably in recent years. In the 80s, 90s and even 2000s, it was common for motocross or enduro riders, even professional riders, to wear chest protectors over their jerseys just to protect themselves from pebble splashes. Most of these “plastrons”, at the time, were made of basic plastic and did not offer protection in the event of a fall. Today, the stone walls (or plastrons) have evolved and are thinner, more ergonomic and, above all, much more protective, for the torso and back in the event of a fall. In FFM or FIM competitions, motocross riders are required to wear CE-approved back protectors (at least level 1). This evolution of EC standards and regulations has therefore led many equipment manufacturers to develop more protective stonewalls in the event of a fall. Using new innovative materials, manufacturers are now offering stonewalls that are, lighter, more comfortable, more ventilated, more ergonomic and above all, they offer very good levels of protection during falls and other shocks (while always protecting against projections).

Our top 3 best motocross / enduro stonewalls in 2025

Top 1: Stonewall Alpinestars A-4 Max

For us, the most complete of the motocross / enduro stonewalls is the Alpinestars A-4 protection, which is an excellent choice for those looking for complete protection (back, thorax, ribs, shoulders), and has good comfort (thanks to its foam inner padding). Adjustable elastic shoulder straps incorporate thermoformed panels that provide additional protection against shoulder projections.  The thin rigid and perforated protection plates, they offer structural protection against impacts and falls while being flexible enough not to limit movements, from the rider on the bike. The elastic closure system has quick loops that are very easy to use, while adapting to a wide range of morphologies.

Top 2: Stonewall RXR R-pro

Latest-born of the RXR brand and made with in France, this high-end protective vest offers exceptional performance. The RXR R-pro embodies excellence in safety. This protection is approved in Level 2 at the front (EN 1621-3) and at the rear (EN 1621-2). The RXR is the only off-road vest on the market to offer as effective protection as an airbag. This high level of protection is achieved through the exclusive RXR technology of pressure air cells that offer both a high deformation capacity and a very high level of shock absorption during falls. Although this is our favourite part of this buying guide (for its level of protection for air cushions), we ranked the RXR R-pr0 in 3rd place, because its price at €249 is also the highest on the market (it is probably the price to pay for high-end security? ).

Top 3: Scott Body Armor Softcon Air

The Scott Body Armor Softcon Air is a soft protection (no rigid plastic plates) designed to offer protection and flexibility while being breathable and discreet under the jersey. Scott Softcon’s protection is provided by D3O foam plates, soft and perforated, which offer a level 1 CE-certified level of protection and great freedom of movement (more than a stone barrier with rigid plastics). In addition to its lightness and maximum comfort, this Scott Body Armor Softcon Air sets the bar very high in terms of ventilation (without sacrificing anything to the protection of the pilot).

Other quality stone walls

This section presents 4 other interesting screens, in addition to the top 3 of the editorial. While not the best-ranked products, these options can also be suitable depending on your needs and budget.

LEATT 3.5 stonewall

Weighing only 750 g, the 3.5 stonewall is not just a stonewall, but a CE-approved chest and back protection (but also FIM and FFM labels).  This Leatt Chest protector 3.5 is therefore a stone with rigid hulls (doubled with soft impact foam) that pilots want to have thin, light, well ventilated, easy to put on, but offering real protection against shocks to the chest and back.

Stonewall FOX Racefrance impact SB D3o

The FOX RACEFRAME Iimpact SB D3O is a light, articulated and airy protection. It has back protection (certified EN 1621-2 LEVEL 1) in D3O foam (such as Scott Body Armor Sofcon Air), but the chest/pectoral protection is made of plastic, but without D3O although it is certified EN 1621-3 LEVEL 1.  The design of this FOX plastron is based on comfort. Adjustable straps via scratches on the shoulders and flanks are well studied and do not cause any particular discomfort when rolling. The back is well ventilated and thanks to the punctures on the chest even in hot weather, it remains pleasant.

Alpinestars Sequence Chest Protector

Apinestars sequence chest protector dipose of soft protectors, but they are not mere foams. Like most Alpinestars products, the Italian brand uses a patented material for this plastron that hardens at the moment of impact while remaining flexible. Impact forces are therefore better distributed than with a simple rigid plastic.

Soft biofoam padding makes it comfortable with or without underlayment (directly on the skin). The flexible design means that it will not sink into your body, but provides good protection against impacts on the back and front of the torso. The back protection drops a little lower than most other brands/models, but remains comfortable thanks to its flexible design.  Although the Alpinestars Sequence has perforated materials, it does not offer as many airflows as some more open plastic protectors.

Thor Sentinel Pro

Here is (finally) the successor of the famous Thor Sentinel with this model Sentinel Pro. Avec ses coques (rigides) très aérées et ses mousses intérieures plus enveloppantes et épaisses, ce Sentinel Pro est bien plus agréable à porter que son prédécesseur ( moins chaud et plus de protections et de confort). Although it is designed for motocross, the Sentinel Pro is versatile and can also be used in enduro, as it provides good freedom of movement and protection (EC level 1 homologation for back and chest protection) at the level of its competitors.  While on the previous model the back protection was really too short, it was extended on this model, which allows this Thor Sentinel Pro to more effectively protect the lower spine in case of a fall. Comme pour le LEAT on regrette pour notre part les coques en plastiques rigides, car même si elles sont bien aérées rendent ce type de plastron peut moins agréable à porter que les dernières générations de plastrons souples

The criteria for choosing a stonewall

1. EC type-approval: Level 1 or Level 2: It is essential to choose a stone barrier with EC type-approval:

• EN 1621-2 for the backbone,
• EN 1621-3 for chest protection.

Ideally, choose a certified model level 2, providing optimal protection through better shock absorption (such as the chest protection of the RXR R-Pro). However, this level of certification entails an additional cost, while the Level 1 is a good compromise between protection and budget. It's up to you to choose according to your needs and budget.

2. Absorption of shocks: The thickness and material of the inner padding play a crucial role in shock absorption. New technologies, such as foam D3O used in certain plastrons, combine flexibility and rigidity: the foam adapts to your morphology and instantly hardens in the event of an impact, improving protection.

3. Ventilation and ventilation: A good stone barrier should allow efficient air circulation to avoid overheating, especially in hot weather. Well-thought-out ventilation improves steering comfort and facilitates the evacuation of perspiration. Check for ventilation and breathable materials.

4. Adjustment and size: Whether you're wearing your stonewall underneath or on your jersey, it must be perfectly adjusted to ensure optimal protection.

• Too big, it may move and not protect effectively.
• Too small, it could interfere with your movements and breathing.

Choose a model with adjustment straps on the flanks and shoulders for a precise fit to your morphology.

5. Where to buy a good stonewall?

Many models are available, meeting different needs and budgets. Whether you are looking for a lightweight stonewall for occasional rides or higher-end equipment for competition, there is a wide range of choices suitable for drivers of all levels. Some specialized online or in-store retailers offer a varied selection, ranging from the most affordable models to high-end protections. You can, for example, buy a motocross stonewall at Mx Flag, which offers several references adapted to the requirements of enduro and motocross drivers.

Reminder on protection standards

SORAL PROTECTION: standard EN 1621-2

Back protectors for motorcyclists must comply with standard EN 1621-2. The performance of EN1621-2-approved backbones offers performance that is divided into two levels:

• Level 1, the average residual force shall be less than 18 kN, with a permissible impact of up to 24 kN
• Level 2, the average residual force shall be less than 9 kN, with a permissible impact of up to 12 kN.

We therefore realize from reading these figures that Level 2 back protectors are more protective than level 1. Clearly, Level 2 protections absorb and dissipate impacts better.

THORACIC PROTECTION: standard EN 1621-3

Like back protectors, chest protectors must comply with EN 1621-3. The performance of chest protectors is also divided into two levels:

• Level 1, the average residual force shall be less than 20 kN, with a permissible impact of up to 35 kN
• Level 2, the average residual force shall be less than 20 kN, with a permissible impact of up to 25 kN.

Level 2 : The backbone must return less than 9 kilonewtons.

EC standard EN-14021:  This standard applies to chest reinforcements for motorcyclists. It specifies the requirements for the performance of chest reinforcements. However, it does not define levels of protection specific.

Alternatives to the stonewall?

If the stone guard seems a little light to protect you effectively from falls (while the latest generation of stone guards are made for this), there is the alternative such as the full protective vest. Protective vest that enduro pilots or trail/adventure  affectionate, because this type of protection of the upper body is a little more enveloping and allows for example to protect also the elbows.

For rally motorcycle riders, the preferred solution will be the airbag vest. It is certainly a solution that remains quite expensive to date, but it is the only one that has really protected during a high-speed fall as can unfortunately happen in rally-raid.