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Atlas Frequently Asked Questions | Click on a question to see the answer

 

Why Atlas?

Innovation. To truly innovate, you have to be willing to completely change the way you think about a product. Every aspect must be re-imagined from the ground up. With endless hours of R&D, we make it our mission to create the absolute best products possible that truly fit, flex, and function as they should. We are committed to excellence.

Simplicity. We go to great lengths to create simplistic products. By removing all the unnecessary parts from the assembly, you get a far more user friendly end result. From fit and adjustment to function and maintenance, carefully engineered simplicity allows us to make everything a step above the competition.

Mobility/Comfort. With most protection products, comfort is often sacrificed. We believe in making products that don’t over look this very critical feature so that our customers don’t have to hinder their performance. Our products use never before seen features and advanced materials to create the ultimate balance of quality and comfort, without sacrificing protection.

Experience. We fanatically obsess over every aspect of our products, constantly pursuing perfection to create the ultimate user experience. Instead of customers asking “Why does this function this way?” We want them to look at our products and think “Why don’t all products function this way!” This is what we strive for, this is our driving force.

Each Atlas product starts with our passionate commitment to these 4 key areas. Alongside a highly skilled team of Engineers, Bio-mechanical experts, Doctors, Chiropractors, and sports Physio-therapists we examine the human body’s limitations so our designs work perfectly in conjunction with the body, preserving as much natural movement and feeling as possible. We believe that by following these guidelines we are able to create unbelievably great products that are unlike any others.

How do I put on the Atlas Brace™?

Carbon/Original/Crank Carbon/Crank braces: Simply slip on/off over head like a helmet. Each of these braces also features an ERS - Emergency removal system.

Tyke/Prodigy: Push the release button on the front of the brace and pull the frame apart horizontally. The button is marked with the letters ERS. This system allows entry.

How can I determine the correct size Atlas Brace™ for me?

Atlas Brace™ sizing is based on chest circumference. Chest circumference is the distance around the chest horizontally. To measure, place a tape measure high on the chest, just under the arms. Brace sizing is as follows:

  • Tyke: 24” - 28” (61cm - 71 cm)
  • Prodigy: 29” - 33” (74cm - 84cm)
  • Small: 33” - 36” (84cm - 92 cm)
  • Medium: 37” - 41” (94cm - 104cm)
  • Large: 42”+ (106cm+)

To easily measure your chest, download our printable tape measure HERE

How do I adjust my Atlas Brace™ for a proper fit?

Chest sizing: After measuring your chest circumference, start with the brace that corresponds with your size. While standing straight up, the brace should fit snug on your chest and back, and the shoulder padding should be resting on your body. If you are in the bigger half of the size range (ex. A small brace/35” chest), it is possible the brace will feel too tight out of the box, and there may be a gap between the shoulder padding and the body. Most individuals on the larger half of the size range for any specific brace can achieve a better fit by reversing the aluminum rear mounts of the brace. Each brace comes in it’s smallest setting, so removing and reversing the position of these mounts will make the brace offset bigger. For complete instructions, please refer to the user manual that corresponds with the product you purchased. Downloadable user manuals are available here.

Height (Adult braces only): Once the brace is properly fitted for your chest size, determine which height setting is right for your individual body type and neck length so that you will have proper range-of-motion before starting any dangerous activity. Put on a helmet to determine which setting is right for you, and if you do not feel your range-of-motion is sufficient, remove the optional shoulder padding from your Atlas Brace™ by pulling down on the outer edge of the bottom shoulder pad. The padding will simply “pop” out of the top shoulder pad. Repeat for the opposite side. Make sure the brace still fits snug on the body, and the shoulder padding is resting on your shoulders.

Why does the frame of the Atlas Brace™ have a gap in the back?

Each Atlas Brace™ uses a unique two part frame design that only joins in the front, creating controlled amounts of engineered flexibility, allowing for automatic adaptive response to the way your body naturally moves and functions. By allowing each brace to flex during use, the Atlas Brace™ provides a natural and comfortable experience, without feeling bulky or restrictive.

The chest supports on the Atlas Brace™ are flexible, why?

Just like suspension on motorcycles and cars helps absorb bumps in the road and jumps on the track, the suspension built into the chest supports of the Atlas Brace™ are engineered to help absorb impacts. By allowing the dual chest supports to rotate and flex they are able to automatically adjust and fit the chest angle of the user, and aim to help to absorb and slow down the impacts that pass through them without an abrupt stop. Although nothing is fully preventable, the suspension chest supports are a huge advancement in the evolution of neck protection.

Why does the Atlas Brace™ sit around the sternum?

Since the Atlas Brace™ sits around the sternum, the likelihood of a sternum fracture can be reduced compared to other neck protection on the market. Many riders have suffered sternum fractures from braces with single chest plates, that is why we at Atlas designed our brace to be different. The Atlas Brace™ rotating dual chest support design is coupled with a chest suspension system and custom designed padding to further help absorb and distribute impacts on a greater surface area of the body, while aiming to help take the sternum out of the equation.

Why does the Atlas Brace™ sit around the spine?

Just like the Atlas Brace™ sits around the sternum, it also sits around the spine for the same reasons. By utilizing dual pivoting back supports, the Atlas Brace™ increases the surface area that sits on the back so when a load is transferred it is spread out across the back, and around the spine. By allowing the back supports to pivot, the brace is able to fold for easy storage and transportation, instead of having to be disassembled.

What about strap systems?

We highly recommend the use of straps for everyone who wears a neck brace. The straps keep the brace in place and will provide a better experience for all users. Each Atlas Brace™ comes with two strap systems included in the box:

Full chest strap - designed to be worn over the jersey

X straps - Designed to be worn over or under the jersey, in an X configuration on the body. Place one arm through a strap, then lift over your head. Repeat on the opposite side with the other strap... This forms an X configuration on the body, and once the brace is in place you can slip the straps into the supplied frame clips.

*X straps/frame clips not included with Tyke models.

Can the Atlas Brace™ be safely removed after an accident, without taking it off over head?

Yes!, An Emergency Removal System (ERS) is built into each brace. The ERS is a simple system designed to allow safe removal of the brace after an accident or crash that requires medical attention. The Atlas Brace™ is specifically designed with a 2 part frame connecting in the front to allow for each ERS to be performed in a few simple steps that anyone can perform. For detailed ERS instructions, please refer to the user manual related to your product.

Can I use an Atlas Brace™ with a chest protector?

Any Atlas Brace™ can be worn in conjunction with a chest protector as long as the chest supports, back supports, and shoulder padding of the brace sit directly against the body as they are designed to (under the chest protector). Please see an Atlas Brace™ user manual for complete instructions on mounting options. As with all neck protection devices some chest protectors will work, and some will not. Most chest protectors that pre date neck protection require slight modification and/or adjustment depending on the style.

Is the brace padding removable?

Only the optional shoulder padding on the adult braces is user removable. It “snaps” in and out of the main shoulder padding. The main shoulder padding, chest, and back support padding is permanently bonded to brace, and is NOT user removable, or replaceable.

If the padding is not removable, how do I wash the brace?

All of the Atlas Brace™ padding is water resistant. You can simply wash the entire fully assembled Atlas Brace™ with a mild soap and water and water will not be absorbed into the padding.

Why is there a tether across the back of each Atlas Brace™?

The custom designed tether on the back of the brace is used to control the overall movement and flexibility of the brace, and also helps to keep the brace from being pulled apart in an accident. Since extreme sports can involve violent crashes, the Bio-Mechanical Engineers involved with the project wanted a way to keep the two halves of the brace from separating in this type of event, and as a way to control the over all movement. The brace should NEVER be used without this tether in place.

What kind of helmet can I use with an Atlas brace™?

Every Atlas Brace™ is designed to work with all full-face helmets, preferably of a D.O.T, Snell, ECE and/or other similar industry standard approval.

Will the Atlas Brace™ work for sports other than Motocross?

Yes!, As long as the sport you are performing requires you to wear a full face helmet, the Atlas Brace™ will work for your sport. The brace is designed to work in conjunction with a full face helmet, and can only help to provide protection when used this way. How do I apply for sponsorship?

We offer many levels of support and sponsorship through various channels. To find the one that best suits you, please visit our Athlete page by clicking HERE and scroll down to the bottom. Please choose an option based on your region, and the one that best describes you.