The neck brace is a neck protection system that serves to protect neck, head and spine. It surrounds the neck and sits on the shoulders by means of several supports for the upper body. With this protection, the likelihood of neck injury is significantly lessened and loads on the spinal column are reduced by more than 30 percent. The protector prevents both head and cervical spine from moving beyond the ‘range of motion´, the natural amplitude of movement.

The neck brace is ergonomically designed, so that the protection system can perfectly adjust to fit the body without restricting freedom of movement and without impeding the motocross rider´s line of sight unnecessarily. It is important that the protector rests on the upper body when in place, so that it cannot slip in the event of a fall. The MX rider must be able to move easily on his bike in all positions. It must still be possible to ride without restriction when sitting, standing or looking over the shoulder.

With regard to the quality of the neck brace, the neck protection systems differ in terms of strength, shock absorption ability and resistance to breakage. Furthermore, the protector should, in the best case scenario, be at least five centimetres away from the larynx and combine well with the other items of motocross equipment. World championship star and two-time ADAC MX Masters champion Max Nagl, for example, is a big fan of the Ortema neck brace: "There are huge differences in quality in the market place, and you should make sure that you buy a top-quality neck brace. In this system, the impact should you fall is directed to the shoulder blades and not to the spine, and that is exactly the point of this protector," explained the 28-year-old Bavarian.

Current ADAC MX Junior Cup champion Jeremy Sydow has also had the same experience. He switched to the system developed by Ortema five years ago. "The Ortema neck brace is very light and easy to use. It reduces the risk of injury, and therefore, I feel much safer when wearing it on the track," said the 15-year-old.