I suppose the Leatts etc are so expensive because of the R&D costs. I feel good about the RC3 - I read on a motocross site about a guy crashing at over 100 MPH with an RC3 with neck intact (the rest of him got wrecked though). I figure except in a true freak I'm not going moto speed, or crashing with a 200 lb bike on me so the RC3 or RC Evo should cover 99%. It's under $200 so that's a pretty small price to pay...

As mark99 pointed out this report is for doctors - not MTBers specifically. As such I think it presents good info - if I show up at an ER I want them to know where the most likely injuries may be so nothing is overlooked. As a rider I know it's dangerous. I wear an EVS RC3 which is a slightly better verison of a neck nut, but have been OTB with it and it did do a good job of preventing whiplash type motion (I modified it by adding additional padding). A Leatt, Alpinstar or EVS RC EVO would be even better IMO, and am currently looking into getting one for my son. As a rider and a parent this is the beginning of a good discussion. What I would like to know better is the correlation of these injuries to specific activities. I've had some neck injuries from DH, landing an air in the trees. Had another friend break his neck on a small 4' drop JRA - so where does the crap usually hit the fan? This is important to me because DH I always wear full gear and I make my son do likewise - but trail riding with small drops no. I know the kids on dirt jumps rarely wear armor heck some don't seem to wear helmets. If dirt jumps are producing the more serious injuries I think it would be good to know. Any changes towards better safety - in equipment, education, etc. can only be good for the sport.

KHS DJ 200 frame. but I have to buy all the parts...