Moonwalkr Cricket Chest Guard

Moonwalkr Cricket Chest Guard

A slim-profile chest guard for batters facing genuine pace. Composite shell over a terry-lined interior, with a single 3-inch strap rather than the multi-strap harness most chest guards use which is the main reason it sits flatter under a shirt than older designs.

Do you actually need a chest guard?

Honestly, not always and it depends. Chest guards are optional equipment in New Zealand cricket. Unlike helmets, which are mandatory for under-19 players and must meet BS 7928:2013, there is no compulsory standard or requirement for chest protection at any level. New Zealand Cricket lists chest pads alongside thigh pads and arm guards as optional extras a batter can add for comfort and confidence.

Worth having if: you are facing bowling above roughly 110 kph, playing on bouncy or uneven wickets, batting in senior grades, or coming back from a blow to the ribs and want the confidence to get in line again. Also worthwhile to help a junior player feel more secure and comfortable so their technique development doesn't get compromised.

Probably skip it if: you are in a first hard-ball season, playing junior grades on a shortened pitch, or working to a budget where the money is better spent on a properly fitted helmet and pads. A thigh pad is the more useful first addition for most juniors — getting hit on the front thigh is far more common.

Our guide to your child's first hard-ball season sets out what to buy and in what order.

Specifications

What size cricket chest guard do I need?

Use the table below and determine the size based on batter's height:

The guard should cover from just below the collarbone to the bottom of the ribcage. Too short and it leaves the ribs exposed; too long and it digs in when you bend into a shot.

How to wear it

Under the playing shirt, against a base layer rather than bare skin. Do the strap up firmly enough that the guard does not shift when you play a front-foot drive, but not so tight that it restricts a deep breath. Most people over-tighten on the first outing.

If it rides up when you take guard, the strap is too loose or the size is too small. Check both before you assume it is the wrong product.

Chest guard or chest pad - what is the difference?

Nothing. The two terms are used interchangeably in cricket, and some players also call it a body protector or rib guard. They all describe the same piece of equipment worn under the shirt to protect the chest and ribs.

Frequently asked questions

Is a chest guard compulsory in New Zealand cricket?

No. Helmets are compulsory for under-19 players in hard-ball cricket and must meet BS 7928:2013. Chest guards are optional at every level, in both junior and senior grades.

Does my junior need one?

Usually not in a first hard-ball season. Put the money into a certified helmet and correctly fitted pads first. A chest guard becomes genuinely worthwhile when they start facing bowling with real pace, which is typically Year 9 and above.

Can you see it under a shirt?

Slightly, yes - any chest guard creates some shape under a playing shirt. This one has a slimmer profile than traditional multi-strap designs, so it is less obvious than most.

Can wicket keepers wear this?

It is designed for batting. Keepers standing up to spin sometimes wear chest protection, but check the fit works with your keeping stance before committing. Our wicket keeping range covers keeper-specific protection.

What else should I wear with it?

Most players who wear a chest guard also wear an arm guard on the top arm, since both protect against the same kind of delivery. The full Moonwalkr protection range is designed to work together.

Do you have stock in New Zealand?

Yes. Held in NZ stock and dispatched promptly. Email us for any questions.