Founded in France in 1993, Shot Race Gear has experienced steady growth to become one of the benchmark brands in off-road equipment across Europe. From the very beginning, its development has been closely linked to racing. In its early years, high-profile riders such as Mickaël Pichon, Yves Demaria, and Alessio Chiodi were among the brand’s first appearances at World Championship level. Today, MXGP front-runner Romain Febvre plays an active role in product development alongside other riders, helping transfer their racing experience into equipment designed for both amateur and professional riders.
Shot now offers a complete range of helmets, boots, body protection, goggles, and riding gear, with innovation, lightweight construction, and excellent value for performance remaining at the core of the brand’s identity. Its presence in World Championship competition and partnerships with top-level riders have helped establish a young, competitive, and constantly evolving brand image.
THE EVOLUTION OF OFF-ROAD RIDING GEAR: LIGHTER, BUT LESS DURABLE?
I remember back in the 1990s when you could buy a pair of riding pants and a jersey and they would last an entire season. Motocross gear has evolved significantly over the last few decades. While the primary goal used to be maximum resistance against wear and crashes, manufacturers now place increasing emphasis on comfort, lightweight construction, and freedom of movement.
Modern technical fabrics and stretch materials allow riders to move more naturally on the bike, reducing fatigue throughout a moto or race day. Without compromising protection, brands now aim to strike the ideal balance between durability and comfort, adapting to the demands of modern motocross, where performance is also influenced by how comfortable a rider feels inside their gear.
Aerolite, Contact and Devo
Within Shot’s 2026 collection, we had the opportunity to test the brand’s three main gear ranges, each designed to meet different needs on the bike. Although all three share the sporting DNA of the French manufacturer, each has its own distinct personality and targets a different type of rider.
AEROLITE RANGE
The Aerolite represents the ultimate expression of performance. It is Shot’s most exclusive range and has been developed for riders seeking maximum freedom of movement and the highest level of race-ready performance. Its philosophy revolves around lightweight construction, ergonomics, and the feeling of wearing gear that practically disappears once you are on the bike.
It is the natural choice for riders competing at the highest level. The sensation of lightness is so remarkable that, once on the bike, it almost feels like riding in pajamas. Even for more experienced riders like myself, it is a rather unusual feeling. This is a highly modern piece of equipment, perfectly suited to today’s technical style of motocross, where freedom of movement is essential.
The jersey is highly elastic, a key feature for rider mobility. It delivers all the characteristics expected from a premium race-oriented product. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, it may be less appealing to recreational riders, as its close-fitting cut sits tightly against the skin and tends to reveal the rider’s upper-body shape.
The pants follow the same philosophy as the jersey. They are extremely comfortable, fit securely around the waist, and are exceptionally lightweight. As mentioned earlier, with gear built from such advanced technical materials, manufacturers pursue weight savings to such an extent that some riders may question long-term durability over the course of a full season.
The gloves continue in the same vein as the jersey: slim, elastic, and close-fitting, providing excellent feel and dexterity when operating the clutch, brake, and throttle.
Overall, Shot’s most premium offering is clearly the range best suited to competition. Its racing-focused characteristics stand out through exceptional lightness and efficient rider mobility when dealing with the demands of a motocross track.
Strength: Lightweight construction
Weakness: Very tight fit
CONTACT RANGE
The Contact range proved to be an excellent fit for us, occupying the sweet spot within the collection. It incorporates many of the features found in the premium range but adopts a more versatile approach, making it the ideal choice for the majority of riders.
It is designed for those who train regularly, race occasionally, or simply want comfort, quality, and outstanding value for money. It is arguably the most versatile range in Shot’s lineup.
Of the three ranges tested, the Contact was personally my favorite. From the very first laps, I felt more comfortable thanks to a fit that is not excessively tight while still providing excellent freedom of movement on the bike.
That level of comfort allows you to ride more naturally and forget about the gear altogether, focusing solely on your riding. In my case, it offered the best balance of comfort, mobility, and overall feel throughout the entire day.
Strength: Balance
Weakness: Less exclusive than the premium range
DEVO RANGE
The Devo range is aimed at riders who prioritize durability and toughness without sacrificing comfort. It is designed to withstand intensive use, whether during motocross practice sessions, enduro rides, or long days at the track.
Its more robust character makes it an excellent option for riders looking for a dependable product that will last season after season.
The Devo was the range that most reminded me of motocross gear from the 1990s, when the priority was maximum durability and a feeling of solidity above all else. From the moment you put it on, it conveys that sense of robustness that many veteran riders will immediately recognize, featuring a more substantial feel and a construction that inspires confidence.
While it does not pursue the ultra-light, highly technical approach of the Aerolite or the versatility of the Contact, it never feels uncomfortable or restrictive. On the contrary, it impresses with the balance it achieves between durability and comfort, delivering a very satisfying riding experience.
This is gear designed for riders who value long-term durability but still expect the comfort standards of a modern product.
Strength: Durability
Weakness: Weight
Conclusion
Shot has done an excellent job of clearly differentiating its three product families: Aerolite for the highly competitive racer, Contact for riders seeking the best balance between performance and versatility, and Devo for those who place durability and toughness above all else.
Three distinct ranges with a common goal: providing riding gear tailored to every way of experiencing motocross and off-road riding.
