Tested: Atlas Vision Anti-Compression Collar (2025)

The original Atlas neck brace was released almost 15 years ago when Brady Sheren, inventor and CEO of the Atlas, felt the existing braces needed improvements. He came up with the split design in the back of the brace, which allowed more movement and added front suspension. His designs are still seen in most neck braces today. The popularity of wearing neck braces has decreased in the last decade for various reasons, but many riders still choose to ride with one for the added protection. Atlas sent us one of their Vision anti-compression collars to try and Jamie Guida has been wearing it for the past few months. Read his thoughts below.

Atlas Vision Anti-Compression Collar

• Ultraminimalist design
• Built for people with a limited range of motion
• Reduces compression forces only
• Patented Split-flex frame with Mimic®
• Built with D3O® padding
• 66% more range of motion compared to the Atlas Air
• 50% greater reduction of impact forcescompared to the Atlas Air (Compression only)
• 45% lower weight vs Atlas Air
• 16% more body contact than full-frame competitors
• Height adjustable
• Easy open system
• 365g (0.7 lbs) - Ultra lightweight
• Sizes: SM/MD & Large/XL
• User Manual
• CE Certificate
• MSRP $199.99

First Impressions

When I opened the box, my first thought was how 'low profile' it was. I've worn the Atlas Air neck brace off and on over the last few years, and the Vision doesn't have the front or rear shelves utilized on the Air, so it sits lower on the shoulders. It has the rear split design familiar to other Atlas braces and a push-button release system in the front, making it easy to open the brace.

The Vision collar was lightweight, at only .7 lbs, flexible, and well crafted. Inside the box, I also found two Hybrid II X-straps for tethering purposes, additional 'taller' pads that attach with Velcro for height adjustment, and stickers.

On the Track

The first time I wore the Vision collar, I was a little apprehensive because I thought it might hinder my movement and comfort. One of the most common responses to why a rider doesn't wear a neck brace is that they limit one's mobility and are constrictive. Once I was using it, I didn't feel that was the case at all. I immediately noticed how minimalistic the collar felt when riding and really didn't even notice I had it on. Due to its low profile design, I did not feel it up against my helmet or interfering when turning my head. I also wear an under-the-jersey chest protector, and the Vision sat nicely over the top of it.

What I did notice was that under heavy braking, the collar would move a bit, and it was distracting. It would come off my shoulders, raise up my neck, and bounce around a little. I didn't bring the tethering straps with me on the initial ride with the collar, so I made a mental note to try them the next time. I also reached out to Brady and mentioned the situation, and he told me the tethers would certainly help with that.

I brought the tethers for the second ride, which made for a few comical moments. I had never used a tethering system with a brace, and although it may seem like a simple process, it wasn't quite as simple as I thought. The tethers slide into clips on either side of the collar, so I clipped them in and attempted to then put my arms through and pull them over the neck. You would probably have to attempt this yourself to understand why it doesn't work. Some riding buddies got a good laugh out of it. I realized I needed to put the tethers on first, so I put them underneath my chest protector, and after putting the collar on, I could pull the straps up and slide them into the clips. This has to be done by feel since you can't actually see the clips when it's around your neck. It's not as complicated as I'm making it sound, but hopefully, this information will help someone who has never used it.

Once tethered I went out and rode a moto. Although the collar moved less, I did not like the feel of the straps coming from under my armpits and over my shoulders. I chose to take the straps off and use the collar untethered, and eventually didn't notice the small movement anymore. In the time I've been wearing the collar I have primarily rode motocross, but did ride some single track in the woods. I was pivoting around trees, using a lot of body movement, and turning my head in the tight confines of the course, and I still never had any issues with the Vision causing any issues.

Durability

I've had an Atlas Air neck brace for nearly five years, which has held up well. I've been using the Atlas Vision collar for the past two months, and it looks to be made with the same level of craftsmanship. If you take care of it like you would a helmet or any other piece of equipment, it should hold up for a long time.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned, I was apprehensive about wearing the collar because I didn't think it would be comfortable or that it might be annoying to have around my neck. Instead, I wear it regularly and intend to continue to do so. I don't believe it hinders my riding movements or comfortability at all, and I truly forget I even have it on, so I'll take the added protection.

In light of recent injuries to riders in our sport, I personally have been thinking about the consequences of what could happen in a crash. I know there are many opinions on neck protection, but I'm choosing to wear the collar. Brady Sheren explained that the Vision's design handles the compression forces, which are the deadliest. Those are what explode the vertebrae and allow shards into the spinal cord. I'm finding a little piece of mind from having it on, so it works for me. As an individual, you must decide if a neck protection device is something you want to wear, and if you do, the Atlas Vision is one to consider.

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