Insertable Protection
Be Smart and Stay Safe with XLMOTO's Protective Armour Range
Regardless of what motorcycle you ride, the common denominator is the need for protective riding gear. At this time, motorcycle helmets are the sole compulsory safety kit. Despite this, wearing impact-resistant protectors on high-risk areas can make a big difference in an accident.
Thanks to high-tech materials like complex polymers, protective armour is easy to wear. In this age of smart armour, it's light and compact. What's more, from shoulder protection to hip pads and motorcycle hip armour, it offers incredible impact resistance.
Many manufacturers offer motorcycle clothing with pre-installed body armour. Yet, an increasing number now offer jackets, vests and trousers with pockets to hold removable armour.
This ability to fit aftermarket protectors is a way of customising clothing. It also provides the option to include top-of-the-range armour to all sorts of motorcycle wear.
Why is Removable Protection Important?
We can thank the Moto GP racers of the late 70s for field-testing the first body armour. In the same way that the introduction of motorcycle helmets met with opposition, so did early body armour.
Thankfully today's riders, both on and off the track, are smart enough to know the benefits of removable protective pads.
If you have to ask yourself whether body armour is worth the bother, consider this example. The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body. This joint is also the most commonly injured. The simple addition of an inexpensive impact absorbing knee protector is all it takes to safeguard against a debilitating injury.
What Areas Need Protecting?
While in motion, the rider's body tucks into the motorcycle. In an accident, specific impact areas will make contact with the road.
These impact points are the elbows, knees, shoulders and hips. Add the possibility of collision with another vehicle or stationary object and we must also include the back and chest.
The Best Features for Removable Protectors
It is easy to say that some body armour is better than others. There are many basic features which distinguish between good or great armour.
Airflow is essential to ensure you don't overheat under your protective layers. Consider armour pads with breathable venting, mesh or cutaways in the material. These allow air circulation.
For Back protectors, the correct fit is essential. So check manufacturers sizing charts. Adjustable securing straps will also make sure the pad stays in place.
Multi-Viscosity protectors offer flexibility for ease of movement. Yet, harden on impact to provide maximum protection.
To get the best fit, especially for chest and back protectors, look for ergonomically designed pads that follow the body's curves.
Last but not least, check the specifications for European safety certification. This certification guarantees the armour's protective qualities.
Safety Certification Explained
CE EN1621-2:2014 Level 1: This classification is for back protectors only. Level 1 protection means the body armour has a maximum transmitted force below 18kN.
CE EN1621-2:2014 Level 2: This classification also relates to back protection only. Yet, this time the maximum transmitted force must be below 9kN. A level 2 protector provides greater protection.
CE EN1621-1:2012 Level 1 and 2: Body armour with this label has undergone testing for use on the arms and legs. Levels 1 and 2 are as above.
CE EN1621-3:2012 Level 1 and 2: This designation means the item has undergone testing for use on the chest. It has the same maximum transmitted force levels as above.
Check out XLMOTO for shoulder protection, motorcycle hip armour, knee, elbow and hip pads to fit your armour pockets and budget.
Stay Safe and Secure with XLMOTO Motorcycle Elbow Protectors
The technical name for the large bone in the elbow is the humerus or funny bone. Yet there’s nothing to laugh about when this body part hits the ground. If you want to protect this joint from impact damage or slide abrasion, an elbow protector from XLMOTO will help safeguard you from injury. The elbow is a hinge joint and needs to remain flexible while riding. Therefore, suitable motorcycle elbow protectors are articulated and extend down the forearm. This extra length helps protect the forearm. Meanwhile, an articulated section around the elbow allows the protector to move in line with the arm. Due to the amount of flexibility an elbow protector has to deal with, fastening straps should be adjustable or at the least elasticated. Outer layers should be composite, rigid plastic or an abrasion-resistant material. They should also have impact-absorbing foam inside.
More features to look out for include anti-bacterial material or vented sections to prevent heat build-up. Safety stickers are also crucial for personal protection gear. The relevant body armour certification for motorcycle elbow protectors is CE EN1621 Level 1 or 2.