The ins and outs of impact protectors

Impact protectors (or armour) are designed to reduce the peak force being transferred into the hard parts of a rider’s body. They work by deforming under impact, like a helmet, absorbing and spreading the impact energy from falling to the ground (like during a low-side or high-side crash). They are not designed to stop fractures in a high-speed direct impact with something in the path of a rider, however, research has shown that limb impact protectors can reduce the likelihood or severity of injury to a rider in a crash.

MotoCAP rates armour using the European Standard EN1621-1 test method. This test impacts the armour with a five-kilogram weight dropped from a height of one metre. The test measures the peak force transmitted through the armour when placed on a curved anvil shaped a bit like a knee. The lower the transmitted force, the better protection the armour will provide. Take a look at the test in the video below.

 

MotoCAP also assesses the coverage area of the armour to assign its final performance score. The two hip protectors in the left image below are similar in thickness and breathability, and both absorb similar amounts of impact energy when tested. However, the larger protector (orange) will cover more of the body, which will increase a rider’s protection and therefore receives a better score on MotoCAP.

Since MotoCAP began testing gear in 2018, amour has changed drastically in both wearability and performance, with newer protectors available that are thinner, more flexible and transmit less force in an impact compared to older protectors (examples in the right image below). Upgrading armour in an older jacket or pair of pants could quickly improve their protection levels, and your safety on the road. Purchase new armour that is comfortable, and that encourages you to wear your gear on every ride.

It is important to note that armour will lose protection as it ages. The jacket below shows how 40,000 km of riding over four years saw a 38 per cent decrease in impact energy absorption of the armour. In this case, the owner replaced the old armour with new protectors that provide better protection than the jacket had when new.

MotoCAP now includes information on the specific performance of aftermarket armour available in Australia and New Zealand here. Check and upgrade the armour in your jacket and pants to maximise your protection.