Armour Level 1 / Level 2 - Soft Vs D30

[KTMsm]

I'm looking at upgrading the armour in my textiles

Obviously Level 2 is significantly better than Level 1

Looking at D30 back protectors, the Viper Level 2 looks identical to my Viper Level 1. Were some products just tested at Level 1 and then later tested at Level 2 ? Or is it a different thickness ?

The cheapest Level 2 armour, seems to be the yellow soft foam type - is there any drawbacks to it compared to say D30 or is all Level 2 armour essentially the same?

[bogie]

D30 back protector L2 v L1 is thicker, although it looks similar

Just as you can find a £150 helmet that passes same safety tests as a £300 model, I figure its the same with armour brands. However I find the D30 armour very comfortable and flexible even when cold so I have upgraded an older jacket that didnt come with it.

You can often pick up cheaper D30 off ebay, worth a look, most of the big bike stores have shops on there.

[Tonberry]

Lvl 2 armour isn't always significantly better than lvl 1. Results vary by brand and product range.

It's worth some research but if you just want a recommendation then go with D30 level 2 and avoid their thinner 'Ghost' product line.

Brands to avoid are the likes of Revit and Alpinestars armour as they test poorly.

Look at MotoCAP for more info.

[KTMsm]

Thanks both, I'll do some reading

I thought there'd been some detailed threads on the before but I couldn't find them

[Salted_Peanut]

Tonberry said:

Look at MotoCAP for more info.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

bogie said:

D30 back protector L2 v L1 is thicker, although it looks similar

Just as you can find a £150 helmet that passes same safety tests as a £300 model, I figure its the same with armour brands. However I find the D30 armour very comfortable and flexible even when cold so I have upgraded an older jacket that didnt come with it.

You can often pick up cheaper D30 off ebay, worth a look, most of the big bike stores have shops on there.

Don't forget there's plenty of counterfeit safety biking kit out there too though. Unless its a big name retailer I won't bother - especially fleabay

[Biker 1]

I bought a Weise jacket last year which features Re Zro armour: https://www.re-zro.com/products
Seems very lightweight, flexible & well vented. I can't comment on effectiveness as I haven't had an off....
I think they do level 1 & 2 armour.

[jj.]

I ran a D3o (L2) back protector in my summer mesh jacket for a trip to Gran Canaria last year. Was perfect, very comfortable, didn't have any back sweats even in 30 degree heat with all day riding (230kms per day).

I liked it so much it made me realise that I need to upgrade my old (cough! 1999 - Clover version) for my full leathers.

Was very impressed with it, if I was upgrading everything I would choose D3o.
jj

[KTMsm]

Tonberry said:

Look at MotoCAP for more info.

Having looked at the gloves starting at the LOWEST rated

Five gloves seem to dominate the market