Table of contents

• 22 back protectors tested Different models for motorcyclists
• Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1
• BMW back protector
• Dainese Manis D1
• Forcefield Blade
• IXS Center Back
• Modeka 6983
• Ortema P1 Dynamic
• Tryonic lake+
• Vanucci back protector
• Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket
• Forcefield Pro Shirt X-V
• IXS Cleaver Jacket
• Ortema Ortho-Max Jacket
• Scott Jacket Softcon
• Buse Belluno Pro
• Forcefield Pro Vest X-V
• Hero Shelter II
• Ortema Ortho-Max Vest
• Rukka Kastor
• Safemax vest 2.0
• Scott Vest Softcon
• Supershield protector vest
• Final scoring
• Hit list of the testers
• This is how MOTORRAD tests
• What protectors are there?
• Tested back protectors certified to level 2
• Chest protection is considered a valuable safety bonus
• All candidates offer decent security
• Vulnerabilities
• Marking of back protectors

Dentges

29 pictures

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1/29
Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1 (MOTORRAD test winner).

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2/29
BMW back protector.

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3/29
Dainese Manis D1.

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4/29
Forcefield Blade.

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5/29
IXS Center Back.

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6/29
Modeka 6983.

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7/29
Ortema P1 Dynamic.

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8/29
Tryonic lake+.

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9/29
Vanucci back protector (MOTORCYCLE best seller).

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10/29
Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket.

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11/29
Forcefield Pro Shirt X-V.

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12/29
IXS Cleaver Jacket.

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13/29
Ortema Ortho-Max Jacket (MOTORRAD test winner).

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14/29
Scott Jacket Softcon.

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15/29
Buse Belluno Pro.

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16/29
Forcefield Pro Vest X-V.

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17/29
Held Shelter II (MOTORRAD test winner).

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18/29
Ortema Ortho-Max Vest.

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19/29
Rukka Kastor.

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20/29
Safemax vest 2.0.

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21/29
Scott Vest Softcon.

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22/29
Supershield protector vest.

Thorsten Dentges

23/29
The test zone is defined with different templates. Despite clear guidelines, it only fits questionably with some protectors.

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24/29
A sense of proportion and a good feeling for your stomach and back are required when trying on.

Thorsten Dentges

25/29
Dainese: probably the best fixation on the hips and stomach with double straps

Thorsten Dentges

26/29
Alpinestars: Generously perforated in this case also means generously ventilated. Fresh!

Thorsten Dentges

27/29
Forcefield: The chest protector is too low and too loose. Reason: thin shirt fabric.

Thorsten Dentges

28/29
Rukka: Despite being mocked twice – the lumbar region is poorly protected.

Thorsten Dentges

29/29
(a) Manufacturer name and model designation, (b) performance level and protector type, (c) tailee-shoulder distance (d) performance level, (e) standard.

clothing

Comparative test of back protectors, protector vests and protector shirts for motorcyclists

22 back protectors tested
Different models for motorcyclists

In order to be well equipped, safety-conscious motorcyclists choose strap-on back protectors, safety vests and shirts. 22 different models should show what they can put up with in a comparison test.

Thorsten Dentges

08/04/2016

Many buckled back protectors still offer the best protection for the back. For two decisive reasons: Strap-on back protectors are attached directly to the body over the functional underwear and ideally extend from the neck to the rump. Integrated back protectors, on the other hand, are often tucked into blouson-like and comfortably wide-cut jackets and can easily slip if you fall. But even with tight leather and well-cut textile jackets, another problem arises that the slide-in protectors rarely cover and thus protect the lumbar vertebrae and coccyx area properly.

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22 back protectors tested
Different models for motorcyclists

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Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1

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Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1.

General Information
Price in euros: 159.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Alpinestars, Tel. 00 39/04 23/52 86 (I), www.alpinestars.com
Sizes: XS to XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 6.6 kN
worst value (R) *: 6.8 kN
Points (max. 60): 55

Comfort
Fit: good
Wear comfort: very good
Handling: good
Ventilation: very good
Weight in grams: 890 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 34  

Conclusion: The combination of soft foam and hard shell is at the Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1 very well done. The part offers great shock absorption, sits comfortably even under a tight leather suit, is well ventilated and can be first-class fixed.

Total points: 89

MOTORRAD verdict: very good (test winner)

BMW back protector

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BMW back protector.

General Information
Price in euros: 160.00
Provider, telephone, Internet: BMW Motorrad, Tel. 0 89/1 25 01 62 00, www.bmw-motorrad.de
Sizes: S to XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 7.2 kN
worst value (R) *: 7.4 kN
Points (max. 60): 51

Comfort
Fit: very good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 1020 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 30

Conclusion: The soft foam protector responds very well and offers a lot of protection, especially through excellent coverage and good fixation. The BMW back protector, with its pleasant balance, is recommended for longer tours.

Total points: 81

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Dainese Manis D1

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Dainese Manis D1.

General Information
Price in euros: 169.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Dainese, Tel. 0 89/35 39 67 66, www.dainese.com
Sizes: S to XL (+ belt sizes)
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Tunisia

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 7.4 kN
worst value (R) *: 7.7 kN
Points (max. 60): 55

Comfort
Fit: good
Wear comfort: very good
Handling: very good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 1030 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 31

Conclusion: Good residual strength values, maximum wearing comfort, great options for fixation and adjustment. the Dainese Manis D1 offers the highest level of security and convenience. In addition, an extraordinary selection of sizes for (almost) every waist size.

Total points: 86

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Forcefield Blade

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Forcefield Blade.

General Information
Price in euros: 99.90
Provider, telephone, Internet: Germot, Tel. 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de
Sizes: XS to L
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Taiwan

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: satisfactory
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 6.1 kN
worst value (R) *: 6.5 kN
Points (max. 60): 44

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Wear comfort: satisfactory
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 930 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 23

Conclusion: The laboratory values ​​in the shock absorption test were excellent, and the material of the speaks Forcefield Blade quickly and sensitively. When it comes to evaluating comfort, however, he leaves it alone. Not a good overall result overall.

Total points: 67

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

IXS Center Back

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IXS Center Back.

General Information
Price in euros: 79.95
Provider, telephone, Internet: Hostettler, Tel. 0 76 31/1 80 40, www.hostettler.de
Sizes: S to L
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Italy

security
Fixation: sufficient
Coverage: satisfactory
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 8.0 kN
worst value (R) *: 14.0 kN
Points (max. 60): 39

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: very good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 470 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 29

Conclusion: Light as a feather and flatteringly slim – when trying on, people like to use the Ixs Center Back because it is easy to use. The residual strength values ​​are rather moderate. Covering the back and fixation as well, therefore more of a second choice.

Total points: 68

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Modeka 6983

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Modeka 6983.

General Information
Price in euros: 69.90
Provider, telephone, internet: Modeka International, Tel. 0 25 21/85 03 22, www.modeka.de
Sizes: S to XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Pakistan

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 6.8 kN
worst value (R) *: 7.2 kN
Points (max. 60): 50

Comfort
Fit: good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 820 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 27

Conclusion: The Modeka 6983 is not a particularly original piece. Proven SasTec protector with first-class shock absorption values, inserted into an inexpensive textile cover. But: what more do you want? Comfort and security are good. And the price: very good!

Total points: 77

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Ortema P1 Dynamic

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Ortema P1 Dynamic.

General Information
Price in euros: from 139.95
Provider, telephone, Internet: Ortema, Tel. 0 71 45/9 15 38 00, www.ortema.de
Sizes: XS to XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Italy

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 5.8 kN
worst value (R) *: 6.0 kN
Points (max. 60): 56

Comfort
Fit: good
Wear comfort: very good
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 720 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 29

Conclusion: Supple and very flexible, the Ortema P1 Dynamic covers the back from the cervical spine to the tailbone in an exemplary manner. The residual strength values ​​are impressive, the processing quality is also great. Well thought out protector.

Total points: 85

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Tryonic lake+

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Tryonic lake+.

General Information
Price in euros: 99.99
Provider, telephone, Internet: Rev’it, Tel. 00 31/4 12/69 67 40 (NL), www.revit.eu
Sizes: S to XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: sufficient
Coverage: satisfactory
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 7.2 kN
worst value (R) *: 10.2 kN
Points (max. 60): 32

Comfort
Fit: good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 710 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 31

Conclusion: Depending on the tester, the Tyronic sat well or not at all. A major weakness, however: The specified certified protection zone area is small and does not correspond at all with the clothing sizes. The vulnerability costs valuable points.

Total points: 63

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Vanucci back protector

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Vanucci back protector.

General Information
Price in euros: 99.99
Provider, telephone, Internet: Detlev Louis, Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de
Sizes: S to XXL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R) *: 5.2 kN
worst value (R) *: 5.8 kN
Points (max. 60): 54

Comfort
Fit: good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 900 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 30

Conclusion: Homework has been done with the Vanucci back protector. Excellent residual strength values, good wearing comfort, also fits well under tight suits. The limp butt protection alone is annoying when you put it on, and the ventilation is mediocre.

Total points: 84

MOTORRAD verdict: good (purchase tip)

Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket

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Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket.

General Information
Price in euros: 259.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Alpinestars, Tel. 00 39-04 23-52 86 (I), www.alpinestars.com
Sizes: S to 2XL
Level: 1 (Joints: Level 2)
Country of manufacture: Thailand

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E) *: 9.3 / 3.3 / 20.8 / 17.6 kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 10.6 / 3.3 / 22.3 / 22.4 kN
Points (max. 60): 54

Comfort
Fit: very good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 1620 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 28

Conclusion: Except for the fact that the Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket only uses a back protector of a lower level 1, there is hardly any complaint. A great all-round package for off-road and touring, perfect for endurance travelers.

Total points: 82

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Forcefield Pro Shirt X-V

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Forcefield Pro Shirt X-V.

General Information
Price in euros: 239.90
Provider, telephone, Internet: Germot, Tel. 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de
Sizes: XS to 2XL
Level: 2 (Joints: Level 1)
Country of manufacture: Portugal

security
Fixation: sufficient
Coverage: satisfactory
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E)) *: 5.8 / 1.1 / 34.6 / 33.3 kN
worst value (R, B, S, E)) *: 5.9 / 1.1 / 40.5 / 38.5 kN
Points (max. 60): 48

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Wear comfort: satisfactory
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 1220 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 20

Conclusion: In the thin shirt fabric of the Forcefield ProShirt X-V, the thick, heavy protectors slip much too easily. The residual strength values ​​of the protectors are good, but the general fit of the shirt under the station wagon is rather modest.

Total points: 68

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

IXS Cleaver Jacket

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IXS Cleaver Jacket.

General Information
Price in euros: 309.99
Provider, telephone, Internet: Hostettler, Tel. 0 76 31/1 80 40, www.hostettler.de
Sizes: XS / S to L / XL
Level: 1 (Joints: Level 1)
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E) *: 14.1 / 4.6 / 27.2 / 26.8 kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 18.7 / 7.7 / 43.2 / 35.2 kN
Points (max. 60): 40

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Wear comfort: satisfactory
Handling: sufficient
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 1920 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 21

Conclusion: Designed for tough off-road use and therefore good for sporty enduro riders, even if the residual force values ​​of the shock absorption are hardly up-to-date. Handling the expensive and not very versatile Ixs Cleaver Jacket is extremely cumbersome.

Total points: 61

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Ortema Ortho-Max Jacket

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Ortema Ortho-Max Jacket.

General Information
Price in euros: 279.00
Provider, telephone, Internet: Ortema, Tel. 0 71 45/9 15 38 00, www.ortema.de
Sizes: S to XXL
Level: 2 (Joints: Level 2)
Country of manufacture: Italy

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E) *: 5.8 / – / 28.7 / 23.6 kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 5.9 / – / 39.1 / 28.8 kN
Points (max. 60): 55

Comfort
Fit: very good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 1260 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 31

Conclusion: The shoulders should be a bit tighter, otherwise the Ortho-Max Jacket by Ortema is a tip-top all-rounder that appeals to off-road and road riders alike. Safe, comfortable, hardly noticeable. Optimal!

Total points: 86

MOTORRAD verdict: very good (test winner)

Scott Jacket Softcon

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Scott Jacket Softcon.

General Information
Price in euros: 299.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Scott Sports, Tel. 00 41-26-4 60 16 16 (CH), www.scott-sports.com
Sizes: M to XL
Level: 1 (Joints: Level 2)
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R, B, S, E) *: 11.6 / 2.1 / 23.6 / 27.7 kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 13.1 / 2.2 / 27.5 / 37.7 kN
Points (max. 60): 46

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: satisfactory
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 1200 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 23

Conclusion: The back protector does not cover well and offers only moderate protection. Chest and joint protection of the Scott Jacket Softcon, on the other hand, are great. An inharmonious picture also in the comfort rating. The bottom line is a bit too unbalanced.

Total points: 69

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Buse Belluno Pro

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Buse Belluno Pro.

Price in euros: 189.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Heino Buse, Tel. 0 24 71/1 26 90, www.buese.com
Sizes: S to 2XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E) *: 6.2 / – kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 6.4 / – kN
Points (max. 60): 55

Comfort
Fit: good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: satisfactory
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 1100 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 26

Conclusion: Buse’s Belluno Pro has been carefully further developed and comes up with first-class residual strength values. It fits perfectly and is close to the body. So it’s very clear: buy recommendation! If there were still CE chest protectors, it would be right at the forefront.

Total points: 81

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Forcefield Pro Vest X-V

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Forcefield Pro Vest X-V.

General Information
Price in euros: 134.90
Provider, telephone, Internet: Germot, Tel. 0 61 03/45 91 00, www.germot.de
Sizes: XS to XL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Portugal

security
Fixation: satisfactory
Coverage: satisfactory
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E) *: 5.9 / 1.1 kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 6.0 / 1.1 kN
Points (max. 60): 47

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 720 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 23

Conclusion: Without protectors, the shirt feels like fine sports underwear, so it is very comfortable. The thick back and chest protectors offer top protection, but press under sporty suits. A good vest despite the hooked zipper.

Total points: 70

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Hero Shelter II

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Hero Shelter II.

General Information
Price in euros: 109.95
Provider, telephone, Internet: Held, Tel. 0 83 21/6 64 60, www.held.de
Sizes: S to XXL; DXS to DXXL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: very good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average (R, B, S, E) *: 7.8 / – kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 8.0 / – kN
Points (max. 60): 53

Comfort
Fit: good
Wear comfort: very good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 680 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 33

Conclusion: Everything is firmly and well in place – the hero Shelter II is ideally close, is nowhere naked except for the lack of certified chest protectors and is easy to handle. Also very interesting in terms of price. A great all-rounder!

Total points: 86

MOTORRAD verdict: very good (test winner)

Ortema Ortho-Max Vest

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Ortema Ortho-Max Vest.

General Information
Price in euros: 219.00
Provider, telephone, Internet: Ortema, Tel. 0 71 45/9 15 38 00, www.ortema.de
Sizes: S to XXL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: Italy

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R, B, S, E) *: 5.8 / – kN
worst value (R, B, S, E) *: 6.0 / – kN
Points (max. 60): 52

Comfort
Fit: very good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 820 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 33

Conclusion: The back protector extends down to the rump, and overall the back is super protected, not least because of the excellent residual strength values ​​for shock absorption. The Ortema Ortho-Max can also be worn comfortably.

Total points: 85

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Rukka Kastor

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Rukka Kastor.

General Information
Price in euros: 199.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Rukka Germany, Tel. 0 40/5 51 10 55, www.rukka.com
Sizes: S to XXL
Level: 1
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: satisfactory
Coverage: sufficient
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R, B) *: 10.1 / 2.1 kN
worst value (R, B) *: 10.6 / 2.2 kN
Points (max. 60): 32

Comfort
Fit: very good
Wear comfort: very good
Handling: satisfactory
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 1000 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 32

Conclusion: The extremely easy-to-wear Rukka Kastor is only equipped with a very small back protector that provides insufficient coverage and should therefore be supplemented with a special lumbar protection for a proud 70 euros. Strange concept …

Total points: 64

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Safemax vest 2.0

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Safemax vest 2.0.

General Information
Price in euros: 139.95
Provider, telephone, internet: Polo Motorrad und Sportswear, Tel. 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de
Sizes: M to XXL
Level: 2
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R, B) *: 5.9 / – kN
worst value (R, B) *: 6.2 / – kN
Points (max. 60): 52

Comfort
Fit: very good
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 860 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 30

Conclusion: Tight fit thanks to the well-made waist belt fixation, but still great freedom of movement under any kind of motorcycle clothing. The Safemax vest 2.0 offers a formidable balance of safety and comfort. Top for street and off-road!

Total points: 82

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Scott Vest Softcon

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Scott Vest Softcon.

General Information
Price in euros: 249.95
Provider, telephone, Internet: Scott Sports, Tel. 00 41/26/4 60 16 16 (CH), www.scott-sports.com
Sizes: M to XL
Level: 1
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: sufficient
Coverage: sufficient
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R, B) *: 11.2 / 2.1 kN
worst value (R, B) *: 11.2 / 2.1 kN
Points (max. 60): 36

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Wear comfort: satisfactory
Handling: satisfactory
Ventilation: good
Weight in grams: 950 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 22

Conclusion: The thick chest protector creates pressure points under tight-fitting leather jackets. Under wide-cut clothing, however, the protectors slip easily and also do not cover in the right places. Not very convincing.

Total points: 58

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Supershield protector vest

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Supershield protector vest.

General Information
Price in euros: 99.99
Provider, telephone, Internet: Detlev Louis, Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de
Sizes: S to XXXL
Level: 1
Country of manufacture: China

security
Fixation: very good
Coverage: good
Impact absorption residual force:
Average value (R, B) *: 16.5 / – kN
worst value (R, B) *: 18.4 / – kN
Points (max. 60): 32

Comfort
Fit: satisfactory
Carrying comfort: good
Handling: good
Ventilation: satisfactory
Weight in grams: 920 (size L)
Points (max. 40): 28

Conclusion: There’s nothing wrong with wearing comfort, and the CE back protector also provides good coverage. As a bonus, there are (non-certified) chest protectors made of the same multi-layer material. In itself good, but the residual strength values ​​are only moderate in comparison.

Total points: 60

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Final scoring

Thorsten Dentges

Alpinestars: Generously perforated in this case also means generously ventilated. Fresh!

Back protectors

Total points

MOTORRAD verdict

placement

Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1

89

very good

1.

BMW Back protector

81

Good

5.

Dainese Manis D1

86

very good

2.

Forcefield Blade

67

satisfying

8th.

IXS Center Back

68

satisfying

7th.

Modeka 6983

77

Good

6th.

Ortema P1 Dynamic

85

very good

3.

Tryonic lake+

63

satisfying

9.

Vanucci Back protector

84

Good

4th.

Protector shirts

Total points

MOTORRAD verdict

placement

Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket

82

Good

2.

Forcefield Pro shirt X-V

68

satisfying

4th.

iXS Cleaver jacket

61

satisfying

5.

Ortema Ortho-Max Jacket

86

very good

1.

Scott Softcon jacket

69

satisfying

3.

Protector vests

Total points

MOTORRAD verdict

placement

Buse Belluno Pro

81

Good

4th.

Forcefield Pro Vest X-V

70

Good

5.

hero Shelter II

86

very good

1.

Ortema Ortho-Max Vest

85

very good

2.

Rukka Castor

64

satisfying

6th.

Safemax Vest 2.0

82

Good

3.

Scott Vest Softcon

58

satisfying

8th.

Supershield Protector vest

60

satisfying

7th.

clothing

The best motorcycle clothing

Motorcycle clothing – tests at a glance

read more

Hit list of the testers

Dentges

From left to right: Matteo Pesamosca, Tobias Wassermann and Thorsten Dentges.

Matteo Pesamosca (36) – Protector vests:

1. Super Shield protector vest
2. Hero Shelter II
3. Buse Belluno Pro

Thorsten Dentges (44) – Protector shirts:

1. Ortema Ortho-Max jacket
2. Alpinestars Bionic Tech Jacket
3. Scott Jacket Softcon

Tobias Wassermann (40) – back protectors:

1. Dainese Manis D1
2. Tyronic Lake+
3. BMW back protector

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The best motorcycle clothing

Motorcycle clothing – tests at a glance

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This is how MOTORRAD tests

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A sense of proportion and a good feeling for your stomach and back are required when trying on.

The core component of the test was the shock absorption test. The TuV Rheinland in Cologne determined the residual force values ​​of the individual CE-certified protectors based on the applicable standards on our behalf. During the test, several blows were carried out on each protector within the safety zones specified in the standard. We also made sure that the test engineer pays particular attention to possible weak points such as ventilation, thinner material thickness or recesses and specifically hits such points. Amazingly, these critical points did not necessarily have the worst values ​​listed in the table with the results. Regardless of the impact, an impact body weighing five kilograms always falls from a defined height onto the protector resting on an anvil and initiates kinetic energy of 50 kilonewtons (kN) at the previously recorded impact points. There is a measuring instrument in the anvil that records the residual force. At test level 2 for back protectors, the residual force should not be more than 9 kN on average, a single blow should not exceed 12 kN.

Following the test at TuV Rheinland, the testers assessed the fixation of the protectors on the living object, so to speak, on various motorcyclists. In addition, it was taken into account how well the protectors cover the back, chest and shoulder and elbow joints (for the shirts). In addition to the important criterion of safety, the testers awarded points for fit and comfort as well as for handling and weight. Because if the protective part is too heavy, too awkward to put on and take off and it also quickly becomes sweaty under motorcycle clothing in summer temperatures, then in practice, unfortunately, the protector gap is often preferred. Comfort is therefore also an important test criterion.

What protectors are there?

MOTORCYCLE

Which protector is suitable for whom?

Back protectors: Classic for sports riders who want to put the protection under their body-hugging, tight-fitting leather suits. Thin, but well-securing ligaments are ideal. Good strap-on back protectors reach down to the tailbone and are therefore superior to integrated jacket protectors.

Protector shirts: Intended for motocross and enduro. Are worn under otherwise non-protective jerseys, vests and jackets. Hard shells are often used to protect against falling rocks. But you can also wear it as a vintage biker under a cool fashion jacket.

Protector vests: They are often equipped with thin, soft foam protectors and are ideal for wearing under a touring jacket. With chest protectors, they offer better security than classic back protectors. Thin, airy mesh fabrics ensure a comfortable fit. Top for travelers.

Tested back protectors certified to level 2

The strap-on back protectors tested here have all been certified to Level 2, which is currently the highest level. The limit value of level 2 allows nine kilonewtons of residual force, an averaged value, single impacts must not exceed twelve kilonewtons during the measurement. As can be seen from the table, almost all test candidates are well below this. Overall, a great result and a good indication that the manufacturers have further developed their protectors, because five years ago they sent some protectors certified only to weaker Level 1 for testing or a few candidates clearly exceeded the limit values.

Chest protection is considered a valuable safety bonus

The good selection of protector vests is a bit newer. This refers to sleeveless undergarments made of thin, usually very breathable synthetic fiber, in which at least one certified back protector is hidden. These vests are usually closed with a front zipper and then sit close to the body. Getting on and off is no more complicated than putting on a training jacket. Recently, manufacturers have been taking advantage of the design-related opportunity to also accommodate chest protectors. In our comparison, however, only three products are equipped with certified parts. The additional chest protection is considered a valuable safety bonus, because according to accident research, the chest area is affected in over a sixth of all motorcycle accidents.

Hopefully more vests will be equipped with suitable chest protectors in the future. Thinly bulky and tight-fitting vests (thanks to the hip and chest strap systems) are certainly a good choice and compete with the classic strap-ons. But they also have weak points. Usually the same back protectors are used as in motorcycle jackets. And that gives rise to the same problems: The protectors sit quite high and do not optimally cover all the way down to the rump. If even large parts of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae are exposed, but this deficiency is concealed by simple padding under the cover, caution is advised.

All candidates offer decent security

So-called protector shirts or jackets are only a small segment. They are popular for off-road use, as the usual off-road motorcycle clothing (jerseys for sporty motocross and enduro) and very air-permeable textile clothing (rally, adventure riding) often do not offer good protection for shoulders and elbows. An undershirt equipped with tested CE protectors seems to be the best solution.

If the “armor” fits well, that’s also great, because the golden rule also applies here: the closer the protector to the body, the better the effect. A smart denim jacket additionally armored by a protector shirt is definitely safer than a baggy textile motorcycle jacket. Before buying the shirts, it is also advisable to try them on carefully in the driving position in order to check the protector seat. Conclusion of the test: no scandal, no real losers. All candidates offer decent security, although not always the best comfort. Sure, it’s most comfortable at home on the sofa and you can hardly get hurt while playing video games. Better than having fun outside the door with the motorcycle? No. So: protectors on and out!

Vulnerabilities

Thorsten Dentges

The test zone is defined with different templates. Despite clear guidelines, it only fits questionably with some protectors.

It is entirely permissible to question the test standards for their practical suitability. The fact is, however, that there are clear and written requirements for obtaining CE certification. Manufacturers should be familiar with these specifications before they submit their product for type examination to accredited institutes such as TuV Rheinland. A typical problem is, for example, the following: Depending on the specified waist-shoulder distance, a special template is provided. This “test cross” is placed on the protector. The test zone should be located centrally in the back area in a practical and sensible way. If the template protrudes somewhere, the protector has already failed. Some manufacturers therefore want to be on the safe side and deliberately choose a waist-shoulder distance that is too small in order to be tested with a smaller test cross.

That is allowed, but unfair. Because it happens that the tested protection zone on some back protectors, protective vests and shirts in ready-to-wear sizes for stately men over 1.90 meters only covers an area that is actually only sufficient for petite women and children. A security flaw. Also to be assessed critically: The test standard does specify clear upper limits for the residual force values. However, not how quickly the force dissipates on impact. Actually essential for the protection performance. In the diagram on the left you can see very well how a mundane wooden board would survive the test. It conducts a significantly lower residual force than a certified hard shell protector, for example. But even three milliseconds after the impact, destructive forces arise, similar to a lightning-fast karate strike. The standard should be improved here.

Marking of back protectors

Thorsten Dentges

This is how back protectors are labeled.

For back protectors, the manufacturer’s name and model designation (a) should be clearly legible as an embossing / stamp directly on the protector or on the cover. Identification must: Motorcyclist pictogram with information on performance level (b) (here level 2, is also mentioned in field “d”) as well as the protector type (B stands for back, an L stands for loin).

The actual protection zone is the so-called waist-shoulder distance (c). In the picture example this is 43 to 45 centimeters, to be measured as in the illustration in field “b”. Mandatory: information on the standard (s).

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