CE Level 1 vs Level 2 Armor: What the Ratings Mean

CE Level 1 and Level 2 are the two performance levels for motorcycle impact protectors tested under EN 1621. Both are pass limits on how much force gets through the protector in a standard impact test. Level 2 has the stricter limit, and Level 2 protectors are often thicker or heavier as a result.

Impact and abrasion are rated separately

Protectors deal with impact. Resistance to abrasion and tearing belongs to the finished garment and is classified under EN 17092 (classes AAA, AA, A, B and C). A protector's level tells you nothing about the jacket or jeans it sits in, and a garment's class tells you nothing about a protector you add later.

How the test works

A striker delivers a 50-joule impact to the protector, which sits on an anvil, and the force transmitted through it is measured. Lower is better. Limb protectors (EN 1621-1) are tested at room temperature after ageing, with optional hot and cold tests; back protectors (EN 1621-2) must also pass after warm, moist conditioning.

The thresholds

• Limb protectors (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee), EN 1621-1: Level 1 mean below 35 kN, no single strike above 50 kN. Level 2 mean below 20 kN, no single strike above 30 kN.
• Back protectors, EN 1621-2: Level 1 mean below 18 kN, no single strike above 24 kN. Level 2 mean below 9 kN, no single strike above 12 kN.

You'll often read that Level 2 "absorbs 50% more" or lets through "half the force". That isn't accurate. The levels are maximum limits, not measured results. For back protectors the Level 2 limit is half the Level 1 limit; for limb protectors it's about 43% lower. A given protector's actual result can sit anywhere under its limit, so two protectors with the same level can perform differently.

Level 1 or Level 2?

• Level 2 must meet the stricter limit. Choose it if you want the higher tested level and can accept a thicker or heavier insert.
• Level 1 is often thinner and more flexible, which some riders find easier to wear all day.
• Either way, fit matters: a protector only helps if it stays over the joint in the riding position.

Where protectors go

Under EN 17092, class AAA and AA garments must have shoulder, elbow, hip and knee protectors; class A needs shoulder, elbow and knee, with hip optional. Back protectors aren't mandatory in any class, so many jackets have a back pocket but no back insert. Check what's included.

Our inserts

Our riding jeans have internal knee and hip pockets, with one set of removable inserts included with a standard order and an upgrade offered. Our jackets include shoulder and elbow inserts and have an empty back pocket; a back insert is sold as an add-on. We don’t publish certificates or protector levels for the inserts we sell. We don’t publish test reports or protection classes for our garments. See Testing & Certification Information.