What are protector jackets and protector vests?

The category includes various types of upper body protection:

Protector vests

• protect back and chest
• usually consist of a close-fitting, breathable vest
• particularly popular for enduro and trail riding
• can be worn over or under your bike jersey
• minimalist, lightweight and barely noticeable under a jersey

Protector jackets

• cover several protection areas: shoulders, elbows, chest and back
• ideal for bike park and downhill
• often long-sleeved, with fully integrated upper body protection
• maximum coverage with high freedom of movement
• close-fitting and therefore inconspicuous to wear under your bike shirt

All versions have one thing in common: They form a closed system in which all protectors are anatomically positioned and firmly connected to each other – a clear advantage over individually worn protectors.

Technical structure – how the upper body protection works

Protector jackets and vests combine several elements in one product:

1. Shock-absorbing foam protectors
   The protective cores are usually based on viscoelastic foams. They have the following properties:
   • flexible in normal state
   • harden on impact
   • distribute the impact energy over a large area
   • then return to their original form
   Depending on the model, they protect:
   
   • back / spine
   • chest / ribs
   • shoulders
   • elbows
   • partly also the lateral upper body
2. 3D design for optimal ergonomics
   Most protectors follow the shape of the body and are anatomically pre-shaped. This ensures:
   • stable fit
   • less friction
   • freedom of movement when steering and pumping
3. Textile cover for fixation
   The materials combine protection and comfort:
   • elastic, close-fitting fabrics for a secure hold
   • breathable mesh for temperature regulation
   • abrasion-resistant panels in areas with backpack or ground contact
   • flat seams to reduce pressure points

This means that the jacket stays comfortable on the body even on long descents or intensive passages.

Materials – protection meets mobility

Protective material (foam)

Multi-layer or perforated foams are usually used for the chest, back and shoulder zones. They are:

• lightweight
• flexible
• breathable
• shock-absorbing

Their viscoelastic structure ensures dynamic behaviour: pleasantly soft when riding, reliably hard in the event of an impact. Popular and proven protectors in jackets and vests are KOROYD, D30, PORON XRD, SAS-TEC and ACF.

AYou can also differentiate between the various protectors according to their level of protection. While simple foam pads already offer good protection, certified protectors are the right choice for particularly intensive rides. The EN 1621 standard distinguishes between two levels, with protection level 2 offering even greater shock absorption than level 1. In many models of protector jackets, the particularly critical zones (e.g. the back) are equipped with certified protectors, while lightweight foam pads provide additional shock absorption.

Carrier materials

The jackets and vests are made from functional textiles that fulfil several tasks:

• Breathable mesh channels wick away moisture.
• Elastic fabrics adapt to the body and movement.
• Abrasion-resistant areas protect against backpack contact or contact with the ground.
• Anti-slip zones ensure stability even during intensive movements.

Protection areas in detail

Protector jackets differ primarily in terms of which parts of the body they cover.

• Back
  One of the central elements. The protectors follow the spine down to the lumbar area and protect in case of backward falls or impact energy.
• Chest / Ribs
  Protection in case of falls over the handlebar or frontal impacts – particularly important in downhill and enduro riding.
• Shoulders
  Absorption of lateral impacts, for example when falling in bends or in contact with rocks.
• Elbows
  Mainly integrated into protector jackets. They offer protection when slipping or falling forwards or to the side.
• Side area
  Some vests have additional foam in the rib area or on the side of the upper body.



The more protection areas are combined, the more the jacket becomes an all-rounder – with a higher weight. Light vests, on the other hand, tend to focus on back and chest protection.





Important selection criteria

The following factors play a role in choosing the right protector jacket or vest:

1. Protective cover
   How much protection do you need?
   • Trails: back + shoulders are enough for many
   • Enduro: back + chest + shoulders
   • Downhill / Park: full coverage including elbows
2. Ventilation Breathable mesh zones are crucial, especially on long or warm rides.
3. Fit
   The upper body protector should fit snugly without constricting. A good fit prevents slipping and is also comfortable to wear.
4. Compatibility
   Many models have a backpack-friendly cut or offer flat back protectors that fit under jerseys. Some are specially designed to be worn together with a neck brace.
5. Freedom of movement
   Elastic materials and segmented protectors make sure that no area blocks natural movement.
6. Weight
   Less weight is more comfortable – but too little weight often means less coverage. A good balance is crucial.




Intended use and target groups

There are different requirements depending on the riding style:




Trail & All-Mountain

• lightweight protector shirts or vests
• focus on back and shoulder areas
• can be easily combined with a backpack



Enduro

• balanced coverage
• chest and back armour are useful
• comfortable fit for long stages and uphills



Bike park & Downhill

• maximum coverage
• jackets with shoulder, chest, back and elbow protection
• robust and stable at high speeds




Conclusion

Protector jackets and protector vests offer complete upper body protection without restricting the riding experience. Thanks to the combination of viscoelastic foams, intelligent textiles and ergonomic designs, they reliably protect the back, chest, shoulders and elbows.

Whether you're out on the trails, riding enduro or regularly visiting the bike park – the right protector system combines safety, comfort and freedom of movement. So that you can concentrate on what's fun: the next line, the next drop, the next challenge.