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Whether it's steep descents, technical trails or big jumps - if you're out and about in the bike park or on angry enduro trails, you're often pushing yourself to the limit. Falls are not uncommon, even for experienced riders. This makes reliable protection for the upper body all the more important. Protector waistcoats play a key role here: they protect the back, spine and often also the chest and ribs from serious injuries, bruises and abrasions.
But not every waistcoat is the same. A good protector waistcoat must not only provide effective protection, but also be comfortable to wear, offer sufficient freedom of movement and be well ventilated if necessary. In our comparison test, we scrutinised various models - focusing on protection, comfort, fit and workmanship. You can find out which waistcoat really impresses in the bike park here.
1. the big player: POC VPD System Torso
The Poc VPD Torso can be worn over clothing, creating a stylish motocross look. It feels similar to a bulletproof vest and increases self-confidence.
The POC VPD Torso completely dispenses with fabric or a waistcoat structure and consists only of chest and back protectors that are connected with elastic bands. This has the advantage that the protector is less susceptible to unpleasant odours.
The VPD material becomes softer when warm, which improves wearer comfort. In the event of an impact, it hardens and provides protection. The protector is well ventilated.
Certificate
The back protector is only certified to the simpler EN 1621-2 level 1. In favour of comfort and weight, safer material was deliberately omitted here. When asked, POC briefly explains: "A higher level of protection would have increased the thickness and weight of the product, which would not be ideal for users."
Handling the POC VPD System Torso is uncomplicated. The protector can be put on and taken off quickly with elasticated straps and press studs. The size S/M was ideal for testers with a height of 1.78 metres. POC also offers a version for the chest only (100 euros) and for the back only (180 euros). However, we see little benefit in the chest-only version.
Weight: 1179 grams, price: 240 euros >> e.g. available here.
Conclusion: It feels like the back and chest protector that is most frequently seen in bike parks in this country. Good wearing comfort, uncomplicated handling. However, only with the simpler EN 1621-2 Level 1 certification. Expensive.
2. the new one: EVOC Torso Protector
Evoc introduces a revolutionary new material in the form of Liteshield Flex. Unlike conventional foams, this protector is manufactured using an injection moulding process. It is characterised by its high temperature resistance and retains its protective properties over a wide temperature range.
This also means that Evoc's back protectors do not require an additional layer into which they have to be inserted, but instead serve as a carrier for the six straps that are used to adjust them to the body. The VPD System Torso from Poc works in a similar way.
Similar to the protectors from Poc and Ion, the Evoc also has a stable chest and a large back plate. These are each held together by six straps, which can also be adjusted to fit the wearer. While Poc relies on classic press studs for the fastening, Evoc has given its Torso Protector innovative and more practical magnetic fasteners. The Evoc waistcoat also offers the option of attaching a small back pocket to the protector - also with a magnetic fastener (not shown here because it's a frippery). In theory, however, tools or provisions can be stowed here. Admittedly: We have never tried the bag. Price: 190 euros >> e.g. at Mountain friends or Rose available.
Certificate
Unlike POC and Ekoi, the Evoc has the high protection level 2 of EN 1621-2, which makes the back protector safer than the aforementioned competitors. The chest protector has the lower protection level.
Conclusion: The new chest and back protector from Evoc is impressive. Outstanding: The back part fulfils the stricter EN 1621-2 test standard. The flexible material adapts comfortably to the jersey. However, the stiffer material from the competition from Poc or Ion provides a more robust and motocross feeling.
3. The brand new one: ION Arcon HD Pro
Ion presented its first product, the Arcon HD Pro chest and back protector, just this spring. The back protector fulfils the Level 2 CE test standard, just like the protector from Evoc. Special feature: the REZRO material used is completely biodegradable.
The upper body protector was developed in close collaboration with freeride star Nico Vink. You can also see Vink's signature model in the photo. The protector is also available in black, which is certainly a better colour combination than the purple version.
The Arcon HD ProWith its martial hard-shell trimmings, the so-called Power Slide Caps and a weight of 1369 grams, the is heavy in the hand and initially seems rather bulky. But the initial scepticism disappeared after the first descent. The protector is easy to attach and provides a secure hold. The ventilation also works well.
Certificate
The protector not only fulfils the Level 2 CE test standard for the back section, but also for the chest section. This is what makes the Ion so special.
The Cannon Buckle fastener works very well without a magnet or push button after a short familiarisation period. At 240 euros, the protector waistcoat is priced between Evoc and Poc. Weight: 1369 grams (M/L) ; Price: 239.99 euros >> available here.
Conclusion: Successful premiere! Functional chest and back protector, the only one in the test to fulfil the stricter standard in both the chest and back areas. It is easy to use and looks good. Only the high weight reduces the comfort somewhat. Otherwise top!
4. The underdog: EKOI Racing Protect D3O BOA
The French label is the only model in the test to rely on D30 foam. Advantage: The Ekoi Racing Protect waistcoat is much lighter than the competition, which has a positive effect on wearing comfort.
In addition to the lightweight D30 protector inserts, Ekoi has integrated Boa fasteners for fastening. This allows the protector to be fixed in place with a wheel fastener. Quite nice, but in practice the handling was easier and less complicated with the competition. This is because the two BOA dials on the side are somewhat difficult to reach. The inner lining is made of breathable mesh and the straps can be adjusted with Velcro.
Certificate
The D30 protectors in the Ekoi have the simple EN 1621-2 level 1 at the front and rear, just like POC. For those who don't know, D30 is a special foam that remains soft and flexible - but hardens at lightning speed in the event of a sudden impact. As a result, it absorbs impact energy very effectively. This works because its molecules move freely when at rest, but briefly "catch" on impact and make the material firm. After the impact, it immediately becomes soft again.
Currently the EKOI Racing PROTECT D3O BOA reduced to 160 euros. This makes the waistcoat by far the most favourable in comparison. Weight: 758 grammes (size M).
Conclusion: Very lightweight and therefore comfortable protector that can be worn over or under a shirt. The fastening with a Boa wheel works, but is not an eye-catcher. At the front and back, the D30 foam protector only offers the simpler level of protection. The price is significantly lower than its competitors.
My overall judgement
Four protectors - I don't have to warn against any of them. The extent to which the higher protection level EN 1621-2 Level 2 is really necessary is difficult to assess. As you know, there are many variables when it comes to falls. However, with the enormous speed on today's park and downhill trails, I feel safer with the higher level of protection.
The protector from POC and the one from Ekoi have therefore been ruled out. Between the remaining two protector waistcoats from EVOC and ION, I'm leaning towards the latter. Although the ION Arcon HD Pro is not as airy as its EVOC counterpart, it sits more snugly and gives me more confidence thanks to its more robust material.
None of the back protectors cover the sensitive lower back. What a pity!
In short
- My number 1: The safe ION Arcon HD Pro - robust, heavy, but with plenty of protection.
- Number 2: EVOC Torso Protector - flexible, airy, also offers plenty of protection.
- Number 3: POC VPD System Torso Very comfortable to wear, robust, but only with the basic level of protection.
- Outsider: Ekoi Racing Protect D3O BOA - would be my first choice for enduro use: super light, airy enough and affordable. However, with its simple level of protection and lightweight construction, it's not enough for bike park battles and DH missions. But very affordable.
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
