Useful for any committed riding discipline, BMX or off-road, protectors are an essential part of a rider's kit. Knee pads, elbow pads, back protectors… cycling protections, together with the helmet, safeguard the most exposed parts of the body in the event of a fall. The challenge these products must meet is twofold, as they need to provide maximum protection while remaining flexible enough not to impede movement during effort. To achieve this, manufacturers work with super-intelligent materials whose applications are not limited to sports equipment alone, as they are also used in industry and military equipment. In particular, SAS-Tec and D3O technologies are used by brands specialising in MTB and BMX protections.
D3O technology
D3O technology is essential in many fields of activity, including several sports (skiing, motorcycling, mountain biking…), for protective equipment. British company D3O works with a polymer compound to form an intelligent memory foam that changes in response to stress.
- how does D3O work?
At rest, it offers a flexibility that does not hinder the athlete's movement, while its molecules harden under the slightest impact to ensure effective shock absorption.
A Shock absorption
B Outer surface
C Inner layer
D Molecules in motion> Soft and flexible material
E Molecules lock together> Molecules in motion
F Impact energy is absorbed and dissipated> Material becomes soft again
SAS-Tec technology
Developed for motorcycling, skiing and mountain biking — sports that all require effective protection — the technology from German company SAS-Tec is based on a memory foam with viscoelastic properties, capable of absorbing successive heavy impacts with 50% greater efficiency than traditional rigid protectors.
- Above all, this foam, which is soft at rest, follows the slightest movement of the mountain biker.
A Soft and flexible material
B Hardens on impact
C Material becomes soft again
FOX F3 technology
New proprietary FOX F3 Armor technology, CE certified. A flexible material that adapts to your body shape and joints for perfect comfort and support, while offering maximum protection.
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Perfect fit
The heat from your body softens the F3 to adapt perfectly to your body shape
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Impact resistant
The F3 absorbs impacts in the event of a fall and offers total protection and optimal mobility.
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CE certification
CE EN1621-1 certification level 1 coverage
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Ease of use
The F3 inserts are removable and can be easily repositioned for easy maintenance and machine washing of the protectors.
POC VPD technology
The Swedish brand developed the VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) technology with the aim of maximising rider protection. Designed in viscoelastic polymer, it makes protectors comfortable and high-performing. When worn, they perfectly follow the rider's movements thanks to their flexibility, but upon impact they harden and effectively absorb the forces.
- VPD System The Swedish brand developed the VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) technology with the aim of maximising rider protection. Designed in viscoelastic polymer, it makes protectors comfortable and high-performing. When worn, they perfectly follow the rider's movements thanks to their flexibility, but upon impact they harden and effectively absorb the forces. The VPD System technology is found on the brand's vests, elbow pads, knee pads, shin guards and shorts.
Three ranges of protectors use this technology:
VPD System, which offers protection and great freedom of movement.
VPD 2.0, which has the highest level of protection in the brand's range.
VPD Air, which is the lightest and most breathable with a good level of protection.
Leatt 3DF technology
Drawing on unique expertise and recognised know-how acquired in its research and testing laboratory, South African brand Leatt has developed its own protection technology for riders, called 3DF.
