I’m sure you know the guys who will spend hours debating the merits of a liter bike versus a 600, yet they'll grab the first moto jacket on the rack as long as it has a "CE" tag on the sleeve. But I know you’re not that guy or gal… that’s why you’re here. 

The truth is, that little tag is often the most misunderstood part of riding, and assuming all "certified" gear is created equal is a gamble you don't want to lose.

At Bohn, we’ve spent over 25 years watching the industry evolve, and I can tell you from talking to riders every single day: a higher price tag doesn't always mean better protection, but the right armor placement almost always does.

Understanding the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 ratings is the first step toward better safety. Let's look at what these numbers actually mean for your body and your ride.

Ride with confidence – Bohn Level 2 armor delivers tested protection where it counts. Safety that moves with you.

What Does 'CE' Actually Stand for?

When you see "CE" stamped on a piece of armor or sewn into a jacket, it stands for Conformité Européenne. In plain English, it means the gear meets specific safety standards set by the European Union. 

Because the U.S. doesn't have a federal standard for motorcycle apparel (beyond helmets), we rely on these European "Norms" (EN) to tell us if our gear is actually going to do its job when things go sideways.

However, there is a massive distinction you need to understand: Impact vs. Abrasion.

• Impact Protection (The Armor): This is the padding inside your gear. It’s tested under the EN 1621 standard. Its job is to soak up the energy when you hit the pavement so your bones don't have to.

• Abrasion Resistance (The Garment): This is the fabric itself (leather, Cordura, Kevlar®). It’s tested under the EN 17092 standard. Its job is to keep your skin on your body while you're sliding down the road.

Think of it like this: the armor is your "shield" against the initial hit, and the fabric is your "sacrificial skin" for the slide. At Bohn, we focus heavily on that first hit because while road rash is painful, broken bones are life-altering.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: Which One Do You Need?

This is where most riders get tripped up. You’ll see "Level 1" and "Level 2" on elbow, shoulder, and back protectors. To the average person, these terms mean nothing. So let’s make them a bit more concrete. 

CE Level 1: The Baseline

To pass Level 1 testing (EN 1621-1), a protector must transmit no more than 35 kilonewtons (kN) of force to the rider after being hit with 50 joules of energy.

• The Human Translation: Imagine a 10-pound sledgehammer being dropped on your elbow from about three feet up. Level 1 armor makes that hit feel like a firm, heavy thud. It’s great for low-speed urban commuting or casual rides where you want something thin and "invisible".

CE Level 2: The Gold Standard

Level 2 armor is significantly more robust. It can only transmit a maximum of 20 kN for limbs and even less – just 9 kN – for back protectors.

• The Human Translation: Level 2 armor absorbs almost double the energy of Level 1. If you take that same sledgehammer hit, Level 2 armor turns a potential bone-shattering strike into a dull ache.

At Bohn, we don't play around with "minimums." Every single piece of armor in our armored shirts is CE Level 2, the highest level we can get certified for. 

We use high-quality viscoelastic foam from SAS-TEC, a German company that leads the world in impact technology. This material is soft and flexible while you’re riding, but it disperses energy on impact so no single point on your body takes a huge peak hit of energy (which breaks bones). 

Plus, unlike some "one-and-done" armor, SAS-TEC is designed to be reused even after a crash, lasting up to 10 years before it needs replacing.

What does this mean for your safety?

That nearly 50% reduction in force can make the difference between a bruise and a fracture. Of course it all depends on how much force we’re trying to disperse, but CE Level 2 will take a much bigger hit than CE Level 1.

This is why we choose CE-Level 2 pads in all of our armored shirts and the primary impact zones of our pants. We want our riders to have the highest level of protection possible without making the gear feel like a heavy suit of armor.

The Magic of SAS-TEC Viscoelastic Foam

You might wonder how a soft, flexible pad can protect you better than a hard plastic shell you might see in some cheap jackets. We use SAS-TEC because it is a "smart" material. When you touch it normally, it feels soft and moves with your body, which makes it very comfortable for long rides.

But when that foam is hit hard and fast – like in a crash – the molecules instantly lock together. It spreads the energy of the hit across the protector so no single point on your body takes the full brunt of the impact. 

After the impact, the material is unchanged, making it reusable. It can withstand multiple hits over its 10-year lifespan without losing its effectiveness.

Bohn SAS-TEC is soft and pliable, but disperses energy on impact – smart protection that's comfortable every ride.

This is why smart armor offers a major advantage over traditional hard shell or foam armor. It does a far better job of absorbing and dispersing force across the entire protector while allowing for comfort and unrestricted range of motion. You get all-day comfort while riding and serious protection in a crash, without having to choose one over the other.

Why Armor Placement is Critical

A rating on a tag only matters if the armor is in the right spot. Many traditional motorcycle jackets have armor pockets that are too big, and fits that are too loose. 

If you fall, the elbow pad might slide around to the side of your arm, leaving your joint totally exposed.

Bohn garments are built like base layers using Lycra™ and mesh. This body-close fit ensures that our armor stays over the joints and areas it was designed to protect. 

We also include protection in places other brands often skip, like the hips, thighs, and tailbone. Our goal is to provide superior impact coverage that feels like you aren't wearing any gear at all.

Bohn armor stays locked in place where it matters – perfect fit, full coverage, and protection that moves with you.

Because protection only works when it stays put, fit is just as important as certification. A body-close design keeps armor aligned through every movement – riding, braking, and sliding – so it's there when you need it most, not shifting when it matters least.

The "Slide" Factor: AAA, AA, and A Ratings

If you’re looking at a full jacket or pair of pants, you’ll see a different set of letters: AAA, AA, or A. These refer to how well the entire garment holds together during a slide.

Bohn armor is specifically designed without abrasion protection in mind. 

This is a core part of our philosophy: instead of combining abrasion protection and impact protection into a single garment – where you sacrifice both comfort and safety – we separate these into two layers.

1. Wear your impact protection in a body-hugging format with Bohn’s underlayers, where it’s less likely to shift in a crash. Bohn’s super light materials mean plenty of airflow, so no lack of comfort either. 

2. Wear your abrasion protection over top, as an outerlayer, using a traditional motorcycle jacket / pants. You can remove the armor from these pieces since you’re already wearing Bohn underneath. We also sell fully-Kevlar® lined jackets, hoodies, and flannels for that slide resistance. 

Top Recommendations for New Bohn Riders

Now that you understand what CE certification means and why Level 2 armor offers superior protection, here are our top recommendations for riders who want the best combination of safety, comfort, and versatility:

All-Season Airtex Armored Shirt

This is our most popular option for riders who want invisible protection under their favorite jacket or flannel. It features CE-Level 2 SAS-TEC armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back to help prevent injury during a fall. The Lycra™ mesh fabric keeps you cool and ensures the armor stays exactly where it needs to be on your joints. It is a great choice for daily commuters or long-distance tourers who value a snug, flexible fit.

Get the AirTex™ Shirt with Lycra™

"Original” All-Season Lycra Armored Motorcycle Riding Pants

Ride comfortably in any season with our All-Season Lycra Motorcycle Pants. These base-layer pants feature a ventilated mesh crotch for breathability while keeping you warm in cooler weather. Designed for maximum protection, they come with CE-Level 2 armor at the knees, shins, and hips, plus impact-resistant armor for the tailbone and thighs. 

Those extra armor pieces aren’t CE certified because CE doesn’t have a ratings category for them (so most gear companies skip that armor!)

The soft, stretchy fabric ensures a snug yet comfortable fit under jeans, riding pants, or rain gear. Easy on and off with ankle zippers, and built to last for years. 

Get "Original” All-Season Armored Motorcycle Riding Pants

Size Inclusivity and Safety

I often tell our customers that the most expensive armor in the world is useless if it’s sitting three inches away from your joint when you hit the ground. This was the driving force behind Bohn's founding in 1997. Our founder, Paul English, was a professional racer in the UK who competed at the Isle of Man. When he moved to the US, he was shocked to see riders in t-shirts and jeans.

He knew that professional racers stayed safe because their leathers were tight – keeping the armor in place. He wanted to bring that same "snug fit" to the everyday rider without the heat and restriction of a full leather suit.

That’s why Bohn gear is designed as a base layer. It’s meant to be worn close to the skin (like yoga pants or athletic gear) so that the armor "hugs" your joints. Whether you are a plus-size rider, have a beer belly, or are a petite woman, our wide range of sizes (3XS to 5XL) ensures the armor lines up perfectly on your body. We have options for Short, Tall, and Big riders, covering everyone from 4'9" to 6'10".

Bohn fits every rider – from 3XS to 5XL – so armor stays where it should, giving real protection when it matters most.

Proper sizing isn't just about comfort – it's about protection. When armor aligns with your joints the way it's designed to, it can do its job effectively in a crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CE-Level 1 and CE-Level 2?

CE-Level 2 is the highest rating and absorbs significantly more energy than Level 1. It transmits about half the force to your body, providing better protection for your bones and joints.

Does motorcycle armor expire?

Yes, most armor eventually degrades. Bohn's SAS-TEC armor is designed to last up to 10 years before its ability to protect you begins to decrease.

Can I wash my Bohn gear with the armor inside?

You should remove the armor before washing the fabric. The armor is easy to take out, and this helps the fabric last longer and keeps the pads in top shape.

Is Bohn armor hot to wear?

No, Bohn is specifically designed for hot and humid weather. We use mesh and Lycra™ fabrics that wick away sweat and allow air to flow directly to your skin.

Will Bohn armor fit under my regular jeans?

Yes! Bohn is designed to be discreet and lightweight. Most people will not even notice you are wearing it under a standard pair of relaxed-fit jeans or a jacket.

What if I am a very tall or very short rider?

We offer a broad range of sizes from 3XS to 5XL, including Tall and Short options. We fit riders from 4'9" all the way up to 6'10" to ensure the armor stays on the joints.

Is Bohn armor one-time use only?

The SAS-TEC foam we use is viscoelastic and can be reused after a crash. As long as the pad isn't physically torn or damaged, it continues to provide protection for up to 10 years.

Where is Bohn Body Armor located?

Our headquarters is in Mooresville, NC, and our gear is designed in the USA. We have been a family-owned business for over 25 years.