Shorts Kit – Level 2

Q&A

Q: What’s the difference between your original Bohn Zorb and the new Level 2 Armor?
A: Our new Level 2 Armor is lighter, more flexible, more ventilated and uses the latest technology for repeat performance limb protection. Level 2 armor is also heat activated so that it conforms to the shape of your body once your body heat has warmed it up–making it super comfortable.

In addition, our new armor will last longer than our last iteration due to improved materials. You should be able to use the new armor for 5-10 years depending on climate and care. 

Q: What is Level 2 armor? 
A: Here’s the official answer: “CE Level 2 limb armor conforms to CE Level 2 standard if the average transmitted force of nine tests is less than 20 kN.”

Translated into everyday English, CE Level 2 armor dissipates force better than CE Level 1 (which allows an average transmitted force of less than 35kN across nine tests).

Q: Do I need Level 2 Armor?
A: Truly it is a preference as to what level of protection you are looking for. For most street and dual sport riders riding safely and within the speed limit, CE Level 1 protection is sufficient. Companies still produce Level 1 armor and some are made with even the newest technologies. At Bohn Armor, we’ll be riding with the new Level 2 product as it is designed specifically for our garments to make them extremely comfortable, lighter, more ventilated and come with the latest technology. We feel that our newest iteration is our best yet!

Q: Why are some of your armor pieces not CE rated?
A: While our thigh armor and tailbone armor are made with Level 1 certified materials, what most people don’t realize is that those particular armor pieces cannot be officially certified Level 1 OR 2. There is just no certification/test for that. We offer those pieces for extra added protection where most other companies don’t. We want our riders to be safe and the thighs and tailbone are also quite vulnerable to injury and road rash. However, what is really fantastic about the thigh and tailbone pieces is that they are made from Level 1 materials so they are super thin, lightweight and still provide the best protection available for those areas. No other company can say that about their pants! 

Q: Is this D3O®? Does it harden on impact?
A: D3O® is a non-Newtonian polymer which means that it is soft and malleable in a non-stressed state but it instantly hardens when sudden stress (impact) is applied.

The Bohn Level 2 Armor, on the other hand, features progressive absorption as demonstrated in Newton’s Third Law of Motion (for every action [force] in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction). That means the air that is embedded within the cells of the foam resists force in direct response to how much force it is being subjected to. This characteristic allows the armor to effectively dissipate force at both high and low-impact speeds.

Q: What is the average lifespan on the Level 2 Armor?
A: Depending on the amount of riding you do, as well as your individual riding conditions, the viscoelastic foam could potentially last up to ten years. However, polymers (plastics) will wear out naturally over time due to the evaporation of the inherent moisture from within the plastic/pad so the average replacement window is closer to five years.

Also, keep in mind that armor technology improves greatly every few years so you should find that each new set you purchase is much further ahead in quality, fit, feel and technology from what you had before.

Q: How do I take care of the armor pieces? What’s the best way to store them when I’m not riding?
A: We recommend removing the armor from your Bohn gear from time to time to clean it as detergent residue, salt (including body salt) and moisture can stick to it and negatively affect the armor.

Armor pieces should NOT be placed in the washing machine or dryer, but may be wiped clean with a damp cloth if they become soiled. They will not absorb liquid so they can be immediately dried with a towel and reinserted.

During the off-season, we recommend storing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is always a good idea to give everything a thorough cleaning before storing it away and we also recommend not storing it in a rolled or folded position as that can cause undue stress on the armor, causing it to wear out quicker.

Q: Does it need to be replaced after a crash?
A: Bohn Level 2 Armor has long lasting crash construction and is meant for repeat use. If you go down, merely inspect for visible damage. If the damage is significant then you will need to replace the armor piece(s), if it is simply scratched, you do not have to replace it, simply sand off any hard or sharp edges and continue to use.

Q: Will these fit in the Bohn gear that I already own?
A: The new Bohn Level 2 Armor pieces have been designed to fit within the existing pockets of your Bohn Armored Pants, Shirts and Shorts. They are universally sized so they are also compatible with most other brands of protective gear.  

Q: What side of the flexible flat armor goes against my body?
A: While your first instinct may be to insert the armor with the interlocking part away from you, it is actually designed to have the solid part as the outer surface. The channels between the polygon “nubs” allow for more airflow to the skin, which leads to a more comfortable ride overall.

Q: Can I wear this in the rain? Will it get damaged if it gets wet?
A: A little water is not going to damage it. The Bohn Level 2 Armor does not absorb liquid so it is safe to wear it in the rain and it will not become a water-logged sponge that has to be dried out before you can use it again.

NOTE: We do recommend not storing the armor in a wet or damp location and suggest that you take the armor out of the pockets and towel or air dry the armor pieces if your gear gets soaked. 

Q: I am sensitive to latex. Is your armor safe for me to wear?
A: The comfort of our customers ranks second only to their safety. The Bohn Level 2 Armor is latex free. With the exception of our back armor insert (which is in a mesh pocket), all of the armor pieces are fully enclosed in solid fabric pockets and do not ever touch the skin, further reducing the chance of irritation for riders with skin sensitivities.

Armor Care

We recommend removing the armor from your Bohn gear from time to time to clean it as detergent residue, salt (including body salt) and moisture can stick to it and negatively affect the armor.

Armor pieces should NOT be placed in the washing machine or dryer, but may be wiped clean with a damp cloth if they become soiled.  They will not absorb liquid so they can be immediately dried with a towel and reinserted.

*** Also note: Salt air and sweat left on garments can break down the Lycra® in our garments so it is imperative that the fabric portion be washed regularly and not stored for long periods of time with salt or sweat on them. 

Replacing Your Armor

After a Crash:
Bohn Armor has long lasting crash construction and is meant for repeat use.

If you go down, simply inspect for visible damage. If the damage is significant then you will need to replace the armor piece(s), if it is simply scratched, you do not have to replace it, simply sand off any hard or sharp edges and continue to use. 

Over Time:
We definitely recommend replacing our limb armor after about 5 years.

Reason #1: The first reason is that most armor is made of polymer (plastics) and over time, plastics will wear out naturally as the inherent moisture evaporates from within the plastic/pad.

Reason #2: The second reason to replace is that armor technology improves greatly every couple of years. You should find the new set you purchased is much further ahead in quality, fit, feel and technology from what you had before. 

For more in-depth information on replacing limb, head and back protection see video below from Ryan Kluftinger of FortNine–a well respected online motorcycle gear reviewer.